Alaska Elk Draw Odds 2027: Hunt Codes, Tags & Strategy

Alaska Elk Draw Odds 2027: Complete Guide to Hunt Codes, Applications, Tags & Strategy

Alaska offers some of the most distinctive elk hunting opportunities in North America. Unlike traditional Rocky Mountain elk hunts, Alaska elk hunting frequently involves remote islands, coastal terrain, boat or floatplane access, and complicated land-ownership considerations.

For hunters planning an Alaska elk hunt in 2027, understanding the drawing system is essential.

Alaska does not use elk preference points or bonus points. Instead, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) awards drawing permits through a randomized system.

A first-time applicant can potentially draw the same permit as someone who has applied unsuccessfully for 15 years.

However, drawing odds vary dramatically by hunt code.

Some Raspberry Island elk permits have historically attracted thousands of applications for only a handful of licenses. Other Afognak Island hunts have offered substantially higher historical drawing percentages.

Alaska also has registration elk hunts that do not operate through the standard drawing system.

This guide explains Alaska elk draw odds for 2027 planning, including historical results, hunt codes, application strategies, nonresident requirements, costs, and access considerations.

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Alaska Elk Draw 2027: Quick Facts

QuestionCurrent Rule or Planning InformationDoes Alaska use elk preference points?NoDoes Alaska use elk bonus points?NoDrawing systemRandomCan first-time applicants draw?YesMaximum drawing applicationsSix per speciesCan hunters repeat a hunt code?YesCurrent application fee$5 per huntSix-entry drawing fee$30Current application periodNovember 1–December 15Nonresident applicants allowed?Yes, for eligible huntsCurrent nonresident elk locking tag$600Current nonresident alien elk locking tag$800Mandatory guide for U.S. nonresident elk hunters?Generally noTwo-person party applications?Yes, for eligible huntsAre registration elk hunts available?YesAre final 2027 draw odds known?No

Official resource: Alaska Department of Fish and Game — Drawing Hunts

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Does Alaska Use Elk Preference Points?

No.

Alaska does not use preference points for its standard elk drawing.

Hunters do not accumulate priority after unsuccessful applications.

Someone applying for the first time can compete in the same random drawing as someone who has applied for many years.

There is no point cutoff for Alaska elk hunts.

Does Alaska Use Elk Bonus Points?

No.

Alaska also does not use a weighted bonus-point system for standard elk drawing permits.

Each valid hunt entry receives a random drawing number under the current system.

Does Applying Every Year Improve Future Odds?

No.

An unsuccessful application in 2026 does not increase the drawing weight of a 2027 application.

Each annual drawing is independent.

Hunters may gain experience researching hunt codes and planning applications, but they do not accumulate additional drawing priority.

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How Alaska's Random Elk Drawing Works

ADF&G processes valid drawing applications through a computerized random-number system.

Permits are awarded according to the applicable drawing procedures, quotas, and eligibility requirements.

Example: A Random Alaska Elk Drawing

Suppose an elk hunt offers 10 permits and receives 1,000 valid entries.

A simple permit-to-entry calculation would be:

10 ÷ 1,000 = 1%

This is an illustrative ratio, not a verified 2027 drawing probability.

Actual applicant-level odds can be affected by repeat entries, party applications, permit allocation rules, and other hunt-specific conditions.

Why Hunt Codes Matter

Alaska does not have one meaningful statewide elk draw percentage.

Each hunt code can have a different:

• Permit quota

• Applicant total

• Legal animal

• Season

• Geographic boundary

• Residency requirement

• Hunting method

For accurate comparisons, hunters should research the exact hunt number.

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Alaska Elk Hunt Codes for 2027 Planning

Alaska drawing elk hunt numbers generally begin with the letters DE.

The source research identifies the following drawing hunts as important historical or current examples.

