Elk

Elk

Elk were another big game species that were common in pre-settlement Kansas. They were also extirpated at the turn of the century. However, a small herd was maintained at the Maxwell Wildlife Area near McPherson. The 2,200-acre enclosure is operated as a refuge and also features bison. In 1981, elk from Maxwell were released at the Cimarron National Grassland, and that herd was free-ranging. To keep that herd from growing too big and causing crop damage, a limited resident-only season was opened in 1987. Later in the 1980s, elk were captured at Maxwell and released on the Ft. Riley Military Reservation. That herd is also free-ranging, and a season was established for the fort in 1990. Today, elk are primarily hunted on and around Ft. Riley, but individual elk or small herds may be found at other locations around the state, and hunting is permitted everywhere except Morton County. About 900 applications are received for the 20 or so permits allotted each year, and they are divided among military personnel and Kansas residents.

Range Map
Elk Map
Season Information
Current Seasons

All Elk seasons are closed.

Upcoming Seasons
Elk - Outside of Fort Riley - Firearms (First Segment) - Unit(s) Specified on Permit

Dates: 08/01/2026 - 08/31/2026

Elk Season Outside Fort Riley - Firearm


Elk - Fort Riley - Muzzleloader/Archery - Fort Riley

Dates: 09/01/2026 - 09/30/2026

Elk Season - Muzzleloader and Archery - Fort Riley


Elk - Outside of Fort Riley - Muzzleloader - Unit(s) Specified on Permit

Dates: 09/01/2026 - 09/30/2026

Elk Season Outside Fort Riley - Muzzleloader


Elk Season - Outside of Fort Riley - Archery - Unit(s) Specified on Permit

Dates: 09/14/2026 - 12/31/2026

Elk Season Outside Fort Riley - Archery


Elk - Fort Riley - Firearms (First Segment) - Fort Riley

Dates: 10/01/2026 - 10/31/2026


Elk - Fort Riley - Firearms (Second Segment) - Fort Riley

Dates: 11/01/2026 - 11/30/2026


Elk - Fort Riley - Firearms (Third Segment) - Fort Riley

Dates: 12/01/2026 - 12/31/2026


Elk - Outside of Fort Riley - Firearms (Second Segment) - Unit(s) Specified on Permit

Dates: 12/02/2026 - 12/13/2026

Elk Season Outside Fort Riley - Firearm


Elk - Outside of Fort Riley - Firearms (Third Segment) - Unit(s) Specified on Permit

Dates: 01/01/2027 - 03/15/2027

January Elk Season Outside Fort Riley - Firearm


Elk - Fort Riley - Firearms (Fourth Segment) - Fort Riley

Dates: 01/01/2027 - 01/31/2027


License Information

Quotas and Draw Stats    |    Deer Management Units    |     E-Tagging

NONRESIDENT PERMIT INFORMATION    |     RESIDENT PERMIT INFORMATION

2026-2027 Deer Season Dates:
  • Youth and Disability Season: Sept. 5 - Sept. 13, 2026 
  • Early Muzzleloader Season: Sept. 14 - Sept. 27, 2026
  • Archery Season: Sept. 14 - Dec. 31, 2026
  • Pre-Rut Firearm Whitetail Antlerless Season: Oct. 10 - Oct. 12, 2026. Any permit that allows the harvest of a whitetail antlerless deer is valid during this season. Equipment and unit restrictions on permit imposed. Hunter orange clothing is required.  
  • Extended Pre-Rut Firearm Antlerless Season: (ONLY UNIT 12Oct. 13-18, 2026
  • Firearms Season: Dec. 2 - Dec. 13, 2026
  • Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless Only Seasons:
    • 1st Extended WAO: Jan.1 - Jan. 10, 2027, in Unit 3 only
    • 2nd Extended WAO: Jan. 1 - Jan. 17, 2027, in Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 16
    • 3rd Extended WAO: Jan. 1 - Jan. 24, 2027, in Units 10A (Ft. Leavenworth), 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19
    • No Extended WAO in Units 1, 2, 17, and 18
  • Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless Only Season: January 25-31, 2027, in Unit 19 only

Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits

Hunters may purchase up to 10 Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits and use them as follows:

  • No WAO Permits are valid in Units: 1, 2, 17, and 18. 
  • The FIRST Issued WAO permit is valid in all units, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA and iWIHA) areas, EXCEPT Units 1, 2, 17, and 18.
  • WAO Permits #2-5 are valid in Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 ONLY. These permits are valid on Elk City Wildlife Area, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Area, and Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA/iWIHA) areas within these valid units.
    • WAO Permits #2-5 are not valid on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above. 
    • Permits 4 and 5 may not be used on 8A (Ft. Riley)
  • WAO Permits #6-10 are valid in units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19 ONLY. These permits are valid on Elk City Wildlife Area, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Area, and Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA/iWIHA) areas within these valid units.
  • WAO Permits #6-10 are not valid on Unit 10A (Ft. Leavenworth) or on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above.

All unfilled Either Sex Permits can be used in their designated units during the January Extended Season EXCEPT Units 1, 2, 17, and 18 which do not have an extended season.


License and Other General Information
  • No hunter may purchase more than one permit that allows the harvest of an antlered deer.
    • Preference points can only be purchased during the specified application period for residents and nonresidents. 

www.gooutdoorskansas.gov 

    • Log in to your account
    • Click Limited Draw Applications
    • Select the appropriate application
    • Select Apply for Points only
    • Complete your payment

Nonresident Deer Permits 2026
DRAW ONLY PERMITS

NONRESIDENT DEER PERMIT

APPLICATION PERIOD: April 1 - April 24, 2026

  • Preference points can only be purchased during the application period.
  • Applicants must apply online at www.gooutdoorskansas.gov or call 1-833-587-2164.
  • All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.                                                                     

You will also need to possess a valid nonresident hunting license at the time of application, $127.50 (16 and over), $42.50 Jr. hunt license (15 and younger)

The nonresident hunting license fee and application fee are NONREFUNDABLE.

  • $117.50 Nonresident Youth White-tailed Deer Permit (youth 15 and younger and includes $27.50 nonrefundable application fee)
  • $477.50 Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit, (16 and older and includes $27.50 nonrefundable application fee)

Bag Limit: (1) white-tailed deer - buck, doe or fawn AND (1) white-tailed antlerless deer (No additional fee required. Included with White-tailed Deer Permit)

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the awarded permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

The deadline for applying is APRIL 24, 2026.

HELPFUL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Hunters apply in one Primary Unit and then selects ONE adjacent unit to also hunt, as well as the weapon choice (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm) at the time of application. Muzzleloader permit holders may hunt during early muzzleloader season and regular firearm season using muzzleloader equipment only.

Hunters may apply for up to 4 choices of Primary and Adjacent unit on their application.

Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery

  • Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application
  • E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through the Go Outdoors KS mobile app THEY WILL NOT BE EMAILED TO YOU

Group Hunt: The group hunt application is to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number at the end of your application on the Transaction Confirmation screen in a green bubble. 

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number.   Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery.

  • Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application
  • E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through the Go Outdoors KS mobile app THEY WILL NOT BE EMAILED TO YOU

The overall group will be drawn from the lowest preference point in the group.

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the awarded permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

Any members added by the leader on the initial group creation application will be charged on the leader’s credit card by default. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.

  • $150.00 Mule Deer Stamp Fee (plus Nonresident White-tailed deer permit fee listed above)

A nonresident must apply for the Mule Deer Stamp during the April application period. A nonresident who successfully draws an archery or muzzleloader White-tailed Deer Permit among units 1, 2, 17 or 18 and has applied for the Mule Deer Stamp will be entered into a draw for one of a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps. If drawn, the applicant's White-tailed Deer Archery or Muzzleloader Permit converts to an Either-species/Either-sex Archery or Muzzleloader Permit. Preference points do not count toward the Mule Deer Stamp draw.

