Hunting elk is a truly special experience, and you might be surprised to learn that you can do it right here in Pennsylvania.
Thanks to conservation efforts, the elk population in north central PA has grown significantly over the last century. Now, both residents and non-residents have the chance to participate in these unique elk hunts in PA through a lottery system.
This article will cover the details of the elk lottery, explain the regulations you’ll need to follow, and discuss the option of guided hunts. We’ll also touch on why elk hunting is important to Pennsylvania from both an economic and recreational standpoint.
Understanding the Pennsylvania Elk Lottery and Regulations
If you’re hoping to hunt elk in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to understand how the lottery system works and what the current regulations are.
The Elk License Application Process
Pennsylvania uses a lottery system to award elk licenses. The deadline to apply is usually around July 13th, and the drawing is held at the Elk Expo on July 26th.
For the 2025-2026 seasons, there will be 140 licenses offered: 65 bull tags and 75 cow tags.
Demand is high, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get selected. Last year, 55,778 hunters purchased 109,780 applications, all vying for a limited number of tags.
New Regulations for 2026
Keep in mind that there are some new regulations in place for the 2026 season. All hunters must now hold a valid Pennsylvania hunting license before applying for an elk tag. A resident hunting license costs $20.97, while a non-resident license is $101.97.
Also, non-resident elk tag awards are capped at 10% of the total. There’s also a “one-time opportunity” regulation for bull elk tags in 2026, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the details before applying.
Pennsylvania Elk Hunting Seasons and Success Rates
If you’re interested in hunting elk in Pennsylvania, here’s what you need to know about the different seasons and their success rates.
Overview of Elk Hunting Seasons
Pennsylvania offers three distinct elk hunting seasons:
- Archery Season: September 13-27
- General Season: November 3-8
- Late Season: December 27-January 3
High Success Rates
Pennsylvania is known for its impressive elk hunting success rates. Hunters with bull tags typically see a 90-92% success rate, while those with cow tags experience a 60-70% success rate.
In 2024, the heaviest bull elk harvested weighed 853 pounds and sported a 7×7 rack. The heaviest antlerless elk taken weighed in at 530 pounds.
Guided Elk Hunts: An Option for a Successful Experience
If you’re new to elk hunting, or even if you’re a seasoned hunter looking to increase your chances of success, a guided elk hunt can be a great option. A good guide will have expert knowledge of the local elk populations and the best hunting areas. With their expertise, you’ll likely have a much better shot at bagging an elk.
One outfitter to consider is Quehanna Outfitters, a family-owned and operated business in the heart of Pennsylvania elk country.
Quehanna Outfitters: A Closer Look
Quehanna Outfitters boasts impressive success rates, with a 100% success rate for bull hunts and a 95% success rate for cow hunts. Their hunt packages include comprehensive field care, assistance at check stations, skinning and quartering services, and butcher recommendations.
They also offer complimentary hunter lodging in either a historic farmhouse or rustic wall tents, depending on your preference. Meals are available for $50.00 per day per guest, and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Quehanna Outfitters emphasizes ethical hunting practices and strict adherence to all Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations, so you can be sure you’re hunting responsibly.
Elk population management and challenges
Hunting is the main way Pennsylvania manages its elk population. The Pennsylvania Game Commission oversees the hunts and sets quotas to make sure the elk population remains healthy and balanced within its habitat.
Besides hunting, there are other factors that can impact how many elk there are in the state. For instance, in a recent year, eight elk were fatally injured in vehicle collisions, and another 21 were shot because they were causing crop damage.
Wildlife officials are also keeping a close eye on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal illness that affects deer, elk, and moose. If CWD were to spread significantly among the elk population, it could pose a serious threat to the herd’s long-term health and stability.
Not a hunter? See Pennsylvania’s elk anyway!
If hunting isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy Pennsylvania’s elk! The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) works to promote elk viewing and conservation efforts. They offer several viewing locations and educational programs.
The annual Elk Expo celebrates Pennsylvania’s elk and the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities. At the Expo, you can watch the annual elk tag drawing and participate in other activities.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has also contributed significantly to elk conservation efforts in Pennsylvania and across the country.
Wrapping Up
Pennsylvania’s elk hunt is a special opportunity, offering a chance to experience the thrill of pursuing these magnificent animals in a beautiful setting.
Remember, the key to participating in this hunt is entering the lottery, understanding the regulations, and considering the benefits of a guided hunt to increase your chances of success.
Finally, let’s not forget the importance of ethical hunting and conservation. By following fair chase principles and supporting conservation efforts, we can all play a part in ensuring that Pennsylvania’s elk population thrives for generations to come.