But all of that changed briefly in the summer of 1982 when the Game Commission announced it was going to hold a lottery to pick 30 people who would be permitted to kill a Pennsylvania elk. Characterizing elk, or any wildlife, by naming them degrades their wild essence. Results from the Elk Check Station. Bring your friends and family to the Elk Country Visitor Center–an ideal place to see these majestic animals all year round. People are the only predator of adult elk in Pennsylvania. Elk in Potter County Pennsylvania. And a third option is to examine State Forest maps available online or at each State Forests headquarters. Be Mindful of Rutting Season — Mid-September through October is elk mating season. The oldest known cow in Pennsylvania was 32, and the oldest bull was 15. Citing farmers for killing elk causing crop damage was something Game Commission officials wanted to avoid. Point-Only:  Applicant is NOT included in the current years drawing but is awarded the bonus point. The welfare of the elk herd is a shared responsibility. Elk harvested during the general season need to be taken to the check station within 24 hours. Ten of those hunters are in pursuit of bulls, while 16 are hunting antlerless elk. There was no reason to suspect they wouldn't, especially after they moved into the rich farming areas bordering big woods. Bowers wasted little time at the meeting explaining the Game Commission's position on the discussed topics. If you’re looking for affordable guided … Some farmers and residents there were rankled by the suggestion that someone from out of the area would kill their elk. Prior to this Bowers' statement, farmers thought it was illegal to shoot elk for crop damage. We thank you for your patience and understanding. You can check your bonus points through the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS) at huntfish.pa.gov. GPS Coordinates are 41.3233 N and 78.3684 W. Cell coverage on the elk range is sparse. YouTube Videos; SHARE THE FUN. For more details, consult the Elk Hunt Zone Map Book (PDF - 16 MB), Annual Elk Harvest Maps, the Game Commission Mapping Center and maps of the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources' state forests. Please respect private property when viewing elk. Succulent legumes -- alfalfa and clovers -- were also planted on food plots to attract and hold elk on public lands. Persons interested in becoming a guide for Pennsylvania elk hunters should contact the Special Permits Enforcement Division at 717-783-8164. In 1927, hunters harvested 26 bulls marking the state's best harvest since the reintroduction. Most studies during the '80s focused on elk movements and home range. They were something special to observe in the forest; a sight that widened eyes and quickened blood. This reversal of deteriorating range conditions had a very positive effect on the elk. In 1912, the Game Commissioners and agency Executive Secretary Joseph Kalbfus began talking about re-introducing elk in Pennsylvania. The best ski resort in PA. Our family is so lucky to live near Elk Mountain. Check out these Elk Viewing Destinations before your visit. It appeared some sort of management initiative was going to be needed to satisfy growing public concern for elk. GPS DD: Lat. The elk herd we know today originated from 177 elk that were trapped and transferred to northern areas of Pennsylvania. In 1913, Pennsylvania's first shipment of Yellowstone elk arrived by train. Hunters and nature lovers marveled at the large timid beasts. The Elk County Visitor Center will be open every day from 8 a.m. until the close of the check station and a presentation on the history of elk in the commonwealth will run every 30 minutes in the theater. If … Successful archery season elk hunters need to contact the Northcentral Region Office at 570-398-4744. Keystone State. By Joe Kosack, Wildlife Education Specialist- Eastern elk once ranged statewide, but colonization and exploitation by European settlers eventually led to the species demise. Enhancements included aspen clearcuts, which later provided succulent browse, and development of food plots. Home range and movements also varied by season. Respect Private Property — Elk know no boundaries. Where should I go to look for sheds? Today, the elk population is around 1,000-1,200 and can be found in 10 of Pennsylvania’s counties. We thank our partners, Successful applicants who provide a phone number or email will be notified promptly by those methods, others will receive notification by postal mail. Whether or not to out by horses or mules or on pack boards the number adults... Word of the spotlight in the elk Country Visitor Center, which something... Americans, were very destructive in agricultural areas by late September they will lose their antlers right March... 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