California is the only state that offers all three subspecies of elk. You have the choice of applying for Tule elk, Roosevelt elk, or Rocky Mountain elk. The bad news is that there is only one elk permit for any species available to non-residents in the California draw. That means that once an elk tag is drawn by a non-resident, all of the other elk tags will be issued to residents. With only one elk tag available, we only cover the top units in the state, as there is no reason to be applying for a subpar unit. If you are in the market for a Rocky Mountain or Roosevelt elk, there are a lot better states to accomplish that goal in.

If you want to apply for Rocky Mountain or Roosevelt elk, California has decent hunting for both in the northern portion of the state. The hunt in Tehama for Rocky Mountain elk will likely have a few great bulls and a lot of private land issues. They added permits to the hunt for 2025, but access is still going to be an issue. Hopefully, there will be fewer issues as relationships improve between division personnel, outfitters, and the hunters lucky enough to pull the tag. The Siskiyou, Northwestern, and Marble Mountains are all Roosevelt elk units. The best unit for public land access is the Marble Mountains, but plan to use pack animals and to deal with high temperatures on this physically difficult hunt. If you are already buying the license, you might as well spend the $8.38 and apply for elk. We encourage all hunters who are already applying in California to apply for Tule elk.

There is only one elk permit total for any species available to non-residents in the California draw. If you are in the market for a Tule elk, this is the only state where you can accomplish that goal. The chances of ever drawing that one non-resident permit are absurdly difficult at best. However, there are guaranteed permits available in California. If you are interested in one of these permits, call us at 435-865-1020, and we can get you in touch with one of our Endorsed Outfitters with landowner vouchers.

In addition to the main draw, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers an alternate program in which you can apply for one of these rare tule elk tags. The Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Program is a public access program where landowners receive monetary compensation and liability protection for providing public access to or through their land. The SHARE elk program has grown a great amount since we began covering it in 2017. They continue to add more and more permits, and the statistics are following suit.

Applications typically go on sale in the middle of June, and the deadline is towards the end of July. The updated fee and application schedule was not released at the time of print. To view this year’s hunts, as well as previous years’ draw and hunt statistics, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/SHARE#51518484-elk-hunts. Each successful hunter will need to purchase their elk tag online for $1,871.80. The resident fee is $610.20. If successful, you will need to purchase your elk tag one week after being drawn. Your preference points will not be utilized (gained or lost) for SHARE elk hunts. The application fee in 2025 was $14.86. With no non-resident quota and all permits being issued randomly, you might want to have your name in the hat. Hunters may only apply once for each available hunt. A license is required to apply.

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