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State Hunting Regulations · Elk & Mule Deer
Find the row that sounds most like you. Each gives you the three things to do this year in Colorado, then read further down for the why.
CPW shows a license price; your real out-the-door number is bigger because of qualifying-license, application, habitat-stamp, and BSAR fees stacked on top. New for 2026: BSAR fee jumped from $0.25 to $1.25.
| Elk license (bull/either-sex/cow) | $845.16 |
| NR small game (qualifying) | $104.86 |
| Habitat Stamp | $12.76 |
| Application fee | $11.49 |
| (BSAR $1.25 + Wildlife Ed $1.50 baked in above) | — |
| Total cost to draw & pay | $974.27 |
| Elk license (adult) | $70.40 |
| Resident small game | $38.49 |
| Habitat Stamp (ages 18–64) | $12.76 |
| Application fee | $8.93 |
| Total | $130.58 |
| Youth elk license | $130.07 |
| Youth NR small game | $2.53 |
| Application fee | $11.49 |
| Habitat Stamp | $0.00 |
| Preference point fee | $0.00 |
| Total | $144.09 |
| Deer license | $506.92 |
| NR small game (qualifying) | $104.86 |
| Habitat Stamp | $12.76 |
| Application fee | $11.49 |
| Total cost to draw & pay | $636.03 |
| Deer license (adult) | $51.25 |
| Resident small game | $38.49 |
| Habitat Stamp (ages 18–64) | $12.76 |
| Application fee | $8.93 |
| Total | $111.43 |
| Youth deer license | $130.07 |
| Youth NR small game | $2.53 |
| Application fee | $11.49 |
| Habitat Stamp | $0.00 |
| Total | $144.09 |
| Preference point only (deer/elk) | $0.00 |
| Deer / elk preference point fee | $0.00 |
| License exchange fee | $5.00 |
| License refund processing fee | $15.00 |
| Lifetime Habitat Stamp | $384.16 |
| Add-on OTC bear (deer/elk holders) | $302.56 |
Single visual showing how Colorado's archery, muzzleloader, and four rifle seasons stack — including the rut window when bulls are most callable.
Elk-specific rule changes for 2026, paired with the strategic implication for a non-resident DIY hunter. CPW publishes the change; we tell you what to do about it.Mule deer-specific rule changes for 2026, paired with the strategic implication for a non-resident DIY hunter. CPW publishes the change; we tell you what to do about it. Items affecting both species show up regardless of selection.
The Gunnison-area trio that was an OTC fallback for the 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons is now a draw-only hunt for antlered bulls.
Eight northwest CO units returning to unlimited antlered-bull rifle licenses for the second and third rifle seasons.
Previously bull-only or cow-only; now hunters can take a bull or a cow on the same tag during 1st or 4th rifle.
To trim an above-objective herd, CPW added a December cow tag for unit 40.
Four units' antlerless tags reclassified, allowing them to be paired with a List A bull tag.
GMU 82 is no longer subject to the 4-point-or-5-inch-brow rule.
RFW ranches must enforce whatever antler-point restriction applies to the GMU they're inside. Multi-GMU ranches enforce the most restrictive rule across the whole property.
Four GMUs in the upper Arkansas / Sangre area joined the OTC antlerless archery list, and the limited NR archery list got a new hunt code covering all four.
Non-residents can no longer buy OTC archery elk west of I-25. Limited NR archery codes now apply for those units. NR can still hunt OTC archery elk east of I-25 with hunt codes E-F-133-U1-A and E-E-087-U1-A.
Hermosa Park Rd. (FS 578) closed Sept 8 – Oct 13, 2026 — kills access to a major portion of GMU 74 during archery, muzzleloader, and 1st rifle seasons.
Two new 1st-rifle deer hunt codes opening up in southwestern Colorado.
Two western-slope GMUs gained a 4th-season buck hunt (Nov 18–22).
The PLO archery doe and buck hunts in those three GMUs are gone for 2026.
GMU 682 (89% private) removed from the general 61/681 hunt grouping and gets its own PLO hunt code.
New PLO antlerless deer opportunities in two areas. Special area restrictions apply in GMU 84.
Voluntary CWD submission still accepted statewide, but no required testing GMUs for deer this year.
CPW requires submission of CWD test samples (heads) for all elk harvested during any rifle season in a list of specific GMUs (see brochure p. 41). Testing is free.
First increase since 1987. Funds CPW backcountry SAR operations.
