Every serious elk hunter should consider applying for some out-of-state tags. Beginning the application process can be a daunting task, but below is some useful information for non-residents to get you started.

Remember, while waiting for those hard-to-draw tags, it is possible to hunt elk every year and gain valuable experience. States like CO, OR, WA, UT and ID all offer tags over the counter, and MT has had leftover tags for several years now. Once you experience elk fever, you’ll be glad you started gaining preference or bonus points in various states.

Wyoming – The application deadline for elk is January 31, 2016 at midnight. No hunting license is required when applying, but the full tag fee and non-refundable $14 application fee is required. Wyoming has a split system for licenses with 40% reserved for a (Special $1,071 tag) and 60% reserved for the (Regular $591 tag). A $50 preference point fee is an additional cost. There are no over-the-counter tags available, but leftover licenses go on sale at 8 a.m. on July 6th. https://wgfd.wyo.gov

Arizona – The application deadline for elk is February 9, 2016 at 7 p.m. A $160 hunting license is required when applying, but the full tag fee is not. A $15 bonus point fee will be charged when only a bonus point is applied for. A $665 fee will be charged if successful in the drawing. There are no over-the-counter tags available, but leftover tags go on sale at 8 a.m. on April 18th. https://azgfd.gov

Utah – The application deadline for elk is March 3, 2016. A $65 hunting license is required when applying, and a non-refundable $10 application fee is required. An $800 fee will be charged if successful in the drawing. Utah uses a bonus point system where 50% of tags go to those with the most points and 50% go into a random drawing. There are general season permits ($393) available on a first come – first serve basis in a few any-bull units and spike-bull elk units (archery only) which go on sale July 12th. http://wildlife.utah.gov

Montana – The application deadline for elk is March 15, 2016. No hunting license is required when applying, but the full tag fee of $991 for an elk/deer combo license and a $9 application fee is required. For just an elk/combo license, you pay $846. You will gain a preference point for the following year if you are unsuccessful and have paid the $50 point fee. 75% of licenses go to those with the most preference points. In recent years, there have always been leftover licenses which go on sale the week after the drawing. You may also apply for specific hunt units and for $20, will gain bonus points if not successful. http://fwp.mt.gov

New Mexico – The application deadline for elk is March 18, 2016 . A $65 hunting license is required when applying, and the full tag fee of $548 or $773, is also required up front. However, the tag fee (minus the $20 application fee) will be refunded if unsuccessful. You also have the option of getting a full refund on the $65 hunting license fee if unsuccessful. There is no bonus or preference point system. There are no OTC tags, but some landowner tags will be available. These usually sell for $1000-4000 depending on the unit. https://wildlife.state.nm.us

Colorado – The application deadline for elk is April 5, 2016 at midnight. No hunting license is required when applying, but the full tag fee of $619 and $10 habitat stamp are required. Colorado has a true preference point system in place where only those with the most points are successful. Leftover tags will be available on August 5th. There are OTC tags good for many units in the state available on July 21st. https://cpw.state.co.us

Nevada – The application deadline for elk is Mid-April, 2016 at 11 p.m. A $142 hunting license is required when applying, and a non-refundable $18.50 application fee is required. If drawn, a tag fee of $1200 will be charged to your credit card. Nevada squares your bonus points for each year you apply and are unsuccessful. There is a box to check when applying to get a full $142 hunting license fee returned if unsuccessful and if you choose not to build bonus points. There are no OTC tags, but some landowner tags will be available. These usually sell for $10,000-$15,000 depending on the unit. https://ndow.org

Oregon – The application deadline for elk is May 15, 2016. A $160.50 hunting license is required when applying, and a non-refundable $8 application fee per species is required. If drawn, a tag fee of $549.00 will be charged to your credit card. 75% of tags go to those with the most preference points. There are OTC tags good for many units in the state available on July 1st. https://odfd.com

Washington – The application deadline for elk is May 20, 2016 at midnight. You must purchase an elk license for $497 and a special permit hunt application for $110.50 to apply for the Special Elk Hunt Permit. Washington has a weighted bonus point system. OTC tags available for much of the state beginning April 1st. https://wgfd.wa.gov

Idaho – The application deadline for elk is June 5, 2016 at midnight. A $154.75 hunting license and $14.75 controlled hunt fee is required for applying, but the $416.75 tag only needs to be purchased by August 1st if successful. Idaho has no bonus or preference point system. Tags from controlled hunts that are not purchased by August 1 will be available in a leftover drawing with an August 5-15 application period. Additionally, Residents and Non-residents may purchase a left-over elk tag at full non-resident price beginning August 28th to take a second elk. http://fishandgame.idaho.gov