Those applying for elk licenses can select which zones they would like to hunt. Big bulls, as well as a huntable population of elk, can be found in each of the 14 zones. Below is a brief synopsis of the zones. Elk hunters are encouraged to spend some time in Pennsylvania’s elk country to become familiar with the area in advance of the hunting seasons.
ELK HUNT ZONE 1: This zone is open to any licensed elk hunter; therefore, it does not appear as a selectable option for elk license applications. Located on the western between the primary elk range and boundary of the elk management area. The agency’s goal with this zone is to prevent elk from dispersing out of the elk management area. The elk use this zone sporadically; most of the elk in this zone reside on a few private properties. If you plan on hunting this zone, a great deal of preseason scouting, local knowledge and/or the use of an outfitter is advised.
ELK HUNT ZONE 2: Located on areas of State Game Lands (SGL) 311 and the Elk State Forest, both of which provide good hunting opportunities, this zone historically contains a large number of elk. There are also elk on privately-owned land in this zone, some of which is open to hunting. Due to the high elk population and good public access, this zone is a good choice for any hunter.
ELK HUNT ZONE 3: Located nearly entirely on SGL 14 and the Elk State Forest, this zone also has a healthy population of elk. Extensive habitat work was recently completed on SGL 14 and the Elk State Forest contains managed openings, too. Some of the better areas may require walking a few miles, including a several hundred feet of elevation gain, so it helps to be in good physical shape to hunt this area. Due to the extensive amount of public land, this is a good area for all hunters.
ELK HUNT ZONE 4: Located on a mix of public and private land, with one large private land holding open to public hunting, this zone contains good access throughout the area and holds a good population of elk. Access to some of the private farms may increase hunter success, but huntable populations of elk can be found on accessible public and private land.
ELK HUNT ZONE 5: Located on a mix of public and private land, the elk population in this zone is fair and there are high human/elk conflicts, especially in and around Weedville. The elk tend to be nomadic in this area and most of the successful hunters have harvested elk on private land. A great deal of preseason scouting, local knowledge, and/or the use of an outfitter is advised for this zone.
ELK HUNT ZONE 6: Located on a mix of public and private land, this zone has a good population of elk that mostly reside along the Bennett Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Since this area is largely private, a great deal of preseason scouting, local knowledge, and/or the use of an outfitter is advised.
ELK HUNT ZONE 7: Closed to elk hunting.
ELK HUNT ZONE 8: Located on a mix of public and private land, this zone has a good population of elk which tend to live on the private lands along the Bennett Branch, as well as on SGL 311 and the Elk State Forest, in the northwest corner of the zone. There are enough elk on public land that a self-guided hunter could be successful, but a great deal of preseason scouting, local knowledge, and/or the use of an outfitter is advised for this zone.
ELK HUNT ZONE 9: Located on a mix of public and private land, this zone is small and most of the elk have been harvested on private farms along the stream bottom. This is not a remote hunt, as cabins and homes are prevalent in this zone. It can be a frustrating hunt, as elk tend to move in and out of the zone. Since most elk are harvested on private land, a great deal of preseason scouting, local knowledge, and/or the use of an outfitter is advised for this zone.
ELK HUNT ZONE 10: Located on a great deal of public land, this zone is large and contains a good population of elk. Elk can be found across the Quehanna Plateau, along the First Fork and the Main Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. There is plenty of public land that holds elk and some of the better areas require a few miles of walking, so it helps to be in good physical shape to hunt this zone. Due to the extensive amount of public land, this is a good area for all hunters.
ELK HUNT ZONE 11: Located on a mix of public and private land, the elk population in this zone is fair. The elk tend to be nomadic in this area and most of the successful hunters harvested them on private land. Because of this, a great deal of preseason scouting, local knowledge, and/or the use of an outfitter is advised for this zone.
ELK HUNT ZONE 12: Located on a mix of public and private land, including areas of SGL 321, SGL 100 and the Moshannon State Forest, there is a high population of elk in this zone with good hunting opportunities. There are also elk on private lands, so a great deal of preseason scouting, local knowledge, and/or the use of an outfitter is advised for this zone. This is a good area for all hunters.
ELK HUNT ZONE 13: Located on a mix of public and private land, the elk population is growing and they can be found on SGL 100 and the Sproul State Forest. Extensive habitat work was recently completed on SGL 100. Some of the better areas require a few miles of walking, so it helps to be in good physical shape to hunt this zone. Due to the extensive amount of public land, this is a good area for all hunters.
ELK HUNT ZONE 14: Located on a mix of public and private land, the elk population is growing and the elk mostly occur in the Kettle Creek Valley. Due to the high elk population and good access to public land, this zone is a good choice for any hunter.
More information about the elk herd and elk hunting can be found at www.pa.gov/pgc.