Starting in 2028, half of limited tags in deer/elk/pronghorn will be allocated by random draw rather than preference points; the other half stays preference-based.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying licenses on sale | March 1 | NR small game ($104.86) required before applying |
| Primary draw application opens | March 1 | Apply early to give CPW time on payment-on-file issues |
| Primary draw application deadline | April 7, 8 PM MT | Hard deadline. Corrections also due by then. |
| Primary draw results posted | May 26–29 | Staggered by species across these dates |
| Surrender deadline (primary) | June 1, 11:59 PM MT | Window to decline an awarded tag without losing points |
| License payment deadline (primary) | June 12, 11:59 PM MT | Card on file is auto-charged once. If it fails, you lose the tag. |
| Secondary draw applications | June 18 – June 30, 8 PM MT | Doesn't use or award preference points |
| Secondary draw results | July 7 | Youth get preference for elk/deer/pronghorn/bear |
| Surrender deadline (secondary) | July 9, 11:59 PM MT | — |
| License payment deadline (secondary) | July 21, 11:59 PM MT | — |
| Leftover & OTC sales begin | Aug. 4, 9 AM MT | Online, in person, by phone — first-come |
| Reissue list refresh | Tue 11 AM, sales Wed 11 AM (from Aug 11) | Surrendered limited tags get reoffered |
| Archery season | Sept. 2 – 30 | For elk, deer, bear (and pronghorn Aug 15–Sept 20) |
| Muzzleloader season | Sept. 12 – 20 | Open/iron sights only — no scopes, no sabots, no smokeless powder |
| 1st Rifle | Oct. 14 – 18 | Deer, elk, bear only |
| 2nd Rifle | Oct. 24 – Nov. 1 | Deer, elk, bear |
| 3rd Rifle | Nov. 7 – 15 | Deer, elk, bear |
| 4th Rifle | Nov. 18 – 22 | Deer, elk, bear |
| Plains Rifle (deer only) | Oct. 24 – Nov. 3 | East of I-25, mostly private — landowner permission essential |
| GMU 40 late cow elk | Dec. 1 – 15 (NEW) | To trim above-objective herd — easy odds year one |
| GMU 60 late cow elk (E-F-060-P5-R) | Aug. 15 – Oct. 31 | Plus new code E-F-060-P6-R: Nov 11 – Jan 31 |
True preference system. Highest points wins, no fee. Apply with hunt code E-P-999-99-P (elk) or D-P-999-99-P (deer) as your first choice to bank a point only. No max points.
For hunts that require 10+ resident points to draw on average (3-yr lookback, 1-yr lag), 20% of tags go to a random pool. You need 5+ preference points and apply solo (no group apps) to qualify. Most NR quotas are exhausted in the regular draw.
NR are capped at 25% of permits per hunt code, dropping to 20% for hunts that took residents 6+ avg. points. Old quota was 35%.
Allowed for elk and deer (no max group size). Group draws on the lowest point count of any member. Same hunt code, season, method of take.
Replaces the old leftover draw. Tags that didn't go in primary + tags that took fewer than 5 points end up here. June 18–30. Doesn't gain or use points. Youth (12–17) get preference for elk/deer/pronghorn/bear.
Draw your first choice → points zero out for that species. Skip applying for any big game for 10 years → points purged.
Approved policy: starting 2028, half of limited deer/elk/pronghorn tags via preference points, half via random drawing. Detail: cpw.state.co.us/2028-draw.
Short window after the draw to surrender for refund + full point restoration. After that: surrender 30+ days before the season — choose refund OR points (not both). $15 processing fee.
Same species, $5 fee, before original season starts. OTC ↔ limited allowed if quota exists. No refund or point restoration on exchanges.
Colorado holds more elk and issues more elk tags than any other state. ~280,000 head and ~200,000 elk hunters afield each year. Most of the state is managed for quantity — a handful of units produce 330"+ bulls, but most produce a chance at any branch-antlered bull.
Bulls taken in any season must have 4 points or more on one antler, OR a brow tine ≥5". Applies in: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 52, 53, 54, 55, 59, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 85, 86, 131, 140, 161, 171, 181, 191, 211, 214, 231, 301, 361, 371, 411, 421, 431, 441, 444, 471, 511, 521, 551, 581, 591, 681, 691, 711, 741, 751, 771, 851, 861.
No restriction in: 1, 2, 10, 20, 29, 39, 40, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 56, 57, 58, 61, 69, 76, 82 (new for 2026), 84, 201, 391, 461, 481, 500, 501, 561, 682, 791, plus units east of I-25 (except 140). 5"+ antler minimum still applies.
Every elk tag is List A, B, or C. Max combo: 1× List A + 1× List B (or 2× List B), plus unlimited List C tags. Most premier bull tags are List A. Antlerless tags are usually List B. The "List" appears in the last column of every hunt-code table in the brochure.
Mule deer in Colorado is almost entirely a draw game — there are no general OTC mule deer licenses (only OTC whitetail-only hunts in select low-population units). Premier mule deer units take 15–25+ points; mid-tier units 4–10 points; the easiest hunts go in the secondary draw or stay in the leftover pool.
D-P-999-99-P first choice to bank a point only.Some mule deer hunt codes are "season choice" — the license lets you hunt in any or all of the seasons (archery, muzzleloader, rifle) in specified units with the correct method of take, until your tag is filled. See CPW p. 32. Exam carefully if you're matching dates around work.
