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Big Game Cervus canadensis

Elk (Wapiti) Hunting Guide

Complete Elk (Wapiti) hunting guide. Seasons by state, hunting methods, trophy criteria, rut timing, and field care tips for elk (wapiti) hunters.

Rut Timing

Sep 15 - Oct 15

Bull Live Weight

700–1100 lbs

Boneless Yield

40%

Scoring

Boone & Crockett

Typical Season Dates

archery

Aug-Sep

muzzleloader

Sep

rifle

Oct-Nov

Note: Exact dates vary by state and management unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing licenses.

Trophy Criteria

Boone & Crockett Minimum

360"

Pope & Young Minimum (Archery)

260"

Where to Hunt Elk (Wapiti)

COdraw odds MTdraw odds WYdraw odds IDdraw odds NMdraw odds AZdraw odds ORdraw odds WA UTdraw odds

Meat Yield

Animal Live Weight (avg) Bone-In Yield Boneless Yield Boneless lbs (avg)
bull 850 lbs 52% 40% 340 lbs
cow 550 lbs 52% 40% 220 lbs

Elk (Wapiti) Hunting Tools

🦌 Rut Forecast Peak rut dates by state 🎯 Shot Placement Vital zone guides 🎰 Draw Odds Tag odds for 9 states 📈 Activity Predictor Movement forecast by conditions

Other Species Guides

Mule Deer Whitetail Deer Pronghorn (Antelope) Moose Black Bear Mountain Goat Wild Turkey Bighorn Sheep

Elk (Wapiti) Hunting Articles & Guides

Large bull elk standing in a Montana mountain meadow with snow-capped peaks and lodgepole pine forest behind
destinations

Montana Elk Hunting: The Complete Guide

Mature bull elk in mixed conifer forest — habitat characteristic of Arizona Unit 1's White Mountains near Springerville
destinations

Arizona Unit 1 Elk Guide: Springerville

Mogollon Rim edge with ponderosa pine and rim-rock country — Unit 23 elk habitat
destinations

Arizona Unit 23 Elk Guide: Central Rim

Bull elk with large antlers in a ponderosa pine forest — Unit 27 elk country
destinations

Arizona Unit 27 Elk Guide: Blue River Country

Bull elk standing in a dark conifer forest — Anderson Mesa elk habitat
destinations

Arizona Unit 5A/5B Elk Guide: Anderson Mesa

Mogollon Rim country in central Arizona with ponderosa pine and rim edge visible
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Arizona Unit 6A Elk Guide: Mormon Lake / Rim

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Elk (Wapiti) season?
Elk (Wapiti) seasons vary by state and weapon type. Typical archery season: Aug-Sep. Rifle season: Oct-Nov. Peak rut is typically Sep 15 - Oct 15.
What is a trophy-class Elk (Wapiti)?
Minimum scores for the record books are: Boone & Crockett: 360 inches, Pope & Young (archery): 260 inches. These are all-time minimums — many hunters target smaller, more achievable trophy goals.
How much meat does a Elk (Wapiti) yield?
A mature elk (wapiti) bull/buck weighs 700–1100 lbs (avg 850 lbs) live weight. Expect 52% boneless meat yield — roughly 340 lbs of boneless meat from an average animal.
What states can I hunt Elk (Wapiti)?
Elk (Wapiti) can be hunted in: CO, MT, WY, ID, NM, AZ, OR, WA, UT. Western states like CO, MT, WY are known for their elk (wapiti) populations.
When is the Elk (Wapiti) rut?
The Elk (Wapiti) rut typically peaks during Sep 15 - Oct 15. This is the best time to target large bulls/bucks, as they are more active and less cautious while seeking mates.