Elk hunting in Pennsylvania gets underway sooner than many might realize.

First, the recipients of the two licenses awarded either by auction or raffle, can get started as soon as Sept. 2. The next wave appears from Saturday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 28, when the 27 hunters drawn for archery elk licenses will be hunting in their designated Elk Hunt Zones across several counties in northcentral Pennsylvania.

Later, from Nov. 4-9 – a period when a lot of other hunters might be sharing the woods – the 68 hunters drawn for a general elk license will have the opportunity to try to fill their tags. And 45 more hunters will take part in the late elk season that runs from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4, 2025.

It all adds up to a fantastic, often-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for hunters who often put in a lot of time and effort leading up to the season, as well.

“Those lucky elk hunters might well be feeling the season can’t get here soon enough, but for archery hunters in particular, the start is almost here,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “Soon, those hunters will be living out an experience hundreds of thousands dream about when they submit their applications for a license each year. I wish them luck, and like most hunters, hope to share a part in it someday.”