Season dates for deer, elk, turkey, bear, and waterfowl across all 50 states. Cartridge selection, draw deadlines, field skills, and the gear that actually matters.
Western states use draw systems for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bear tags. Missing the application window means waiting another year. Mark these on your calendar now. Deadlines shift slightly year-to-year — verify with the state agency link.
If you can't draw a tag this year, apply anyway and bank preference points. Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Utah all use point systems — each unsuccessful application builds toward a future draw. For elk in top units, hunters accumulate 10–20 points before drawing. Start now.
LATEST HUNTING INTEL
HUNTING
How to read topo maps for mule deer hunting
Aug 24, 2026
HUNTING
Turkey calling mistakes that kill your hunts and how to fix them
Aug 17, 2026
HUNTING
Best elk hunting units on public land in Colorado for new hunters
Aug 10, 2026
HUNTING
Whitetail deer rut behavior and how to use it to your advantage
Aug 3, 2026
HUNTING
Winter coyote hunting tactics and gear recommendations
