News & notices
Lottery applications open
Read the license information section and apply online, via phone or in person by Friday, June 16, for a chance to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime hunt.
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 | |||
Season | Date | Licenses available | Zone |
---|---|---|---|
A | Sep. 9-17 | 2 | 20 |
B | Sept. 23-Oct. 1 | 2 | 20 |
C | Oct.7-15 | 2 | 20 |
Anterless | |||
Season | Date | Licenses available | Zone |
---|---|---|---|
D | Sept. 9-17 | 2 | 20 |
E | Sept.23-Oct. 1 | 2 | 20 |
F | Oct. 7-15 | 2 | 20 |
Either-sex | |||
Season | Date | Licenses available | Zone |
---|---|---|---|
G | Sept. 9-17 | 3 | 30 |
H | Sept.23-Oct. 1 | 2 | 30 |
Zones

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 eiter-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.
- Visit our elk management page to learn about the many things we do to manage this native animal that once roamed Minnesota from Rushford to Roseau.
- Access reports and surveys in the elk reports and statistics archive.