Game Commission notebook
Aug. 31 is deadline to purchase muzzleloader license ELK AND BOBCAT DRAWINGS: In addition to antlerless deer license application deadlines, Pennsylvania hunters and trappers are reminded about the upcoming deadlines for submitting applications for one of the 545 bobcat permits and 70 elk licenses to be awarded during separate public drawings.ELK HUNT ON WEBSITE: As hunters begin submitting their applications for the public drawing of 70 elk licenses for the 2002 season, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has posted on its website a new feature to offer a look back at the 2001 elk season. To view the new section, go to the agency’s homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the “Think Elk!” icon.
“Pennsylvania’s first modern-day elk hunt in more than 70 years, provided 30 fortunate hunters the opportunity to pursue one of North America’s most sought after big game animals,” said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director. “The Game Commission developed this website to acquaint hunters with the unique hunting opportunities and fantastic experiences awaiting those individuals who are chosen to participate in the Commonwealth’s annual limited elk hunt. It’s an unparalleled chance to wade into the Allegheny Mountains after a quarry that up until 2001 hadn’t been hunted in the state since the 1930s.”
The public drawing to select the 70 elk hunters for 2002 will be held on Saturday, Sept 28, as part of the regional elk expo. The exact time and location will be announced in the near future.
Ross also noted that the Game Commission has pledged to earmark the first 10,000 application fees ($100,000) for habitat improvement in the elk range. (For more information on this pledge and the results of the 2001 elk season, see Game Commission News Release #102-01 in the “Newsroom” on the agency’s website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.)