For hunters across the United States, the chance to chase a massive elk in Pennsylvania’s rugged north central region is a dream worth pursuing. With the 2025-2026 elk hunting season approaching, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering 140 licenses through a lottery system, and the deadline to apply is just around the corner—July 13, 2025. This year’s hunt comes with exciting opportunities, high success rates, and some big changes on the horizon for 2026, making now the time to throw your hat in the ring for one of the most thrilling hunts in the Northeast.
A Thriving Elk Population in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to roughly 1,400 wild elk, roaming freely across the scenic landscapes of Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Clearfield, and Centre counties. These majestic animals, some with antlers stretching close to 400 inches, are a testament to the state’s successful elk reintroduction program. According to Jeremy Banfield, the Game Commission’s elk biologist, Pennsylvania’s careful management has led to a healthy population with older, larger bulls compared to many western states. “We produce amazing, close to 400 (inch rack) class, bulls every single year,” Banfield said. The restrictive approach to bull hunting allows these animals to mature, resulting in impressive trophies for lucky hunters.
The elk population is carefully managed through selective hunting to keep numbers in check while preserving the herd’s health. Last year, eight elk were lost to vehicle collisions, and 21 were taken by farmers due to crop damage. The Game Commission tests all harvested elk for diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease, which has affected white-tailed deer in the state for over a decade but has not yet been detected in the elk herd. This vigilance ensures the population remains strong, supporting both hunting and the state’s robust wildlife tourism industry.
The 2025-2026 Elk Hunting Seasons
The Pennsylvania elk hunt is split into three distinct seasons, each offering a unique experience:
- Archery Season (Sept. 13-27, 2025): This season, limited to select Elk Hunt Zones, overlaps with the elk’s mating season, known as the rut. Hunters can expect to hear the iconic bugling of bulls as they compete for mates, adding an electrifying element to the hunt. There are 16 antlered and 11 antlerless licenses available.
- General Season (Nov. 3-8, 2025): Open to rifles, muzzleloaders, and archery gear, this one-week season offers 30 antlered and 38 antlerless tags. It’s a prime time for hunters seeking a traditional big-game experience.
- Late Season (Dec. 27, 2025-Jan. 3, 2026): With 19 antlered and 26 antlerless licenses, this season provides a final chance to bag an elk in the quieter, post-holiday period.
Each season has its own draw, and hunters can apply for all three for a total of $35.91 ($11.97 per season). However, only one tag can be drawn per year. The application process is straightforward, available online at huntfish.pa.gov or through sports shops and county treasurers. The drawing takes place on July 26, 2025, at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette during the annual Elk Expo, a lively event featuring vendors, seminars, and a bull tag raffle.
High Success Rates for Hunters
Winning an elk tag in Pennsylvania is no easy feat—last year, 55,778 hunters submitted 109,780 applications for just 140 licenses. But for those who secure a tag, the odds of a successful hunt are impressive. In the 2024 season, 106 of the 140 tags were filled, with a 90-92% success rate for bull hunters and 60-70% for cow hunters. These numbers are significantly higher than for most other big-game species, making Pennsylvania’s elk hunt a bucket-list opportunity.
One standout story from last year involves Paul Lubowicki, a 69-year-old hunter from Erie. On the second day of the general season, guided by Paul Martin of Trophy Rack Lodge, Lubowicki harvested an 853-pound bull with a 7x7 rack. Spotting the bull the night before, they returned the next morning and found it in a field just 100 yards away. “I’ve shot almost 100 white-tails and I’ve never had buck fever, but today I had elk fever,” Lubowicki shared, capturing the adrenaline of the moment. The heaviest antlerless elk from the same season tipped the scales at 530 pounds, showcasing the sheer size of these animals.
