1. (1) An elk ranch owner may purchase an elk harvest permit by submitting an order form and payment to the department.
2. (2) An elk ranch owner shall issue a permit to each hunter before hunting, who must possess it while hunting.

3. (3) Owners must complete the permit at harvest with all identification and the harvest date, and shall provide copies to:

   1. (a) the department within 30 days;
   2. (b) the hunter at the time of harvest; and
   3. (c) retain a copy for ranch records.

4. (4)(a) Harvest season is August 1 to December 31, with hunting permitted from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

   1. (b) All US-raised domesticated elk must be harvested or recaptured by December 31 each year.
   2. (c) Elk imported from international herds must be harvested within the same calendar year.
5. (5) After harvest and before the carcass leaves the ranch, the owner shall affix a tag to the carcass and antlers, and the tags shall remain affixed during transportation to a meat processor, taxidermist, or destination.

6. (6) For unused permits, an elk ranch owner:

   1. (a) may exchange a permit for a new one without additional fee by providing the department with all copies of the unused permit;
   2. (b) may return all copies of the unused permits to the department for a refund; or
   3. (c) may issue an unused permit for a different hunting season.

7. (7)(a) An elk ranch may not sell domesticated elk meat.

   1. (b) Permitted uses include consumption by the hunter, ranch owner, or their immediate family, employees, or guests, or donation as a charitable food item per Section 4-34-103.

KEY: chronic wasting disease, elk, inspections, domesticated elk facility, domesticated elk, licensing

Date of Last Change: October 22, 2025

Notice of Continuation: December 28, 2021

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 4-39-106; 4-39-303(6)