Elk

Elk

Elk were another big game species that were common in pre-settlement Kansas. They were also extirpated at the turn of the century. However, a small herd was maintained at the Maxwell Wildlife Area near McPherson. The 2,200-acre enclosure is operated as a refuge and also features bison. In 1981, elk from Maxwell were released at the Cimarron National Grassland, and that herd was free-ranging. To keep that herd from growing too big and causing crop damage, a limited resident-only season was opened in 1987. Later in the 1980s, elk were captured at Maxwell and released on the Ft. Riley Military Reservation. That herd is also free-ranging, and a season was established for the fort in 1990. Today, elk are primarily hunted on and around Ft. Riley, but individual elk or small herds may be found at other locations around the state, and hunting is permitted everywhere except Morton County. About 900 applications are received for the 20 or so permits allotted each year, and they are divided among military personnel and Kansas residents.

Range Map
Elk Map
Season Information
Current Seasons
Elk Season (Outside Fort Riley) - Archery - Unit(s) Specified on Permit

Dates: 09/16/2024 - 12/31/2024

Elk Season Outside Fort Riley - Archery


Elk Season (Fort Riley) - Firearm Season for Any-Elk Permit Holders - Fort Riley

Dates: 10/01/2024 - 12/31/2024

Elk Season - Firearm Season for Holders of Any-Elk Permits - Fort Riley


Elk Season (Fort Riley) - Firearms, Second Segment - Fort Riley

Dates: 11/01/2024 - 11/30/2024


Upcoming Seasons
Elk Season (Fort Riley) - Firearms, Third Segment - Fort Riley

Dates: 12/01/2024 - 12/31/2024


Elk Season (Outside Fort Riley) - Firearms, Second Segment - Unit(s) Specified on Permit

Dates: 12/04/2024 - 12/15/2024

Elk Season Outside Fort Riley - Firearm


License Information
Antelope

Antelope hunters may either purchase an over-the-counter archery permit OR purchase a preference point/apply for the antelope firearms/muzzleloader limited draw permits.

2024 Antelope Application Deadline:  June 14, 2024

Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

FIREARMS and MUZZLELOADER

  • Western portions of the state have a limited competitive draw for firearm and muzzleloader permits. 
  • All applications will need to be submitted thru the online application process.
  • Applicants must apply online from May 14 thru June 14, 2024 or by phone 1-833-587-2164.
  • All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.

ANTELOPE APPLICATION FEES:

  • General Resident Application: $62.50
  • Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant Application: $37.50
  • Resident Youth Application ( age 15 and under): $22.50
  • NR Tenant Application: $97.50
  • Preference Point only: $12.50

A preference point will be given to those applicants who are unsuccessful in the Resident Draw. If you do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only, select preference point only online for $12.50 from May 14 thru June 14, 2024. Only one preference point may be obtained per year. Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within five consecutive years, all earned preference points will be reset to zero.

Group Hunt: The group hunt application is to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number. 

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number.   Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery (print and mail, or electronic delivery to the mobile app Go Outdoors Kansas. 

The overall group will be drawn from the  LOWEST preference point in the group.

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the award permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

Any members added by the leader will be charged on the leader’s credit card by default. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.

FIREARMS and MUZZLELOADER

Western portions of the state have a limited competitive draw for firearm and muzzleloader permits. These permits have a unit number printed on it and you are required to hunt within that geographic area. Be sure to consult the maps before hunting. Pratt Operations Office

ARCHERY

Antelope hunters may either purchase an over-the-counter archery permit OR purchase a preference point/apply for the antelope firearms/muzzleloader limited draw permits.

Open Archery antelope permits have been available to residents since 1990. Recent annual sales have averaged about 115 resident archery permits, and with a 10 to 12 percent success rate among archery hunters, harvest impact on the pronghorn population by archery hunters has been minimal. Archery permits may be purchased at any licensed agent from August 1 through Oct. 1, 2024.