None. Colorado has no antler-point restriction for deer — any buck with ≥5" antlers is legal. You decide your own standard.
Colorado is a tale of two states for the public-land DIY hunter: most of the western slope is huntable; most east of I-25 is not. Here's the rough split by region.
| Region | Public % | What's there | Pressure / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest CO Moffat, Routt, Rio Blanco, Garfield | ~70% | BLM, USFS (Routt & White River NF), Flat Tops Wilderness, Dinosaur NM. White River elk herd, premier mule deer. | Moderate-high in OTC seasons. Hike in 3+ miles from any trailhead to find space. |
| North-Central / Front Range Larimer, Jackson, Grand, Boulder | ~55% | Roosevelt & Arapaho NF, Rocky Mtn NP buffer GMUs, Rawah Wilderness. | Highest pressure in CO due to Front Range population. Quality requires getting away from any road. |
| Central / Sawatch / Gunnison Gunnison, Chaffee, Lake, Eagle, Pitkin, Summit | ~65% | White River, Gunnison NF, Maroon Bells–Snowmass & Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. | Wilderness elk hunts. Steep, high (10k+). Rough country rewards fitness; punishes cherry-pickers. |
| Southwest CO San Juan, La Plata, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale | ~60% | San Juan NF, Weminuche Wilderness, BLM. Premier mule deer + good elk. | Moderate pressure. Watch the Hermosa Park Rd. closure (FS 578) Sept 8 – Oct 13 — kills part of GMU 74. |
| Southeast CO & plains Las Animas, Otero, Bent, Baca, Prowers | ~5–15% | Comanche NG, scattered SWA / WIA properties. Big bulls in Las Animas county but mostly behind gates. | If you don't have landowner contacts here, it's not a DIY play. |
If your situation doesn't fit Colorado in 2026, here's where to look in the rest of the West. Each state will get its own State Regulations IQ page as we build out the suite.
NR general elk requires the special-priced license + draw. Region-based NR mule deer licenses for the western half. Cheaper applications, fewer tag-stack rules.
→ See WY rankings in Hunt Research IQ ProCombination license is the gateway for NR. Permit-required units are the trophy hunts. General license is a true "tag valid in many places" model.
→ See MT rankings in Hunt Research IQ ProCapped NR allocation, OTC elk tags are first-come on Dec 1. Zone-based, not GMU-based. Less permit complexity than CO.
→ See ID rankings in Hunt Research IQ ProPure random draw — no preference points. Apply by mid-March. NR cap of 6% / 10% for outfitter-supported. Premium quality hunts; long odds without an outfitter pool. [summary page coming soon]
Bonus point system (weighted, not pure preference). Limited-entry units take 15+ points. General-season elk tags more accessible. [summary page coming soon]
Lower-volume hunting opportunities; AZ produces Boone & Crockett bulls; NV is high-quality but very limited NR. [summary pages coming soon]
Wyoming is a preference-point state with a uniquely flexible draw: a regular vs. special license choice, a 25% random pool so first-timers always have a shot, and a deep bench of opportunity hunts. Find the row that sounds like you.
Wyoming makes you pay the full license fee up front with your application (refunded if you don't draw). The $15/species application fee is already baked into the license prices below; a 2.5% card processing fee is not. Fees shown are the announced 2026 nonresident figures.
| Elk regular license (incl. $15 app fee) | $707.00 |
| Conservation Stamp (required) | $21.50 |
| Preference point (optional) | $52.00 |
| Archery permit (special archery only) | $72.00 |
| Typical all-in (license + stamp) | $728.50 |
| Elk special license (incl. $15 app fee) | $1,965.00 |
| Conservation Stamp (required) | $21.50 |
| Preference point (optional) | $52.00 |
| Cow/calf elk license (alt.) | $303.00 |
| Youth elk license | $290.00 |
| Resident elk license | $57.00 |
| Conservation Stamp | $21.50 |
| Resident archery stamp | $16.00 |
| Resident youth elk | $15–25 |
| Total (license + stamp) | $78.50 |
| Deer regular license (incl. $15 app fee) | $389.00 |
| Conservation Stamp (required) | $21.50 |
| Preference point (optional) | $41.00 |
| Doe/fawn deer license (alt.) | $49.00 |
| Typical all-in (license + stamp) | $410.50 |
| Deer special license (incl. $15 app fee) | $1,215.00 |
| Conservation Stamp (required) | $21.50 |
| Preference point (optional) | $41.00 |
| Youth deer license | $125.00 |
| Doe/fawn youth | $34.00 |
| Resident deer license | $42.00 |
| Conservation Stamp | $21.50 |
| Resident youth deer | $15–25 |
| Total (license + stamp) | $63.50 |
| Antelope — regular / special | $341 / $1,215 |
| NR archery permit (adult / youth) | $72 / $12 |
| Pref point — elk / deer / antelope | $52 / $41 / $31 |
| Black bear / gray wolf | $373 / $187 |
| Moose / bighorn sheep | $2,767 / $3,017 |
| Card processing fee | 2.5% |
General shape of a Wyoming season (exact dates vary by unit/region and are set in the regs). 2026 dates finalize after the April Commission meeting; this reflects the 2025 structure applicants are using.
