I'm going to New Mexico in April. Over the counter tags are $130 for 2 tags for a non resident. There is a bunch of National Forest land open to the public. I have spoken with a forestry service biologist that lives in Ruidoso, the town where I'm staying, he will help me find birds when I get there if I can't find them myself. He did tell me about a canyon thats about a mile from the condo I'll be in. Hegave me precise directions to a roost area in that canyon. what a great help. This guy gave me his cell # so I can call when I get to town for an update. Talk about getting help finding a Merriam!