Short answer: Colorado is the best state in the country for a non-resident elk hunt, because it’s one of the only places you can hunt elk every year without waiting on a draw. You have three paths: buy an over-the-counter (OTC) rifle tag, apply in the limited draw for a better unit, or book a private-land hunt that skips the draw entirely. This guide walks through all three, plus units, seasons, cost, and gear — and links to a deeper breakdown on each.
Why Colorado for elk?
Colorado holds the largest elk herd in North America — more elk than any other state, across terrain that ranges from high alpine basins to dark timber to rolling oak brush. For a non-resident, that combination of huge elk numbers and over-the-counter tag access is why Colorado is the number-one destination in the West. You can hunt here your first year, with zero preference points, if you know how.
The three ways to hunt Colorado elk
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) rifle tags — hunt this year, no draw
Colorado still sells over-the-counter elk tags for most 2nd and 3rd rifle season units — no application, no points. It’s the fastest way into an elk hunt. The trade-off is pressure: OTC units are open to everyone. If you’re weighing your options after a draw result, our guide to guided elk hunts with tags included shows how to lock in a hunt without gambling on the draw.
2. The limited draw — better units, if you plan ahead
For premium units with bigger bulls and less pressure, you apply in Colorado’s spring draw and build preference points over time. It rewards patience. We break the whole system down — how points work, which units to target, and the big 2028 changes coming — in our Colorado draw strategy guide. And if you don’t draw, don’t panic: here’s your backup plan and where to find leftover and OTC tags.
3. Private-land hunts — the smartest no-draw move
The best experience for most hunters is a guided hunt on private land, where the outfitter holds a landowner voucher or hunts an OTC unit on private ground. You get a tag and low-pressure access without the draw. This is our specialty — the full breakdown is here: how to hunt private-land elk in Colorado without drawing a tag.
Best areas and units
Colorado’s elk country spans the state, from the Gunnison Basin and the San Juans to the northwest corner and the Sangre de Cristos. Rather than chase point requirements that shift every year, focus on matching the unit to your path — OTC units for a hunt-this-year plan, limited units for a trophy long game. For our current guided options and where they hunt, see the best guided elk hunts in Colorado and our full Colorado hunting trips.
Seasons: archery, muzzleloader, and rifle
Archery opens in early September during the rut — the best time to hear bulls bugle. Muzzleloader falls mid-September. Rifle runs through October and into November across four seasons, with 2nd and 3rd rifle being the OTC sweet spot. If you’re hunting archery, start with our 30-day archery elk prep checklist.
What a Colorado elk hunt costs
Guided elk hunts generally run from about $3,000 for a drop camp up to $9,000 or more for a fully guided private-land hunt. The full state-by-state and hunt-type breakdown is here: how much does a guided elk hunt cost.
Gear and rifle setup
You don’t need everything under the sun, but a few things matter — starting with the right caliber. Our best caliber for elk hunting breakdown cuts through the noise. New to elk entirely? Read first-time elk hunting tips before you book anything.
How Western Obsession helps
We’ve personally hunted the outfitters we book — if we wouldn’t send our own family, we won’t send you. We specialize in Colorado private-land and guaranteed-tag elk hunts that skip the draw, and you pay the same price as booking direct, with our commission coming from the outfitter. Browse our guided elk hunts or talk to a consultant who’s hunted the ground.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hunt elk in Colorado without preference points?
Yes. Colorado sells over-the-counter rifle elk tags for most 2nd and 3rd rifle season units, and many private-land and landowner-voucher hunts require no points at all. You can hunt Colorado elk your first year without building any preference points.
When is elk season in Colorado?
Archery opens in early September, muzzleloader falls mid-September, and rifle runs through October into November across four seasons. Second and third rifle seasons are the most popular over-the-counter windows.
How much does a guided Colorado elk hunt cost?
Guided Colorado elk hunts generally run from about $3,000 for a drop camp to $9,000 or more for a fully guided private-land hunt, depending on the outfitter, hunt length, and trophy quality.
Is Colorado better for elk than other states?
For most non-residents, yes. Colorado has the largest elk herd in North America and is one of the only states offering over-the-counter tags, meaning you can hunt every year without depending on a draw.
What is the best way to hunt Colorado elk without drawing a tag?
The two no-draw options are an over-the-counter rifle tag or a guided private-land hunt using a landowner voucher. Private land typically means far less pressure and higher success than public over-the-counter units.
Ready to plan your Colorado elk hunt?
Tell us your budget, dates, and goals, and we’ll match you with a proven Colorado elk hunt — draw, OTC, or private land.
