My friend Greg was talking about a recent sight seeing trip he made up to the Pennsylvania Wilds Region.

This area encompasses the north central part of Pennsylvania above Interstate 80. He and another of his friends drove up to the Benezette and the surrounding area with the goal of seeking a view of Pennsylvania’s elk herd.

According to Greg, they were successful and had a grand opportunity to view some elk close up. We both became interested in the Pennsylvania elk herd years ago when we heard a presentation by Rawley D. Cogan, a Wildlife Game Biologist for the PGC at that time.

Rawley gave us more information than we could absorb on the habits, habitat and projects taking place with elk in our commonwealth. At that time, I decided to place my name in for the annual elk drawing for a coveted elk hunting license.

Each year, between 100-125 hunters were being chosen by a random draw to be given the opportunity to harvest a Pennsylvania elk.

The draw is in August of each year and hunters must submit a $10.90 application fee to be included in the drawing. The application fee proceeds remain in Pennsylvania and go directly on the ground to support conservation education programs, habitat improvement and permanent land protection projects.

I have participated in the draw for 15 years and unfortunately wasn’t very successful in having my name selected. That is until this past week, when I received a phone call from the Elk Country Visitors Center.

The caller identified himself as a biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. At first, I thought of my buddies and that this could be one of their practical jokes. I stayed calm and reserved about the call until he gave me the news that I had indeed been lucky enough to draw an elk tag for the November PA elk hunt.

The biologist went on to discuss the things that I would need to complete the process as he confirmed my address and license information. The area that was assigned to me was Zone 3 and I would have a cow tag for the hunt.

I asked him about Zone 3 and if it was a good area for my hunt. He responded with a reply of none any better and that I would find out for myself. The hunt is scheduled for the week of Nov. 5-10 and I would have six hunting days to fill my tag. He would mail me a packet to complete and study during the upcoming week.

I would be required to purchase a PA elk license for $25 as well as have my current 2018-19 PA general hunting license.

I found that Zone 3 was not far from the Saint Marys’ area and State Game land 14 and then went down to the Dents Run/Hicks Run areas.

This area was the boundary area between Elk County and Cameron County. I was very familiar with the mountainous terrain as years ago we drew bobcat permits and hunted the same area.

During our hikes back into the trail, we did get an opportunity to walk up on a herd of elk feeding in a grassy meadow clear cut. From my past experience and what the biologist expressed, I have a feeling that elk may definitely be roaming this area.

Finding the elk, harvesting an elk and getting it out to a check station poses a whole new set of challenges for an old timer like me.

Getting into hunting shape physically will be a priority and will definitely be an incentive to get back on the hiking trails. Picking a rifle and ammunition will be another area for emphasis as well as spending time at the range honing in on my marksmanship.

All we can ask for is the opportunity and it sure seems that lady luck was smiling on me this week. It’s up to the hunter to take advantage of a once in a lifetime chance to hunt a Pennsylvania elk in the Wilds of PA.

Hopefully this will lead to a successful hunt and adventure after trying to get the license for 15 years.

Turkey survey

The PGC is asking for help from hunters in completing the 2018 turkey survey.

The survey can be found on the PGC website and is a management tool for the biologist studying the wild turkey survival and hatching rates. I know that this year the hen to poult ratio around my area is very low.

There has been anywhere from one to a group of five showing up around the woods and fields, I actually have seen more mature gobblers than youngsters.

Weather plays a large role in the spring hatch and we had plenty of rain that bodes poorly for young turkey survival.

Until we meet again, keep on hiking and getting ready for those hills!

,em>Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle