What is the Best State for Guided Elk Hunts in the US?
Updated: Oct 6
The Short Answer
For most hunters, the best state for a guided elk hunt is Colorado. It has the largest elk herd in the country and sells over-the-counter bull tags for second and third rifle season in many units, so you can hunt this fall without preference points. If a trophy bull is the goal, New Mexico and Nevada grow bigger bulls, but you'll need a draw tag or a landowner voucher to get in.
Key Takeaways
Colorado has the most elk and the easiest tags, with over-the-counter rifle tags in many units.
New Mexico and Nevada produce the biggest bulls, through landowner vouchers (New Mexico) or the draw.
Montana and Wyoming are classic rut states, and nonresidents go through the draw in both.
Idaho is the cheapest way into the backcountry, with over-the-counter tags and drop camps from $3,085.
California is the only place to hunt tule elk, on landowner tags.
We get some version of this question on the phone every week. The answer changes with three things: how much you want to spend, how many preference points you have, and whether you're after a big bull or just a good hunt. Here's how the main elk states compare on all three, using the hunts we book.
Which State Has the Most Elk?
Colorado, by a wide margin. Its herd is the largest in the U.S., and many units sell over-the-counter bull tags for second and third rifle season, so you don't need points. A nonresident elk license costs $803.39, plus a $12.15 habitat stamp. The over-the-counter public land gets crowded, which is why most of our Colorado hunts are on private ranches: a guided five-day hunt in Units 4 to 42 runs $5,145, and a horseback drop camp in Unit 24 is $2,318.
Which State Has the Biggest Bulls?
New Mexico and Nevada. New Mexico's Gila units are known for big bulls, and the state lets landowners sell vouchers to hunters, including nonresidents, so you can hunt without drawing. Nevada manages for older bulls and limits tags through the draw. Our Nevada hunts are on more than 100,000 acres of private land, and our groups have had a shot at a mature bull every season. Both are call-for-price hunts because prices change often.
Where Should I Go for a Classic Rut Hunt?
Montana and Wyoming. Both have big elk numbers, horseback country and September bugling, and nonresidents draw for tags in both. Wyoming's nonresident deadline is January 31, and landowners there can't sell elk licenses, so the draw is the only way in. Our Montana hunt is on more than 100,000 private acres in the east of the state, where tags are fairly easy to draw and hunters often see 200 to 400 elk. Archery is $5,145 and rifle $6,695. The Wyoming hunt is $5,665.
What's the Cheapest State for a Guided Elk Hunt?
For a bull, Idaho. Tags are over the counter, and our horseback drop camp 6 to 10 miles into the Nez Perce or Clearwater National Forest is $3,085 for six days. You can hunt deer and bear on the same trip. If you'll take a cow, Utah is cheaper still: $2,421 guided, or $922 hunting on your own. Our cow elk hunts list every option.
Where Can I Hunt Tule Elk?
Only California. Tule elk live nowhere else, and tags are very limited. Our hunt uses landowner tags on a large private ranch in central California: five days, one guide per hunter, September to November, $36,565. Bulls there have typically scored 280 to 330.
Elk States Compared
Colorado: most elk, no points needed. Bull tags are over the counter (2nd and 3rd rifle, many units) or draw. Our hunts from $2,318 (drop camp) and $5,145 (guided).
New Mexico: trophy bulls. Landowner voucher or draw. Call for price.
Nevada: trophy bulls, low pressure. Draw. Call for price.
Montana: big private ranches, lots of elk. Draw. From $5,145 (archery).
Wyoming: classic rut hunt. Draw, nonresident deadline January 31. $5,665.
Idaho: cheapest backcountry bull. Over the counter. $3,085 drop camp.
California: tule elk. Landowner tag. $36,565.
FAQ
Can I hunt elk this year without preference points?
Yes. Colorado sells over-the-counter bull tags for second and third rifle season in many units, Idaho sells over-the-counter general tags (nonresident tags are capped and can sell out), and New Mexico landowner vouchers can be bought outright. Our Alberta hunt includes the tag in the price. Montana, Wyoming and Nevada all need a draw.
Do guided elk hunts guarantee a bull?
No fair-chase hunt can. What a good outfitter controls is the shot opportunity, which means getting you within range of a legal bull. That's what we ask about when we vet an outfitter, and it's what we'll talk you through before you book.
Why Book Your Elk Hunt Through Urge2Hunt?
Serge has been hunting for more than 35 years and has booked guided hunts through Urge2Hunt since 2010. We book with outfitters he's hunted with or that people he trusts recommend, and we'll tell you up front whether a hunt needs a draw. Call (415) 706-1204 with your state, weapon and points, and we'll tell you which hunts you can book this season!
