Applications now being accepted for elk licenses

Hunters hoping to be selected for one of the 45 elkhunting licenses being issued by the Pa. Game Commission this year may now apply.

A public drawing will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Pennsylvania Elk Expo to distribute 17 antlered and 28 antlerless licenses.

Hunters can complete and submit applications online at the website pgc.state.pa.us. A $10 non-refundable fee must be submitted by credit card payment.

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 Hunting and Trapping Digest provided to each license buyer.

Forms submitted through the mail must be received by Aug. 15. The elk-hunting season is Nov. 3-8 on management areas located mostly in Elk and Cameron counties.

Licenses have already been awarded for the Sept. 1-27 elk hunt on limited areas where the animals have been causing property damage. There will be no September hunts after this year.

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 example, a 2008 applicant who also applied in 2003 through 2007 will be entered six times.