If unsuccessful in the Mule Deer Stamp Draw, hunter will be issued the White-tailed Deer Archery or Muzzleloader Draw Permit for the successful draw unit.

Preference point applications:

    • $27.50 Preference Point.
    • A nonresident hunter who does not want to hunt in the current season can purchase a preference point that will count toward a white-tailed deer permit in a future drawing.
    • If unsuccessful in the draw, hunter will be issued a preference point for a future drawing.
    • Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within 5 consecutive years, all earned preference points will be res

www.gooutdoorskansas.gov

    • Log in to your account
    • Click Limited Draw Applications
    • Select the Nonresident Whitetail Deer Application
    • Select Apply for Points only
    • Complete your payment

PURCHASE NON-RESIDENT DEER PERMITS

Purchase licenses and permits online hereat most Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park offices, by calling 1-833-587-2164 between 6am and 9pm CST, or from one of more than 600 license vendors located around the state. 

$87.50 Nonresident Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit: Available to nonresident individuals who are qualifying Kansas landowners under K.S.A 32-937. Land deeded in a Trust, LLC, or other Entity, does not qualify for landowner permits as the land is owned by that entity and not an individualPermit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by the nonresident landowner, during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

$42.50 Special Hunt-Own-Land Relative Deer Permit: Available to individuals who qualify as lineal ascendants or descendants or siblings of qualifying resident landowners or all tenants under K.S.A 32-937, and spouses of a qualifying landowner. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by landowner or tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Lineal relatives include direct ascendants or descendants such as a grandfather, mother, son, or granddaughter. Cousins, uncles/aunts, or nephews/nieces are not lineal family members. You would also need to purchase an annual hunting license. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

Hunter must first have a nonresident deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31:

  • $52.50 Nonresident Whitetail Antlerless Only (WAO) Deer Permit(any white-tailed deer without a visible antler).
    • White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

Either Species Antlerless Only permits not available


Kansas Resident Deer Permits 2026
Draw Only Permits
RESIDENT EITHER SPECIES/EITHER SEX FIREARMS PERMIT

APPLICATION PERIOD: May 12 - June 12, 2026 (Resident Draw ONLY)

Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

Applicants must apply online at www.gooutdoorskansas.gov, or by phone 1-833-587-2164. Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery. 

  • Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application
  • E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through the Go Outdoors KS mobile app THEY WILL NOT BE EMAILED TO YOU

Group Hunt: The group hunt application is to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number at the end of your application on the Transaction Confirmation screen in a green bubble. 

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number.   Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery.

  • Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application
  • E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through the Go Outdoors KS mobile app THEY WILL NOT BE EMAILED TO YOU
  • The overall group will be drawn from the lowest preference point in the group.
  • The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the award permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.
  • Any members added by the leader on the initial group creation application will be charged on the leader’s credit card by default. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.
  • All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.

Resident Firearm Either-species/Either-sex Firearms Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn)

  • $52.50  General Residents
  • $32.50  Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $97.50  Nonresident Tenant
  • $22.50  Resident Youth (15 and younger)
  • Permits are valid either in the EAST units (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or the WEST units (1, 2, 17, 18) during the regular firearms season using any legal equipment.
  • A resident hunter who does not want to hunt in the current year season may purchase a $12.50 preference point that will count toward a firearm either species, either sex deer permit in a future drawing.

PREFERENCE POINT APPLICATION

  • $12.50 Preference Point
  • If unsuccessful in the draw, applicant will be issued a preference point for a future drawing.
  • Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within 5 consecutive years, all earned preference points will be reset to zero.

Preference points can be purchased only during the application period online at www.gooutdoorskansas.gov or by calling 1-833-587-2164 between 6am and 9pm CST.