  • Archery Antelope (general resident)    $52.50
  • Archery Antelope (resident landowner/resident tenant)   $27.50
  • Archery Antelope (resident youth 15 and younger)   $12.50
  • Archery Antelope (nonresident)   $302.50
  • Archery Antelope (nonresident youth 15 and younger)   $102.50 
  • Archery Antelope (nonresident tenant)   $87.50

2024 Antelope Seasons

Archery: Sept. 21-Sept, 29, 2024

Muzzleloader: Sept. 30 - Oct. 7, 2024

Firearms: Oct. 4-7, 2024

Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

 Antelope Regulation Summary

 Antelope Draw Stats


 
ELK
  
2024 Elk Permits (On Ft. Riley)

2024 RESIDENT ELK PERMIT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM MAY 14 - JUNE 14 2024. 

Bonus points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

All applications will need to be submitted thru the online application process.

Applicants must apply online from MAY 14 thru JUNE 14, 2024 or apply by phone 1-833-587-2164. Fee to apply for an elk permit or purchase a bonus point is $12.50.

Military permits are ONLY available for active duty military personnel stationed at Fort Riley. All other eligible persons must apply for general permits.

For the limited draw elk permits, each applicant shall have an additional opportunity in the draw for each bonus point earned. Bonus points are awarded as follows:

One (1) bonus point shall be awarded for each year the applicant is unsuccessful in obtaining a draw permit for the taking of an elk. If the applicant does not want to apply for a permit, they may purchase a bonus point during the application period.

When an applicant obtains an elk permit thru the draw, or if the applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one bonus point within five consecutive years, all earned bonus points will be lost. Applicant cannot apply for a permit and purchase a bonus point in the same year.

Permit fees will be collected from successful applicants only.

Elk - Firearms (Any Elk)

  • General Resident: $302.50
  • Landowner/Tenant: $152.50
  • Resident Youth (15 and younger): $127.50
  • Nonresident Tenant:  $302.50

Elk (antlerless)

  • General resident: $152.50
  • Landowner/Tenant: $77.50
  • Resident Youth (15 and younger): $52.50
  • Nonresident Tenant: $152.50

Units open for elk hunting were expanded in 2006 Commission Meeting to statewide use, except that UNIT 1 in Morton County is closed to elk hunting.

Elk hunting on and around Fort Riley was initiated in 1990. Most of the hunting opportunity occurs on the military base, but unlimited hunt-own-land permits have been allocated off the base since 1999, and additional units were opened to hunting in 2003.

 

2023 Elk Seasons

Seasons – OUTSIDE FT. RILEY (Statewide except Fort Riley, Subunit 2a, and Unit 1)

  • Muzzleloader: Sept. 1-30, 2023
  • Archery: Sept. 11 - Dec. 31, 2023
  • Firearms: Aug. 1-31, Nov. 29 - Dec. 10, 2023 and Jan. 1-Mar. 15, 2024

Seasons – ON FT. RILEY

  • Muzzleloader/Archery: Sept. 1-30, 2023
  • Firearms (for Any-Elk Permit Holders): Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2023
  • Firearms, Antlerless First Segment: Oct. 1-31, 2023
  • Firearms, Antlerless Second Segment: Nov. 1-30, 2023
  • Firearms, Antlerless Third Segment: Dec. 1-31, 2023
 
 

Quotas and Draw Stats    |    Deer Management Units    |     E-Tagging

NONRESIDENT PERMIT INFORMATION    |     RESIDENT PERMIT INFORMATION

2024 DEER SEASON DATES:
  • Youth and Disability Season: Sept. 7 - Sept. 15, 2024 
  • Early Muzzleloader Season: Sept. 16 - Sept. 29, 2024
  • Archery Season: Sept. 16 - Dec. 31, 2024
  • Pre-Rut Firearm Whitetail Antlerless Season: Oct. 12 - Oct. 14, 2024. Any permit that allows the harvest of a whitetail antlerless deer is valid during this season. Equipment and unit restrictions on permit imposed.  Hunter orange clothing is required.  
  • Firearms Season: Dec. 4 - Dec. 15, 2024
  • 1st Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only: Jan. 1 - Jan. 5, 2025 in Units 6, 8, 9, 10 and 17.
  • 2nd Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only: Jan. 1 - Jan. 12, 2025 in Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, and 16.
  • 3rd Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only:  Jan. 1 - Jan. 19, 2025 in Units 10A, 12, 13, 15 and 19.
  • Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless Only: Jan. 20 - Jan. 31, 2025 in Unit 19 only.

