Act No. 111 of 2000 allows for the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to offer elk hunting licenses to Pennsylvania and out -of-state applicants.  As provided for under Title 34 (Game), the PGC is required to hold a random drawing of applications for the issuance of elk licenses at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Visitor Center in Benezette, Pennsylvania.

In the most recent application cycle, 104,992 applications for elk licenses were received. 29,076 for archery, 47,205 for the regular firearms season, and 28,711 for the late firearms season. Of the 104,992 applications received, a total of 140 licenses were awarded. Because of the substantial increase in the number of applications received, it was necessary for the PGC to move to an online drawing conducted by an independent third-party contractor.  In addition, technological limitations make it impossible to conduct a proper and efficient drawing at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Visitor Center.

This legislation simply takes out the provision that the elk license drawing take place at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Visitor Center in Benezette, but would preserve the announcement of the drawing at the visitor center. 

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance Visitor Center is a true treasure in the Commonwealth.  The work done at the Center to preserve the Pennsylvania elk population is outstanding.  This legislation seeks to maintain the role of the elk center in the award of elk licenses, while acknowledging technological advancements available for efficient application and drawing processes.

I hope you will join me in support of this legislation which would allow needed flexibility on the part of the PGC to continue to deliver the best experience possible to Pennsylvania’s hunters seeking to obtain an elk license.