ALASKA - Elk numbers are on the increase in Alaska, but only one bowhunter took a bull in 2004. Contact: Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game, Wildlife Division, 211 Mission Rd., Kodiak, AK 99615; (907) 486-1880; www.state.ak.us/adfg/adfghome.htm

ARIZONA - For 2005, only paper applications will be accepted and all applicants must purchase the $113.50 hunting license. Moisture conditions are always a factor in antler growth. A wet summer = big racks. Contact: Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023-4399; (602) 942-3000; www.gf.state.az.us

ARKANSAS - The 2005 elk season will be comparable to last year's with some minor shifts in opening and closing dates. Permit numbers are the same. Contact: Arkansas Game and Fish Comm., #2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205; (501) 223-6360; www.agfc.com

CALIFORNIA - There will be 40 archery-only tags available this year. The license fee is $100, and you can purchase either a landowner or fundraising tag. Contact: California Dept. of Fish and Game, 1416 Ninth St., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 653-7203; www.dfg.ca.gov

COLORADO - Archery hunters can hunt both rifle and archery season with only one either-sex or bull tag and a second "extra" license in a qualifying GMU. See regs. Contact: Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216; (303) 297-1192; www.dnr.state.co.us

IDAHO - The harvest numbers in the table are from the general season only. Controlled hunt data were not available. There are some new restrictions on motorized vehicle travel, so check regs. Contact: Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, PO Box 25, Boise, ID 83707; (208) 334-3700; www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fish-game.html

KANSAS - A very limited season is confined mostly to Fort Riley Military Post. Bull tags are $251 for residents, $126 for landowners. Antlerless tags are $101 for residents, $51 for landowners. Season lasts three months (any weapon, with some exceptions). Contact: Kansas Dept. Wildlife and Parks, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124; (620) 672-5911; www.kdwp.state.ks.us

KENTUCKY - Hunters took 60 elk last year; archers took two. A new state record bull was taken by gun hunter Rita Tharp. It scored 310 3/8. Contact: Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, KY 40601; 1-800-858-1549; www.state.ky.us/agencies/fw/index.htm

MICHIGAN - The only significant change in this residents-only elk season will be an increase in licenses from 100 to between 120 and 150 for 2005. Contact: Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, Wildlife Management Section, PO Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909; (517) 373-1263; www.michigan.gov/dnr

MONTANA - Elk hunters can bypass the drawing by purchasing an outfitter-sponsored license. The elk-only license costs $877.25, elk/deer combo is $977.25, and you must hunt with an outfitter. The general elk combo license is $640.25. Contact: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 1420 East 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59620-0701; (406) 444-2612; http://fwp.state.mt.us

NEBRASKA - The elk herd is growing in Nebraska and permit numbers will be increased for 2005. Nineteen of the 24 bulls taken (all weapons) in 2004 were 6x6 or larger. Contact: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 Nth. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE 68503; (402) 471-0641; www.ngpc.state.ne.us/homepage.html

NEVADA - Odds of drawing a nonresident archery bull tag were 164 to 1 in 2004. However, the success rate for those hunters was a phenomenal 63 percent! Contact: Nevada Division of Wildlife, PO Box 10678, Reno, NV 89250; 1-800-576-1020; www.nevadadivisionofwildlife.org

NEW MEXICO - Beginning in 2005, elk hunters with bull tags will have a 5-point restriction in GMU's 4, 16, and 34. State is CWD-free so far. Contact: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, PO Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87504; 1-800-862-9310; www.wildlife.state.nm.us