Elk
hunting regulations.
Huntable in 27 states — 8 with general season, 17 draw / limited entry. Click any state for the state-specific page.
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.
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 your state wildlife agency. You are responsible for confirming current regulations before hunting.
Where elk can be hunted
27 states- AlaskaAlaska Department of Fish and GameDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- ArizonaArizona Game and Fish DepartmentDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- ArkansasArkansas Game and Fish CommissionDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- CaliforniaCalifornia Department of Fish and WildlifeDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- ColoradoColorado Parks and WildlifeYGeneral seasonVerify →
- IdahoIdaho Department of Fish and GameYGeneral seasonVerify →
- KansasKansas Department of Wildlife and ParksDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- KentuckyKentucky Department of Fish and WildlifeDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- MichiganMichigan DNRDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- MinnesotaMinnesota DNRDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- MontanaMontana Fish, Wildlife & ParksYGeneral seasonVerify →
- NebraskaNebraska Game and Parks CommissionDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- NevadaNevada Department of WildlifeDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- New MexicoNew Mexico Department of Game and FishYGeneral seasonVerify →
- North CarolinaNC Wildlife Resources CommissionSSpecial permit / depredationVerify →
- North DakotaND Game and Fish DepartmentDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- OklahomaOklahoma Department of Wildlife ConservationDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- OregonOregon Department of Fish and WildlifeYGeneral seasonVerify →
- PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Game CommissionDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- South DakotaSD Game, Fish and ParksDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- TennesseeTennessee Wildlife Resources AgencyDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- UtahUtah Division of Wildlife ResourcesYGeneral seasonVerify →
- VirginiaVirginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- WashingtonWashington Department of Fish and WildlifeYGeneral seasonVerify →
- West VirginiaWV Division of Natural ResourcesSSpecial permit / depredationVerify →
- WisconsinWisconsin DNRDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- WyomingWyoming Game and Fish DepartmentYGeneral seasonVerify →
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