License Applications Now Open For Minnesota Elk Hunt

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced recently that license applications are now being accepted to hunt elk this year.

Hunters have through Saturday, June 15, to apply for one of the 10 elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minnesota 2024 Elk Hunt

All three seasons will be conducted from Saturday, September 21, through Sunday, September 29.

Licenses offered this year include two landowner permits, two 10-year history permits, and six general lottery permits.

Hunters can apply for:

• One of three available licenses to harvest either a bull or antlerless elk in zone 20’s season A.
• One of two available licenses to harvest an antlerless elk, which can be a female or a young male, in zone 20’s season B.
• One of five available licenses to harvest either a bull or antlerless elk in zone 30’s season C.
• Two licenses, one in Zone 20 and one in Zone 30, are reserved for individuals who meet landowner requirements and apply for a license.

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According to the DNR, there are three recognized herds in northwestern Minnesota: Grygla, Kittson Central, and Caribou-Vita. The Grygla area zone remains closed to state-licensed elk hunters.

You can click the button above to access the DNR's Elk Hunting Webpage, which includes complete details and a printable map of the hunting zones.

Hunters applying for a license must select a season and can apply individually or in parties of two at any license agent, online, or by telephone at 888-665-4236. There is a non-refundable application fee of $5 per hunter.

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Successful hunters are required to present the animal within 24 hours of harvest for registration and collection of biological samples to screen for diseases or other health-related issues.

Minnesota Elk Management

The DNR stresses that it is committed to managing elk for the specific population goals set in the most recent elk management plan. The reduction in harvestable elk by state hunters is a direct reflection of its desire to move toward population goals while considering potential harvest by Red Lake Nation Band members

The reduction also accounts for uncertainty in elk numbers caused by the lack of snow, which prevented the DNR from conducting its aerial elk population survey in 2024.

“We know there are concerns related to crop and fence damage,” said Kelsie LaSharr, DNR elk coordinator. “The DNR will continue to work with tribal nations, local landowners, agricultural producers, legislators, local government officials and state agencies to address those concerns and manage Minnesota’s elk sustainably.”

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