There are many factors that can make a state great for elk hunting.
Two of the top factors are the number of opportunity and and the quality of the trophies.
For this article, we looked mostly at pure numbers in terms of the best states to pursue elk. Bow, rifle, guided, private or public…those hunting factors are up to you to figure out.
So, here are the 10 states with the best elk hunting opportunities.
10. Pennsylvania
How can a state with a place named Elk County not be a good location to hunt elk?
That’s not really the reason the state is on the list, though. Elk County does have a huge herd, and elk viewing is enjoyed by many folks who visit.
While most elk hunting opportunities remain in western states, many hunters say Pennsylvania is the best place to hunt elk east of the Mississippi.
9. Arizona
If you’re a “go big or go home” trophy hunter, Arizona is the state for you.
Some of the biggest bulls in the country (some say on the planet) can be found in the state.
The downside? It’s nearly impossible to get a tag. However, hunters who have succeeded in the lottery say it’s well worth the wait and effort.
8. Washington
Forest fires and mountain lions depleted the state’s elk herd for many years.
Today, however, the numbers are on the upswing–especially in the Blue Mountains.
Most hunters are limited to spikes, but if you do get a rare “any” tag, a big bull is quite possible.
7. New Mexico
Hunters say the odds aren’t in your favor in New Mexico, as draws are very limited.
So, why is the state on the list? Big bulls.
So, while your chances of bagging an elk aren’t that great, if you do, it’ll most likely be a big one.
6. Wyoming
Wyoming’s elk herd mostly traverses the Rocky Mountains.
That means an elk hunt here is sure to be an adventure, possibly a top hunt of a lifetime.
But don’t worry, not every elk hunt has to be a backcountry adventure. The state has plenty of elk in the lower mountain ranges and some on the plains.
5. Montana
Montana has stayed under the radar in terms of elk hunting, even with more than 163,000 elk in the state.
However, more opportunities are becoming available for hunters. Many say the southwest part of the state is where most of the elk can be found.
Hunters say the state offers a good mix of big bulls and opportunity hunts.
4. Idaho
Officials estimate the elk herd of Idaho at around 107,000.
Just be ready for a backcountry adventure. Many of the 28 managed elk hunting zones are heavily forested.
But it can be worth it, as some of the units offer up big bulls on a regular basis.
3. Utah
Utah rivals Arizona when it comes to trophy elk hunting.
In fact, the world record non-typical elk was taken in the state back in 2008–on public grounds.
Both Utah and Arizona have yielded big elk on public grounds, more than other states. Many hunters say that the two states have the best public land hunting, period.
2. Oregon
Oregon is another state with a large elk population, in the tens of thousands.
Okay, it’s not as big a Colorado’s herd, but it’s still a state with one of the larger elk herds.
And many Boone and Crockett bulls are harvested in the state on a regular basis. Big numbers and big bulls are both pretty good reasons to go elk hunting in Oregon.
1. Colorado
Many hunters say Colorado is the best state for elk hunting. Why? Numbers.
Colorado has the largest elk herd in the country at almost 280,000.
Some say trophy elk aren’t so plentiful, but at a time when many states only allow harvests in the hundreds, Colorado has thousands of opportunities for hunters. Over-the-counter licenses also increase Colorado’s popularity tremendously.
Honorable mention: Texas
You might not even think it’s true, but Texas does have some elk hunting opportunities. Check out Ox Hunting Ranch to learn more about the available elk hunting packages.
NEXT: THIS ELK HUNTER BALLET WILL CRACK YOU UP
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