PGC study estimates elk herd size at 700; sheds light on survival rate

A Pa. Game Commission report released this week estimates Pennsylvania's elk herd at more than 700, with the majority residing in Elk and Cameron counties.

PGC also reported on the results of its most recent research as part of the longterm elk management plan.

A multi-year calf study has yielded details on movements, dispersal, habitat usage and survival. Selected calves are fitted with collars that transmit signals.

Survival rate over the first two years of the study has been almost 90 percent and initial 2007 results show the same pattern. Causes of death so far have been documented as illegal harvest, legal harvest and pneumonia.

During a previous elk calf study more than a decade ago, survival rate was about 70 percent. Future studies will include yearlings, which appear to be more affected by the fatal brainworm disease.

The wild elk inhabiting Pennsylvania today are descendents of 24 released in Cameron County in 1915, and 10 released in Elk County between 1924 and 1926. Elk were protected from 1932 until the state held its first modern elk hunt in 2001.

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 pgc.state.pa.us. Online applications must be paid by credit card and submitted by Aug. 31. Forms submitted through the mail must be received by Aug. 17.