  • Log in to your account
  • Click Limited Draw Applications
  • Select the Resident Deer - Either Species/Sex Deer Firearm Application
  • Select Apply for Points only
  • Complete your payment

Deer Permit Types and Fees

Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer permit (white-tailed deer buck, doe or fawn):Resident Any-season White-tailed Deer permits are valid statewide in any season, provided legal equipment is used for that season. Available Aug. 5 - Dec. 31.

  • $42.50  General residents
  • $22.50  Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $87.50  NR Tenant
  • $12.50  Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn): Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid statewide with archery equipment only during archery season. Available Aug. 5 - Dec. 31

  • $42.50 General residents
  • $22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $87.50 NR Tenant
  • $12.50 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn): Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid either in the east unit (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or the west unit (1, 2, 17, 18) during the early muzzleloader season and the regular firearm season using muzzleloading equipment only. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

  • $42.50 General residents
  • $22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $87.50 NR Tenant
  • $12.50 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit: Available to individuals who qualify as resident landowners under K.S.A 32-937, including family members living with the landowner or tenant. Land deeded in a Trust, LLC, or other Entity, does not qualify for landowner permits as the land is owned by that entity and not an individual. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by landowner or tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

  • $22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • Hunter must first have a resident deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31

Resident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull): White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull)

  • $22.50 General Residents
  • $10.00 Resident Youth (15 and younger)

Hunters may purchase up to 10 Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits and use them as follows:

  • No WAO Permits are valid in Units: 1, 2, 17, and 18. 
  • The FIRST Issued WAO permit is valid in all units, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA and iWIHA) areas, EXCEPT Units 1, 2, 17, and 18.
  • WAO Permits #2-5  are valid in Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 ONLY. These permits are valid on Elk City Wildlife Area, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Area, and Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA/iWIHA) areas within these valid units.
    • WAO Permits #2-5 are not valid on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above. 
    • Permits 4 and 5 may not be used on 8A (Ft. Riley)
  • WAO Permits #6-10 are valid in units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19 ONLY. These permits are valid on Elk City Wildlife Area, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Area, and Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA/iWIHA) areas within these valid units.
    • WAO Permits #6-10 are not valid on Unit 10A( Ft. Leavenworth) or on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above.
  • All unfilled Either Sex Permits can be used in their designated units during the January Extended Season EXCEPT Units 1, 2, 17, and 18 which do not have an extended season.
  • Either Species Antlerless Only permits not available

Nonresident Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit: Available to individuals who qualify as nonresident landowners under K.S.A 32-937. Land deeded in a Trust, LLC, or other Entity, does not qualify for landowner permits as the land is owned by that entity and not an individual. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by landowner or tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

Nonresident Tenant Deer Permits: Available to individuals who qualify as a tenant under K.S.A 32-937, including family members living with the tenant. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

  • $87.50 Nonresident Tenant Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit (available online or at vendor locations over the counter)   
  • Hunter must first have a tenant deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31.
  • $52.50 Nonresident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler)
  • White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull) Available at vendor locations or online August 5 - Dec. 31

Hunters may purchase up to 10 Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits and use them as follows:

  • No WAO Permits are valid in Units: 1, 2, 17, and 18. 
  • The FIRST Issued WAO permit is valid in all units, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA and iWIHA) areas, EXCEPT Units 1, 2, 17, and 18.
  • WAO Permits #2-5  are valid in Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19 ONLY. These permits are valid on Elk City Wildlife Area, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Area, and Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA/iWIHA) areas within these valid units.
    • WAO Permits #2-5 are not valid on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above. 
    • Permits 4 and 5 may not be used on 8A (Ft. Riley)
  • WAO Permits #6-10 are valid in units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19 ONLY. These permits are valid on Elk City Wildlife Area, Berentz-Dick Wildlife Area, and Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA/iWIHA) areas within these valid units.
  • WAO Permits #6-10 are not valid on Unit 10A (Ft. Leavenworth) or on KDWP-managed public wildlife areas that are not listed above.
  • All unfilled Either Sex Permits can be used in their designated units during the January Extended Season EXCEPT Units 1, 2, 17, and 18 which do not have an extended season.
  • Either Species Antlerless Only permits not available

Deer and Fall Turkey Regulations

Antelope

Antelope hunters may either purchase an over-the-counter archery permit OR purchase a preference point/apply for the antelope firearms/muzzleloader limited draw permits.

