Elk hunting draw odds.
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14,040 draw records · 7 states · 15 years of FOIA data
of unsuccessful elk applicants applied for units where they had less than 10% draw odds
average amount invested in Colorado elk application fees over 15 years without drawing a premium unit
better draw odds when applying to a unit matched to your actual point level vs. a unit you've been applying to by habit
Every year you apply for the wrong unit is a preference point wasted. Scout AI exists to fix that.
Elk draw odds by state — 2026
FOIA-sourced from state game agencies. Updated annually. Free for all hunters — no subscription.
Deepest competition
Colorado elk — the hardest and most rewarding draw in the West
Preference points compound annually. OTC archery statewide. Over 40,000 non-resident elk applicants per year.
| Unit | Draw odds | Avg pts | Min pts | Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 4 | 62.8% | 0 | 0 | 338 |
| Unit 3 | 54.6% | 0 | 0 | 401 |
| Unit 4 | 52.8% | 0 | 0 | 225 |
| Unit 19 | 49.8% | 0 | 0 | 351 |
| Unit 3 | 48.5% | 0 | 0 | 267 |
| Unit 14 | 48.3% | 0 |
Best value for non-residents
Wyoming elk — zero-point units still exist
Weighted random draw. Points add entries but don't guarantee a tag. Several units draw at 0 points for non-residents every year.
| Unit | Draw odds | Avg pts | Min pts | Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 33 | 39.7% | 0 | 0 | 401 |
| Unit 101 | 39.7% | 0 | 0 | 401 |
| Unit 124 | 36.4% | 0 | 0 | 432 |
| Unit 25 | 35.2% | 0 | 0 | 432 |
| Unit 33 | 33.3% | 0 | 0 | 267 |
| Unit 101 | 33.3% | 0 |
Can't draw this year?
A guided elk hunt guarantees your season.
Licensed outfitters operate on private land and OTC units across CO, WY, MT, and ID — no draw required. Keep banking points for the self-guided hunt. Hunt this fall either way.
Elk draw strategy guides
Elk hunting — frequently asked questions
How many preference points do I need to draw an elk tag in Colorado?
It depends on the unit. Accessible units draw at 0 points with 25–40% odds. Mid-tier units draw at 2–5 points. Premium units in areas like Gunnison Basin now require 15–20+ points — a 15+ year wait for new applicants starting at zero.
Can I hunt elk without drawing a tag?
Yes. Colorado, Montana, and Idaho offer over-the-counter (OTC) archery elk tags with no draw required. Colorado's OTC archery season is the most popular entry point, covering most of the state. Wyoming's general elk license draws at 0 points in several units.
When do elk draw results come out in 2026?
Wyoming non-resident elk results posted May 21. Colorado releases all big game results May 26–29. Montana, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada each publish results between late May and late June.
How much does a non-resident elk tag cost?
Tag fees range from $649 (Colorado) to $894 (Montana), plus a hunting license of $14–$185 per state. Total non-resident elk hunting costs including an outfitter, travel, and gear typically run $5,000–$15,000+.
What state is easiest to draw an elk tag as a non-resident?
Wyoming offers the best combination of accessibility and quality — multiple units draw at 0 preference points. Idaho has no preference point system, giving all applicants equal odds every year. Colorado is more competitive but OTC archery is available statewide.
How long does it take to draw a premium elk unit in Colorado?
Premium Colorado elk units now average 15–20 preference points to draw. At one point per year, that's a 15–20 year commitment for new applicants at zero. Use Scout AI to find which units are realistically reachable with your current total.
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