Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization which represents 26,121 farm and rural families in 54 county farm bureaus including Elk, Cameron, Clinton, McKean and Potter counties. The PA Game Commission forecasts the state's elk population could increase to 500 animals by next year. Although elk is classified as a big game animal, no hunting is currently allowed in Pennsylvania. The elk relocated by the Game Commission were released in the Sproul State Forest in northern Clinton County. Reports of damage to farms and fields by elk are on the increase, as are sightings in counties where introduction programs were not in use.
Elk are large animals.
In comparison, white-tail average from 100 to 180 lbs. Farm Bureau is also aware of the magnitude of damage a single elk can cause to a landowner's property. This added expense is non-reimbursable as crop damage and the farmer loses the time they spend getting the fields ready and planting them, as well as the loss of the initial investment in seeds and fertilizer. If the elk population is not brought under control via a solution such as a limited elk hunt, Farm Bureau believes farmers should be given the same tools to properly manage elk damage on their property as they currently have for white-tail deer damage. The Game Commission has offered elk fencing and some other types of protection for farmers who experience elk damage.