2026 Antelope Application Deadline:  June 12, 2026

Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

FIREARMS and MUZZLELOADER

  • Western portions of the state have a limited competitive draw for firearm and muzzleloader permits. 
  • All applications will need to be submitted thru the online application process.
  • Applicants must apply online from May 12 thru June 12, 2026, or by phone 1-833-587-2164.
  • All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.

ANTELOPE APPLICATION FEES:

  • General Resident Application: $62.50
  • Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant Application: $37.50
  • Resident Youth Application (age 15 and under): $22.50
  • NR Tenant Application: $97.50
  • Preference Point only: $12.50

A preference point will be given to those applicants who are unsuccessful in the Resident Draw. If you do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only, select preference point only online for $12.50 from May 12 thru June 12, 2026. Only one preference point may be obtained per year. Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within five consecutive years, all earned preference points will be reset to zero.

Group Hunt: The group hunt application is to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group, and you will be given a group number. 

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number.   Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery (print and mail, or electronic delivery to the mobile app Go Outdoors Kansas. 

The overall group will be drawn from the LOWEST preference point in the group.

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the award permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

Any members added by the leader will be charged on the leader’s credit card by default. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.

FIREARMS and MUZZLELOADER

Western portions of the state have a limited competitive draw for firearm and muzzleloader permits. These permits have a unit number printed on it and you are required to hunt within that geographic area. Be sure to consult the maps before hunting.

ARCHERY

Antelope hunters may either purchase an over-the-counter archery permit OR purchase a preference point/apply for the antelope firearms/muzzleloader limited draw permits.

Open Archery antelope permits have been available to residents since 1990. Recent annual sales have averaged about 115 resident archery permits, and with a 10 to 12 percent success rate among archery hunters, harvest impact on the pronghorn population by archery hunters has been minimal.

  • Archery Antelope (general resident) $52.50
  • Archery Antelope (resident landowner/resident tenant) $27.50
  • Archery Antelope (resident youth 15 and younger) $12.50
  • Archery Antelope (nonresident) $302.50
  • Archery Antelope (nonresident youth 15 and younger) $102.50 
  • Archery Antelope (nonresident tenant) $87.50

2026 Antelope Seasons

Archery: Sept. 19-Sept. 27, 2026

Muzzleloader: Sept. 28 - Oct. 5, 2026

Firearms: Oct. 2-5, 2026

Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

 Antelope Regulation Summary

 Antelope Draw Stats


 
ELK
  
2026 Elk Draw Permits (On Ft. Riley)

2026 RESIDENT ELK DRAW PERMIT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM MAY 12 - JUNE 12 2026. 

Bonus points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

All applications will need to be submitted thru the online application process.

Applicants must apply online from MAY 12 thru JUNE 12, 2026, or apply by phone 1-833-587-2164. Fee to apply for an elk permit or purchase a bonus point is $12.50.

Military permits are ONLY available for active-duty military personnel stationed at Fort Riley. All other eligible persons must apply for general permits.

For the limited draw elk permits, each applicant shall have an additional opportunity in the draw for each bonus point earned. Bonus points are awarded as follows:

One (1) bonus point shall be awarded for each year the applicant is unsuccessful in obtaining a draw permit for the taking of an elk. If the applicant does not want to apply for a permit, they may purchase a bonus point during the application period.

When an applicant obtains an elk permit thru the draw, or if the applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one bonus point within five consecutive years, all earned bonus points will be lost. Applicant cannot apply for a permit and purchase a bonus point in the same year.

