Colorado vs Idaho Elk Hunting for Non-Residents

Compare Colorado and Idaho for non-resident elk planning, including OTC changes, draw timing, license-plus-tag cost, and the tool path to verify hunt-code or unit access.

Last updated: July 6, 2026
Colorado Resident $38.49 Resident Small Game Hunting
Idaho Resident $15.75 Resident Hunting License
Colorado Non-Resident $104.86 Non-Resident Small Game Hunting
Idaho Non-Resident $195 Non-Resident Hunting License
By Kevin Luo Published July 6, 2026

Headline Takeaways

Non-resident elk strategy

Use this comparison when you already have two states in mind and need to decide which one is cheaper, easier, or more realistic for a real trip. Open each state page for full license rules, then use the national cost table when you need to widen the shortlist again.

  • Idaho is cheaper for the primary resident base license by $22.74.
  • Colorado is cheaper for the primary non-resident base license by $90.14.
  • Colorado deer planning starts with "Archery: Aug 30 - Sep 28", while Idaho starts with "Archery: Aug 30 - Sep 30".

Decision Focus

Decision Item Colorado Idaho
Primary access question Colorado no longer has the same broad non-resident OTC archery elk path; hunters must separate draw, leftover, returned-license, and limited OTC rifle paths by hunt code. Idaho moved non-resident general-season elk access into a draw, so the old fast first-come tag rush is no longer the planning model.
Cost signal A non-resident elk plan starts with the qualifying license, Habitat Stamp, application layer where needed, and the elk license that is listed here at $845.16. A non-resident elk plan starts with the $185 hunting license, then the elk tag listed here at $651.75, plus weapon permits when archery or muzzleloader seasons apply.
Best next step Use the Colorado state page, elk guide, and season finder to check current hunt-code access before treating any license as buy-now access. Use the Idaho state page, elk guide, and season finder to confirm the current non-resident draw, unit, and tag-claim workflow.

Side-by-Side Table

Planning Item Colorado Idaho
Resident base license $38.49 $15.75
Non-resident base license $104.86 $195
Hunter education Required for hunters born after 1949-01-01 Required for hunters born after 1975-01-01
Resident deer tag $51.25 $24.75
Non-resident deer tag $506.92 $351.75
Deer season snapshot Archery: Aug 30 - Sep 28 Archery: Aug 30 - Sep 30
Deer draw rule Draw required by Primary draw closes April 7, 2026; leftover limited licenses go on sale August 4, 2026. Check CPW's current Big Game Brochure for the hunt code. No deer draw required for the primary path
Official agency Colorado Parks & Wildlife Idaho Department of Fish & Game

Planning Notes

  • Colorado official purchases flow through Colorado Parks & Wildlife; Idaho uses Idaho Department of Fish & Game.
  • Colorado: Required for hunters born after 1949-01-01. Idaho: Required for hunters born after 1975-01-01.
  • Colorado: Draw required by Primary draw closes April 7, 2026; leftover limited licenses go on sale August 4, 2026. Check CPW's current Big Game Brochure for the hunt code.. Idaho: No deer draw required for the primary path.

Methodology Notes

  • This comparison exists because the decision is not just which state is cheaper; it is whether a non-resident elk hunter can realistically get access in the current season.
  • Official draw and hunt-code verification remains final for both states before payment, travel, or outfitter booking.

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