Hicks Run Outfitters

05/24/2026

Good information from the top expert at the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Applying for the hunt of a lifetime just got easier. Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield joins host Matt Morrett to provide an update on the Pennsylvania elk herd,...

05/13/2026

The public link for the new Pennsylvania Elk Zones is live. Please see our previous posts for guidance and analysis on the new application process.

LINK: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/pgc/documents/wildlife/wildlifespecies/elk/documents/2026_elk_hunt_zones_legal_descriptions.pdf?fbclid=IwdGRleARxSiNleHRuA2FlbQExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR45gSQhUJA-0rt1_cD9EAIyugOWWLd6EW0qDZq29x8IOXKIrS0qHnalAJW_Zw_aem_rcR2CxfZQ7jMzE4TayqGCQ

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

05/06/2026

The ultimate payoff to a great elk hunt…many fantastic meals of some of the tastiest and healthiest meat on earth. Elk Chili is on the menu!

05/05/2026

A lot of questions, DM's and calls about Zone selection under the new system. We're doing our best to answer questions but please do a little research first.

Remember this year it is one application, one fee with five choices. Variables are Zone, Season, and Antlered/Antlerless for each choice. Any previous bonus points have been aggregated and will be used all at once.

This graphic explains the general overlay of the new zone system with the old zones with which you may be familiar or even previously hunted. Application selection is open and runs through July 12. Remember everyone must possess an active PA hunting license prior to the elk application.

Application is at: HuntFish.PA.gov. Good luck, let's hunt together!

05/02/2026

Just as elk tag application opens for 2026-27, aging certificates are hitting the mailboxes of last year’s hunters.

04/28/2026

We’ve published much of this information already, but this is straight from the PGC including a new link to the new elk zones.

Less paperwork. More opportunity. A real shot at Pennsylvania elk.

Pennsylvania hunters — we’ve got the breakdown you’ve been waiting for. No more multiple applications. Just a simpler step towards your hunt of a lifetime.

Here’s the deal:
Your bonus points are now combined into one pool.
You’ll submit ONE application per year.
Choose up to five combinations of season, hunt zone, and s*x.
An all-new season has been added in October for better opportunity and to eliminate hunter crowding.

Don’t draw for 2026-27? Your points keep building. Draw a tag? Your points reset, and if it’s a bull, that’s your one-and-done trophy chance.

PLUS, you have…
New elk hunt zones*
15 more bull tags available.
Easier planning, better strategy for hunters.

Elk license applications for the 2026-27 season open this Friday, May 1 with a deadline of July 12 at 11:59 p.m. The conclusion of the drawing where the selected applicants are announced will take place Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the Elk Expo at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette.

For additional details, like the new hunt zones, how to apply and more, visit https://bit.ly/HuntElkPA.

*Please keep in mind the new elk hunt zones are preliminarily approved. Final vote will occur at the Board of Game Commissioners meeting on July 10.

04/27/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the boss. Jeff Colwell, owner/outfitter of Hicks Run Outfitters. Trapper, hunter, snake wrangler, conservationist, 28 years of service to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. None better in the woods.

04/22/2026

Hunters are some of the greatest conservationists out there and certainly provide more funding to conservation efforts than any other industry or interest. Happy Earth Day!