All resident hunters age 16 through 74 must have a resident hunting license unless exempt by Kansas Law.  All nonresident hunters, regardless of age, must have a nonresident hunting license. Annual hunting licenses can be purchased online by clicking here or through all licensed agents, or Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park offices.

No hunter may purchase more than one permit that allows the harvest of an antlered deer.

For more information see the Deer Management Unit Map and Deer Regulations 

Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the specified application period for residents and nonresidents. 

To purchase a preference point, you must login to your KDWP account, click "Limited Draw Applications", select the appropriate application, select "Apply for Points only", and then complete your payment

  



Choices for Nonresident Deer Permits 2024
Draw Only Permits
NONRESIDENT DEER PERMIT

APPLICATION PERIOD: April 1 - April 26, 2024

Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

Applicants must apply online at www.gooutdoorskansas.com or by phone, 1-833-587-2164

All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.                                                                     

You will also need to purchase a nonresident hunting license, $127.50 (16 and over), $42.50 Jr. hunt license (15 and younger) The nonresident hunting license fee is nonrefundable.

  • $117.50 Nonresident Youth White-tailed Deer Permit (youth 15 and younger and includes $27.50 nonrefundable application fee)
  • $477.50 Nonresident White-tailed Deer Permit, (16 and older and includes $27.50 nonrefundable application fee)

Bag Limit: (1) white-tailed deer - buck, doe or fawn AND (1) white-tailed antlerless deer (No additional fee required. Included with White-tailed Deer Permit)

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the awarded permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

The deadline for applying is APRIL 26, 2024.

Helpful Application Information

Hunter applies in one unit and selects one adjacent unit to also hunt, as well as the season choice (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm) at the time of application. Muzzleloader permit holders may hunt during early muzzleloader season and regular firearm season using muzzleloader equipment only.

Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery. Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application, E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).

Group Hunt: The group hunt application is to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number. 

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number.   Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery.

Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application, E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).

The overall group will be drawn from the lowest preference point in the group.

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the awarded permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

Any members added by the leader will be charged on the leader’s credit card by default. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.

  • $150.00 Mule Deer Stamp Fee (plus Nonresident White-tailed deer permit fee listed above)

A nonresident must apply for the Mule Deer Stamp during the April application period. A nonresident who successfully draws an archery or muzzleloader White-tailed Deer Permit among units 1, 2, 3, 17 or 18 and has applied for the Mule Deer Stamp will be entered into a draw for one of a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps. If drawn, the applicant's White-tailed Deer Archery or Muzzleloader Permit converts to an Either-species/Either-sex Archery or Muzzleloader Permit. Preference points do not count toward the Mule Deer Stamp draw.

If unsuccessful in the Mule Deer Stamp Draw, hunter will be issued the White-tailed Deer Archery or Muzzleloader Draw Permit for the successful draw unit.

Preference point applications:

  • $27.50 Preference Point.

A nonresident hunter who does not want to hunt in the current season can purchase a preference point that will count toward a white-tailed deer permit in a future drawing.

If unsuccessful in the draw, hunter will be issued a preference point for a future drawing.

Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within 5 consecutive years, all earned preference points will be reset to zero.

To purchase a preference point, you must login to your KDWP account, click "Limited Draw Applications", select "Nonresident Whitetail Deer Application", select "Apply for Points only", and then complete your payment.

