Elk County Outfitters

Good morning from elk country!

Good luck to all the kiddos out on the stream today for the youth trout fishing day! Here’s a throw back photo from the 2014 trout opener and a few of the ECO tribe. Hard to think that all of these youngsters are now teenagers and some are driving and off to college too. GOOD LUCK!

It’s a beautiful chilly morning in elk country!

During our 2019 hunt recaps for the general season hunt we shared Koby Orndorf’s zone12 bull hunt that went in to the last day of the season. Some of you may remember if you had read the recap, that unfortunately Koby shot and hit our target bull on the second to last day of the season and we were unable to recover him. This was a monster 8x8 public land bull that ECO had been after for three years prior. We would’ve estimated him to be in the 420s gross score wise that yea...r. After the shot the recovery effort lasted for seven hours that day and even with the aid of snow we weren’t able to catch back up to him. We were confident it was only a grazing non fatal hit, but still it was a sickening feeling. Just a week or so after the elk season ended one of the guys saw the wounded bull and we all had a collective sigh and sense of relief to see him still on his feet. He had a limp but was feeding and still moving about. Then in early January of 2020 he was seen again with no limp and looking very good body shape wise going into the winter...he had made it through and seemed to have recovered. Fast forward to the rut of 2020 and a warm sultry September morning during archery season when some of the guys were out scouting. As daylight just started to dawn Hunter Hale, son of guide Bryan Hale, was sneaking towards a bugling bull out in a tall grass field to try to get a look. Suddenly a large rack was discernible above the grass and he stopped in his tracks. The bull was bedded and due to the small rise in the terrain he couldn’t see him approaching. The camera was quickly turned on but struggled to focus on the bull...The light was marginal at best. After what seemed like an hour, but was only a few minutes, the bull stood and was instantly on alert. Right away he was recognized as Kobys bull and a new sense of admiration and respect for this bull washed over him. He had regressed some antler wise, and now had a drop tine that corresponded with the opposite side of where he had been grazed with the rifle slug. He looked good. He was in good shape and bugling and seemingly tired from a night of chasing the ladies around. A few snapshots were able to be taken before the bull ran off, but they needed some editing to lighten them up and share here. While an unrecovered animal is never a preferred part of the hunt, it is undeniably still part of the hunt when it happens. And sometimes it does. As a sportsman you need to put your time and effort into the recovery of every animal you release an arrow at or pull the trigger on. They are an amazing and tuff creature that deserve great respect and reverence. Link to Kobys hunt recap post: https://www.facebook.com/127932530597689/posts/2921133007944280/ Hunters edited pics from the ‘20 rut:

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Elk shed season is on the doorstep here in elk country! Unfortunately conditions in the big woods are less than ideal with substantial snow and ice still blanketing much of the elk range. The unmaintained state forest roads are virtually impassable without chains and even with chains they are challenging. Knee deep snow is the norm in the area along with crusty hard ice. If you do find yourself out and about exploring the elk range be sure to use your head and take the necessary precautions. Hopefully the few recent warm days and the forecasted warm weather will help improve the conditions. Pic from last years finds

Friends and family please check out the attached link for the 2021 Elk Expo Patch Photo Contest. Each year a photo contest is conducted to choose the image to be portrayed on the yearly commemorative expo patch. It just so happens that this year one of the ECO family has an image in the running! Hunter Hale, age 17 and son of guide Bryan Hale, is one of 10 finalists who’s picture made the final cut from over 100 entries! No fancy high dollar camera or a big lens...just a reg...ular point and shoot camera, a few well placed and timed mews and being ready to snap the pic when the moment came. Hunter faces some stiff competition as the final 10 pics in the shared post are all outstanding. Several are taken with professional equipment and taken by folks that are as close to professional as you can get. You can cast your vote by Liking the pic of your choice within the post. We would never advocate that you flood his entry with Likes just because we asked, or that you wouldn’t give the other pics consideration as that wouldn’t be fair. If a different image does it for you by all means vote accordingly...But if you like a bugling bull facing right with his body slightly obscured by a pine tree...then we’re sure he’d appreciate your vote.

