Red Cabin Outfitters LLC operates under a permit from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
Arizona Over-the-Counter Elk Hunts
No draw and no bonus points needed. Hunt Arizona elk in 2027 with an over-the-counter tag and a Red Cabin Outfitters guide in the White Mountains.
Fall 2026 is booked. We’re taking requests now for March 2027 cow and any-elk hunts (limited spots) and spring/summer bull hunts through July.
No Draw
Over-the-counter tag from Arizona Game and Fish
From $2,500
Guided 3-day cow elk hunt
March–July
2027 OTC hunt windows
Two OTC Seasons for 2027
March Cow & Any-Elk, Spring–Summer Bulls
Arizona Game and Fish (AZGFD) sets the OTC elk seasons and hunt areas each year. In 2026, AZGFD’s OTC any-elk season ran March 1–31 and the OTC bull season ran April 1–July 31. We expect a similar pattern in 2027 and will confirm dates as soon as AZGFD publishes the new regulations, usually in mid-January.
March: Cow & Any-Elk
Three-day guided cow hunts and five-day any-elk hunts. March is our busiest OTC month, and 2027 spots are limited.
April–July: OTC Bull Elk
Five-day guided hunts for a mature bull during the spring and summer OTC bull season. Open for 2027 requests.
Weapon Rules Vary by Area
Some OTC hunt areas are limited to archery, muzzleloader, or handgun. We’ll match the area to the weapon you want to use.
Honest Expectations
AZGFD notes that elk numbers in the OTC areas are low and success rates are low. We’ll tell you straight what to expect, and we work hard to put you on elk.
Recommended caliber for elk
On our over-the-counter elk hunts, you may only get one clean chance. Bring enough gun.
We recommend a 7mm as the minimum knockdown for elk. That means 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .280 Ackley, and similar 7mm class loads with a tough, controlled-expansion hunting bullet. We have seen too many shots with 6.5 PRC and smaller that simply do not put an elk down the way you need on a one-opportunity hunt.
7mm PRC is an excellent all-around choice for elk and for just about every other big-game animal in North America. Flat enough for longer shots, plenty of energy, and easy to shoot well when you practice with it.
Bullet choice matters as much as caliber: use a premium bonded or monolithic hunting bullet designed for large game, not a light varmint or target bullet.
Quick guide
| Category | Examples | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| Too light for our OTC elk hunts | .243, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and similar | We have seen too many of these fail to finish the job when the first shot has to count. Leave them home for elk. |
| Minimum we recommend | 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .280 Ackley, other true 7mm magnum-class loads | This is the floor for reliable knockdown on elk in our country. |
| Excellent all-around | 7mm PRC | Our favorite middle ground: handles elk well and covers nearly all North American big game. |
| Plenty of horsepower | .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, .308 Win (with a stout hunting bullet), and similar | Fine if you shoot them well. Recoil and practice matter more than bragging rights. |
Practice from field positions with the exact load you will hunt. A well-placed 7mm beats a poorly placed bigger magnum every time — but on OTC elk, start with enough caliber so that good shot has the energy behind it.
Gear up with our partner: Precision Hunting Supply
Need help picking a rifle, optic, or load in these calibers? Our partner Precision Hunting Supply (Mesa, AZ) can help with long-range hunting setups and the rounds we prefer for elk. They specialize in dialed-in rifle systems, optics, and hunting gear — a great resource if you want to show up ready for that one chance.
Phone: (480) 748-2200 | Our sponsors
Red Cabin Outfitters recommendation for hunters booking our guided elk hunts. Always follow AZGFD legal weapon rules for your hunt.
Coming From Out of State?
How the Nonresident OTC Tag Works
1. Request Your Hunt
Pick cow, any elk, or mature bull and send us your preferred dates. We’ll confirm availability by text or email.
2. Buy Your License and Tag
Buy them in person at Arizona Game and Fish, Sportsman’s Warehouse, or Western Drug and General Store in Springerville. They can’t be bought online. If it’s your first Arizona hunt, we’ll walk you through it.
3. Fly In and Hunt
Most hunters fly into Phoenix (PHX) and drive about three hours to Show Low. We’ll help you find lodging close to where we hunt.
Choose Your OTC Elk Hunt
Guide-only prices from our booking page. Junior hunters get 20% off.
Cow Elk
$2,500 · 3 days · guide only
March hunts. Our most popular OTC hunt.
Any Elk
$4,500 · 5 days · guide only
Take a cow or a bull where the area allows any elk.
Mature Bull Elk
$6,000 · 5 days · guide only
Spring and summer OTC bull hunts through July.
Add-Ons
Additional days: $750 per day.
Javelina add-on $1,000 and turkey add-on $500 when seasons line up.
What Our Elk Hunters Say
Five-star Google reviews from our elk hunters.
Michael Coles
★★★★★
“I have hunted with several outfitters throughout the west and can’t say enough good things about…”
Google review
George Ritter
★★★★★
“My family of 5 were guided on an Arizona elk hunt by Kyle and Jake of Red Cabin Outfitters. To say…”
Google review
From the Field
OTC Elk Hunt FAQ
Do I need to apply for a draw?
No. The OTC elk tag is sold over the counter by Arizona Game and Fish. No points and no waiting.
What are my odds?
OTC elk hunting is harder than a premium draw hunt. AZGFD describes elk numbers in the OTC areas as low and expects low success. We can’t promise an elk, but we scout ahead of your hunt and hunt hard every day you’re here.
Where will we hunt?
Most OTC elk areas near the White Mountains are private and state trust land outside the National Forest. We’ll tell you which area we plan to hunt and the access rules before you book.
Can I still apply for the elk draw?
Yes, and you still earn your bonus point. But under AZGFD rules, if you kill an elk on an OTC tag you can’t hunt a drawn elk tag in the same calendar year.
What’s included?
Guide-only hunts include your licensed guide, scouting, and help with field care and getting your elk out. Lodging and meals are up to you, and we’ll point you to hotels and rentals in Show Low.
How do I book?
Tap Request Your Hunt or text us. We’ll confirm dates and details, then you buy your tag.
