HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Game Commission recently announced that 72 elk were taken by hunters during the regular one-week elk season that ended Nov. 9. For those licensed to hunt antlered elk, also known as bulls, the success rate was a perfect 100 percent.

The 2013 harvest included several large elk. Fourteen bulls were estimated to weigh 700 pounds or more, with the heaviest bull taken in this year’s hunt estimated at more than 847 pounds. These included a pair of elk taken by Butler County residents — a 7-by-6 bull weighing 802 pounds harvested Nov. 6 by Donald E. Campbell of Butler and a 6-by-6 bull weighing 784 pounds harvested Nov. 4 by Mark W. Kopar of Mars.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe offered congratulations to the hunters lucky enough to participate in this year’s hunt.

“Congratulations to all of the hunters who took part in the season, and for those of you still awaiting your chance, rest assured more great elk hunting opportunities await in 2014,” he said. “Our annual elk hunt has become quite a tradition here in Pennsylvania and it’s a hunting opportunity we’re proud to provide. The fact we’ve been able to expand the hunt in recent years is a testament to the health and management of our elk herd, and hunts like this year’s are something to get excited about.”

The Pennsylvania Game Commission typically doesn’t release information about license holders, but those who are drawn to participate in the annual elk hunt often give their consent to release their names or other information. Information on successful hunters who do not sign and submit a consent form prior to the hunt is not released.

To participate in the elk hunt, hunters must submit an application, then must be selected through a random drawing and purchase a license. The drawing typically is held in September and annually attracts more than 20,000 applicants.