Hunt codeGeneral areaPlanning contextDE318Etolin and associated islandsArchery bull elkDE321Etolin and associated islandsDrawing elk opportunityDE323Etolin and associated islandsDrawing elk opportunityDE324Zarembo IslandLimited bull elkDE702Raspberry IslandHighly competitive drawingDE704Raspberry IslandSeparate drawing opportunityDE706Raspberry IslandHistorical nonresident antlerless opportunityDE711Southwest AfognakBull elkDE713Southwest AfognakSeparate drawing opportunityDE715Unit 8 remainderEither-sex elkDE717Unit 8Drawing elk opportunityDE721East AfognakDrawing elk opportunityDE723East AfognakDrawing elk opportunity

Hunt codes, seasons, quotas, and eligibility may change between regulatory years.

Hunters should verify the final 2027–28 Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement before applying.

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Alaska Unit 3 Elk Hunting: Etolin and Zarembo Islands

Unit 3 contains important elk opportunities in Southeast Alaska.

These include hunts on Etolin Island, associated islands, and Zarembo Island.

Etolin Island Elk: DE318

The supplied 2026 research identifies DE318 as an archery bull elk drawing hunt.

Detail2026 ReferenceHunt codeDE318AreaUnit 3, Etolin and associated islandsMethodArcheryLegal animalOne bull elkSeasonSeptember 1–30, 2026Permit quotaUp to 25ResidencyResidents and nonresidents

These are 2026 hunt details, not confirmed 2027 regulations.

Etolin Island: DE321 and DE323

DE321 and DE323 are separate drawing opportunities associated with Etolin Island.

Hunters should not combine their historical results with DE318.

Even when hunts occur in the same general area, their seasons, methods, quotas, and applicant demand may differ.

Zarembo Island Elk: DE324

The supplied 2026 research identifies DE324 as a limited bull elk opportunity.

Detail2026 ReferenceHunt codeDE324AreaUnit 3, Zarembo IslandLegal animalOne bull elkSeasonOctober 1–31, 2026Permit quotaTwoResidencyResidents and nonresidents

With only two permits listed in the 2026 research, small changes in applicant demand could significantly affect drawing percentages.

Hunters should avoid projecting one year's results directly into 2027.

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Alaska Unit 8 Elk Hunting: Raspberry and Afognak Islands

Unit 8 contains some of Alaska's most recognizable elk hunting opportunities.

Major hunting areas include Raspberry Island and portions of Afognak Island.

These hunts can involve significant logistical challenges, including private-land access, remote transportation, and coastal weather.

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Raspberry Island Elk Draw Odds

Raspberry Island is known for highly competitive elk drawing opportunities.

DE702 Historical Drawing Results

The supplied ADF&G research reports the following historical application totals for DE702.

YearApplications20171,63620182,14820192,73420202,68220213,54920223,39020233,41420243,76320253,597

Across the reported period, permits awarded ranged from five to 12.

In 2024, the source reports 3,763 applications for five permits.

In 2025, it reports 3,597 applications and six permits awarded.

These figures illustrate extremely high competition.

They are historical application and permit totals, not verified 2027 odds.

DE702 Nonresident Demand

The supplied research reports 499 nonresident applications among 3,597 total applications in 2025.

Residency eligibility and permit allocations should be evaluated alongside overall applicant totals.

DE704 Raspberry Island Elk

DE704 is another Raspberry Island drawing opportunity.

It should be analyzed separately from DE702 because season timing, hunt structure, and demand may differ.

DE706 Nonresident Antlerless Elk

The supplied 2026 research also identifies DE706 as a nonresident-only antlerless elk drawing opportunity.

Detail2026 ReferenceHunt codeDE706AreaRaspberry IslandLegal animalOne antlerless elkQuotaUp to 10 nonresident permitsSeasonOctober 23–November 30, 2026

This illustrates why hunters should distinguish bull, cow, either-sex, resident, and nonresident opportunities rather than relying on a general Raspberry Island drawing percentage.

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Afognak Island Elk Draw Odds

Afognak Island offers several distinct elk hunting opportunities.

Historical drawing competition varies substantially by hunt code.

DE711: Southwest Afognak Bull Elk

The supplied 2026 hunt details identify DE711 as follows.

Detail2026 ReferenceHunt codeDE711AreaSouthwest AfognakLegal animalOne bull elkSeasonSeptember 25–October 9, 2026Permit quota15ResidencyResidents and nonresidents

A historical ADF&G drawing supplement cited in the source reported 2,219 applications for 15 permits, with approximately 1% published historical success.

