Elk hunting

Read this important notice

Elk seasons are closed. Information on this page and pages linked to it applies to 2023 seasons and may be outdated.

Details for 2024 seasons will be available this spring.

View lottery and license dates and hunting dates on the hunting and trapping seasons page.

News & notices

Lottery results available

Winner postcards have been sent but you can search to see if you were selected for one of this fall's elk hunts. Have your DNR number or driver's license number handy.

Elk & deer identification

Individual elk are beginning to appear in a wider geographic area outside of their range. Make sure you know the difference between deer and elk in the field.

Landowner licenses

A limited number of landowners in Minnesota's elk range can apply for this hunt. Review the requirements and instructions on the landowner elk hunting page.

Seasons

Either-sex

SeasonDateLicenses availableZone
ASep. 9-17220
BSept. 23-Oct. 1220
COct.7-15220

Antlerless

SeasonDateLicenses availableZone
DSept. 9-17220
ESept.23-Oct. 1220
FOct. 7-15220

Either-sex

SeasonDateLicenses availableZone
GSept. 9-17330
HSept.23-Oct. 1230

Zones

Map showing elk zones open to hunting in northwestern Minnesota

Elk zones open to hunting in northwestern Minnesota • Printable map

Click map for larger view or download for printing

The Grygla area elk zone will continue to be closed to elk hunting because the area's population is below the goal outlined in the elk management plan.

Methods

Firearm legal for big game
Bow and arrow legal for big game

Licenses

Hunters

This is a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. Using license code 625, hunters must select a season, zone and license type when applying. A lottery will be conducted for each season, giving hunters who chose an antlerless license better odds of being selected.

  • Seasons A through C are for either-sex licenses in zone 20.
  • Seasons D through F are for antlerless licenses in zone 20.
  • Seasons G-H are for either-sex licenses in zone 30.

Minnesota residents may apply individually or in parties of two:

  • A party of two only receives one elk tag to share and is both individual's once-in-a-lifetime hunt.
  • Elk hunters are required to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation meeting the Friday before each hunt.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $5 per hunter. Total license cost for selected applicants is $288.

Landowners

Elk licenses are available for a limited number of landowners each year. Details and application requirements are available on the landowner elk hunting page.

Management

Hunting is only one aspect of the DNR's effort to manage elk for the public trust. We are committed to socially and ecologically responsive and responsible elk management for the benefit of all Minnesotans now and into the future.

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