Pennsylvania Hunting Trip

Wild pigs are creating a major hazard to wildlife habitat, human agriculture and the economic health of the state of Pennsylvania. These wild swine are capable of thousands of dollars in damage to crops. Feral swine are not easy to hunt or trap as they will often weigh over 400 pounds, have sharp tusks and sour dispositions.

They will eat baby calves, sheep and other small animals as well as spreading disease among pigs that are raised for food. The state issued an executive order that removed protection from feral swine, allowing them to be hunted and trapped as a means to control the problem before it becomes impossible to eradicate.

Licensed hunters, trappers, and officials for wildlife management are trapping and testing the wild swine for disease. Feral swine have been reported in the southwest, south central and northeast regions of Pennsylvania. Hunters and trappers need to notify the local state officials in the wildlife management area of any feral swine that have been trapped or killed.

The wild pigs destroy land and habitat by competing for food that wildlife needs to survive. They will tear down fences and devour food set out for domestic animals. The danger to humans exists also; ten viral diseases feral swine can carry could be transmitted to humans. This is an additional reason that the state authorities have chosen to eradicate the problem of the wild swine.

Anyone who is an outdoors person or hunter has most likely heard the yips and howls of the infamous coyote in the night and early morning hours of Pennsylvania. Most ranchers dislike them at best, and want them gone whatever the means, at worst. The eastern coyote is the largest canine in Pennsylvania. Some believe that the eastern coyote is a hybrid cross between the wolf and coyotes. However it came about, it has continued to thrive, is difficult to trap and hunt, and continues to reproduce at a surprising rate.

There are a variety of ways to call in a coyote, and it takes a lot of trail and error. Having an abundance of calls with you can make all the difference. Some of the calls used make the noise of an animal the coyote would normally prey on, such as a jackrabbit and cottontail. The coaxer is literally 2 calls in one. It makes a long distance call of the jackrabbit, and a short distance call of an injured rodent. Other calls make sounds that the coyote would make, such as howls and yips. They all have different effects, and it is up to the hunter as to which one or ones he/she is most likely to use most.

Okay, you have your calls and your target, now it’s time to find that perfect place to hunt. If you aren’t a local Pennsylvanian, it isn’t as easy is it would seem. It never hurts to talk to biologists in the area and possibly even the ranchers. Make sure you have permission from the land owner BEFORE you scout or hunt. Hunters are already in the spot-light, so to speak, so make sure do everything is done legal. The biologist should be able to point out some hot spots, and you can decide where the best place for you is.

Now you have your calls, your location, don’t forget your gun or bow, and your outerwear. Coyotes have a very keen sense of smell and eyesight, so be sure you are down-wind and hidden very well. Use a scent-block if you choose, NO SMOKING, and move as slowly and as little as possible. Now it’s time to experiment with your calls and the times of day to hunt. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Hunting during the day is always an option. Good-luck and happy-hunting!

Elk may be hunted in season in the state’s designated Elk Hunt Zones, there is a limit of one elk per season, and all hunters must be licensed by the State of Pennsylvania. Anyone who bags an elk must tag it at once and mark the site according to the instructions received at orientation before moving the carcass. Within 24 hours, they must also bring it to the Game Commission’s check station, located in Clearfield County at the Pennsylvania Game Commission Maintenance Building in Quehanna, together with their hunting and elk licenses.

Getting an elk license in Pennsylvania

Your application will be part of a random drawing held in September to purchase one of a limited number of licenses for the November hunting season. Those who are successful in the drawing must also purchase a state general hunting license for the current year, and those who are unsuccessful will receive “preference points” to be applied in future drawings. (To receive these points, you will be asked to provide your Social Security number.) Elk guides, who have permits to provide various services to hunters, are also available, and you will be provided with an up-to-date list of them, but you do not have to use a guide when you go hunting. Also, consult the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s system for rating access roads, the amount of private and public land, and estimated elk population for each zone.

Being prepared to go elk hunting

Remember that an elk weighs between 400-1,000 pounds, and you must be ready to field-dress it at once, move it to your vehicle and take it to the check station for verification. The animal’s carcass must be properly tagged, skinned, quartered and packed out on pack boards or by mules or horses. (With few exceptions, Pennsylvania law prohibits the use of any motorized vehicle on state-owned property, including an ATV.)
Unlicensed individuals may accompany you on the hunt and they will not be required to have an elk-guide permit, but they must wear fluorescent orange (along with you) and refrain from carrying any firearms or participating in the hunt.