DE713: Southwest Afognak

The supplied historical research reports:

• 715 applications

• 120 permits

• Approximately 17% historical drawing success

This contrasts sharply with the roughly 1% historical result cited for DE711.

Both are associated with Southwest Afognak, but they represent different hunting opportunities.

The lesson: Never compare Afognak elk hunts using only the island name.

DE715: Unit 8 Remainder

The supplied 2026 research identifies DE715 as an either-sex elk drawing hunt.

Detail2026 ReferenceHunt codeDE715AreaDefined remainder of Unit 8Legal animalOne elk, either sexSeasonSeptember 25–October 9, 2026Permit quota46ResidencyResidents and nonresidents

Historical research in the draft reports 1,526 applications for 50 permits and approximately 3% success.

DE717: Unit 8

The supplied historical data reports 1,333 applications for 50 permits, with approximately 4% drawing success.

DE721: East Afognak

The source reports 1,036 historical applications for 35 permits and approximately 3% success.

DE723: East Afognak

The source reports 841 historical applications for 35 permits and approximately 4% success.

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Alaska Elk Historical Draw Odds Comparison

The following figures summarize historical examples from the supplied research.

Hunt codeGeneral areaApproximate historical successDE702Raspberry IslandBelow 1%DE704Raspberry IslandBelow 1%DE711Southwest Afognak1%DE715Unit 8 remainder3%DE717Unit 84%DE721East Afognak3%DE723East Afognak4%DE713Southwest Afognak17%

Important: These are historical examples from the supplied research, not a uniform single-year dataset or verified 2027 forecasts. The underlying source does not provide a common reporting year for every percentage.

Drawing percentages should also not be confused with harvest success rates.

A hunt with better drawing odds is not necessarily easier to access, less expensive, or more likely to produce a mature bull.

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Alaska Elk Application Strategy: Six Drawing Entries

Under the current system described in the source, hunters may submit up to six drawing-hunt applications per species.

Alaska also allows repeat applications for the same hunt.

This creates two broad application strategies.

Strategy 1: Concentrate Applications on One Hunt

A hunter focused exclusively on a particular hunt, such as DE702, may choose to submit multiple valid entries for that hunt.

This provides multiple random drawing entries for the same opportunity.

It does not guarantee a permit.

Strategy 2: Spread Applications Across Hunt Codes

Hunters who would be satisfied with several different Alaska elk opportunities may prefer to distribute entries across multiple hunts.

This can provide exposure to hunts with different historical competition levels, legal animals, and seasons.

Which Strategy Is Better?

The right approach depends on your priorities.

If you want only one specific hunt, concentrating entries may make sense.

If you want any acceptable Alaska elk opportunity, researching multiple hunt codes may be more useful.

Before choosing, verify that you can afford and access every hunt listed on your application.

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Alaska Elk Application Fees and Nonresident Costs

The supplied research identifies the following current fee structure.

ItemAmount in sourceElk drawing application$5 per huntSix drawing applications$30Nonresident elk locking tag$600Nonresident alien elk locking tag$800

These figures are planning references, not independently verified 2027 prices.

The required Alaska hunting license is separate from the drawing application fees.

Consult the ADF&G License, Stamp and Tag Prices before applying.

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Do Nonresidents Need a Guide for Alaska Elk?

Under the current rules described in the source, U.S. nonresident hunters are not generally required to hire a professional guide solely because they are hunting elk.

This differs from Alaska's mandatory guide requirements for certain other big-game species.

However, hiring a guide may still be practical for remote elk hunts involving boats, aircraft, unfamiliar terrain, or difficult recovery conditions.

Nonresident alien hunters have different guide requirements and should verify them directly with ADF&G.

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Alaska Elk Draw Application Dates for 2027

The source identifies Alaska's standard annual drawing application period as:

November 1 at 8:00 a.m. through December 15 at 5:00 p.m., Alaska Standard Time.

For a hunt occurring during fall 2027, hunters should match the application cycle to the applicable regulatory year.

Alaska's regulatory years do not necessarily align with calendar years.

For example, the 2027–28 regulatory year runs from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.