Where do we even begin with this hunt recap? The unwritten rule of social media is often "keep it short", but we’ve never been good at that and sometimes we just can't. This maybe a little long by Facebook standards but it was 2020 after all and there was no more normal. The only thing that was predictable was that most things were unpredictable. There’s been a lot of buzz in the elk range about this tag winner, surrounded by all kinds of rumors, falsities and slander. If y...Continue reading

Friend of ECO Eric Michaels was thrilled when he drew a zone11 late season cow tag. He doesn’t live very far from the elk range and is very familiar with zone11 having a family camp there so a DIY hunt was always his plan should he ever draw a tag...It couldn’t have worked out any better for him. He was seeing plenty of cows throughout the summer and fall in his zone and things seemed to be falling into place for him. Unfortunately it seemed like after deer season though the... cows vanished. Even with the snow he was now having trouble locating cows in his zone. He had access to private property as well as the vast public land in his zone but was now striking out. He was in a little bit of panic mode as the season neared but in the days just before the hunt a small herd of elk was located in the open zone. Day one dawned windy and snowy. Eric had the small group of elk in his scope but elected to pass the shot. He had the gun, scope and had practiced for the 450 yard shot but the conditions weren’t going to allow for that kind of distance. He elected not to pursue the elk either as he didn’t want to blow them out of the area. Day one ended without a shot opportunity but he was still confident they were in the area. Monday morning, day two, Eric was again in position and sneaking along following elk tracks in the snow. He caught up to a bull and a cow late in the morning and with one shot from his 300wsm he made quick work of the big cow. He knew elk were large animals but as he approached the downed cow he was blown away at her size...she was HUGE! Luckily the landowner was cooperative and the extraction wasn’t to bad. The PGC does not weigh the late season cows so Eric took it to his local feed mill to use their scales. Field dressed his cow weighed 450lbs putting it right at 600lbs estimated live weight...a true heavyweight. Congrats Eric on your harvest!

With the ‘20/21 elk season(s) behind us we thought we’d share some stats and graphs from this past seasons three separate elk hunts. The numbers all seem to be on par with the historic averages of our hunt. PA elk tag holders are fortunate to enjoy a very high success rate comparative to western states and that’s why the tag allocation is what it is. There were still 31 hunters who didn’t fill their tags for one reason or another. We’d venture a guess that they’ll tell you it...s no slam dunk. Lets break it down below based off of the graphs... -There were 164 total tags awarded though the PGC lottery along with the two special tags...RMEF auction tag and the KECA raffle tag...as well. -The were 133 total elk taken across all three seasons, not including the two special tags, with an overall success rate of 81% -There were 36 total bull tags awarded between the archery and general season with 36 bulls taken with a 100% overall success rate for bulls. -There were 128 total cow tags awarded for all three seasons with 97 cows taken for an overall success rate of 80% on cows. Now to break it down per season: ARCHERY: -26 total tags awarded with 21 tags filled for an overall success rate of 80%. *10 bull tags awarded and 10 bull tags filled for a 100% success rate on bulls. *16 cow tags awarded and 11 cow tags filled for a 68% success rate on cows. GENERAL: -104 total tags awarded with 84 tags filled for an overall success rate of 80%. *26 bull tags awarded with 26 bull tags filled for a 100% overall success rate on bulls. *78 cow tags awarded with 58 cow tags filled for a 74% overall success rate on cows. LATE(cow only): -34 cow tags awarded with 28 cow tags filled for a 82% overall success rate on cows.

Before we jump into our late season hunt recaps we’d like to share some pics from our ECO family from this past fall. We are spread out all across the state and not just the elk range. Congrats to all that found success!

Congratulations to 2019 ECO hunter John Bakaysa for making the cover of the latest issue of the PGC Big Game Records with his awesome zone8 bull!

Let's start 2021 off right!

With Bob Spangler’s zone2 cow tag filled on Monday late in the morning we thought we were done with the late cow season. That changed however on Tuesday evening when Ned, Donnie and Kevin went to get a bite to eat for dinner. Shorty after they had ordered a fella walked in looking for elk information or anyone that may know a guide. Of course our guys flagged him over to their table and started chatting. Claude Jock Bowers, a retired Marine, from Lancaster PA had drawn a z...Continue reading

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! May your 2021 be prosperous and full of joy!HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! May your 2021 be prosperous and full of joy!

