More people applied for a 2023 elk hunting license in Pennsylvania than any other year ever. Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) Executive Director Steve Smith made that announcement during a recent address to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
In presenting the 2023-24 PGC Annual Report, he commended PGC staff, Board of Commissioners and hunters, trappers and others who value conservation across the state for their support. He also highlighted the importance of basing wildlife management decisions on up-to-date information and sound science.
“A prime example of this is our elk monitoring efforts, which saw significant advancements, including the collaring of additional yearling elk to study survival rates and habitat use,” said Smith. “This is an important step toward understanding elk behavior, movements, and the challenges they face. The use of aerial surveys with thermal imaging has enhanced our ability to estimate elk populations, which is critical to managing this iconic species.
“Applications for elk hunting licenses reached a record high of 111,597 in 2023, reflecting the strong interest in elk hunting and the importance of managing their population effectively,” Smith added.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has an active presence in Pennsylvania dating back to 1991 with more than 29 chapters across the state. To date, RMEF and its partners completed 585 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects with a combined value of more than $33.7 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 31,990 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 12,569 acres.
Click here to read Smith’s remarks in their entirety.
(Photo credit: Pennsylvania Game Commission)