Elk

The best states for elk hunting in 2026 are Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and New Mexico. Colorado contains the largest elk herd and offers over-the-counter bull tags in several units.

Only Wyoming residents can buy over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags. Residents have the option to purchase unlimited general elk licenses OTC starting mid-July, provided they didn’t draw a limited-quota license. Non-residents must enter the lottery draw, as they cannot purchase OTC elk tags.

Over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags are available in Colorado, but eligibility and availability depend on factors such as residency status, weapon type, hunting unit, and season.

To plan your guided elk hunt, start by choosing a reputable outfitter 1-2 years in advance, determining your ideal hunt style (e.g., backcountry horseback vs. private-land lodge), and organizing tags. To start, carefully vet outfitters via references, prepare physically for altitude hunting, and begin e-scouting with tools like HuntWise to survey the landscape.

When e-scouting elk in Wyoming, target high-elevation, north-facing slopes with heavy timber, water sources, and grassy meadows with a focus on the northwest region. Concentrate scouting on burn areas (15 years and younger) and remote roadless areas 1–2 miles from trails to avoid excessive hunting pressure. September scouting should especially focus on bedding near food and water.

Elk hunting requires a specific set of gear designed for weather changes, rugged mountain terrain, and the physical demands of packing out a large animal after a successful hunt. Essential items include appropriate clothing and boots, a reliable weapon system, a robust backpack, and crucial optics and survival equipment.

E scouting for elk in Colorado should focus on public land zones (like national forest service lands) featuring high-elevation aspen and thick, north-facing timber that elk rely on for bedding. Focus efforts especially on areas with limited road access to avoid hunting pressure.

If you've been lucky enough to spend some time in elk regions during the rut, then you've likely heard an elk bugle.

While mapping and location preparation are essential for a successful hunt, sometimes you can't beat some old-fashioned field work (i.e., keeping your eyes on the ground to look for scat).

What are hunters doing in September? It's time for elk and big game hunts!

Can I hunt elk with a bow? Yes! And if you're looking for some tips (maybe a little on the unorthodox side) to help you bring home that elk you drew a tag for, we've got John Dudley's insights for you today.

Elk are one of the largest of the deer species. A mature bull may reach heights up to 9 feet tall, including their antlers. Cows and their calves live in herds, while bulls tend to live in bachelor groups or alone.