Our next hunt recap is with Trent Creamer from Spring Grove Pa and on his second application he drew a zone2 cow tag. While his family has a hunting camp in the elk range in Zone 12, he wasn’t at all familiar with Zone 2. He knew he was gonna be looking for some help with his hunt and after few phone calls Trent was booked in. His father, John, would be along for the hunt over the shoulder. Trent was teamed up with guide Colin Rensel and the Zone 2 crew. The gang had worked ...out a plan centered around Dinker and his hunt. The hope was that if he got a cow down the other guys would be in position not to far away to capitalize as well once the herd was on the move. Well the planned worked to a T and Colin, Trent, and John were scoping a nice cow shortly after Dinker's shot. Trent's 300 win mag roared and the herd of 80 some head was on the move quickly. The only issue was the cow didn’t drop and they lost track of her in the herd as they all bunched up. Luckily as the elk left the food plot the guys noticed a single cow that was lagging behind. Soon she laid down and the guys watched intently through the scope and binos. They still couldn’t see any blood or positive sign of a hit but it was looking like this was Trent's cow. Shortly after laying down the guys saw the cows head droop low and Colin knew that she was hit. They relocated closer and Trent was able to make the final shot and claim his cow. It was confirmed afterwards that his first shot had hit a little far back but the second shot was right in the boiler room. At the check station his cow weighed in at 306 lbs dressed. Thanks Trent for choosing ECO and allowing us to tag along and make memories along with you and your dad!

Bob Aaron Jr from Marble PA was our last bull hunter to fill his tag on Friday. Bob had been applying for an elk tag for 16 years, 13 of those as either sex and then the last 3 years as bull only, and coincidentally he was also our first bull hunter to book in. Along for Bob's hunt was his grandson AJ VanDyke and his good buddy Mike Karg. AJ could only stay until Tuesday midday and Mike would have to leave on Thursday. They would be teamed up with guide Cody Kunes, a lifetime...Continue reading

Our fourth and last late season cow hunter to book in was Bob Spangler from Williamsport Pa. Bob owns a cabin in elk hunt zone10 but he had drawn a Zone2 cow tag and unfortunately was not at all familiar with the area. We had a few talks with Bob over the phone and he was booked in but there was an issue. Bob owns a Granite and Marble company and is extremely busy with work. On top of that he is also in the process of remodeling his cabin to be his retirement home and along w...Continue reading

Our first hunt recap for the 2020 season is with Frank Dinker Litavish from North Cambria Pa. He had been applying for the elk hunt since the start and had 17 points plus this years application in the hat so to speak for a total of 18 chances in the lottery. He was undoubtedly surprised when his phone rang stating he had drawn a PA elk tag for a zone2 cow. His son Frank JR was along for the hunt over the shoulder and they would be teamed up with guide Lonnie Rensel. Dink...er had some mobility issues so Lonnie had a plan to start the first day on a piece of private property ECO had exclusive permission to that would allow easy access. Day one dawned with a fresh skiff of snow and strong winds. The trio found a herd of elk shortly before shooting time down in a bowl trying to take cover from the wind. There was around 50 head with a decent sized bull still bugling and scent checking the cows. The cows were tightly grouped and they weren’t able to get a shot though as shooting time came. Shortly after shooting time the herd began getting nervous and started to move out of the field. The guys moved as quick as they could to try to reposition for a shot as the end string of the herd neared being out of sight. They got Dinker into his seat and on the shooting sticks as Lonnie ranged the last cow in the string. 140 yards he hissed and quickly Dinkers 338 win mag rang out hitting the cow hard. She didn’t run far and was down within sight. There were high fives and hugs all around as his 18 year quest had been completed. The guys ended up being the first in line at the check station and his cow came in at 355#s dressed with an estimated live weight right at 500#. Even though Frank was done hunting early the first day he stuck around all week to share in the whole elk camp experience. It was great having this father and son team in camp and we can’t thank you enough for trusting ECO for your hunt of a lifetime.

Still hunting with his zone 6 cow tag in hand on Friday was Gene Alwine from Hooversville PA. Gene had been applying either sex any zone since the start of the elk hunt. He had attended every elk expo prior including all the way back to the early years at the Elk County Fairgrounds in Kersey. If not for this years expo cancellation he would’ve been present to hear his name called out, and before he was drawn, Gene had already been working on his What if scenario. A year pr...Continue reading

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS! Be sure to keep an eye on the page in the coming days as we have some exciting news we plan to share around the new year!

