For the cost of a $25 chance, one lucky hunter will win extended-season bull-hunting opportunity
Being selected to take part in Pennsylvania’s elk hunt is special, but a new opportunity available this year really is something to bugle about.
In addition to the 108 elk licenses to be awarded by lottery on Aug. 16, an additional bull elk license will be raffled off on Aug. 17.
And the raffle’s winner not only will receive an extended opportunity to hunt anywhere on Pennsylvania’s elk range, but will receive a fully guided hunt filmed by a professional crew and, if the hunt is successful, the trophy will be mounted free of charge.
Chances for the Elk Conservation Raffle cost $25 each, or six chances may be purchased for $100, but there is no limit on the number of chances that may be purchased.
And all proceeds from the raffle will stay in Pennsylvania to be used among other things to improve habitat for the state’s elk.
The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will conduct the raffle, which is authorized by a newly passed state law – House Bill 2169 authored by State Rep. Matt Gabler, R-Clearfield and Elk counties.
The raffle winner may not transfer the elk-hunting opportunity to another party. A Pennsylvania general hunting license, as well as an elk hunting license is needed to participate in the hunt.
The license holder also is subject to a background check, and prior game-law violations might prevent the license from being awarded.
Pennsylvania Elk Conservation Raffle tickets may be purchased several ways. They can be purchased online by midnight Aug. 16 at KECA’s Web site;www.ExperienceElkCountry.com, with payment made by credit card via PayPal. They also can be purchased at the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Elk Expo or at the Elk Country Visitor Center.
Purchased ticket stubs must be postmarked and returned by Aug. 11, if mailed to KECA.
The winner of the Pennsylvania Elk Conservation Raffle will be selected during a public drawing held at the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Elk Expo on Aug. 17 at the Elk Country Visitor Center. The winner does not need to attend the drawing to win.
The conservation license can be used from Sept. 1 to Nov. 8. The winner of the Pennsylvania Elk Conservation Raffle will be permitted to hunt in all elk management units open to elk hunting.
The lucky winner can enjoy a six-day fully guided hunt donated by Elk County Outfitters. The guided hunt includes meals and lodging and guide service.
A fully donated shoulder mount has been offered by Cessna’s Taxidermy, of DuBois. And, as an added bonus, the hunt will be filmed by the camera crew from TomBob Outdoors, Friends in Wild Places Adventures Series to be aired on national TV. TomBob Outdoors operates out of Ridgway.
The guide service, taxidermy and film crew are available if the hunter chooses to participate. There is no obligation to use the guide service, taxidermists or the film crew; it is the hunter’s choice.
In addition to authorizing KECA’s Elk Conservation Raffle, House Bill 2169 also authorizes the continuation of the Special Conservation License Auction, which expired in 2013.
The Game Commission will partner with a wildlife conservation organization to auction an elk hunting license to the highest bidder with the proceeds going to benefit conservation programs. More information on the auction will be available at a later date.