For purchase over the counter, online www.gooutdoorskansas.com, by phone, or any vendor location:
  • $87.50 Nonresident Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit

Available to nonresident individuals who qualify as Kansas landowners. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by the nonresident landowner, during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 1 - Dec. 31

  • $42.50 Special Hunt-Own-Land Relative Deer Permit

Available to individuals who qualify as lineal ascendants or descendants or siblings of resident landowners or all tenants, and spouses of a qualifying landowner. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by landowner or tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Lineal relatives include direct ascendants or descendants such as a grandfather, mother, son, or granddaughter. Cousins, uncles, or nieces are NOT lineal family members. You would also need to purchase an annual hunting license. Available at vendor locations or online August 2 - Dec. 31

Hunter must first have a nonresident deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31:

  • $52.50 Nonresident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler).

White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull. Available at vendor locations or online August 1 - Dec. 31

Number of Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits a hunter may purchase is 5 but they may use them as follows:

  • The FIRST Whitetail Antlerless Only (WAO) permit purchased is valid statewide, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA) and iWIHA areas, except DMU 18.
  • Up to four additional WAO permits may be purchased and are valid in Units 1-5, 7, 11-16, and 19; and on private land with permission.

NO ANTLERLESS WHITETAIL PERMITS VALID IN UNIT 18.

Either Species Antlerless Only permits not available

 
Choices for General Resident Deer Permits 2024
Draw Only Permits
Resident Either Species/Either Sex Firearms Permit

APPLICATION PERIOD: May 14 - June 14, 2024 (Resident draws ONLY)

Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

Applicants must apply online at www.gooutdoorskansas.com, or by phone 1-833-587-2164. Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery. 

Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application, E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).

Group Hunt: The group hunt application is to accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number. 

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number.   Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery 

Printed tags will be mailed to the address on the application, E-Tag/Mobile will be tagged electronically ONLY through our mobile app: Go Outdoors KS (free download available in your mobile app store).

The overall group will be drawn from the lowest preference point in the group.

The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the award permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.

Any members added by the leader will be charged on the leader’s credit card by default. If any individual members' credit card is unsuccessful, the entire group application will be unsuccessful. Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.

All fees listed below will have an internet convenience fee added at time of applying online for a permit or preference point.

Resident Firearm Either-species/Either-sex Firearms Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn)

  • $52.50  General Residents;
  • $32.50  Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $97.50  NR Tenant
  • $22.50  Resident Youth (15 and younger)

Permits are valid either in the EAST units (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or the WEST units (1, 2, 17, 18) during the regular firearms season using any legal equipment.

A resident hunter who does not want to hunt in the current year season may purchase a $12.50 preference point that will count toward a firearm either species, either sex deer permit in a future drawing.

Preference Point Application:

  • $12.50 Preference Point

If unsuccessful in the draw, applicant will be issued a preference point for a future drawing.

Preference points remain on file for 5 years from last date a point was issued or purchased. If applicant fails to make at least one application or purchase one point within 5 consecutive years, all earned preference points will be reset to zero.

To purchase a preference point, you must login to your KDWP account, click "Limited Draw Applications", select "Resident Deer - Either Species/Sex Deer Firearm Application", select "Apply for Points only", and then complete your payment.

For purchase over the counter, online at www.gooutdoorskansas.com, by phone, or any vendor location.

Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer permit (white-tailed deer buck, doe or fawn)   Resident Any-season White-tailed Deer permits are valid statewide in any season, provided legal equipment is used for that season. Available Aug. 1 - Dec. 31.

