Pennsylvania has a very small free-ranging herd of elk and the herd is a significant tourist attraction that benefits the local economies and provides recreational hunting and countless hours of wildlife viewing pleasure for an estimated (60,000 – 70,000) approximately visitors annually. Management of these animals is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Game Commission PGC under the authorization under Title 34 of Pennsylvania’s Game and Wildlife Code and Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code.
However, Pennsylvania, native to the Keystone state for elk hunting, the elk was disappeared more than 140 years ago but now according to Pennsylvania Game Commission PGC, there are approximately 1000 Elks in Pennsylvania.
Elk Hunting Season in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania hunters who do not harvest an elk during the regular season and they may participate in the extended season, in which they are permitted to take either an antlered or antlerless elk outside the states Elk Management Area.
Here are the following seasons to hunt elk in this state.
- Archery Season: Sept. 14 – 28, 2019 (5 antlered elks, 10 antlerless elks)
- General Season: Nov. 4 – 9, 2019 (27 antlered elks, 71 antlerless elks)
- Late Season: Jan. 4 – 11, 2020 (29 antlerless elks)
Elk License in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, if you are one of the lucky few hunters whose name is drawn, then you can purchase an elk tag. Tags are available for residents and non-residents, the tag costs $25 for residents and non-residents it’s cost is $250. To apply for an elk hunting license online, you may visit online to www.pgc.pa.gov, click on “Buy a License” icon.
Best Places to Elk Hunt in Pennsylvania
According to the releases in north-central Pennsylvania was successful and the herd now numbers more than 800 approximately. Visitors can easily see the majestic elk in areas of Cameron counties which is considered to be the heart of Pennsylvania elk country. Benezette this town is located along State Route 555 in Elk County. Lycoming County, you may have plenty of opportunities when you visit Slate Run Tackle Shop and the surrounding Areas.
Hunting Gear List in Pennsylvania
Here is the gear list below, which are necessary to carry with you once you are ready to go for hunting in Pennsylvania.
- Hunting License, Driver’s License or other Id’s
- Pennsylvania Guide if Non-Resident
- Camera and Smartphone
- Shelter
- Belt, lightweight pair of gloves
- Billed or Brimmed Hat
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Pants and Underwear
- Lightweight vest
- Shirts long & short
- Hunting Boots
- Socks
- Lightweight Backpack Rain Cover
- Small Flashlight
- Rangefinder
- Quality Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Bow or Rifle with Scope
- Ammo and Ammo Case
- Hunting Knife and Sharpener
- Toilet Paper and Dry Towel
- Black Diamond Strom Headlamp
- Sleeping Bag
- Cooking Kit
- Water Cooler
Pennsylvania Elk Hunting Firearms
If you would like to know about legal firearms in Pennsylvania for elk hunting than check below:
- Any Muzzleloader .44 caliber
- Muzzleloader Rifle or a .50 caliber handgun.
- An original muzzleloading single-barrel long gun .44 caliber or larger, or a .50 caliber or larger handgun, using a single projectile.
- Archery
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