Season hub
Elk Season by State
Elk hunting is concentrated in the West, where most tags are issued by draw for specific units. A handful of eastern and midwestern states hold small, limited-entry hunts.
Quick answer
As of October 5, 2026, at least one elk season is open in 16 of the 19 states with listed elk dates.
Next listed openers: California (Oct 7, 2026), Idaho (Oct 10, 2026), New Mexico (Oct 10, 2026), and Tennessee (Oct 10, 2026).
Dates come from each state's wildlife agency. Open a state for every zone, weapon season, and the agency source.
| State | Key dates | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Elk | opens Aug 1, 2025Archery Elk | Closed | Arizona Game & Fish Dept. |
| Arkansas Elk | Oct 5- | Open | Arkansas Game & Fish Commission |
| California Elk | Oct 3- | Open | California CDFW |
| Colorado Elk | Aug 15, 2026- | Open | Colorado Parks & Wildlife |
| Idaho Elk | Aug 1- | Open | Idaho Fish & Game |
| Kansas Elk | Sep 14- | Open | Kansas KDWPT |
| Kentucky Elk | Sep 12- | Open | Kentucky KDFWR |
| Michigan Elk | Dec 1- | Upcoming | Michigan DNR |
| Montana Elk | Aug 15, 2026- | Open | Montana FWP |
| Nebraska Elk | Aug 1- | Open | Nebraska Game & Parks |
| Nevada Elk | Aug 1, 2026- | Open | Nevada NDOW |
| New Mexico Elk | Sep 1, 2026- | Open | New Mexico NMDGF |
| North Dakota Elk | Sep 4, 2026- | Open | North Dakota Game & Fish |
| Oklahoma Elk | Oct 1, 2026- | Open | Oklahoma ODWC |
| Oregon Elk | Aug 1, 2026- | Open | Oregon ODFW |
| Pennsylvania Elk | Oct 3- | Open | Pennsylvania Game Commission |
| South Dakota Elk | dates not listed | South Dakota GF&P | |
| Tennessee Elk | Oct 3- | Open | Tennessee TWRA |
| Utah Elk | Aug 1- | Open | Utah DWR |
| Wyoming Elk | Oct 1, 2025- | Closed | Wyoming Game & Fish |
A state that is not listed either has no elk season or has not been added from its agency source yet.
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Elk Season FAQ
Which states have elk season open right now?
As of October 5, 2026, at least one elk season is open in 16 states: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Utah. Open seasons can be limited to a weapon type, zone, or permit, so check the state page before you go.
Which elk seasons open next?
The next listed elk openers are California (Oct 7, 2026), Idaho (Oct 10, 2026), New Mexico (Oct 10, 2026), Tennessee (Oct 10, 2026), Utah (Oct 10, 2026), and Colorado (Oct 14, 2026). Many states open different zones and weapon seasons on different dates; each state page lists every one.
Which states have an elk season?
HuntingSeason.com currently lists elk season dates for 19 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming. A state that is not listed either has no elk season or has not been added from its agency source yet.
Where do these elk season dates come from?
Every date is taken from the state wildlife agency that sets the season. Each state page links its agency source and shows when it was last verified. Always confirm zone, tag, and permit rules with the agency before hunting.
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