Kansas Elk Season 2026-27
Kansas elk season dates start with Sep 14-Dec 31, 2026. The table below keeps every listed elk row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Kansas's listed 2026-27 elk season runs Sep 14-Dec 31, 2026.
Firearm - 1st Segment Elk opens Oct 1, 2026 and closes Oct 31, 2026.
Firearm - 2nd Segment Elk opens Nov 1, 2026 and closes Nov 30, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Kansas KDWPT.
Elk
Elk
Archery
2026: September 14-December 31, 2026. Unit 1 closed to elk hunting.
Zone: Statewide except Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1
Elk
Firearm - 1st Segment
October 1-31 each year.
Zone: Fort Riley, Subunit 2a
Elk
Firearm - 2nd Segment
November 1-30 each year.
Zone: Fort Riley, Subunit 2a
Elk
Firearm - 3rd Segment
December 1-31 each year.
Zone: Fort Riley, Subunit 2a
Elk
Firearm - 2nd Segment
Wednesday after Thanksgiving through second following Sunday. 2026: December 2-13, 2026
Zone: Statewide except Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1
Elk
Firearm - 3rd Segment
January 1-March 15 each year.
Zone: Statewide except Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1
Elk
Firearm - Extended Season
January 1-31 each year.
Zone: Fort Riley, Subunit 2a
Elk
Firearm - 1st Segment
August 1-31 each year. Unit 1 closed to elk hunting.
Zone: Statewide except Fort Riley Subunit 2a and Unit 1
Elk
Muzzleloader
September 1-30 each year. Unit 1 closed to elk hunting.
Zone: Statewide except Unit 1
Elk
Archery and Muzzleloader
September 1-30 each year.
Zone: Fort Riley, Subunit 2a
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Nearby elk seasons
Kansas Elk Season FAQ
When does elk season open in Kansas?
August 1, 2026 is the earliest listed elk opener in Kansas — firearm - 1st segment elk runs Aug 1-31, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Kansas KDWPT.
What are the 2026-27 elk season dates in Kansas?
Kansas lists 10 elk season windows: Firearm - 1st Segment Elk (Aug 1-31, 2026); Muzzleloader Elk (Sep 1-30, 2026); Archery and Muzzleloader Elk (Sep 1-30, 2026); Archery Elk (Sep 14-Dec 31, 2026); Firearm - 1st Segment Elk (Oct 1-31, 2026); Firearm - 2nd Segment Elk (Nov 1-30, 2026); Firearm - 3rd Segment Elk (Dec 1-31, 2026); Firearm - 2nd Segment Elk (Dec 2-13, 2026); and more. Always verify against Kansas KDWPT before hunting.
Are there different elk seasons in Kansas?
Yes — Kansas lists separate elk seasons for Firearm - 1st Segment Elk, Muzzleloader Elk, Archery and Muzzleloader Elk, Archery Elk, Firearm - 2nd Segment Elk, Firearm - 3rd Segment Elk. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Kansas KDWPT.
Do I need a license to hunt elk in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and elk hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Kansas KDWPT.