Jerry Feaser, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, says that several of the bulls should meet the minimum scores for Boone & Crockett. As further evidence of Pennsylvania's elk quality, the Commission reported earlier this year that a monster bull scoring 406-7/8 non-typical was killed by poachers, who left the antlers and carcass behind. The bull appears to score among the top 30 in Boone & Crockett's non-typical category.
Feaser says plans are underway to offer elk hunting again for 2002. The number of licenses to be offered is undecided as of yet, but Feaser says a small increase is possible, based on the herd's historical growth rate of 10 to 14 percent. This year, seven percent (or two of the 30 available tags) were available to nonresidents. A similar percentage should be available next year. Just be aware that drawing odds will probably be tough. This year, 50,693 people applied for the 30 available permits.
The bright side is that the cost of hunting Pennsylvania elk for a nonresident is only $361 - a $10 application fee, $101 for a nonresident hunting license, and $250 for the nonresident elk license. That's a bargain compared to some of the license rates out West. Applications for next season will be available in early 2002 through the Pennsylvania Game Commission's web site (www.pgc.state.pa.us) or by phone at 717-705-6541. Application deadlines are in May.
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