Oregon’s elk seasons split cleanly into two parts: a statewide archery season in late summer, and rifle seasons in late October and November. Western Oregon rifle hunting is mostly general season. Eastern Oregon rifle bull hunting is mostly controlled. Dates for controlled hunts vary by hunt number, so use the tables below for the pattern and check the regulations for your hunt.
2026 Oregon elk season dates
| Season | 2026 dates | How to get a tag |
|---|---|---|
| General archery | August 29 – September 27 | Over the counter in western Oregon and many central and southern eastern Oregon units |
| Northeast Oregon controlled archery | August 29 – September 27 (most hunts) | Controlled hunt |
| Controlled muzzleloader | Mostly mid-October to late November, some into winter | Controlled hunt |
| Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain bull, 1st season | October 28 – November 1 | Controlled hunt |
| West Cascade | November 7–13 | General, over the counter |
| Rocky Mountain 2nd season (spike only) | November 7–15 | General, in part of northeast Oregon |
| Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain bull, 2nd season | November 7–15 | Controlled hunt |
| Coast, 1st season | November 14–17 | General, over the counter |
| Coast, 2nd season | November 21–27 | General, over the counter |
| Eastern Oregon antlerless (examples) | November 21–29 in several units | Controlled hunt |
| Late archery and late antlerless | Late November into winter, varies | Controlled hunt |
What each season is like
General archery (August 29 – September 27)
Oregon’s archery season runs about a month and covers the rut. In early September, bulls start bugling; by mid to late September they’re with cows and answer calls. It’s often hot and dry, so plan for fire restrictions and fast meat care. In western Oregon, many units allow any elk or bulls only, depending on the unit.
Northeast Oregon controlled archery (August 29 – September 27)
Units such as Heppner, Desolation, Starkey and the Eagle Cap Zone are bow hunts you have to draw. Many have hundreds of tags or more. Some Heppner and Starkey bow hunts are bull only.
Controlled muzzleloader hunts
These are scattered across the state. Several eastern Oregon muzzleloader hunts run October 17–25. Others, including some west-side hunts, run from mid-October into December. Some hunts are bull only, others any elk or antlerless.
Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain bull seasons
The first season (October 28 – November 1) is short, five days, and catches bulls just after the rut. The second season (November 7–15) is nine days, and weather starts to play a bigger role. Many of these hunts have hundreds of tags. For example, the Heppner first season had 605 tags and the Minam second season had 440 in 2026.
West Cascade (November 7–13)
A seven-day bull hunt in the western Cascades. Expect rain, thick timber, and elk that hold tight in cover. Clearcut edges at dawn and dusk are your best bet.
Coast 1st and 2nd seasons (November 14–17 and November 21–27)
Short Roosevelt elk seasons in the Coast Range. The first season is only four days. One bull in most units; Units 12, 14 and 20 also carry a spike bag limit in the first season, so check the regulations for those units. Access to private timberland can make or break a Coast hunt.
Rocky Mountain 2nd season general (November 7–15)
A spike-only general season in several northeast Oregon units. It’s a good meat hunt and a way to hunt Rocky Mountain elk without drawing.
Antlerless and late hunts
Eastern Oregon antlerless hunts often run in late November. Some late bow and damage hunts run well into winter. These are good options for filling the freezer.
How to pick your season
- Want to hear bugles and call in a bull? General archery, or a northeast controlled bow hunt if you draw.
- First elk hunt, want a guaranteed tag? General archery, or a West Cascade or Coast rifle tag.
- Want a mature Rocky Mountain bull with a rifle? Apply for an eastern Oregon controlled hunt and build points.
- Want to fill the freezer? An eastern Oregon antlerless hunt, a Rocky Mountain spike tag, or an any-elk archery unit.
- Going with an outfitter? Ask which seasons and hunts they have the most success in.
Key license dates for 2026
- Controlled hunt applications: Due May 15
- Results: By June 12
- Leftover controlled tags: July 1, 10 a.m.
- General season tag sale deadlines: The day before each season opens (for example, August 28 for archery)
Read our guide to Oregon elk controlled hunts
Book the right season
Find Oregon elk outfitters by season
Most outfitters list which seasons and weapons they guide.
Related: How Oregon draw points work · Draw odds by unit · Oregon Elk Hunting Guide · General season elk tags · Cost of an Oregon elk hunt
Season dates are for 2026 from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Controlled hunt dates vary by hunt number. Confirm the dates for your hunt in the current Oregon Big Game Regulations.