Elk Hunting - The ultimate experience
No longer do I need to dream about heading out west to participate in what I think is the most prestigious of hunts. In 2001, Pennsylvania brought back elk hunting and now there are wonderful experiences awaiting those who are chosen through a lottery to participate in the hunt. Elk hunting is something that hasn’t been done in the state of Pennsylvania since the 1930’s. It gives people the chance to hunt an animal that has thrilled hunters for hundreds of years.
To participate, hunters need to spend $10 for the opportunity to go on what I think is the hunt of a lifetime. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) awards a number of antlered and antlerless licenses each year to a lucky group of hunters. The elk hunting season usually runs in September and November. Every year that you enter into the drawing for the hunt, you are given a preference point for every year after that you enter. For instance, this year will be the third year that my husband is entering the drawing for elk hunting in Pennsylvania and he’s at an advantage as compared to those who might be entering for just the first time this year. The elk hunting drawing is not just limited to residents of Pennsylvania either; residents of all states are eligible.
Of course, if you don’t want to wait to find out if you’ll be one of the lucky hunters picked for elk hunting in Pennsylvania, there are many outfitters in western states such as Montana, Wyoming and Colorado where you can book a hunt with guides that lasts anywhere from 3-7 days and you are guaranteed a trophy bull. The cost of these hunts can range from $1500 to $4000 depending on what your preference is, but in my opinion, they would be worth every penny. You can find information and countless resources available on the net for thousands of outfitters who specialize in elk hunting that are just waiting to send you on this fabulous hunt.
To me, there’s nothing more exhilarating than hearing the sound of a bugle. It literally sends chills throughout my body. To be able to experience that while elk hunting would be simply amazing. I’ve often thought about what the thrill would be like to hunt other game such as moose, caribou or black bear, none of which I have ever done yet, but there’s really no comparison. To get the opportunity to participate in elk hunting would ultimately be the hunt of a lifetime for both my husband and I. Whether it’s in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania or the Rocky Mountains out west, it’s something we look forward to hopefully being able to do someday.