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.
California is the only state that has Tule elk available. Your options are to apply in the draw for the one non-resident elk permit, which will have horrible draw odds, or buy a guided hunt with a landowner tag, which can run over $40,000. Grizzly Island has the worst draw odds in the state for Tule elk, but it is a great hunt for a mature bull on public land. There are many good rifle hunts in the Owens Valley, including Lone Pine and Goodale. There is also the Owens Valley multiple-zone archery permit. In recent years, the CDFW added a new hunt for Tules. The Central Coast hunt could be a good hunt but will be extremely limited on access, especially if you cannot gain access to Camp Roberts (which requires a $1,000 access fee to hunt antlered Tule elk). Private landowners also charge a steep premium for access, especially if they have a good bull on their property. One thing to think about with Tule elk is broken and chipped points. Most Tule elk rut in July and begin to wind down in August, so you will need to plan on looking over a few bulls to locate one that is intact.
Check the regulations here.
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.
Search our database for California Tule Elk opportunities.
For access to all of our research and data we've collected over the last 20+ years, then join today and access the best research tools for hunting Elk in California including Draw Odds, Consultations and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
The California Elk application deadline is June 2, 2026.
Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!
Consult with Hunters Who Have Hunted in Your Unit, Join Now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Adult Hunting License | $225.46 |
| Junior Hunting License (under 16) | $17.02 |
| Application Fee per Species (sheep, elk, and antelope) | $8.38 |
| Deer Permit (refundable if unsuccessful) | $377.35 |
|
|
|
| Elk Permit | $1,871.80 |
California Elk Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
Login
