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.
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