The Fish and Wildlife Commission approved for public comment some broad changes to the 2022/2023 elk regulations. These proposed changes are focused on areas where elk are most over population objectives.
These different proposals are described at the hunting district level here and in more detail in each of the regional sections below.
Changes include consolidation of hunting districts and adjustments to hunting district boundaries, changes to licenses and permits, and adjustments to quotas. It’s important to note here that these proposals are for hunting districts that may have different boundaries and numbers than in years past. The combination or realignment of hunting districts is part of the proposal to the public.
Some broad changes reflected in the proposals below include:
Unbundle and remove the 900-20 archery-only either-sex permits in HDs 401, 403, 411, 412, 426, 447, 450, 455, 500, 502, 510, 511, 520, 530, 570, 575, 580, 590, 701, 702, 704, and 705.
Make those hunting districts or combination of hunting districts either general season or unlimited archery-only permits as follows (note, some of these hunting districts are new):
HD 401: general license
HD 403: general license
HDs 411/412: unlimited archery-only permits
HD s 417/426: unlimited archery-only permits
HD 447: unlimited archery-only permits
HD 450: general license
HD 455: unlimited archery-only permits
New proposed HD 515: general license
HDs 502/new proposed 535/new proposed 555/590/existing portion of 701: unlimited archery-only permits
HD 575: general license
HD 580: general license
HDs 702/704/705: unlimited archery-only permits
In hunting districts 411, 417, 426, 535, 590, 702, 704, 705, the commission approved the current season structure but proposed to increase either-sex elk firearm permits by 50% as follows:
HD 411/new proposed HD 535: 300 to 450 permits
HD 417: 225 to 340 permits
HD 426: 60 to 90 permits
HD 590: 250 to 380 permits
HDs 702/704/705: 225 to 340 permits
The commission proposes to add a new statewide, unlimited antlerless B license valid on private land in elk hunting districts that are greater than 200% above objective. These licenses would be available over the counter and would be valid during any open elk season in those districts. These licenses would be valid through Feb. 15.
For 2022, the hunting districts these licenses would be available for are:
HD 260
HD 411/535 (new)
HD 417
HD 426
HD 450
HD 515 new
HD 575
HD 580
HD 590
HD 690
HD 700
HD 702/704/705
The commission is seeking comment on a proposal that would make permits for either-sex elk or brow-tined bull-antlerless elk valid for antlered elk within only the designated HD for the period identified on the permit. Antlerless elk hunting will not be limited by the permit. A general license may be used to hunt in any open district during dates outside of that identified on the permit.
MAP: Region 1 Proposed 2022-2023 Deer and Elk Hunting Districts (PDF)
Region 1 Elk Master List (PDF)
MAP: Region 2 Proposed 2022-2023 Deer and Elk Hunting Districts (PDF)
Region 2 Elk Master List (PDF)
MAP: Region 3 Proposed 2022-2023 Deer and Elk Hunting Districts (PDF)
Region 3 Elk Master List (PDF)
MAP: Region 4 Proposed 2022-2023 Deer and Elk Hunting Districts (PDF)
Region 4 Elk Master List (PDF)
MAP: Region 5 Proposed 2022-2023 Deer and Elk Hunting Districts (PDF)
Region 5 Elk Master List (PDF)
MAP: Region 6 Proposed 2022-2023 Deer and Elk Hunting Districts (PDF)
Region 6 Elk Master List (PDF)