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Many of the most sought-after elk, mule deer, antelope, moose, sheep, mountain goat and other big-game hunts require hunters to apply months in advance through state drawing systems. Missing an application deadline can mean waiting another year—or longer—for the opportunity to hunt.
Hunt Nation created this resource to make it easier to find the official application information for many of the states where our clients hunt.
Application dates, license fees, draw procedures and regulations can change from year to year.
The dates below are provided as a planning reference. Always click the official state wildlife agency link and verify the current year’s deadline before submitting an application.
Hunt Nation is an independent hunting booking and consulting company and is not affiliated with any state wildlife agency.
Dates, License fees, Draw procedure and Regulations can change from year to year.
Alaska uses a single annual application period for most drawing hunts. ADF&G currently states that drawing hunt applications are accepted from November 1 at 8:00 a.m. through December 15 at 5:00 p.m. Alaska time.
This includes drawing opportunities for species such as brown/grizzly bear, mountain goat, moose, sheep and other species depending on the hunt.
Official Alaska Drawing Hunt Information
Hunt Nation Tip: Alaska regulations can differ substantially by species and hunt area. Some nonresident species also require a guide or guide-client agreement, so talk with us before applying for a hunt you intend to book through an outfitter.
Generally early February
For 2026, Arizona’s elk and pronghorn application deadline was February 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time.
Arizona conducts additional draws for deer, sheep, bison and other species at different times of the year.
Official Arizona Big Game Draw Information
Hunt Nation Tip: Arizona uses bonus points rather than a simple preference-point system. Hunters interested in trophy elk or pronghorn should consider point accumulation as part of a long-term strategy.
California currently accepts applications for its big-game drawing from April 15 through midnight June 2 each year. The drawing includes premium deer, elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep tags.
Generally March through early April
For 2026, Colorado’s primary draw opened March 1 and closed April 7 at 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
Colorado’s primary drawing includes limited licenses for:
Elk • Deer • Pronghorn • Moose • Bighorn Sheep • Mountain Goat
Official Colorado Primary Draw Information
Hunt Nation Tip: Colorado offers both limited-draw and other license opportunities depending on species and hunt. Don’t assume you need a large number of points to hunt Colorado.
Those are the current Idaho controlled-hunt application periods. Idaho also conducts second drawings for unclaimed or leftover controlled-hunt tags.
Generally May through early June
For 2026, Iowa’s nonresident deer application period ran from May 2 through June 7.
Official Iowa Hunting Applications
Hunt Nation Tip: Iowa is particularly important for nonresident whitetail hunters building preference points for high-demand zones.
Kansas application periods vary by species, with nonresident deer being one of the most important draws for traveling hunters.
Rather than publishing a date that may change annually, we recommend checking the current Kansas application information before applying.
Official Kansas Hunting Information
Hunt Nation Tip: If you’re building Kansas deer preference points, check your account and the current nonresident deer application period each spring.
Montana has several different application deadlines depending on species and license.
Deer & Elk
Major applications generally occur in early spring.
Bighorn Sheep, Moose, Mountain Goat & Bison
For 2026, the primary deadline was May 1.
Antelope
For 2026, the application deadline was June 1.
Because Montana uses several different license and drawing systems, hunters should check the official application calendar for the exact species they intend to hunt.
Nevada’s major big-game application period typically occurs during the spring.
Nevada uses a bonus-point system, and application dates can vary annually.
Official Nevada Hunting Information
Hunt Nation Tip: Nevada can be a long-term points game for premium species, but every hunter considering Nevada should understand how its squared bonus-point system affects drawing odds.
New Mexico is particularly interesting because it does not use a preference-point or bonus-point system for its primary big-game drawing. Applicants essentially start fresh in the draw each year.
For 2026, the primary deadline for elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, ibex, Barbary sheep, javelina and oryx was:
March 18, 2026
New Mexico also has earlier deadlines for certain bear and turkey permits.
Official New Mexico Big Game Draw Information
Hunt Nation Tip: Since New Mexico doesn’t reward applicants with preference points in the primary draw, even a first-time applicant can potentially draw an exceptional tag.
May 15
Oregon states that the application deadline for its big-game controlled hunts is May 15. Its preference-point system applies to controlled deer, elk, pronghorn and spring bear hunts.
South Dakota has numerous separate drawings, so there is no single big-game deadline.
Application periods vary for:
West River Deer
East River Deer
Antelope
Elk
Bighorn Sheep
Custer State Park Hunts
Special Buck Hunts
For example, South Dakota’s 2026 East and West River deer applications ran June 3–23, while its special antelope application ran June 23–July 7.
Generally March through April
For 2026, Utah’s big-game application period opened March 19 and closed:
April 23 at 11:00 p.m. Mountain Time
The drawing includes species such as mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, bison and mountain goat.
2026 Wyoming Major Big Game Dates
Species | Application Deadline | Draw Results |
Nonresident Elk | February 2 | May 21 |
Bighorn Sheep | April 30 | May 21 |
Moose | April 30 | May 21 |
Mountain Goat | April 30 | May 21 |
Bison | April 30 | May 21 |
Deer | June 1 | June 18 |
Antelope | June 1 | June 18 |
Resident Elk | June 1 | June 18 |
These dates come directly from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s current application calendar.
Wyoming Preference Point Period
For 2026, Wyoming lists the preference-point purchase period for applicable species as:
July 1 – November 2.
For licenses, applications, draw results, regulations, preference-point accounts or official Wyoming Game & Fish matters, contact:
Wyoming Game & Fish Department
307-777-4600
Visit Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Looking for a Wyoming Outfitter or Hunt?
For Wyoming hunt selection, outfitters, hunt availability, preference-point strategy and booking assistance, contact:
Hunt Nation
307-637-5495
Hunt Nation is an independent hunting booking and consulting company and is not affiliated with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.
Accumulating preference or bonus points can take years.
Before using them, consider more than just last year’s draw odds.
Hunt Nation works with hundreds of outfitters and hunting operations worldwide and can help you compare opportunities rather than trying to sell you one particular ranch.
Or call Hunt Nation at 307-637-5495.
The worst time to start researching an elk, mule deer, antelope, sheep or moose hunt is the night before an application deadline.
If you’re considering a hunt for 2027, 2028 or beyond, contact Hunt Nation early.
No. Many states use similar application periods each year, but exact dates can change. Some agencies also extend or modify deadlines because of regulatory or technical changes. Always verify the deadline directly with the state’s wildlife agency before applying.
In most cases, you cannot enter that year’s primary drawing after the deadline. Depending on the state, however, you may still have opportunities through leftover tags, secondary drawings, over-the-counter licenses or private-land hunting programs.
A preference-point system generally gives increasing priority to hunters who have accumulated more points, although the exact process varies by state. A bonus-point system generally increases your chances in the drawing without necessarily guaranteeing priority over applicants with fewer points.
Every state’s system is different.
Sometimes. Some states allocate a portion of licenses randomly, offer multiple drawing choices or provide other ways to participate without maximum points. Your strategy should depend on the particular state’s rules and your hunting goals.
The process varies by state and hunt. Hunt Nation can help clients understand the application requirements associated with hunts we book, but the hunter remains responsible for complying with state licensing and application requirements.
