Elk hunt applications available

Hunters can now apply for the public drawing to award 40 elk-hunting licenses (15 antlered and 25 antlerless) for this fall's season and 10 licenses for the September 2008 hunt.

A public drawing is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, as part of the Pennsylvania Elk Expo in Kersey. The elk seasons are set for Nov. 5-10, 2007, and Sept. 1-27, 2008.

Hunters may submit applications through the Pa. Game Commission website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

Completing applications online guarantees hunters that their application was received and is in order. It also saves the agency money.

Applicants can choose to be entered in both drawings for the same $10 application fee. Online applications must be paid by credit card and submitted by Aug. 31.

For those who prefer to complete a mail-in form, the agency also has posted a printable application on its website. In addition, an application will be included in the 2007-08 digest provided to each license buyer. Forms submitted through the mail must be received by Aug. 17.

Individuals are not required to purchase a general hunting license to apply for the drawing.

Hunters must indicate whether they would like to be considered for the November 2007 hunt, the September 2008 hunt, or both. Applicants also may indicate their choice for either an antlered or antlerless elk license, or they may select "either."

"The September hunt was formed to address agricultural conflicts," said PGC spokesman Dennis Dusza. "Because these elk tend to move from the agricultural land to forested areas during the early morning, elk remain well hidden, making this an extremely challenging hunt."

Applicants for the November licenses also will be given the opportunity to select a choice of elk hunt zones, or they may select "any." If drawn and their elk hunt zone choice is already filled, applicants will be assigned a specific area. All applicants for the September 2008 elk hunt will be assigned to Elk Hunt Zone 1.

Beginning with the 2003 hunt, unsuccessful applicants began to earn preference points toward future elk hunt drawings. One point is added to an applicant's record for each year he or she submits an application for the elk hunt. For example, a person applying in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 will be entered five times this year.