Online Applications Now Being Accepted for Elk License Drawing; Elk Applicants
Can Take Advantage of Video Offer
HARRISBURG, Pa., May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Game
Commission has started accepting applications from those interested in
entering the public drawing for one of 45 elk hunting licenses (17 antlered
and 28 antlerless) to be made available for the Nov. 3-8 elk season. The
public drawing is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, and will be conducted as
part of the 2008 Elk Expo.
To better serve its customers, the Game Commission has enabled hunters to
complete and submit applications online through the agency's website
(www.pgc.state.pa.us). Just click on "2008 Elk Application" in the center of
the homepage and then "Apply Online."
"Completing applications online guarantees hunters that their application was
received and that they will be included in the public drawing, and reduces
concerns about lost mail or late arrivals," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission
executive director. "And, in addition to cutting the agency's administrative
costs, those filing online reduce the chance of having their application
declared ineligible, because the filing system notifies individuals who
attempt to submit an incomplete application."
A $10 non-refundable fee must be submitted with the application. Online
applications must be accompanied by a credit card payment (VISA, MasterCard,
Discover or American Express accepted), and must be submitted by Aug. 29.
For those who prefer to complete a mail-in form, the agency also has posted a
printable application on its website. In addition, an application will be
included in the 2008-09 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping
Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer.
Forms submitted through the mail must be accompanied by a check or money order
(do not send cash) for $10 made payable to "Pennsylvania Game Commission," and
must be received in the Game Commission's post office box by Aug. 15. Mail-in
applications must be mailed to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Elk License
Application, P.O. Box 61890, Harrisburg, PA 17106-1890.
Hunters also may complete applications over-the-counter at the Game Commission
offices by Aug. 15.
"By law, only one application is permitted per person," Roe said. "If a
person submits more than one application, all of his or her applications will
be declared ineligible and the individual will be subject to prosecution. All
application fees are non-refundable."
Because the application period opens before the 2008-09 hunting licenses go on
sale, individuals are not required to purchase a general hunting license to
apply for the drawing. However, if they are drawn for one of the elk
licenses, hunters then will be required to purchase the appropriate resident
or nonresident general hunting license and view an elk hunt orientation video
provided by the Game Commission before being permitted to purchase the elk
license. The elk license fees are $25 for residents and $250 for
nonresidents.
In 2006, the Game Commission held its first September elk season in an attempt
to provide farmers suffering severe crop damage relief by allowing hunters an
opportunity to harvest the animals. However, after two seasons, 20 hunters
harvested only four elk due to the high proportion of private property and
very limited hunter access to this property.
Despite extensions approved, hunters continued to record their dissatisfaction
with the hunt, and farmers continued to endure damages. So, in January, the
Board of Game Commissioners voted to drop further September elk hunts beyond
the previously-approved hunt set for Sept. 1-27, 2008, due to limited success
and hunter satisfaction. Those selected for the 10 licenses - two either sex
licenses and eight antlerless elk licenses - were drawn as part of the public
drawing held on Sept. 14, 2007.
Those previously awarded antlered or "either sex" elk licenses are not
eligible to apply for five license years from the year in which they were
selected. All others, including those hunters awarded antlerless elk licenses
in the previous hunts, are eligible to apply for this year's elk hunt.
Those applying for an elk license will have the option to indicate their
choice for either an antlered or antlerless elk license, or they may select
"no preference." For those who select "antlered only," if they are drawn
after the antlered licenses are allocated, they will not receive an elk
license.
Applicants also will be given the opportunity to select a choice of elk hunt
zones, or they may select "no preference." If drawn and their elk hunt zone
choice is already filled, applicants will be assigned a specific area by the
Game Commission. To assist applicants in making this decision, information
about the elk hunt zones is posted on the website along with the application.
This information also will be included in the 2008-09 Digest.
Beginning with the 2003 hunt, unsuccessful applicants began to earn preference
points toward future elk hunt drawings. To participate in the preference
system, an applicant must provide his or her Social Security Number. For
those who do not have a Social Security Number, call the Game Commission at
717-787-2084 for instructions.
As part of the preference system, one point is added to an applicant's record
for each year they submit an application for the elk hunt drawing and are not
drawn. When a hunter with preference points applies for an elk license
drawing, his or her name is added to the drawing an extra time for each
preference point he or she has accumulated. For example, a person applying in
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and also applies this year, will be entered six
times.
Preference points are carried forward until an applicant is drawn; there is no
requirement that applications be made in consecutive years to retain
preference points. However, individuals must apply to have their preference
points entered for a given license year.
Any hunter awarded an elk license for a given year whose military obligation
prevents him or her from hunting the elk season for which the license was
issued will be eligible to hunt in the next available elk season.
Hunters drawn for an elk license will receive an elk hunt orientation video
that they are required to watch and share with any guide that they may hire.
Individuals, especially those who live in the elk management area or are
familiar with the elk herd, may apply for a permit to serve as a guide for
those who receive an elk license. Guides may provide assistance in locating,
calling or tracking elk, but may not drive for or harvest elk. Guide permits
will be $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. Permit applications may
be obtained from the Game Commission's Harrisburg headquarters. To be
eligible to elk hunt guide, completed applications must be received in the
Harrisburg headquarters no later than Aug. 15.
Guide permits are required for those who plan to participate in locating,
calling or tracking for elk. Family members and friends accompanying the elk
hunter, but not participating in the hunt, do not need to obtain an elk guide
permit.
Licensed elk hunters may choose to use a guide who has been properly
permitted, although it is not a requirement to do so. Driving or herding of
elk is illegal.
For more information on Pennsylvania's elk herd, visit the agency's website
(www.pgc.state.pa.us), choose "Hunting," then click on the elk photo.
ELK APPLICANTS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF VIDEO OFFER
Applicants for this year's elk license drawing can take advantage of a special
video offer from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. For $16.25 an individual
can apply for the elk hunt and receive a copy of the agency's award-winning
video, "Pennsylvania Elk: Reclaiming the Alleghenies." This video offer is
not available through "The Outdoor Shop."
The 85-minute video was sifted from 125 hours of field video gathered over a
two and a half year period in the wilds of Cameron, Elk and western Clinton
counties. The video contains unparalleled elk close-ups, an intriguing look
at elk natural history, eye-opening footage and insightful commentary.
Those interested should complete the "Special Offer" order form box on the
application in the 2008-09 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting & Trapping
Regulations, along with the Elk License Application, and mail it with one
check or money order made payable to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for
$16.25 ($10 for the elk license drawing, $5 for the video and $1.25 for
shipping and handling of the video).
For those who applied for the elk hunt via the agency's website and decide
they want to take advantage of the video offer, write the online order number
on the elk video form on the application, and send it to: Pennsylvania Game
Commission, Elk License Application, P.O. Box 61890, Harrisburg, PA
17106-1890, along with a check or money order for $6.25 ($5 for the video and
$1.25 for shipping and handling of the video). Do not attempt to submit more
than one application for the elk hunt drawing, as submitting two applications
is a violation of the law.
Note to Editors: If you would like to receive Game Commission news releases
via e-mail, please send a note with your name, address, telephone number and
the name of the organization you represent to: PGCNews@state.pa.us
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNEWS@state.pa.us
SOURCE Pennsylvania Game Commission
Jerry Feaser of Pennsylvania Game Commission, +1-717-705-6541,
PGCNEWS@state.pa.us