Confirm the current drawing supplement and official deadlines before submitting.

Does Applying Early Improve Your Odds?

No.

Submitting an application on the first day does not provide a better random drawing number than submitting later during the valid application period.

Applying early is still useful for avoiding website, payment, or deadline problems.

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Alaska Elk Party Applications

Under the current rules described in the draft, two eligible hunters may apply together for applicable drawing hunts.

A two-person party shares one drawing number for the hunt.

If selected, both hunters may receive permits, subject to applicable rules and quota procedures.

Does a Party Application Double Your Odds?

No.

A two-person party does not receive two independent drawing numbers for the same shared application.

The principal benefit is the opportunity to draw and hunt together.

Can Residents and Nonresidents Apply Together?

The source indicates that mixed-residency parties may be permitted when the hunt is open to both and all applicable requirements are met.

Verify the current rules for the exact hunt code.

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Alaska Registration Elk Hunts vs. Drawing Hunts

Not every Alaska elk opportunity requires winning a drawing.

Alaska also offers registration elk hunts under applicable regulations.

Example: RE755

The supplied 2026 research identifies RE755 as a Unit 8 registration elk hunt.

Detail2026 ReferenceHunt codeRE755Hunt typeRegistrationAreaUnit 8SeasonOctober 23–December 31, 2026Permit availabilityUnlimited registration permits, subject to conditionsResidencyResidents and nonresidents

A registration hunt does not have drawing odds in the same sense as DE702.

Hunters obtain the applicable registration permit and hunt under its season, reporting, and closure conditions.

Unlimited permit availability does not mean unlimited elk harvest.

ADF&G may close a registration hunt by emergency order when management conditions require it.

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Can You Get an Undersubscribed Alaska Elk Permit?

Alaska has a process for certain undersubscribed drawing hunts.

When permits remain unissued, ADF&G may make eligible permits available through a separate process.

However, hunters should not assume leftover elk permits will be available in any given year.

Check the official ADF&G Undersubscribed Drawing Hunts listing for actual opportunities.

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Alaska Elk Hunting Access: Raspberry and Afognak Islands

Drawing an Alaska elk permit can be the beginning of a complicated and expensive hunt.

Remote transportation, weather, private-land access, and meat recovery can all influence the experience.

Raspberry Island Access

The source identifies boat and floatplane access as important considerations for Raspberry Island.

Potential access locations include Onion Bay and Raspberry Strait.

Hunters should research transportation availability and weather contingencies before applying.

Afognak Island Private Land

Substantial portions of Afognak Island are privately owned.

Some hunting areas may require access fees or landowner permission.

A state-issued hunting permit does not automatically authorize access to private property.

Before applying for an Afognak hunt, research:

• Land ownership

• Access permissions and fees

• Boat or floatplane transportation

• Lodging

• Meat transport

• Weather delays

• Emergency communication options

A relatively inexpensive drawing application can lead to a costly remote hunt.

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Best Alaska Elk Draw Strategies for 2027

1. Compare Exact Hunt Codes

Avoid relying on broad labels such as "Afognak elk odds."

Each drawing hunt can have different quotas, demand, seasons, and legal animals.

2. Decide Whether You Want One Hunt or Any Elk Opportunity

Your goals determine whether concentrated or diversified applications make sense.

3. Evaluate Multiple Historical Years

Look for changes in application demand, quotas, and hunt structure.

4. Research Residency Eligibility

Do not assume every hunt is open to nonresidents.

5. Confirm the Legal Animal

Bull, antlerless, and either-sex hunts should not be treated as interchangeable.

6. Price Transportation Before Applying

Research boat, aircraft, lodging, and meat-transport costs.

7. Check Private-Land Access

Particularly on Afognak, access arrangements can materially affect hunt feasibility.

8. Consider Registration Hunts

Not every Alaska elk opportunity requires winning a drawing.

9. Separate Draw Odds From Harvest Success

A difficult-to-draw hunt is not automatically an easy hunt after receiving the permit.

10. Don't Wait to Build Points

Alaska has no elk preference-point or bonus-point system.

Eligible first-time applicants can compete in the drawing.

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Alaska Elk Draw Odds 2027: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alaska have elk preference points?

