Elk Hunting in Pennsylvania: Rules, Regulations, and How to Apply

Elk hunting in Pennsylvania is a unique experience that can be both challenging and rewarding. 

Nestled in the heart of the Keystone State's diverse terrain, Pennsylvania's Elk Management Area hosts a robust population of these magnificent creatures. 

However, to maintain a healthy population, the Pennsylvania Game Commission meticulously regulates the hunting process. 

If you're planning an elk hunting trip in Pennsylvania, it's crucial to understand the rules, regulations, and application process.

A Brief History of Elk in Pennsylvania

The history of elk in Pennsylvania is a story of near extinction and successful reintroduction efforts.

Early History and Near Extinction: 

Elk, or Cervus canadensis, were once abundant throughout Pennsylvania. 

In the early 1800s, the elk population was estimated to be around 10,000 bulls and cows. 

However, the elk population began to experience a rapid decline due to over-hunting and habitat loss from widespread deforestation and agricultural development during European colonization. 

By the 1870s, elk were believed to have been extirpated from Pennsylvania.

Reintroduction Efforts: 

Realizing the need to preserve wildlife, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, established in 1895, embarked on efforts to reintroduce elk into Pennsylvania. 

Between 1913 and 1926, the Game Commission released a total of 177 elk into 10 counties within the state. 

These elk were sourced from Yellowstone National Park and other parts of the western United States.

Challenges and Success: 

Initially, the reintroduced elk faced survival challenges. 

The eastern forests were not the same type of habitat the elk were used to in the west, and adjusting to the new environment was difficult. 

Additionally, illegal hunting and car accidents caused additional pressure on the elk population.

However, with protective legislation, habitat management, and educational efforts, the population started to rebound. 

By the 1980s, the elk population had grown enough that they were not only surviving, but also expanding their range.

Recent Developments: 

In the early 2000s, the Pennsylvania Game Commission began efforts to improve elk habitat further and manage human-elk conflicts. 

This included purchasing land for elk habitat, implementing programs to improve existing habitats, and providing education for locals and visitors about elk. 

These measures have paid off, and the elk population has continued to grow. 

As of 2023, the Pennsylvania elk population is estimated to be over 1,000 bull and cow elk.

Elk Hunting Today: 

The increase in the elk population has allowed the Pennsylvania Game Commission to establish a regulated elk hunt, which began in 2001. 

The hunt is managed through a lottery system to keep the population stable and healthy.

Currently, there are 3 different elk seasons - archery season, general, and late season.

Let's get into the process of how to apply for an elk license in PA.

The Elk Hunting Application Process and Lottery System

The first step toward elk hunting in Pennsylvania is applying for the highly sought-after elk hunting license.

The 2023 Elk Application period runs from February 1st through July 16th, 2023.

To apply - you need to create an account or log in to your exisiting HuntFishPA account. 

During this period, interested hunters can apply for 1, 2, or all 3 of the seasons - archery, general, and late season. 

All three seasons include the chance to apply for either bull (male) or cow (female) elk in various Elk Management Zones (14 zones to choose from).

After choosing what zone you want to hunt out of - you'll need to determine if you want to hunt a bull (male) or cow (female) elk. You can also choose no preference for an increased opportunity to hunt a bull or cow if/ when your name is drawn.

If you're not able to hunt, but still want to buy a bonus point (preference point) for future drawings - you can do that as well.

The cost of each elk season application (or season specific bonus point) is $11.97. Meaning, if you were applying for all three seasons, the cost would be $35.91.

Should your name be pulled during the lottery draw, which occurs on Saturday July 29th, 2023, you'll be awarded an elk hunting license. 

PA Elk Hunting Season

The Pennsylvania elk hunting season typically takes place in the fall/winter and has 3 separate elk seasons to choose from which includes archery, general, and late season. 

Below are the dates for the 3 Elk Hunting Seasons in PA:

• Archery Season: Sept. 16-30 2023
• General Season: Oct. 30-Nov. 4 2023
• Late Season: Dec. 30-Jan. 6 2024

As a successful permit holder, you'll be allowed to harvest one elk per year, adhering to the weapon type specified in your permit.

While in the field, hunters are expected to adhere to all hunting regulations. 

These include stipulations about hunting hours, legal weapon types, and compulsory reporting requirements. 

If an elk is successfully harvested, it's the hunter's responsibility to report it to the Game Commission promptly at one of the designated elk check stations.

Preference Points

Despite the tough odds of getting selected for an elk hunting license, there's a silver lining for unsuccessful applicants.

You'll be awarded a preference point for each unsuccessful draw by season, thereby increasing your chances of being selected in subsequent years.

For example, if you have been applying to hunt elk for 5 years and have been unsuccessful - when you go to apply next year, you'll have 5 preference points, as well as the current year's application for a total of 6 chances/entries.

Likewise, if you are successful in drawing an elk tag for a given season, but you applied to all three - bonus, or preference points, will be awards to the other 2 seasons that you didn't successfully draw for.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, "Applicants can only be drawn for one season/tag per year, and all three drawings are held on the same day (July 29, 2023) in consecutive order. For example, if you applied for all three seasons and were drawn for the archery season, your applications for the general and late seasons would be instantly removed and you would be awarded bonus points for those seasons (1 point per season)."

Best Place to Hunt Elk in PA

Hunters from all walks of life converge in north-central Pennsylvania, known as the Elk Management Area, for this special hunting season.

This region is the heart of the state's elk habitat and the only place where elk hunting is permitted.

The Elk Management Area is divided into 14 Elk Hunt Zones. 

When applying for your elk hunting license you'll need to designate at least one zone you'd like to hunt elk in. 

After that one zone preference is selected, you can also enter a fallback option to be awarded whatever zone has available elk licenses during the lottery selection process to ensure a greater chance of being successfully drawn.

Best Time to Hunt Elk in PA

In Pennsylvania, the elk rut, or mating season, typically occurs in the fall, usually starting in mid-September and continuing through October. 

During this time, mature bull elk are known to bugle, a unique call that can be heard for miles, to attract females and assert their dominance over other males. 

They will also engage in displays of strength, such as sparring with rival males, to secure mating rights with the females, or cows.

Taking that information into consideration, the best elk hunting will typically happen during the archery and general season. 

That's not to say you won't have a great elk hunting experience if you were to draw a late season elk tag, but the prime elk hunting action will take place during the archery and general season.

Elk Guides

While it's not a requirement for hunting elk in Pennsylvania, some hunters opt for professional guides' services. 

Guides, who are familiar with the terrain and animal behavior, can increase the success rate and overall hunting experience.

Elk Hunting in PA Recap

Elk hunting in Pennsylvania is more than a pastime; it's a tradition rooted in responsible wildlife management and respect for nature. 

While the rules and regulations may seem stringent, they are in place to ensure the survival of Pennsylvania's majestic elk population for future generations.

Remember, the specifics of Pennsylvania's elk hunting regulations can change, so always check the Pennsylvania Game Commission's official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

To shop our full line of archery, hunting, firearms, and outdoor gear and accessories – visit our website, or better yet, stop by our retail store in person at 1658 Steel Way Drive, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

We're conveniently located off the Rheems/Elizabethtown exit of Route 283.