Types

• The three different subspecies of elk found in California include the American--or Rocky Mountain--elk, Roosevelt elk and Tule elk. Rocky Mountain elk are the most widespread across the western United States, and bulls can weigh 800 pounds. Roosevelt elk, the largest of the elk species, are located in northern California and commonly weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Unique to California, Tule elk are smaller in size, weighing about 600 pounds, and can only be found in central California.
  
  

Seasons

• Elk-hunting seasons vary in California based on conservation goals and hunting zones. The early seasons can start as early as August 8 and late season can run into late December and January. For example, in the 2009 to 2010 hunting season, the Owens Valley Region Wide Archery either-sex season opened on August 8 and closed August 16. The Fort Hunter Liggett Period 3 bull was the latest season, running from December 30 to January 3. The majority of the seasons take place during the elk rut in September and October.
  
  

Geography

• With a combination of coasts, forest, mountains and desert, California has a wide variety of geography and elk habitat. Tule elk inhabit the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the Tehachapi Mountains in the central part of the state. The range of Roosevelt elk is in the northern rain forests and Pacific coastal forests. Rocky Mountain elk are found in the mountains in the northeast corner of the state.
  
  

Public Land

• California consists of nearly 45 percent federal public land, which makes it a preferred destination for a do-it-yourself elk hunter. The public land is spread throughout the 17 national forests with a total of 20 million acres, including 4 million acres of wilderness.
  
  

Tag Fees

• Tag fees are broken down into two categories--resident and nonresident. Everyone, regardless of residency, must purchase an annual hunting license to hunt elk in California. Residents must pay $41.20 for a hunting license and $376 for an elk tag. Nonresidents, similar to other states, must pay significantly more for tags and licenses. Hunting licenses cost the nonresident $14.35 and an elk tag costs $1,162.50. The elk tag application deadline for residents and nonresidents in 2010 is June 2.
  
  

Restrictions

• Be aware of antler restrictions and the type of permit you need while elk hunting in California, Bull elk are defined, according to the California Department of Fish and Game, as any elk with an antler at least 4 inches in length. Antler-less elk are defined as any elk, other than spotted calves, without antlers over 4 inches in length.