Elk in Colorado
hunting regulations.
Hunting regulations change. The information on this page reflects what we know about species presence and hunt availability based on state agency listings. For current season dates, bag limits, weapon restrictions, tag requirements, and reporting obligations, verify directly with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. You are responsible for confirming current regulations before hunting.
Elk in Colorado
Colorado holds the largest elk herd in the country (~280,000) and offers OTC over-the-counter rifle bull tags in many units — the best opportunity-style elk hunt in the West for nonresidents. The state still runs preference-point draws for trophy-managed units.
About the species
American elk (also called wapiti) are the second-largest member of the deer family in North America. Mature bulls weigh 700-1,100 pounds and carry six-by-six racks that put them in the same trophy conversation as moose for many Western hunters. Their range covers the Rockies from Arizona through British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest coastal forests, and small reintroduced herds across the East — Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Elk hunting splits into general-season Western units (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon) and limited-draw trophy hunts everywhere else. The rut peaks in mid-September into early October — the bugle window — driving most archery effort. The rifle season runs in October-November with cooler weather and bulls dispersed off the meadows. Elk migrate seasonally in many ranges, requiring hunters to either follow them down at season's end or hunt summer range early.
Other big game in Colorado
Want the picture for this species across every state? See Elk regulations by state. Or browse every huntable species in Colorado.