I suspect that by now most people living in Pennsylvania, at least in rural Pennsylvania, probably know that we have some wild elk roaming about in some northern parts of the state.
Even when I was a young man growing up in western Pennsylvania, we could on occasion drive up to the Penfield area and sometimes spot an elk. There weren’t many back then, and they certainly could not be hunted, but the numbers increased over the years, and as many people know, we have carefully regulated hunting seasons for elk.
Over the years, I have often driven up into our elk country just to see and photograph our wild elk, and little did I know then, but in 2009, I would be one of those lucky people to be drawn for a bull elk hunting tag. Yes, I managed to bag a nice 8×8 bull that now hangs on my wall.
I am still fascinated by elk, and like a lot of other people, I still get a thrill when I spot them.
Not only am I still interested in seeing wild elk, but as an artist and illustrator, I also enjoy painting elk scenes. Every year, some friends and I stay at a log cabin right on the bank of Kettle Creek, and elk are a common sight all around that area. One morning, we watched several cows and a bull crossing the creek right in front of the cabin; a couple of years later, that scene became one of my favorite paintings.
Every summer, some friends and I spend four days at the Kettle Creek Country Western Music Festival that takes place at the Quiet Oaks Campgrounds, a short drive up the mountain from Cross Fork. Not only do we enjoy some good country music and good food, but it’s also entirely possible to spot elk as well. On more than one occasion, I have had to stop my vehicle to let elk clear the road ahead of me.
Even if you have no interest in hunting elk or you are not driven to paint any pictures of them, it’s still a treat to drive up to elk country and take some photos and see what’s roaming around. Some good areas to go looking for elk would certainly include the Benezette area around Winslow Hill, the Quehanna Wild Area, and the Cross Fork area around Kettle Creek. I’ve often spotted elk in all of these locations.
If you are interested in getting a look at some of our elk, this fall would be a great time; the bull elk will be sporting some great racks, and you might even get a look at some bulls sparring.
Another event that goes along with a trip to elk country is the Quiet Oaks Bugle Fest, Sept. 19-21. This is the first time for the event, which includes a number of interesting activities.
Dave Auker will be there demonstrating his outstanding scrimshaw techniques, and Cris Calhoun will be doing a photography session on elk and the area’s beautiful scenery.
If you are interested in art and drawing, I will be leading an elk and wildlife drawing seminar on Friday from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and again on Saturday from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
There will also be a Hearty Baked Bean Contest and on Saturday night from 7-9 p.m., music and a campfire.
If you are interested in getting involved in any of these events, you should contact Carla at qocg@quietoaks.org or call Carla at 570-927-279.
Plan a trip to Pennsylvania’s elk country this fall, and there’s a pretty good chance you will see what you went there to look for.
