Nevada is always a top state for producing big bulls. A couple 400” bulls were harvested again in 2025. There were a lot of 350”+ bulls harvested in the better units, but overall the average bull size was down last year. This was due to lack of moisture throwing off horn growth. The 2025/2026 winter has been very mild, with dry conditions dominating throughout most of the central and southern elk habitat. Right now, almost all of the elk areas in Nevada are experiencing drought conditions due to the lack of snow this winter. Hopefully Nevada gets some really good spring rains. Even if Nevada does not get a lot of moisture, you will still see 350” bulls in the older age class in the higher-elevation areas where these bulls like to summer.
If you are only wanting to hunt the best units, then apply for unit 111 through 115. This group of units hands down produces the best bulls. The second-best unit group is 221, 222, and 223. These units have some wilderness areas where bulls can get old. Units 104, 108, and 112 would be the third-best unit grouping. These units are doing well, but the age class is a little down due to outfitters and hunters taking the top end of the unit. Not every unit is producing 350” bulls, but almost every unit has the potential to do so.
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The archery hunt is the best time to put your tag on a giant bull. Nearly every unit in Nevada can produce a 350” bull on the archery hunt. Most archery hunts in Nevada run August 25 through September 16. While that doesn’t sound great for the rut, elk tend to rut earlier here than other states, and these are great rut hunts for mature bulls during September. Units 061 and 062 can be tough, as these seasons take place August 16 through 31 and lack the aid of the rut. Unit 078 dates are September 6 through 20, which align perfectly with the Nevada elk rut.
Five of the muzzleloader hunts will take place during some phase of the rut. Units 061 and 062 will have a September 1 through 16 season. Units 072 and 078 will have an October 5 through 21 season. Unit 161 will again have a September 17 through 30 season. The muzzleloader hunt on unit 161 is going to be awesome again this year. Last year, it produced a 400” bull. The rest of the muzzleloader hunts are going to start October 22. Most of the mature bulls have pulled off the cows by October 22 and can be difficult to find as they are not moving much at all.
All of the elk units available to non-residents will have two rifle hunts, with the exception of unit 062 which will have just one hunt. Unit 061, which opens on October 5, is the only rifle hunt that will have a little rut activity. A few rifle hunts open October 22, but most are run during November and into December, which can make for some cold weather hunting. These rifle hunts can be physically demanding; none of the bulls is typically an easy spot, having been pushed around and up higher on the mountains from preceding elk and deer hunts.
For specific units and dates, check the regulations.
Nevada is a must-apply state for anyone who dreams of having a big bull on their wall, but it comes with very steep draw odds. If you are already applying for other species, it is an absolute must, as it is only another $19 application fee. Nevada elk tags are extremely difficult to draw, and most non-resident hunters will get one Nevada elk tag in their lifetime if they are lucky. It is a good idea to go with an outfitter if you don’t have the time or friends to help you have a good self-guided hunt. If you draw a tag and want to talk about doing an outfitted or want help choosing an outfitter, give us a call. We work with the best elk outfitters in Nevada. A lot of Huntin’ Fool Endorsed Outfitters are averaging over 350” across all of their hunts in the better units.
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The Nevada application deadline is May 13, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. (PDT).
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Up-Front Fees |
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| Hunt/Fish Combo License (365-day license) | $156 |
| Youth Hunt/Fish Combo License (365-day license) | $16 |
| Application Fee (elk) | $19 |
| Silver State Tag Application Fee (elk) | $29 |
| PIW Application Fee | $11 |
| Bonus Point Only Fee | $11 |
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| Elk (bull) | $1,201 |
| Elk (antlerless) | $501 |
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