  • $42.50  General residents
  • $22.50  Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $87.50  NR Tenant
  • $12.50  Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn)  Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid statewide with archery equipment only during archery season. Available Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

  • $42.50 General residents
  • $22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $87.50 NR Tenant
  • $12.50 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer permit (white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn)   Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits are valid either in the east unit (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or the west unit (1, 2, 17, 18) during the early muzzleloader season and the regular firearm season using muzzleloading equipment only. Available Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

  • $42.50 General residents
  • $22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant
  • $87.50 NR Tenant
  • $12.50 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit

  • $22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant

Available to individuals who qualify as resident landowners, including family members living with the landowner or tenant. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by landowner or tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

Hunter must first have a resident deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31:

Resident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull)

  • $22.50 General Residents
  • $10.00 Resident Youth (15 and younger)

White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull)

Number of Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits a hunter may purchase is 5 but they may use them as follows:

The FIRST Whitetail Antlerless Only (WAO) permit purchased is valid statewide, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA) and IWIHA areas, except DMU 18.

Up to four additional WAO permits may be purchased and are valid in Units 1-5, 7, 11-16, and 19; and on private land with permission.

NO ANTLERLESS WHITETAIL PERMITS VALID IN UNIT 18.

Either Species Antlerless Only permits not available

Choices for Nonresident Tenant Deer Permits

         $87.50 Nonresident Tenant Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit (available online or at vendor locations over the counter)   

Available to individuals who qualify as a tenant, including family members living with the tenant. Permit valid for any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by tenant during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season. Available at vendor locations or online August 1 - Dec. 31

Hunter must first have a tenant deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless purchased after Dec. 31:

  • $52.50 Nonresident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler)

*White-tailed Antlerless Deer permit (any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull) Available online or over the counter August 1 - Dec. 31 

Number of Whitetail Antlerless-Only (WAO) Permits a hunter may purchase is 5 but they may use them as follows:

  • The FIRST Whitetail Antlerless Only (WAO) permit purchased is valid statewide, including Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA) and iWIHA areas, except DMU 18.
  • Up to four additional WAO permits may be purchased and are valid in Units 1-5, 7, 11-16, and 19; and on private land with permission.

NO ANTLERLESS WHITETAIL PERMITS VALID IN UNIT 18.

Either Species Antlerless Only permits not available

Deer and Fall Turkey Regulations

Research
E-Tagging
How to E-Tag using the Go Outdoors KS Mobile App
  1. Take a picture of the animal with your phone's camera making sure all the animal is visible.
  2. Open the Go Outdoors KS App and on the home screen, select "Harvest Reporting".
  3. On the "Harvest Reporting" screen you will see all your available tags. 
    • If you have multiple accounts on your phone, you can change to another account's available tags by selecting the name at the top of the screen. This will give you a list of everyone you have on your phone.
  4. Choose the tag you want to fill.
  5. Fill out the corresponding questions for the tag (harvest date, time, species, age, weapon used, unit and county).
  6. Click "Select Image" to select the picture you have taken of the animal.
  7. The last question, "Are you completing this Harvest Report for a Paper Carcass Tag?" If you are E-tagging select "No".
  8. Click "Submit" at the bottom and review all your answers for validation. Once reviewed click, "Submit" again.
  9. You should receive a popup success window with your E-tag confirmation number. 
  10. If taking the animal to a processor or taxidermist, please write the confirmation down and attach it to the animal so it can stay with the animal.

GoOutdoorsKS Mobile App Icon

To download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app to your Android device, visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brandtinfo.gooutdoorsks&hl=en_US&gl=US

To download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app to your Apple/iOS device, visit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gooutdoorsks/id1613997956

Elk Management Units

Elk Management Unit Map

KS Top 10 Elk Records

Elk Archery Records

Typical Elk Archery Records

Name Score Year Co. of Harvest
Joshua Budke, Leavenworth 324 5/8 2021 Leavenworth
Trevor Haddix, Fort Riley 317 6/8 2002 Riley
John Ingalls, Hutchinson 311 6/8 2015 Reno

Typical Elk Firearm Records

Name Score Year Co. of Harvest
Sherry Price, Salina 354 5/8 2003 Riley
William Brugge, Fort Riley 320 2/8 2004 Riley

Non-Typical Elk Firearm Records

Name Score Year Co. of Harvest
John W. Garrison 376 0/8 1990 Riley