Archery Elk Could Be New Pennsylvania Record

by
posted on November 19, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
jimlickfeld-paarcheryelk_lead.jpg
courtesy of Jim Lickfeld

Pennsylvania hunting history was made when the state’s inaugural archery elk season opened on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. Jim Lickfeld of Williamsville, N.Y., killed Pennsylvania's first archery-season bull elk, and it could become the No. 1 state record.

In total, there were five bull elk tags available for the state's first official archery season, and Jim, who has hunted deer in Pennsylvania since 1983, was one of the lucky hunters to draw a tag after filling out an application and paying $11.90 to enter the lottery. On Aug. 17, Jim was notified he’d won one of the archery bull tags in Pennsylvania’s Hunt Zone 10. He then purchased the required nonresident bull elk tag for $250.

Jim normally kept his shots to 25 yards on deer in his home state of New York, but after scouting the area in Zone 10, he quickly realized longer shots were possible, so he began practicing out to 40 and 50 yards. He was soon consistently placing lethal shots.

Jim knew a guide was necessary, and selected Trophy Rack Lodge, owned and operated by Larry Guenot, to help him find and take a bull. Using the contacts he's gained over the years, Larry recruited Al Morris from Utah—a five-time world champion elk caller, who works with Pennsylvania-based call company FoxPro—to help with the hunt.

On the season’s opening evening, after hearing several bulls throughout the day, Jim and his team called in a monster.

When Al whispered “57,” Jim adjusted for the long shot. Knowing his arrow’s trajectory from his Hoyt Carbon Defiant bow, Jim held 20 inches high with his 40-yard pin and let his arrow fly. His double-lung shot dropped Pennsylvania’s first archery bull of the season. The bull measured a green score of 370⅝ inches.

“The elk didn’t make it 60 yards,” Jim told American Hunter staff. “We saw it go down. It ran hard, stopped, staggered and dropped. I practiced at 50, but felt confident at 57. I saw my arrow in flight, but lost sight of the nock. I initially wasn’t sure if I hit it, but Al knew right away it was fatal, and he was really excited.”

The state archery record for a typical bull is 349½ inches. Though an official dry score has yet to be determined, it's likely there will soon be a new Pennsylvania state-record archery bull elk.

Latest

Success
Success

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

2025 Online Firearm Sales Continue to Grow

While nationwide firearm sales have held steady this spring, guns.com is reporting significant growth, surpassing 10-percent year-over-year gun sales growth in the first half of 2025, according to the company's internal data.

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.