upcoming elk seasons Pennsylvania USA
May 31st, 2005 by Administrator
Getting ready for elk hunting
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By Karl J. Power
Changes for the upcoming elk seasons are evident this year, with the game commission’s recent approval of the November 2005 and September 2006 elk hunts to take place through one lottery-type drawing.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has announced that they have started accepting applications from those interested in entering the public drawing for one of 40 elk hunting licenses. The 40 elk licenses include tags for 10 antlered and 30 antlerless elk.
Also available at this time are tags to be drawn for 10 elk licenses (two either-sex and eight antlerless) for the September 2006 elk hunt.
The public drawing for elk licenses is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24.
The exact time and location will be announced later this year - but most likely it will take place during the Elk Expo being held in Elk County. @
The elk seasons are set for Nov. 7-12, 2005, and Sept. 18-23, 2006.
Applicants this year will be given the opportunity to select their first and second choices of elk management areas, or they may select “any.”
If drawn and the hunter’s first and second choices for hunting areas are already filled, applicants will be assigned a specific area by the Game Commission.
Those applying for an elk license will have the option to indicate whether they would like to be considered for the November 2005 hunt, the September 2006 hunt or both.
Applicants also may indicate their choice for either an antlered or antlerless elk license, or they may select “either.”
For those who select “antlered only,” if they are drawn after the antlered licenses are allocated, they will not receive an elk license.
For those who do receive an antlered elk license, they will not be permitted to re-apply for future elk hunting opportunities for five years.
Apply online or by mail
To make the application process easier to be a part of the elk license drawing, the agency is offering potential elk hunters two ways to apply for a chance at the elk license drawing this fall.
To better serve its customers, the Game Commission has enabled hunters to complete and submit applications on-line through the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Just click on “2005 Elk Hunt Information” on the homepage and then “Apply Online.”
“Completing applications online guarantees hunters that their application was received and that they will be included in the public drawing, and reduces concerns about lost mail or late arrivals,” said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director.
Ross explained that in addition to cutting the agency’s administrative costs, those filing online reduce the chance of having their application declared ineligible, because the filing system notifies individuals who attempt to submit an incomplete application.
For those who prefer to complete a mail-in form, application are available in the 2005-06 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer.
Applications also can be printed from the agency’s Internet website for mail-in applications.
Forms submitted through the mail must be accompanied by a check or money order (do not send cash) for $10 made payable to “Pennsylvania Game Commission,” and must be received in the Game Commission’s post office box by Aug. 29.
Mail-in applications must be mailed to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Elk License Application, P.O. Box 61890, Harrisburg, PA 17106-1890.
A $10 non-refundable fee must be submitted with the mail-in or on-line application.
Online applications must be accompanied by a credit card payment (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express), and must be submitted by Sept. 19.
“If they so choose, applicants also will have the benefit of being included in drawings for both the November 2005 elk hunt and the September 2006 hunt for the same $10 application fee,” said Ross. “So, hunters automatically increase their chances of being drawn for one season or the other.”
Any hunter awarded an elk license for a given year whose military obligation prevents him or her from hunting the elk season for which the license was issued will be eligible to hunt in the next available elk season.
Elk guides
Individuals, especially people who live in the elk range or are familiar with the elk herd, may apply for a permit to serve as a guide for those who receive an elk license.
Guides may provide assistance in locating, calling or tracking elk, but may not drive for or harvest elk.
Guide permits will be $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.
Permit applications may be obtained only from the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters. Completed applications must be received at the headquarters no later than Sept. 19.
Guide permits are required for those who plan to participate in locating, calling or tracking for elk.
Family members and friends accompanying the elk hunter, but not participating in the hunt, do not need to obtain an elk guide permit.
Licensed elk hunters may choose to use a guide who has been properly permitted, although it is not a requirement to do so.
Driving or herding of elk is illegal, and the laws against pushing elk into a shooter’s range will be strictly enforced.
Outlook and benefits good
Based on population and reproduction data collected over the past three decades, the Game Commission estimates the elk herd will number around 600 animals by this fall’s season.
The Game Commission intends to continue dedicating a portion of the revenues generated from the elk license applications received for the elk license drawing to habitat improvement within the elk range.
The habitat work is intended to direct and hold elk to public areas within the 835-square-mile elk range to reduce impacts to private property and elk-related conflicts, as well as to enhance regional viability of elk watching and related outdoor tourism.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s elk herd, visit the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Wildlife,” then choose “Elk in Pennsylvania.”