The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) received 104,250 applications for its 2022 elk hunt, that marks an increase of approximately 5,000 applications from 2021. The process generated more than $1.2 million that will be used for habitat improvements and other projects.
“I love it. It demonstrates an increasing interest in our elk population. Hopefully, that’s amongst younger hunters and youth hunters.” Jeremy Banfield, PGC elk biologist, told the Public Opinion.
Draw results for 60 bull elk tags and 118 cow elk tags will be announced on August 20.
Banfield told the Public Opinion that there are between 1,300 and 1,400 elk in Pennsylvania. PGC recently released a video (see top of post) of an aerial survey that helps biologists figure out population numbers including bull-to-cow and cow-calf ratios so they can better manage elk numbers for their overall benefit.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has a long and active history conducting conservation work in Pennsylvania to help elk and other wildlife. Since 1991, RMEF and its partners completed 524 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in the Keystone State with a combined value of more than $27.8 million. These projects conserved and enhanced 27,957 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 10,189 acres.
(Video credit: Pennsylvania Game Commission)