Bobcat, elk hunting licenses to be awarded

Deadlines are drawing closer for bobcat and elk-hunting licenses in Pennsylvania.

Bobcat hunters and trappers have until Sept. 1. Deadline for elk-hunting licenses is Aug. 28.

Both applications can be accommodated by the Game Commission's new automated license system, found on the agency's website, pgc.state.pa.us, or through any issuing agent, including county treasurers.

Some 1,780 bobcat permits will be issued. The bobcat hunting season will take place Oct. 24 through Feb. 20. The trapping season will be held from Oct. 25 through Feb. 21.

The Game Commission will award 50 elk licenses. The first 20 drawn will received an antlered license and the next 39 will be awarded an antlerless license.

Applicants have the opportunity to identify their elk hunt zone preference, as well as their preference for an antlered or antlerless elk license, or they may select "any."

"Preference points," based on the hunter's number of previous applications for the drawings, give the applicant a higher chance of being awarded a license when the Game Commission draws names on Sept. 11.