Elk Hunting: Firearms

Season Not Open
Dates
December 14, 2024 - December 22, 2024
Hours

One-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to one-half (1/2) hour after sunset

Notes

Antlered Elk Hunting Permits can be used during both the archery and firearms portions of the elk hunting season.

Limits

Those selected to receive a permit may take one (1) elk with at least one (1) antler no less than 6” in length.

Permit Notes

Elk hunting permits are distributed by random drawing.

Methods

Elk: Firearms: Allowed Methods

Methods

Centerfire pistols, revolvers, or rifles using expanding-type bullets such as lead or copper.

Shotguns (including .410) with slugs only.

Air-powered guns, .40 caliber or larger, charged only from an external high-compression power source (external hand pump, air tank, or air compressor).

Muzzleloading or cap-and-ball firearms, .40 caliber or larger and capable of firing only a single projectile at one discharge. In-lines and scopes are allowed.

Multiple-barreled muzzleloading or cap-and-ball firearms and/or muzzleloading or cap-and-ball handguns, including revolvers, .40 caliber or larger, are allowed and may be carried in addition to a muzzleloading or cap-and-ball rifle.

Longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows of any draw weight. Hand-held string-releasing devices, illuminated sights, scopes, and quickpoint sights are allowed.

Crossbows

Atlatls

Elk: Firearms Prohibited Methods

Methods

Self-loading firearms with capacity of more than 11 cartridges in magazine and chamber combined

Ammunition propelling more than one projectile at a single discharge (such as buckshot)

Full hard metal case projectiles

Fully automatic firearms

Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game

Use of electronic calls, electronically activated calls, bait, dogs, or night vision equipment

Hunting elk from a boat with a motor attached

Hunting elk while they are in a stream or other body of water

Hunting within any area enclosed by a fence greater than seven feet (7’) in height

Additional methods may be prohibited by local ordinances.

Learn more about the species