Elk Hunts

Hunting Elk

The American, Roosevelt, and Tule elk are the three huntable subspecies of elk recognized by the Boone and Crockett Club in North America. All across North America, these incredible game animals have been gradually recovering in their former environments. They now range from Arizona and New Mexico to Idaho and Montana, as well as the Canadian provinces of BC and Alberta. They can also be found in New Zealand or in Russia and Kazakhstan as the Siberian Wapiti, who are their nearest living relatives.

North America Elk Hunts

Colorado Elk Hunts

Colorado is frequently ranked first for novice elk hunters. With more than 280,000 animals, the state boasts more elk than any other. In Colorado, you can buy either sex tags or cow-only archery tags from a storefront. Bull tags can be acquired over the counter for the state's second and third rifle seasons.

Many of the state's game management units allow hunting with either rifle season bull tags or over-the-counter archery season either-sex tags. In addition, it is simple to draw or purchase rifle season cow tags for particular units from the remaining tag pool. Excellent access to public lands is also available.

Idaho Elk  Hunts

Idaho also offers over-the-counter sales of rifle and archery tags. Except for a few regulated draw areas, these general licenses allow hunters to hunt for elk in various parts of the state. The majority of Idaho's elk herds are expanding, and reports that wolves are decimating the state's elk population are greatly exaggerated. Elk and elk hunters have plenty of space to roam in Idaho because more than two-thirds of the state is accessible public land.

Montana Elk Hunts

In Montana, non-residents must submit an application for a general elk tag, much like in Wyoming. Although there are a limited number of tags available, on occasion, generic elk tags that have not yet been sold can still be bought.

For independent elk hunters, Montana has it all. In a large portion of the state, the elk herd numbers are above objective. Most of the state is covered by the general elk tag, valid for a six-week archery season and a five-week rifle season. Also well-known in the state are large public lands bulls. The deadline for applications in Montana is March 15.

Arizona Elk Hunts

Elk hunting in Arizona is restricted by the draw. In January or February, hunters must apply. Before the hunter draws, there are typically seven attempts to obtain a tag in the archery bull season. Some men are drawn for the archery bull on their first attempt, while others may need more than seven. Applying continuously until drawn is the key. The rut weapons tags are more difficult to draw than any other elk hunt due to their great demand. But it is typically worthwhile to wait if you draw the weapons rut tag. You should be aware that Non-Residents with fewer than 28 points (maximum) have a very tiny possibility of ever receiving a rut weapons tag.

We advise non-residents who intend to hunt bull elk in Arizona within the next two decades to try to draw a tag during an easier season, such as the archery, late muzzleloader, or late weapons season. Late January to early February is when Arizona Elk are drawn.

New Mexico Elk Hunts

Excellent elk hunting possibilities can be found all around New Mexico. You will have many alternatives when applying for hunts that meet your personal hunting technique because there are many different weapon possibilities, different types of terrain, season dates, and a robust population of elk. Additionally, the state is dependent on moisture for a good hunt. Giant bulls will suddenly appear all throughout the state during a wet year.

Contrary to popular belief, New Mexico does not have a high concentration of trophy elk. Even in the best units, like 16A and 160, the majority of bulls will be 300-330", yet on those two hunts each year, hunters pursue bulls that are 380" or more. 6B (Valles Caldera) and 55 are two further outstanding hunts (Valle Vidal). There will be a few bulls of the 350"+ type from each of these hunts. Units like 12, 13, 17, 18, and 23 have the potential to produce a giant, but you'll need to do a lot of scouting and be lucky to catch one of the best bulls there. If you're searching for a fantastic elk hunting experience but don't need to take down a massive bull, you can't go wrong with units 34 and 36. These areas hold some of the highest elk densities in the state, and there are plenty of 300-320" bulls to hunt. They also offer a variety of terrain, from mild rolling hills to rugged, timbered mountains, along with plenty of public land and some good access.

Wyoming Elk Hunts

To shoot elk in Wyoming, non-residents must apply for a general elk tag, which is not always available. The number of non-resident general elk tags issued each year in Wyoming is limited. The general elk tag is applicable in numerous units around the state during the rifle (with the purchase of a rifle stamp) and archery seasons.

Drawing this tag may require applicants to have a preference point because demand frequently exceeds supply. The year before Wyoming's application period opens in January, points can be bought. Although it may seem inconvenient, Wyoming routinely has the highest elk hunter success rates in the West, frequently double those of Colorado or Montana.

Be aware that Wyoming law prohibits non-residents from hunting alone in wilderness areas that have received federal designation; however, non-residents may hunt in wilderness regions when escorted by a licensed outfitter. Despite this restriction, there are still many fantastic public properties where you can go hunting. Non-residents must submit their elk tag application before the end of January every year.

Utah Elk Hunts

Elk in Utah are managed according to an age-class goal. They are divided into four tiers: 4.5–5, 5.5–6, 6.–7, and 7.–8. There are obviously fewer permits available the higher the age class the unit is managed for, which leads to stiffer draw odds but also more mature bulls. The greatest hunts Utah has to offer for 7.5 to 8-year-old bulls are currently only managed in six units. That story pretty much continues with quality correlating with the age group the unit is managed for. The West Desert Deep Creek unit is an exception to this rule; however, it consistently underperforms unless one of the large bulls ventures off the Goshute Indian Reservation.

New Zealand Elk Hunts

Free-range hunting is highly challenging and limited to a few very isolated regions in the rocky southwest of the South Island where there is a ballot system in place since there are so few pure wapitis left in the wild in New Zealand. The majority of elk hunting in New Zealand is on private game ranches.

Elk hunting usually takes place in New Zealand from late February to August. Many hunters think that the elk rut (bugle), which also occurs during the red stag, fallow buck, and sika stag ruts, is a wonderful complement to their New Zealand hunting trip.

Russia Elk Hunts

Russian Maral (Wapiti) hunting is a traditional backcountry experience, with spike camps and horses used in some locations. You will be surrounded by beautiful, breathtaking vistas the entire time you travel through this great country. Your comfort is a top priority as your guide leads you through every phase of your hunt.

Gorno-Altaisk and the Krasnoyarsk region are where you primarily hunt Maral (Wapiti). Russian Altay and Krasnoyarsk region are a paradise not only for Maral, but a hunter can also hunt a great Altay (Siberian) Ibex, Siberian Roe deer, or Siberian Bear on the same hunt.