2 states · 2026-27 season
When does elk season start?
It depends on the state, the weapon and often the zone — so here is every elk season we hold, side by side. The earliest opener in the table is Sep 2, 2026 in Colorado (Archery), and the last day anywhere is Dec 20, 2026 in Montana.
Elk today
Where elk season is open right now
2026-27 elk season dates by state
The first and last open days below bracket every elk season the agency publishes — archery, gun, muzzleloader and youth days included — so a state’s season is rarely open straight through from one to the other. Click your state for the full table, zone by zone.
| State | First open day | Gun season opens | Last open day | Zones | Agency regs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Sep 2, 2026 Archery | Oct 14, 2026 First Rifle — First Rifle Season | Nov 22, 2026 | 4 zones | CPW checked Aug 25, 2026 |
| Montana | Sep 5, 2026 Archery | Sep 15, 2026 General — Backcountry HDs 150, 280 and 316 | Dec 20, 2026 | 1 zone Backcountry HDs 150, 280 and 316 | Montana FWP checked Aug 25, 2026 |
Each row is the same data that state’s own page shows, read from the agency regulations linked in the last column on the date shown there.
Keep going
What’s open to hunt right now — every state, every species, on one board.
Other seasons by state: deer season · turkey season · duck season · dove season