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Elk were another big game species that were common in pre-settlement Kansas. They were also extirpated at the turn of the century. However, a small herd was maintained at the Maxwell Wildlife Area near McPherson. The 2,200-acre enclosure is operated as a refuge and also features bison. In 1981, elk from Maxwell were released at the Cimarron National Grassland, and that herd was free-ranging. To keep that herd from growing too big and causing crop damage, a limited resident-only season was opened in 1987. Later in the 1980s, elk were captured at Maxwell and released on the Ft. Riley Military Reservation. That herd is also free-ranging, and a season was established for the fort in 1990.
Today, elk are primarily hunted on and around Ft. Riley, but individual elk or small herds may be found at other locations around the state, and hunting is permitted everywhere except Morton County. About 900 applications are received for the 20 or so permits allotted each year, and they are divided among military personnel and Kansas residents.
2025 Resident Elk Permit Applications will be accepted from May 13 - June 13 2025.
Bonus points can only be purchased during the application period.
All applications will need to be submitted thru the online application process.
Applicants must apply online from May 13 thru June 13, 2025 or apply by phone 1-833-587-2164. Fee to apply for an elk permit or purchase a bonus point is $12.50.
Military permits are only available for active duty military personnel stationed at Fort Riley. All other eligible persons must apply for general permits.
For the limited draw elk permits, each applicant shall have an additional opportunity in the draw for each bonus point earned. Bonus points are awarded as follows:
Permit fees will be collected from successful applicants only.
Elk - Firearms (Any Elk)
Elk (Antlerless)
Units open for elk hunting were expanded in 2006 Commission Meeting to statewide use, except that Unit 1 in Morton County is closed to elk hunting.
Elk hunting on and around Fort Riley was initiated in 1990. Most of the hunting opportunity occurs on the military base, but unlimited hunt-own-land permits have been allocated off the base since 1999, and additional units were opened to hunting in 2003.
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