What Are the Odds of Drawing a Pennsylvania Elk Tag?

For many hunters bagging one of Pennsylvania’s majestic elk is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But with limited tags available through a lottery draw what are your actual odds of getting picked? Let’s take a look at the Pennsylvania elk tag application process and calculate the chances.

Pennsylvania Elk Tag Allocation

Each year the Pennsylvania Game Commission allocates a set number of elk tags for the upcoming hunting season through a lottery

• Typically around 140 total elk tags are issued
• Tags are distributed across multiple hunting zones in the elk range
• The majority go to Pennsylvania residents
• A smaller number are allocated for non-residents

So out of the total tags, your chances depend on whether you are applying as a resident or non-resident. Elk tag numbers can fluctuate year-to-year based on elk populations

Pennsylvania Elk Hunt Zones

Pennsylvania’s elk range consists of 10 designated elk hunt zones covering parts of the following counties:

• Cameron
• Centre
• Clearfield
• Clinton
• Elk
• McKean
• Potter

Each zone receives a certain tag allocation. Applicants must specify one zone they are applying for.

Elk Tag Application Process

To have a shot at drawing one of Pennsylvania’s limited elk tags, you must follow these steps:

• Complete the elk license application in January
• Pay the $11.97 application fee
• Select a hunt zone preference
• Meet license requirements (valid hunting license, etc.)
• Submit by deadline, usually in early February

Non-residents can apply, but have lower odds than residents. All applicants get preference points each year they aren’t drawn to increase future chances.

Calculating the Odds

So what are your mathematical chances of being drawn? The probability depends on:

• Number of elk tags issued
• Total number of applicants
• Your preference points

Let’s assume:

• 140 elk tags issued
• 30,000 applicants
• You have max 5 preference points

With those numbers, here is how the probability calculations work:

• Your chances with 0 points: 140 ÷ 30,000 = 0.0047 = 0.47%
• Your chances with 5 points: (140 ÷ 30,000) x 6 = 0.0282 = 2.82%

So for a first-time resident applicant, your odds of drawing a PA elk tag are about 1 in 212. After 5 years of preference points, the odds improve to around 1 in 36.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

While the odds are long, here are some tips to maximize your chances of drawing a coveted Pennsylvania elk tag:

• Apply every year to earn preference points
• Apply for lightly hunted zones like those in Elk and Cameron counties
• Avoid the heavily applied for zones 1 and 2
• Apply as a resident, not non-resident
• Form a group application to combine points

Persistence and smart application strategies will greatly help improve the odds over time.

Play the Waiting Game

If you aren’t drawn, don’t get discouraged. Think of it as another preference point earned. Use the waiting time to gain knowledge about elk hunting and improve your skills.

Many Pennsylvania elk hunters play the waiting game for 5 years or more before getting drawn. But once you get that coveted elk tag in hand, it will have been worth the wait.

Live Your Dream Elk Hunt

Finally getting drawn for a Pennsylvania elk license is a defining moment for many hunters. Now you can embark on that dream DIY elk hunt you’ve been envisioning.

Tagging a Pennsylvania elk is a monumental hunting achievement. Your years of persistence will pay off as you get to experience prime elk country and pursue one of North America’s largest land animals.

While the draw odds are long, taking home a Pennsylvania elk makes all those preference points worthwhile. Apply smart, hunt hard, and keep chasing your Pennsylvania elk dreams.