No. Alaska's standard elk drawing does not use preference points.

Does Alaska have elk bonus points?

No. Drawing permits are awarded through a random-number system.

Can a first-time applicant draw Alaska elk?

Yes. There is no accumulated point requirement.

How many Alaska elk drawing applications can I submit?

Under current rules, hunters may submit up to six drawing applications per species.

Can I apply for the same hunt multiple times?

Yes, under the current application rules described in the source.

How much does an Alaska elk drawing application cost?

The supplied current fee is $5 per hunt, excluding the required hunting license.

When is the Alaska elk application deadline?

The standard drawing period identified in the source runs November 1 through December 15. Verify the official deadline for the applicable regulatory year.

Can nonresidents apply for Alaska elk?

Yes, for hunts open to nonresidents.

Do U.S. nonresident elk hunters need a guide?

Generally no, under the current requirements described in the source.

What is the nonresident elk locking-tag price?

The supplied current price is $600 for nonresidents and $800 for nonresident aliens. Verify 2027 prices before purchasing.

Are all Alaska elk hunts drawing hunts?

No. Alaska also offers registration elk opportunities.

What is the hardest Alaska elk hunt to draw?

Certain Raspberry Island hunts have historically been extremely competitive, but difficulty varies by hunt code and year.

What are Raspberry Island elk draw odds?

Some historical Raspberry Island drawing results have been below 1%. These are not confirmed 2027 odds.

Are Afognak elk draw odds better?

Some Afognak hunt codes have shown higher historical drawing percentages, but the exact hunt and access requirements matter.

Does applying six times guarantee a permit?

No. Multiple entries increase drawing opportunities but do not guarantee selection.

Can two hunters apply together?

Yes, for eligible hunts that permit two-person party applications.

Does a two-person party receive two random numbers?

No. The party shares one drawing number for each applicable hunt entry.

Is Afognak Island all public land?

No. Substantial areas are privately owned, and access fees or permission may be required.

Are actual 2027 Alaska elk draw odds available?

Not yet. Actual drawing results depend on the applicable year's applicants, permits, and drawing process.

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Plan Your Alaska Elk Application With TAGZ

Alaska's elk drawing system is different from the preference-point systems used in several other Western states.

There are no accumulated elk points, and hunters can potentially use multiple drawing entries to pursue specific opportunities.

For 2027, the most useful strategy is to compare historical results by hunt code while evaluating the actual hunting experience.

TAGZ was founded by hunters, guides, and outfitters with firsthand experience navigating Western big-game draw systems.

The platform helps hunters research supported draw opportunities, understand application structures, and organize multi-state hunting strategies.

Explore:

• TAGZ Hunting and Draw Planning

• TAGZ Insights

• TAGZ Product

• About TAGZ

For Alaska elk in 2027, compare exact hunt codes, understand the random drawing, research access, and apply only for hunts you are prepared to take.

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Official Alaska Elk Hunting Resources

Alaska Department of Fish and Game — Drawing Hunts

Official drawing applications, regulations, and permit information.

ADF&G Elk Hunting Opportunities

Alaska elk hunting opportunities and area information.

ADF&G License, Stamp and Tag Prices

Current hunting license and locking-tag fees.

ADF&G Undersubscribed Drawing Hunts

Information about undersubscribed drawing permits when available.

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TAGZ Editorial Standards

TAGZ is a hunting draw-odds and hunt-planning platform founded by hunters, guides, and outfitters with firsthand experience navigating Western hunting applications.

Our hunting content prioritizes official wildlife agency information, historical drawing data, practical application strategies, and clear distinctions between permit types.

This article uses the supplied historical Alaska elk drawing research as its basis. Historical application totals, drawing percentages, and 2026 hunt details are labeled as planning references rather than confirmed 2027 outcomes.

Important: Alaska hunt codes, permit quotas, seasons, residency requirements, fees, and application procedures may change. Always verify the applicable 2027–28 ADF&G Drawing Permit Hunt Supplement and current regulations before applying.

Editorial note: Last updated October 7, 2026. Historical figures were retained from the supplied research and were not independently reverified against live ADF&G data for this revision.