kpatte26

Over the last few weeks a few of my friends and I have kicked around the idea of hunting Elk in Pa since we already live here which could help cut some of the cost, make it easier to scout for elk, and make it easier to have other hunting friends assist with the hunt. Here is a list of the questions that we have so far for the folks who have hunted Elk in Pa....
1. When do we officially apply? From the research I have done it is August of the same calender year that we want to hunt.
2. Is it mandatory or optional to hire a guide?
3. If it is mandatory does the Game Comission keep a list of Guides? Would you recommend a specific guide or guide service?
4. Are there better odds for getting a tag by applying for a specific tag? For example: Antlerless tag, Either sex tag, or Antlered tag?
5. Does it matter which area that is applied for on draw success?
For example: Elk Hunt Zone 2 has 15 tags available versus Elk Hunt Zone 4 which has 2 tags availabe.
6. My research did not specify a weapon specific season like Archery from one time period to another, Firearms from this time period to this time period... Does that mean if I want to use my bow the entire hunt I can or is there a specific time frame to use my bow?
Thanks in advance for the help and I look forward to the feedback!

Bocajnala

Understand, this tag is hard to get. I've basically been applying since I've been allowed to, and so has a ton of other hunters, It's an extremely limited draw. Each year you don't get drawn you will get a preference point. So, each year your odds will be a little better. But they only draw 60 some tags each year. Not many. The rest of your questions are answered here http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...=622076&mode=2
Again, it's not an easy tag to get. You will wait years and years and may never be drawn. If elk is what you want, head west.
-Jake

Muley Hunter

I was going to say it sounds like a really hard tag to get.

Sort of like trying to get a bull moose tag here. You better not be too old when start trying for it.

Bocajnala

Muley, I started at 18, I hope before I gotta hang up my boots that I'll have enough preference points! Last year they had nearly 20,000 apply and drew 60 tags or so. I'd say my odds are slim!
-Jake

Muley Hunter

Yeah, those are lousy odds.

deer charlie

No one should ever plan to hunt Elk in PA. If you do you'll have a lot of disapointments. It is just a tag you can apply for and every 100 years or so you may get drawn. I've applied every year and watch the drawing. I have only ever known one person that was drawn. If you apply next year for the first time, with the people with points, your chances will be less than 1 : 100,000.