Visiting the Pennsylvania: Elk Herd

Visiting the Elk in the state of Pennsylvania can be a very wonderful experience. If visiting the right place in Elk Country and visiting the right time of day, this can be very close up and personal.

First a brief history about the Pa Elk. When settlers first came to this area, the elk were numerous. But due to the development of the area and hunting, the natural Pa. Elk herd became extinct. The last natural Pa. Elk was killed in 1867, by a hunter near St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania. This was also possibly the last elk in the Appalachian’s, or even east of the Mississippi.

Between the years of 1923 and 1931 antlered only elk hunting was permitted in the state. It was estimated that during those years 98 bull elk were killed legally and 78 elk were killed illegally, leaving approximately 20 to 30 elk left in the state. 1931 was the last year that antlered elk hunting was permitted in Pennsylvania. Although some farmers have been permitted to obtain “crop damage permits”, this year there is talk of a “lottery type” hunt.

At the beginning of the year 2000, there were 566 elk roaming a 2255 square mile area in Elk County, Pennsylvania. (99 Branch-antlered bulls, 52 spike bulls, 288 cows, 120 calves and 7 unknown gender) It was estimated after the calving season this year that the herd would reach at least 600.

The best place to see the Elk County herd is a small town of Benezette which is located 10 miles southeast of St. Mary’s along route 555. This area is very mountainous, the roads narrow and winding, and when the speed limit signs say 35, they aren’t kidding. The town of Benezette is very small, but upon entering the town, the blue signs pointing to the direction of the viewing areas are very easy to see.

There are two different viewing area’s along this particular road. The Game Commission has set up “feeding stations” along the hillsides, although not close to the road the elk can be seen with the naked eye. But I recommend taking along a pair of binoculars, just in case.

The first viewing area, located about 2 miles down this road, is a large gravel pull-off along the edge of the road, with a wonderful view of the neighboring hillsides. If you are lucky and have happened to visit at the right time, the elk can be seen grazing on these hillsides.

The second viewing area is more organized. There is a large parking lot, a huge overlook, portable bathrooms, several large signs with statistics about the elk and even local residents selling souvenirs. The overlook is paved and has a stone wall to keep the visitors and elk separated. This overlooks several fields and apple orchards, that are maintained by the Game Commission. The elk come to these fields to graze and to the orchard to have a treat of the apples that have fallen on the ground.

While evening or early morning is generally the best time to see the elk, they do roam during the day also. Usually in the neighboring yards! It is not unusual to see an elk herd or lone elk munching on the grass, shrubs or fruit trees right in a residents yard. You will notice that anyone living around this area has fencing around anything that they are trying to grow. This is because the elk will come right into their yards and eat anything that looks appetizing.

Unfortunately, the residents drew the elk into their yards by feeding them to get them closer to the public, making them a tourist attraction. Now they are doing so much damage that they are no longer wanted so close to humans. This is why they are talking about a lottery type hunt. While you are driving to the viewing area’s, keep a lookout for cars parked along the edge of the road, and people with camera’s and children standing in the middle of road. This means that there is an elk standing near the edge of the road, within plain site.

On our visit, we were traveling the stretch of road between the two viewing area’s and saw cars parked everywhere, when we got a little closer we saw a huge bull elk standing in a front yard eating apples that had fallen on the ground around the tree. He was absolutely majestic! Paying no attention to camera’s and the tourists, he was just munching away. I could not believe that there were people standing that close to something with antlers that big! There was one gentleman actually standing within about 15 feet of this animal trying to get him to eat apples out of his hand! This is certainly not recommended, while these animals appear to be tame, they are still wild animals, and natural instincts can take over.

Also, please be considerate of the residents. While you can see these elk in their yards, do remember that it is private property and trespassing is not allowed. You are welcome to view the elk from the roadway, but do not enter the residents yards.

When the speed limit signs say 35 MPH, do take heed to this warning. On our way down the hilly road back into Benezette after dark, there was a huge bull elk standing in the middle of the road. He was slowly meandering his way into a neighboring yard. These animals weigh at least 700 pounds and hitting something this large with your car, will certainly do some major damage at 55 MPH. We also waited until he was completely off the road before continuing on our way, just to make sure that he was not going to head back into the road.

If you are interested in visiting the elk, while they can be seen anytime of year, the best time is in September and October during their rut. This is mating season for the elk and the bulls gather the cows up into harems. They will travel in larger groups during this time and the bulls will battle for their rights to the cows. Although this is also the time to use extreme caution in viewing, since their natural instincts will take over more during this time. But if you do not care for crowds this will not be the time to visit, choose a time during the winter months when less people will be traveling.