Yes, you can hunt elk in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers a limited number of hunting licenses for elk each year.
- Determine the best time to hunt elk in Pennsylvania
- The peak of the rut is generally mid-September to early October, but elk can be hunted throughout the fall hunting season which runs from late September to early December
- Get a Pennsylvania hunting license and any required Elk tags or permits
- You can purchase a license online, at a license issuing agent or County Treasurer’s Office
- Choose your weapon and make sure it is legal for hunting elk in Pennsylvania
- Archery equipment may be used during all deer and bear seasons, while firearms may only be used during specific seasons
- Know where to find elk in Pennsylvania
- Elk are most often found in forested areas with little human activity nearby
- Try to find areas where there has been recent logging activity as this will provide new growth that elks love to eat
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Contents
Where in Pennsylvania Can You Hunt Elk?
If you want to go elk hunting in Pennsylvania, you have several options. The state is home to Elk County, which is unsurprisingly a great place to start your search. Other good counties for elk hunting include Cameron, Clinton, McKean, Potter, and Tioga.
Elk County is home to the largest concentration of elk in Pennsylvania. There are an estimated 3,600 elk living in the county. If you’re looking for a trophy bull, this is probably your best bet.
The area around Sinnemahoning State Park is particularly good for elk hunting. Cameron County has a healthy population of about 2,200 elk. The area around Shippenville is a good place to start your hunt.
Clinton County also has a sizable elk population of around 2,000 animals. Again, the area around Shippenville is worth checking out. McKean County has a smaller but still viable population of around 1,300 elk.
The town of Ridgway is a good starting point for your hunt here. Potter County’s elk population isn’t as large as some of the other counties on this list (around 700 animals), but it’s still worth checking out if you’re in the area. Lastly, Tioga County rounds out our list with an estimated 600-700 elk living within its borders.
How Much Does It Cost to Elk Hunt Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the cost of a elk hunting license is $26.50 for residents and $101.50 for non-residents, plus a $9.90 application fee for all hunters. A successful elk hunt can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on equipment, guides, outfitters, and other factors. The average cost of an outfitted elk hunt in Pennsylvania is around $3,500.
How Do I Get an Elk Tag in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, elk tags are not available for purchase over-the-counter. To get an elk tag, you must submit an application to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and be selected through a random drawing. The PGC offers two types of elk tags: a general hunting license which allows the holder to hunt during the regular season, and a special conservation license which allows the holder to hunt during a specified time period outside of the regular season.
To apply for an elk tag, you must first create an account on the PGC website. Once you have created an account, log in and click on “Apply for License/Permit” under the “License” tab. On the next page, scroll down to “Elk Tags” and select either “General Hunting License – Elk Tag” or “Special Conservation License – Elk Tag”.
If you are applying for a general hunting license, you will be able to select your preferred hunting unit from a drop-down menu. If you are applying for a special conservation license, you will be assigned to a specific hunting unit based on availability. Once you have made your selection, click on “Continue Application” and follow the prompts to complete your application.
Applications must be submitted by April 30th for the following year’s hunting season.
Are There Free Range Elk in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are free range elk in Pennsylvania. The state is home to a healthy population of wild elk that roam freely throughout the forests and mountains. While most of the state’s elk live in the northern and western parts of the state, they can be found in all corners of Pennsylvania.
Elk are a popular game animal for hunters and provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation.
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Pennsylvania Elk Tag Cost
Are you looking to hunt elk in Pennsylvania? If so, you’ll need to obtain a valid hunting license and an elk tag. The cost of an elk tag in Pennsylvania is $26.90 for residents and $51.90 for non-residents.
In addition to the cost of the actual tag, there is also a $2.50 application fee that must be paid when applying for the tag.
Conclusion
Yes, you can hunt elk in Pennsylvania. The state offers a variety of hunting opportunities for elk, including a limited number of permits for bull elk.
