Heads up, Region 1 hunters: the rules for antlerless elk have changed. If you’re planning on filling your freezer this year, you’ll want to pay attention because FWP has changed up some things:
- B-Tags are Private-Land Only: Those Region 1 Elk B licenses have officially lost their public land credentials. They only work on private ground now, so make sure you have permission before you head out.
- PTHFV Changes: If you’re using a “Permission to Hunt from a Vehicle” (PTHFV) permit, know that it no longer covers antlerless elk in Region 1. Too many folks were taking advantage of this over the years, and the harvest numbers started climbing way higher than the biologists wanted. Everything else about your permit stays exactly the same—it’s just the elk that are off the menu.
- No More Archery Antlerless: Say goodbye to chasing cow elk during archery season in Region 1. The goal here is simple: stop the over-harvesting so the herd can bounce back and get those population numbers climbing again.
Basically, they’re putting the brakes on harvest pressure to help the population. Before you load up the truck, double-check the full 2026 regs so you aren’t caught off guard in the field.
Good luck out there!