PHOTO VIA UNSPLASHA herd of elk are seen in a field. Pennsylvania elk are coming into season, with DCNR providing ways residents and visitors may view the majestic animal in a safe manner.
HARRISBURG — The action is heating up on northcentral Pennsylvania’s elk range, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission once again is inviting people everywhere to view it in real time online.
The Game Commission’s Elk Cam, a 24-7 livestream that can be accessed through www.pgc.pa.gov, launched last week. And if history is an indicator, the best is yet to come, with elk continually becoming more active in coming weeks and putting on a show for the camera.
The camera feeding the livestream is on State Game Lands 311 in Elk County, in a field that’s typically a hub of elk activity. Regular viewers can expect to see elk, but also turkeys, deer, bears, coyotes and other wildlife.
“Fall in Pennsylvania offers several wildlife viewing opportunities all across the state,” said Jordan Sanford, wildlife outreach coordinator for the Game Commission. “In the Northcentral Region, the annual elk rut is a unique experience in itself. Spotting a harem of elk, sparring bulls, or hearing majestic bugles ring through the fog is thrilling and exciting. The Elk Cam allows onlookers near and far to join in on the fun. Wherever you are, get connected to catch a glimpse of these majestic animals! The Pennsylvania Game Commission is proud to bring back the Elk Cam this year.”
The livestream is provided by HDOnTap and made possible with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission.
“HDOnTap is very excited to partner with the Game Commission for another year of wildlife viewing on the live cam in elk country,” said Tim Sears, the founder of HDOnTap. “Year after year, the Elk Cam is livestreamed to more than 1 million screens nationwide. This live cam’s allure lies in its unpredictability, showcasing the wildlife of Pennsylvania during daylight and nighttime with infrared.”
The Elk Cam is slated to run until the end of the bugling season, likely sometime in mid-October. The top time to see elk on camera is late in the afternoon.
The stream can be accessed on the Game Commission website at www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/Elk/Pages/default.aspx.
Visitors encouraged
to be ‘Elk Smark’
While those viewing the Elk Cam need not worry about getting too close to elk or potentially compromising their wild qualities, things are different when viewing elk in person.
Wildlife is best appreciated from a comfortable distance, and those enjoying Pennsylvania’s elk country should do their part to preserve the wild nature of the herd.
“ELK SMART” provides four simple, effective ways to ensure a wild elk herd for generations to come.
Give elk space
Keep a distance of at least 100 yards between you and the elk. Never approach them. Elk are wild animals that are unpredictable and sometimes aggressive, especially during the fall breeding season. Cows are also known to defend their young when they feel threatened.
Never feed elk
Not only is it illegal to feed elk in Pennsylvania, but it teaches them to associate people, cars and/or homes with food. This could cause them to approach people looking for more. Feeding also promotes the spread of infectious diseases by having them unnaturally congregate into small areas.
Don’t name elk
Characterizing elk, or any wildlife, by naming them degrades their wild essence. The very reason people are drawn to the elk is their unaltered independence from humans. Personifying elk as humans takes away from their truly wild nature.
Do your part
The welfare of the elk herd is a shared responsibility. If you see someone being disruptive or careless, whether intentional or not, kindly ask them to stop or report it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission by calling 1- 833-PGC-WILD. We all have a duty to ensure the safety of people and the long-term welfare of the elk.
Archery season to kick
off 2024-25 elk hunting
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.”
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