Elk, Moose & Bear Tags —
All 50 States

Elk, moose, black bear, and other big game species require separate tags or permits purchased in addition to your base hunting license. Many western states use draw/lottery systems for premium species. Find your state's big game tag fees, availability, draw requirements, and official purchase links.

All 50 States Covered Elk, Bear & Moose Draw vs. OTC Info

27States w/ Elk

29States w/ Bear

11States w/ Moose

Elk tag fees by state

Black bear permits

Moose draw applications

Draw vs. OTC tags

Official agency links

Key Concepts

How Big Game Tags Work

Elk, moose, black bear, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat tags are among the most coveted hunting permits in North America. Unlike deer tags — which are commonly sold over-the-counter — many big game tags are issued through carefully managed draw systems where applicants enter a lottery and are selected based on random chance or accumulated preference points. This system allows wildlife agencies to precisely control harvest while maintaining trophy quality and sustainable populations. Even species like black bear — which has more liberal management in many states — require separate tags in nearly every state where hunting is allowed. Understanding which species are available in your target state, whether tags are OTC or draw, and what fees to expect is essential planning information for any serious big game hunter.

Elk Tags

Elk are present in about 25+ states, primarily western states. Resident elk tags run $25–$75; nonresident tags cost $300–$700+. Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and New Mexico have the largest herds. Most states sell OTC archery elk tags but require draws for rifle bull tags in premium units.

Black Bear Tags

Black bear hunting is allowed in about 32 states. Resident bear tags typically run $15–$50 and most are sold over-the-counter. Nonresident tags range from $100–$400. States like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maine, and California have large bear populations. Some states like California manage bears as game with strict permit systems.

Moose Tags

Moose tags are among the rarest and most sought-after permits in North America. Available in only about 12 states plus Canada, moose are almost exclusively draw-only permits with odds ranging from a few percent to less than 1% in some states. Alaska offers the most moose hunting opportunity. Resident moose tags: $25–$60; nonresident: $400–$800+.

Draw Systems & Points

Many states use preference point systems where each unsuccessful draw application accumulates points, improving future odds. Some states use bonus point systems (random weighted lottery). Apply early — most draw applications open January–April. Carefully read tag requirements: some require a base license before applying, others issue a combo license-plus-tag.

50 states

50 states shown

Common Big Game Tag Questions

Yes, in virtually every state that allows hunting of elk, black bear, or moose, a separate species-specific tag or permit is required in addition to your base hunting license. For elk, this is typically a numbered tag that must be attached to the animal immediately upon harvest. Bear permits function similarly. Moose, being a rare species, requires a draw permit in all states. Some states bundle the tag with a combo license, but a separate purchase is the norm.

Draw systems work by having hunters submit applications during a designated window (typically January–April). Applications include a fee, and hunters are selected through random lottery or weighted lottery. Many states use preference or bonus point systems: each year you apply and don't draw, you accumulate points that increase your odds in future draws. Moose draws are especially competitive — some unit odds are 1 in 50 or lower. Research point accumulation strategies before applying in a new state.

Colorado sells the most nonresident elk tags OTC (archery and some rifle) making it the most accessible state for nonresident elk hunters. New Mexico, Wyoming, and Arizona have excellent elk but more restrictive nonresident draw systems. Idaho and Montana offer good opportunities with some OTC options. Oregon and Washington have draw systems. The quality-versus-availability tradeoff varies — some hunters prefer accumulating points in premium draw states for a once-in-a-lifetime bull, while others hunt Colorado annually.

About 32 states allow black bear hunting. Most eastern states (Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia) have huntable populations and sell OTC bear tags. Western states with large populations include Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. California, while having the largest bear population of any state, uses a quota/tag system. About 18 states have banned bear hunting or have no population. Bear tags range from $15–$50 resident, $100–$400 nonresident.

Moose draw odds vary tremendously by state and unit. In Alaska, tags are relatively more available but are sold via draw with better odds than lower-48 states. In Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, odds for resident moose tags are typically 2–10% and nonresident odds are much lower. Wyoming moose draws see 1–3% success rates. Colorado moose draws for popular units can be 1% or less. If a moose tag is a bucket-list goal, start accumulating preference points early and research which states offer the best long-term strategy.

Yes, virtually all states with draw systems accept nonresident applications, though nonresidents typically face separate tag allocations and higher fees. Many states allocate only 10–20% of total permits to nonresidents. Some states (Wyoming, Montana) use weighted systems that favor residents. Application fees are typically non-refundable if you don't draw. Some states allow nonresidents to hire a licensed outfitter to access more favorable tag allocations. Always verify application deadlines, fees, and requirements directly on the state agency website.

Elk, Moose & Bear Tags —All 50 States

How Big Game Tags Work

Common Big Game Tag Questions

Elk, Moose & Bear Tags —
All 50 States