Saturday February 15th 2020 started out like any other normal day. It was pre-Corona and daily life was chugging along like normal as several of the gang were heading to the RMEF Three Rivers Chapter annual fund raising banquet in Mars, PA. The 2020 Pennsylvania auction tag, often reffered to as the governors tag, was slated to be auctioned off at the event and ECO had also been asked to provide several large PA elk sheds for display at the banquet. We were happy to oblig...Continue reading

Once again the ECO gang has found themselves stretching the tape on an absolutely epic PA elk...

This amazing bull scores 432 2/8" gross! Hard to believe it's the second biggest bull of the 2020 season. However, an argument could be made that it is the most impressive bull ever taken here in PA. Full hunt recap and pictures coming soon. Follow along to see more about this bull and what could be the largest bull killed in the country!!

Elk scouting continues to turn up bear sightings. What an incredible encounter this was for a couple of the guys! How many bears do you see?

Here's a better clip if you want to revise your guess of his score. Want a hint to help? The left side fourth is just shy of 26 inches.

The statewide bear archery season started this past Saturday along with the 1 week overlap of bear muzzleloader season. A couple of the guys saw five different bears over the weekend including this very cooperative and photogenic one. They also saw another MONSTER bear in the distance of a large food plot. That bear was estimated to be in the 500lb range. Of course elk scouting was on the brain and no weapons were along. How did your bear opener go?

A big bull having some berries for breakfast yesterday morning in a scenic spot. Screen shot in the comments...

Good morning from elk country! Valley fog makes for a some great vista views...

One of the most frequently asked questions that comes around after the elk drawing is I wonder how many bonus points the winners had. We’ll wonder no more folks...here’s the bonus point breakdown for the ‘20/‘21 elk season...

When David Fleeger's name was drawn for a zone 10 archery cow tag he had no idea the adventure he was about to be getting himself into. As it turned out Dave was a friend of one of our guides, John Kovatch’s, son in law. Dave didn’t know much about the zone or have any connections there but he didn’t have the resources to hire a guide so he opted for a DIY hunt. He worked out a deal with John to stay at his camp so the lodging box was now checked for his hunt. Also, he was c...Continue reading

The second name drawn in the 2020 elk lottery was Dave Henzler from Newmanstown PA. Dave was drawn for a zone 4 archery bull tag and he couldn’t have been more ecstatic. Dave has been putting in for the elk hunt for nine years now and this was his second application for the archery season. After a few phone calls and a weekend meeting with the Zone4 guys, John Kovatch and Eric Stafford, Dave booked in with ECO for his hunt. As excited as Dave was to draw the PA tag he was in...Continue reading

Although archery season has been open in the special regulation areas for a couple weeks now, and several other species are in season also, this weekend is essentially the kickoff to the 2020/2021 hunting seasons with the statewide archery season set to open tomorrow. For those that hunt public ground, and particularly State Game Lands and State Forests, here’s some valuable information if you would happen to find yourself in an emergency situation. Aside from having a GPS o...r an app on your phone that can give you your exact coordinates...if your access point is gated take note of the gate itself and the numbers that are painted on it. SGL gates will be brown and have a two number system painted on the them. The top number will be the SGL number itself and the bottom number will be specific to that gate. In the event of an emergency this number can be relayed to a 911 operator or other EMS personnel who can then in turn cross reference that with PGC dispatch and pinpoint your exact location. Sate Forest gates are yellow and black and some have numbers on them as well. It’s important to know what State Forest your in and even the road that your parked on in the event of an emergency. Again if there’s a number on the gate EMS personnel can contact the DCNR and get an exact location of your gate. Another thing that we can’t stress enough is to not block a gate! Don’t park in front of a gate or close enough that you would prevent the gate from swinging open fully. You could be preventing an ambulance from reaching a person or a fire truck from getting to a wildfire. Don’t be that guy. Although cell service is not in every corner of the state including much of the elk range, always try to keep your phone charged and above all remain calm in the face of an emergency whether it be medical in nature or something else like a fire or flood. Also remember to always wear your saftey harness when in a tree stand, identify your target and what lies beyond and most importantly have fun. Good luck!

They’re still hard at...

Good morning FB friends! The elk are still bugling and the leaves are starting to change. It’s a great time to be in elk country...

Always nice to have captures like this...

Taking a break from an evening of shenanigans