Do I have to purchase my elk tag before the season opens? Or can I still purchase one after opening day?

You can purchase a tag and use it at any time before or during a general season for elk.  Check the zone you want to hunt for details and be aware that some zone have quotas for tags that may have already been reached. If you were drawn for a controlled elk hunt you would have needed to pick-up your tag prior to August 1st.  After August 1st, all tags not picked-up go into a 2nd chance drawing.   F08