Changes for the 2026 application cycle, paired with the strategic implication. (Final 2026 rules are confirmed after the April Commission meeting.)
Wyoming split its general elk regions into three, increasing the number of nonresident general licenses available.
Unit 148 moved into Region F from Region L; unit 156 moved into Region F from H; unit 155 absorbed unit 146 in Region H.
An additional ~3,000 antelope licenses are proposed for 2026 across type 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 options.
Bighorn sheep, moose, goat, and bison draw results are scheduled for May 21 — about two weeks later than usual — landing on the same date as NR elk.
WGFD issued additional reduced-price ewe/lamb licenses; these are random-draw and do not affect your points.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NR elk application deadline | Feb 2 | Online only; party apps allowed (max 6, NR only) |
| Super Tag / Trifecta raffle deadline | Feb 2 | $10 / $30 per chance; winners announced Feb 15 |
| Moose / sheep / goat / bison deadline | April 30 | Bison window opens Mar 2; no party apps |
| NR application correction deadline | May 8 | Modify or withdraw online |
| Deer, antelope & resident elk deadline | June 1 | Resident elk also June 1 |
| NR elk / sheep / moose / goat / bison results | May 21 | All on the same date this year |
| Deer & antelope results | June 18 | Resident + nonresident |
| Leftover draw application | June 22 – 26 | No fee, no points; res + NR can party up |
| Leftover draw results | July 8 | Remaining tags sold "issue-after," first-come |
| Points-only application period | July 1 – Nov 2 | Required to build an elk point if you also drew/applied |
| Elk general / archery seasons (2025 structure) | ~Sept – late Nov | Archery from ~Sept 1; confirm unit dates |
| Deer general seasons (2025 structure) | ~Sept – late Nov | Varies by region; archery early Sept |
Nonresidents build preference points for all species except goat & bison (pure random). Most points wins. Max into 2026: elk 20, sheep/moose 31. To build an elk point you must buy it in the points-only window (Jul 1 – Nov 2).
For elk, sheep & moose, 75% of tags go to the highest-point applicants and 25% are drawn randomly — on hunts with at least 4 NR licenses. Points don't matter in the random 25%, so a first-time applicant has a real shot.
Two price pools for the same tag. Elk splits 60% regular / 40% special. The special license costs much more but draws with better odds — often a unit a year or two sooner.
Elk is ~84% resident / 16% nonresident. Moose, sheep, goat & bison are 90/10 (since 2023) — expect very low NR trophy tag numbers for the foreseeable future.
All applicants' first choices are considered before anyone's second choice, for every species. Put your true target first; use 2nd/3rd for opportunity hunts.
Allowed for elk (max 6; NR can't party with residents). Points are averaged to 4 decimals and the group draws on that average. Not allowed for moose, sheep, goat, or bison.
You lose your points if you fail to apply two consecutive years or draw your first choice. Drawing your 2nd or 3rd choice for elk does not burn points.
Many deer & antelope units draw with ≤1 point, and second-choice licenses don't burn points. The special pool widens this further. Great for hunting now while building points.
Wyoming is a must-apply elk state: millions of acres of public land, genuine trophy potential, and a draw that always gives you a chance via the 25% random pool. The general regions are the engine for hunters who want to be afield most years — and for 2026 they were split three ways, adding nonresident general tags.
Max elk points into 2026 is 20. If you're not near the top of the point pool for a premium unit, target hunts that have a random license available and/or apply in the special pool. Remember to buy your elk point in the points-only period (Jul 1 – Nov 2) — it's a separate application from the draw.
Wyoming deer is region-based and covers both mule deer and white-tailed deer. It's one of the best opportunity states in the West — many regions draw with 0–1 points (especially in the special pool), and second-choice licenses don't burn points. After three mild winters, 2026 deer numbers and quality are trending up.
Three changes to know before you apply: unit 148 moved into Region F (from L), unit 156 moved into Region F (from H), and unit 155 absorbed unit 146 in Region H. If you're building points on a region or targeting one of those units, confirm where it now sits.
Wyoming has vast public land (BLM + national forest) and a strong walk-in network, but two NR-specific rules shape where you can actually hunt: the wilderness guide requirement and the ORV license. Read these before you pick a unit.
| Access type | What it is | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| BLM & National Forest | Millions of acres open to hunting statewide. | Follow travel/MVUM restrictions; great for general-region elk and public deer. |
| Designated Wilderness | NR rule | Nonresidents must be accompanied by a licensed guide or a Wyoming resident to hunt big game in wilderness. Big chunks of some units are wilderness — check before applying. |
| Access Yes | WGFD program opening private + landlocked public land (4M+ acres). | Find areas at wgfd.wyo.gov/public-access; some require an online permission application. |
| HMA / WHIA | Walk-in private and WGFD lands — key for "easy-draw" private-heavy units. | Expect opening-week pressure; hunt later dates or archery for quieter access. |
| ORV use | ATV/ORV on public land. | Requires a Wyoming ORV license (sold at ATV dealerships). |
If Wyoming's points, NR caps, or wilderness rule don't fit your 2026 plan, here's where else to look. Switch panels with the dropdown up top.