Permit fees will be collected from successful applicants only.

Elk - Firearms (Any Elk)

  • General Resident: $302.50
  • Landowner/Tenant: $152.50
  • Resident Youth (15 and younger): $127.50
  • Nonresident Tenant:  $302.50

Elk (antlerless)

  • General resident: $152.50
  • Landowner/Tenant: $77.50
  • Resident Youth (15 and younger): $52.50
  • Nonresident Tenant: $152.50

Units open for elk hunting were expanded in 2006 Commission Meeting to statewide use, except that UNIT 1 in Morton County is closed to elk hunting.

Elk hunting on and around Fort Riley was initiated in 1990. Most of the hunting opportunity occurs on the military base, but unlimited hunt-own-land permits have been allocated off the base since 1999, and additional units were opened to hunting in 2003.

 

2026 Elk Seasons

Seasons – OUTSIDE FT. RILEY (Statewide except Fort Riley, Subunit 2a, and Unit 1)

Muzzleloader: Sept. 1-30, 2026

Archery: Sept. 14 - Dec. 31, 2026

Firearms: Aug. 1-31, Dec. 2-13, 2026, and Jan. 1-Mar. 15, 2027

Seasons – ON FT. RILEY (Subunit 2a)

Muzzleloader: Sept. 1-30, 2026

Archery: Sept. 1-30, 2026

Firearms (for Any-Elk Permit Holders): Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2026

Firearms, Antlerless First Segment: Oct. 1-31, 2026

Firearms, Antlerless Second Segment: Nov. 1-30, 2026

Firearms, Antlerless Third Segment: Dec. 1-31, 2026

Additional Firearms Season: Jan. 1-31, 2027 (This season is open to all unfilled limited draw permit holders)

 
 
Research
E-Tagging
How to E-Tag using the Go Outdoors KS Mobile App
  1. Take a picture of the animal with your phone's camera making sure all the animal is visible.
  2. Open the Go Outdoors KS App and on the home screen, select "Harvest Reporting".
  3. On the "Harvest Reporting" screen you will see all your available tags. 
    • If you have multiple accounts on your phone, you can change to another account's available tags by selecting the name at the top of the screen. This will give you a list of everyone you have on your phone.
  4. Choose the tag you want to fill.
  5. Fill out the corresponding questions for the tag (harvest date, time, species, age, weapon used, unit and county).
  6. Click "Select Image" to select the picture you have taken of the animal.
  7. The last question, "Are you completing this Harvest Report for a Paper Carcass Tag?" If you are E-tagging select "No".
  8. Click "Submit" at the bottom and review all your answers for validation. Once reviewed click, "Submit" again.
  9. You should receive a popup success window with your E-tag confirmation number. 
  10. If taking the animal to a processor or taxidermist, please write the confirmation down and attach it to the animal so it can stay with the animal.

GoOutdoorsKS Mobile App Icon

To download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app to your Android device, visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brandtinfo.gooutdoorsks&hl=en_US&gl=US

To download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app to your Apple/iOS device, visit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gooutdoorsks/id1613997956

Elk Management Units

Elk Management Unit Map

KS Top 10 Elk Records

Elk Archery Records

Typical Elk Archery Records

Name Score Year Co. of Harvest
Joshua Budke, Leavenworth 324 5/8 2021 Leavenworth
Trevor Haddix, Fort Riley 317 6/8 2002 Riley
John Ingalls, Hutchinson 311 6/8 2015 Reno

Typical Elk Firearm Records

Name Score Year Co. of Harvest
Sherry Price, Salina 354 5/8 2003 Riley
Miranda Troy 343 5/8 2022 Riley
William Brugge, Fort Riley 320 2/8 2004 Riley

Non-Typical Elk Firearm Records

Name Score Year Co. of Harvest
John W. Garrison 376 0/8 1990 Riley