Changes Coming to Elk Hunting in 2026
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has approved several changes that will reshape the elk hunting landscape starting in 2026. These updates aim to balance opportunity for resident hunters, streamline the application process, and preserve the exclusivity of the bull elk hunt:
- Once-in-a-Lifetime Bull Tags: Starting January 1, 2026, hunters who draw a bull elk tag will be ineligible to apply for another in their lifetime. Previously, hunters could reapply after a five-year wait. Those who drew a bull tag before 2026 can still use accumulated bonus points for a second chance, but new bull applications will be off-limits after that date. Bonus points for bull tag recipients will only apply to cow tag drawings moving forward.
- Nonresident Cap: To address concerns from Pennsylvania hunters, the Game Commission will cap nonresident elk tags at 10% of the total allocation starting in 2026. In recent years, nonresident tags reached up to 13%, prompting calls for prioritizing locals.
- Hunting License Requirement: Beginning in 2026, all applicants—resident and nonresident—must hold a valid Pennsylvania hunting license before applying for an elk tag. Resident licenses cost $20.97, while nonresident licenses are $101.97. This change increases the cost for nonresidents, who previously paid just $11.97 per season application without needing a license unless drawn.
- Extended Special Tag Season: For 2025, the season for special licenses awarded through the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) auction and Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) raffle has been extended to run from July 1 to November 8. This allows hunters to target bulls in velvet or address crop-damaging elk earlier in the year. The RMEF tag fetched $275,000 at auction this spring, while the KECA raffle winner will be announced at the Elk Expo on July 27.
These changes reflect the Game Commission’s commitment to managing the elk population while responding to feedback from resident hunters. The once-in-a-lifetime bull tag rule, in particular, ensures that more hunters get a shot at this rare opportunity, though it doesn’t apply to the RMEF or KECA tags.
Why Pennsylvania’s Elk Hunt Stands Out
What sets Pennsylvania’s elk hunt apart is the combination of a thriving elk population, high success rates, and the unique experience of hunting in the Northeast’s Appalachian region. Unlike western states with vast public lands, Pennsylvania’s elk range spans about 3,000 square miles of mixed public and private land, offering a more intimate hunting experience. The rut, peaking in mid-September to October, fills the air with the haunting bugles of bulls and draws thousands of tourists to witness the spectacle against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage.
The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette is a hub for both hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. The 2025 Elk Expo, held July 26-27, is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the outdoors. With over 100 vendors, antler scoring, calling contests, and the live elk tag drawing, it’s a celebration of Pennsylvania’s conservation success. The KECA raffle, with tickets at $25 or six for $100, offers a chance to win a guided bull hunt package, complete with lodging, meat processing, and a shoulder mount.
Tips for Applying and Preparing
To apply, hunters can visit huntfish.pa.gov before 11:59 p.m. on July 13, 2025. Each season application costs $11.97, and applicants can choose from four options: antlered only, antlerless only, either-sex, or point-only (to earn a bonus point without entering the draw). Bonus points are season-specific, so points earned for the general season don’t carry over to archery or late seasons. Successful applicants must purchase an elk license—$25 for residents, $250 for nonresidents—and have a general hunting license if drawn.
For those planning a hunt, studying Elk Hunt Zone descriptions and harvest maps is key. The Game Commission’s website offers detailed resources, including the 2025 Elk Hunt Map Book and annual harvest data. Hunters should consider road access and the mix of public and private land in each zone. While guides aren’t required, contacting the Special Permits Enforcement Division at 717-783-8164 can connect hunters with experienced guides like Trophy Rack Lodge.
Looking Ahead
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is already planning for the future. Banfield is reviewing harvest data and population estimates to potentially increase bull tags in coming years. Proposed changes to Elk Hunt Zone boundaries, expected to take effect in 2026-2027, aim to better align with elk herd movements and identifiable landmarks like roads and streams. These updates will further refine an already successful program, ensuring Pennsylvania remains a top destination for elk hunting.
For hunters dreaming of a trophy bull or a memorable outdoor adventure, Pennsylvania’s elk hunt is an opportunity like no other. With the July 13 deadline fast approaching, now’s the time to apply and join the ranks of those chasing the Northeast’s largest wild elk herd. Whether it’s the thrill of the rut, the challenge of the lottery, or the chance to harvest an 800-pound giant, Pennsylvania’s elk country is calling.