True preference points and the most OTC/limited elk opportunity in the West. NR caps 25%/20%. → Open the Colorado panel
Pure random draw — no points at all. Capped 10% NR, A/B general elk tags, December NR general-tag draw. → Open the Idaho panel
Combination license is the NR gateway; permit-required units are the trophy hunts. [summary panel coming soon]
Pure random — no points. Apply by mid-March. NR cap 6% (10% with an outfitter). [summary panel coming soon]
Weighted bonus-point system; limited-entry units take 15+ points; general-season elk more accessible. [summary panel coming soon]
NV is high-quality but very limited NR; OR offers lower-cost point-based draws. [summary panels coming soon]
Montana's twist: as a nonresident you first draw a combination license in the general draw, then use it to apply for special limited-entry permits. The general combo alone gets you ~11 weeks of hunting across all general units. Find the row that fits.
Montana bundles most fees into the combination license. The combo prices below already include the base hunting license, conservation license, AIS pass, fishing, upland bird, and application fees. A 3% + $0.20 online fee applies; archery adds a $10 bow & arrow license. Fees shown are the announced 2026 nonresident figures.
| Elk Combination (all fees included) | $1,184.50 |
| Bow & arrow license (archery) | $10.00 |
| Special elk permit application | $9.00 |
| Bonus point (optional, per species) | $20.00 |
| Wolf license (with combo) | $25.00 |
| Big Game Combination (all fees included) | $1,384.50 |
| Youth Big Game Combo | $723.50 |
| Preference point only (combo) | $100.00 |
| Outfitter preference point | $100.00 |
| 17,000 Big Game/Elk combos available | — |
| Resident elk license | $20.00 |
| Base hunting license | $10.00 |
| Conservation license | $8.00 |
| Elk application fee | $9.00 |
| General licenses sold over the counter | — |
| Deer Combination (all fees included) | $781.50 |
| Bow & arrow license (archery) | $10.00 |
| Special deer permit application | $5.00 |
| Bonus point (optional, per species) | $20.00 |
| 4,600 Deer combos available | — |
| Youth Deer Combination | $447.50 |
| Youth Elk Combination | $623.50 |
| Youth Big Game Combination | $723.50 |
| Bow & arrow license | $10.00 |
| Apprentice Hunter certification | $5.00 |
| Resident deer license | $16.00 |
| Base hunting license | $10.00 |
| Conservation license | $8.00 |
| Deer application fee | $5.00 |
| Total | $39.00 |
| Antelope (incl. $5 app fee) | $205.00 |
| Bow & arrow license (archery, all hunts) | $10.00 |
| Bonus point / preference point | $20 / $100 |
| Wolf license (alone / with combo) | $50 / $25 |
| Moose / sheep / goat / bison license | $1,250 ea |
| Online fee | 3% + $0.20 |
Montana's signature is a long general season — about 11 weeks. A general combination license covers all general units through archery and the famous 5-week general rifle season. Special-permit districts have their own dates; confirm per district in the regs.
The 2026 changes that move the needle for a nonresident DIY hunter, with the strategic implication.
FWP reduced NR deer combo licenses for 2026. Projected odds: ~42% with 0 points, ~3% with 1 point, ~100% with 1.2–3 points.
A couple of new rifle elk hunts were added for 2026 (detailed in FWP's rifle elk section).
A large share of antlerless Deer B licenses are restricted to private land for 2026.
The base hunting license fee more than tripled for 2026, alongside a slight overall NR price increase.
Montana is introducing a black bear draw; hunters can apply or build points only.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer & elk application deadline | April 1 | 11:45 p.m. MDT · online only · applications are final |
| Moose / sheep / goat / bison deadline | May 1 | $50 application fee |
| Antelope application deadline | June 1 | — |
| Alternate list signup | June 1 | — |
| Deer & elk draw results | Mid-April (≈Apr 15) | Combo + special permits |
| Moose/sheep/goat/bison results | Mid-May (≈May 8) | — |
| Super Tag deadline | June 30 | $5/chance, any district, per species |
| Bonus points-only purchase | July 1 – Sept 30 | Special deer/elk permits (squared points) |
| Preference points-only purchase | July 1 – Dec 31 | General combination licenses |
| Archery season (general) | ~Early Sept – mid-Oct | Requires $10 bow & arrow license |
| General rifle (5 weeks) | ~Late Oct – late Nov | Through ~Thanksgiving; covers all general units |
| Youth-only deer season | Oct 15 – 16 | Licensed youth 10–15 |
Nonresidents must first draw a Big Game, Elk, or Deer Combination license in the general draw. 17,000 Big Game/Elk combos and 4,600 Deer combos are available. The combo alone lets you hunt all general units.
