Best Elk Units You Can Draw With 0 Points (2026)
Introduction
A lot of hunters think you need a pile of points to have a good elk hunt out West. That mindset keeps people waiting year after year instead of actually getting out there. The truth is, there are still plenty of elk units you can draw with zero points if you know where to look and you’re realistic about what kind of hunt you’re getting into. You’re probably not chasing 380-inch bulls, but you are getting into elk country with a real shot at filling a tag.
What “0 Point Units” Really Mean
When you’re talking about zero-point elk units, you’re not talking about trophy-managed areas. You’re talking about opportunity. These are places where elk numbers are solid, pressure is manageable if you hunt smart, and the draw odds don’t require years of waiting. For most hunters, especially non-residents, this is the lane that actually keeps you hunting instead of just applying.
Colorado — One of the Best Starting Points
Colorado is still one of the best states for zero-point elk hunting simply because of how many units exist and how the system is set up. While true trophy units take decades to draw, there are second and third rifle season units that can be drawn with zero points depending on the year. Units like 18, 28, 37, 181, 211, and parts of 301 fall into that category from time to time. They’re not unknown, but they don’t carry the same demand as top-tier units. If you’re willing to hunt later seasons and deal with weather, these can be solid hunts. The key in Colorado is avoiding the mindset of chasing the “best unit” and instead focusing on what you can actually draw now.
Wyoming — General Tag Strategy
Wyoming isn’t technically a zero-point slam dunk for non-residents, but it’s close enough that it belongs in the conversation. Some general tag regions can be drawn with zero or very few points depending on the year and quota changes. Areas like 21, 23, 24, and 25 fall into general regions that offer a lot of country and consistent elk numbers. You’re not in a premium unit, but you’re in good elk habitat with room to move. For residents, this is even easier, and it’s one of the best ways to hunt elk regularly without overthinking the system.
Idaho — True Zero Point Hunting
Idaho is as close as it gets to a true zero-point elk state. There’s no preference or bonus point system, so every year you have the same chance as everyone else. Zones like Salmon, Sawtooth, Middle Fork, and Weiser River all offer opportunity. The catch is physical effort. Idaho hunts tend to be steep, thick, and demanding, which naturally keeps pressure lower in certain areas. If you’re willing to work, Idaho might be one of the best ways to hunt elk consistently without ever worrying about points.
Montana — General Tag Opportunity
Montana’s general elk tag can often be drawn with zero points for non-residents depending on the year, and residents have even easier access. Units in regions like 320, 321, 322, 411, and 417 all fall under general hunting areas where elk are present and accessible. These aren’t easy hunts, and pressure can move elk quickly, but there’s enough country to spread out and find them. Montana is less about finding the perfect unit and more about covering ground until you get into elk.
New Mexico — The Wildcard Play
New Mexico is always worth mentioning because it ignores the entire point system. You could draw a top-tier tag your first year, or you could go years without hitting. Units like 13, 15, 36, and even parts of 51 offer solid elk hunting without the same level of demand as the well-known trophy units. Since it’s all random, every application matters. It’s not something you build a plan around, but it’s something you never skip.
What Makes These Units Work
The biggest thing these units all have in common is they give you a chance. Not a guaranteed hunt, not an easy hunt, but a real one. Most of the time, success in these areas comes down to hunting away from roads, adjusting when pressure hits, and staying mobile instead of sitting in one spot. It’s less about the unit and more about how you hunt it once you’re there.
The Mistake Most Hunters Make
A lot of hunters get stuck chasing high-point units because they think that’s the only way to have a good hunt. In reality, they end up missing years of experience while they wait. The better move is to hunt now, learn now, and build experience while still applying for better tags in the background.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need points to hunt elk out West. You just need to be willing to adjust your expectations and hunt smart. The guys who improve the fastest and stay the most consistent aren’t always hunting the best units, they’re the ones hunting the most. And these zero-point opportunities are how you make that happen.
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