MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsin hunters that they have until May 31, 2026 to apply for a chance at a 2026 elk hunting license.
Wisconsin’s elk hunting season is a unique hunting opportunity, open only to Wisconsin residents. With a few clicks, Wisconsinites can purchase their elk license applications online through Go Wild. Application purchases are also available in-person at license agents across the state.
There are some changes to the elk application process for the 2026 season. Applicants will now have the choice to apply for a bull and/or an antlerless license for units with a huntable quota. Hunters will also need to select the hunting unit grouping when applying.
Additionally, selected elk hunters will have one continuous season, opening Saturday, Oct. 17, and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 13, eliminating the split-season structure that was in effect from 2018-2025.
The application fee is $10 for each of the bull elk and antlerless elk drawings and is limited to one application per person, per authorization type. The DNR recommends that all applicants check and update their contact information to ensure contact with successful applicants.
For each application fee, $7 goes directly to elk management, monitoring and research. These funds also enhance elk habitat, which benefits elk and many other wildlife. If selected in the drawing, an elk hunting license costs $49.
Wisconsin residents can only draw an elk license once in their lifetime, and declining the antlerless license will not count against this limit. Winners will be notified by DNR staff in early June.
All winners must participate in a Wisconsin elk hunter education course before obtaining an elk hunting license. The class covers Wisconsin elk history, hunting regulations, biology, behavior and scouting/hunting techniques.
Visit the DNR’s Elk Hunting webpage for more information about hunting in Wisconsin’s elk management zones.