With a combo in hand you can apply for special limited-entry deer/elk permits ($9 elk / $5 deer app). Three choices; first choices are all processed before any second choices.
75% of general combos go to the most-preference-point applicants; the other 25% go to zero-point applicants — so a first-timer can still draw. $100/point. Points purge if you skip a year.
Special permits use bonus points, which are squared for your chances (3 pts → 9 + 1 = 10 chances). Max 24 into 2026. You must buy a point at application to use accrued points — otherwise you enter with zero.
Nonresidents get up to 10% (not guaranteed) of a district's quota. If a deer/elk permit area has fewer than 10 tags, NR aren't considered at all.
Allowed for deer & elk, max 5. Preference points averaged to a decimal; bonus points averaged and rounded. A resident in your party pushes the whole group into the 10% NR pool.
Keep the combo for general seasons, take an 80% refund, or (Big Game combo) swap the elk portion for a deer combo + a $315 refund. Deer combo: 80% by Aug 1, 50% before the season.
There's no waiting period to reapply after drawing a deer or elk permit. (Sheep/moose/goat carry a 7-year wait.)
Montana is the land of opportunity: ~11 weeks of general elk hunting on a combo license, with genuine trophy bulls in the harder-to-draw special districts. The general regions reward boots and persistence; the special permits reward points and patience.
Two systems at once: build preference points if you need them to draw the combo, and bonus points (squared) for the special permit. Remember you must buy a bonus point at application to use your accrued points — skip it and you enter that permit draw at zero. Don't bank preference points unless you'll reapply (they purge).
Montana deer means both mule deer and whitetail on a single combo license. It's an opportunity state more than a trophy state right now — the mule deer herd is recovering from winter loss — but the whitetail hunting is strong and the general season is long.
Whitetail come from both the timbered west and the eastern rolling/ag country, with some quality bucks. Mule deer quality is down from winter loss and is expected to rebound with management — a few select districts still produce big bucks via special permits.
Montana pairs vast public land with the West's standout walk-in program. The general combo lets you roam all general units; Block Management opens millions of private acres on top of that.
| Access type | What it is | How to use it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block Management | 6.8M ac | Cooperative program opening private (and isolated public) land to free public hunting. | Regional Hunting Access Guide publishes by Aug 15; some areas need a sign-in or permission slip. Call 406-444-2612. |
| National Forest & BLM | Millions of acres of public land statewide. | Great for general-combo elk & deer; follow travel restrictions. | |
| General combo footprint | Your combo is valid in all general units. | Hunt the long general season anywhere general units are open — no special permit needed. | |
| State trust lands | Many open to hunting with a license. | Check current access rules; some require a recreational-use license. | |
| Wolf country (western MT) | ~300 wolves harvested/yr. | Carry a wolf license ($25 with a combo) when hunting the western half. |
If Montana's combo-then-permit system or the tighter 2026 deer odds don't fit your plan, here's where else to look. Switch panels with the dropdown up top.
Preference points, a 25% random pool, and a regular-vs-special license choice. Strong general-region elk. → Open the Wyoming panel
Pure random — no points. Capped 10% NR, A/B general elk tags, December NR general-tag draw. → Open the Idaho panel
True preference points and the most OTC/limited elk opportunity in the West. → Open the Colorado panel
Pure random — no points. Apply by mid-March. NR cap 6% (10% with an outfitter). [summary panel coming soon]
Weighted bonus-point system; limited-entry units take 15+ points; general elk more accessible. [summary panel coming soon]
NV is high-quality but very limited NR; OR offers lower-cost point-based draws. [summary panels coming soon]
Find the row that sounds most like you. Idaho gives you two very different paths — buy a general tag and just go, or apply for a controlled hunt in a pure-random lottery. Each card lists the three things to do this year; read down for the why.
Idaho quotes a tag price, but your real out-the-door number also includes the annual hunting license & access fee and (for controlled hunts) an application fee. Online/phone transactions add a processing fee — apply at a regional office with cash/check/debit to avoid it. New for 2026: NR general deer/elk tags are issued by random draw.
| Nonresident elk tag | $651.75 |
| Annual hunting license & access fee | $195.00 |
| Controlled-hunt application fee (if applying) | $22.15 |
| Archery or muzzleloader permit (if used) | $81.75 |
| General-tag total (license + tag) | $846.75 |
| Resident elk tag | $36.75 |
| Hunting license | $15.75 |
| Access-depredation fee (first license/yr) | $5.00 |
| Controlled-hunt application fee (if applying) | $6.25 |
| Total | $57.50 |
| Junior mentored elk tag | $299.75 |
| NR youth hunting license & access fee | $95.75 |
| Total | $395.50 |
| Nonresident deer tag | $351.75 |
| Annual hunting license & access fee | $195.00 |
| Controlled-hunt application fee (if applying) | $22.15 |
| General-tag total (license + tag) | $546.75 |
| Resident deer tag | $19.75 |
| Hunting license | $15.75 |
| Access-depredation fee (first license/yr) | $5.00 |
| Controlled-hunt application fee (if applying) | $6.25 |
| Total | $40.50 |
| Junior mentored deer tag | $176.75 |
| NR youth hunting license & access fee | $95.75 |
| Total | $272.50 |
| Wolf tag (OTC) | $31.75 |
| Black bear tag (NR) | $231.75 |
| Archery / muzzleloader permit (NR) | $81.75 |
| Archery / muzzleloader permit (resident) | $18.25 |
| Second deer tag (after Aug 1, if unsold) | $351.75 |
| Second elk tag (after Aug 1, if unsold) | $651.75 |
Dates vary by zone and unit, but this is the typical shape of an Idaho deer/elk year. A-tag elk archery lands right in the September rut; B-tag rifle opens around Oct 10. Always confirm your specific zone/unit dates in the regs.
The 2026 rule changes that actually affect a hunter's plan, paired with the strategic implication. Items affecting both species show regardless of the elk/deer selection.
Starting with 2026, NR general-season deer and elk tags are no longer a calendar first-come scramble — they're allocated through a random draw. 2026 tags were drawn in December 2025 (results posted Jan 6, 2026).
It's now unlawful to use thermal imaging, night vision, transmitting trail cameras (on public land), or drones for hunting or scouting big game between Aug 30 and Dec 31. (Does not apply to wolves, mountain lions, or other predatory wildlife.)
The end date for motorized hunting restrictions moved from Dec 31 to Nov 14, and Units 30, 30A, 36A, 37, 47, 49, 70, and 72 were removed from the rule.
The deadline to exchange a general-season deer or elk tag has changed to July 31. No general-season deer or elk tag may be exchanged after that date.
Eligibility rules and the sliding-scale refund dates for returning a tag have changed for 2026 (see Refunds/Returns/Transfers).
The minimum age to hunt big game dropped from 12 to 10. A 9-year-old may buy a license to apply for a controlled hunt, but must be 10 at the time of the hunt.
Mandatory CWD testing applies to hunter-harvested mule deer and white-tailed deer in Units 14, 18, 23, 63A, 64, 69, and a portion of Unit 1, within 10 days of harvest.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NR general deer/elk tag draw (apply) | by Dec 15, 2025 | New: NR general tags now random draw. Results Jan 6, 2026 |
| Controlled hunt application (deer/elk/antelope) | May 1 – June 5 | First controlled-hunt period. First choice is what counts. |
| Trophy species apply (sheep/moose/goat) | April 1 – 30 | Apply for only one of the three; two-year season cycle |
| Super Hunt — 1st drawing deadline | May 31 | Any unit, any open season. Funds Access Yes! |
| Controlled hunt results posted | early July | At GoOutdoorsIdaho.com |
| Resident general deer & uncapped elk tags on sale | early July | After controlled-hunt results released |
| Resident capped elk tags on sale | July 8 | Sawtooth capped elk: July 10 |
| Last day to exchange general deer/elk tags | July 31 (NEW) | No exchanges after this date |
| Deadline to buy controlled-hunt tags drawn | Aug 1 | Forfeited if not purchased (excludes unlimited tags) |
| Second tags (unsold NR tags) available | after Aug 1 | $351.75 deer / $651.75 elk; some units excluded |
| Second controlled hunt application period | Aug 5 – 15 | Leftovers from main draw; results by Aug 25 |
| Super Hunt — 2nd drawing deadline | Aug 10 | Second chance to win an any-unit tag |
| Leftover second-draw tags on sale | Aug 25, 10 a.m. MT | First-come, first-served |
| Tech-use restrictions in effect | Aug 30 – Dec 31 | Thermal/NV/transmitting trail cams (public)/drones |
| General archery elk (A tag, typical) | Aug 30 – Sep 30 | In the rut; varies by zone |
| General rifle elk (B tag, typical) | Oct 10 – Oct 24/Nov 3 | Centerfire; varies by zone |
| General rifle deer (typical) | Oct 10 – Oct 31 | Some units to Nov 3 / Dec 1; whitetail seasons separate |
There is no preference or bonus point system in Idaho. Every applicant enters on equal footing each year. A first-time applicant has the same odds as someone who's applied for 20 years — so apply every single year.
You list two hunt choices on the application, but everyone's first choice is awarded before any second choices are considered. On premier hunts, your first choice is effectively the only one that matters.
NR are capped at 10% of permits per controlled hunt, and 10% of statewide permits per species. On hunts with 10 or fewer permits, only one can go to a nonresident — in practice NR draw far less than 10%.
In some areas a small number of controlled tags (and a share of NR general tags) are reserved for outfitters' clients, which further trims the DIY nonresident pool.
Nonresident general-season deer and elk tags are now allocated by random draw in December rather than a first-come sale. Returned tags are re-listed online monthly and sold first-come.
You may apply for only one of sheep / moose / goat, and if you do you generally can't also apply for controlled deer/elk/antelope (unless that hunt has unlimited permits). Plan your single big application carefully.
Unclaimed and leftover controlled tags go to a second draw (apply Aug 5–15); anything still unclaimed sells first-come on Aug 25 at 10 a.m. MT. NR quotas don't apply to some second-draw trophy tags.
Draw a moose/sheep/goat and you wait two years to reapply if unsuccessful in harvest; lifetime limits apply (one of each bighorn type; no goat reapply if you've taken one since 1977).
Idaho is one of the West's most balanced elk states — a blend of opportunity-driven general seasons and quality controlled hunts. Elk are managed across 28 elk zones; bulls over 300″ B&C turn up in many units, though Idaho enters relatively few bulls into the record book compared with neighboring states. Wolves remain a real factor on elk numbers in the central and northern zones.
A and B tags split the opportunity within a zone. In general, A tags carry the archery and muzzleloader seasons (many include the Aug 30 – Sep 30 general archery hunt in the rut), while B tags carry the centerfire-rifle seasons (commonly Oct 10 – Oct 24, some into November). You choose one or the other for your zone — confirm the exact A/B seasons and weapon/antler restrictions for your specific zone in the regs.
Wolf predation has pulled elk numbers down in parts of the central and northern zones. The flip side: OTC wolf tags are just $31.75 with no purchase limit, and an unfilled elk tag can be used on a wolf. Carry a wolf tag on every elk hunt.
Idaho deer hunting splits into two species and two tag types. The Regular Deer Tag is valid for mule deer or white-tailed deer in the regular seasons; the White-tailed Deer Tag is whitetail-only for the dedicated whitetail seasons. Mule deer dominate the south and central units; whitetail dominate the Panhandle and Clearwater country.
Regular seasons (mostly mule deer country, south and central) typically run Oct 10 – Oct 31, with some units to Nov 3 or Dec 1. Dedicated whitetail seasons in the north push later to catch the November rut. Pick your tag based on the unit and the animal you're after.
Restrictions are unit-specific in Idaho — some seasons are limited to whitetail-only, mule-deer-only, or "2-point" deer. There's no single statewide antler rule; check your unit's season line for any point or species restriction before you hunt.
Idaho is a strong public-land state: many units are primarily public (national forest, BLM, wilderness), and the Access Yes! program opens additional private and locked-up public land. The trade-off is wolves and rugged country in the best backcountry zones.
| Area | Public access | What's there | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central backcountry Frank Church / Selway wilderness zones | Very high | Vast wilderness, remote elk, classic DIY archery in the rut. | Demanding terrain; wolves a factor. Reward for fitness and remoteness. |
| Panhandle / Clearwater (North) Units 1–10A, 8, 8A, etc. | High | Public timber; strong white-tailed deer, elk. November whitetail rut. | CWD testing required in parts (Units 14, 18, part of 1). Some Unit 8 access limited by private. |
| Southwest / Valley & Adams Units 19A, 20A, 22–34, etc. | High | Top B&C elk counties (Valley, Adams); mixed mule deer + elk. | Popular zones — pressure rises in general seasons. |
| Southeast / Fremont & Upper Snake Units 60, 60A, 61, 62, 62A | Moderate–high | Fremont leads typical-bull B&C entries; mule deer country. | Mix of forest and ag-edge; some access via Access Yes!. |
| Magic Valley / South Units 53–57, etc. | Varies | Mule deer; some nontypical bull history (Cassia county). | More private and ag ground — line up permission or use Access Yes!. |
If Idaho's December NR draw or 10% caps don't fit your 2026 plan, here's where else to look in the West. Each state gets its own State Intel IQ panel as we build out the suite.
True preference-point system, the most OTC/limited elk opportunity in the West, and NR caps of 25%/20%. The opposite of Idaho's pure-random model. → Open the Colorado panel
NR general elk requires the special-priced license + draw; region-based NR mule deer for the western half. Cheaper apps, fewer tag-stack rules. [summary panel coming soon]
Combination license is the NR gateway; permit-required units are the trophy hunts. General license is "valid in many places." [summary panel coming soon]
Also a pure random draw — no points. Apply by mid-March. NR cap of 6% (10% with an outfitter). Premium quality; long odds DIY. [summary panel coming soon]
UT runs a weighted bonus-point system; NV is high-quality but very limited NR. Both reward patience over a single-year apply-and-go. [summary panels coming soon]
Lower-cost NR options with bonus/point-based draws; good general whitetail and blacktail opportunity in the PNW. [summary panels coming soon]
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