Photo by Becky Polaski
Individuals are reminded to be cautious and keep their distance when viewing the elk, especially during the rut. 

By Becky Polaski

Staff Writer

Individuals looking to exercise their sense of adventure this fall need look no further than their own backyard. The fall season presents a variety of exciting activities throughout the region, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking and elk watching.
According to PA Great Outdoors Sales Director Carla Wehler, elk bugling season normally runs from the month of September through the first two weeks of October.
“It varies a little bit from year to year, but that is the basic rut season,” Wehler said.
Wehler noted that estimates given to PA Great Outdoors from the State Tourism Office estimate that an average of 75,000 individuals visit the region each year to view the elk.
“During the rut is definitely when it is most busy because the elk are active,” Wehler said. “They are easily seen and they are typically out by the roads.”
Individuals planning on taking a drive to look for elk are reminded to be courteous, especially to the residents of the areas where elk are commonly seen.
“Normally a pretty good indication that elk are in sight is if you come up upon a line of cars. If that is the case, we ask that individuals be cautious and make sure they are off the road. Don’t just stop on the roadway and jump out. You have to be sure that you’re off the roadway,” Wehler said. “Also, be courteous to our residents because they certainly have a lot of visitors in their area so respect their property.”
Wehler also cautioned individuals from getting too close to the elk.
“This is the time of year when they are most aggressive, so you have to stay back away from them,” she said.
She also noted the unpredictability of the creatures and the tendency for them to move around frequently, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
“Always bring your camera because you never know when you’re going to see them,” Wehler said. “You could go through and see nothing and come back through 15 minutes later and see 15 or 20.”
Elk watchers are also asked not to feed the elk, as it is not only illegal but can be bad for their health.
“Artificial feeding of the elk is definitely not in their best interest,” Wehler said. “It tends to cause problems with their digestive systems. People are definitely encouraged not to feed the elk.”
In addition to elk viewing, Wehler noted that a large number of individuals travel to the region to utilize the Rails to Trails area outside of Ridgway, which is a popular hiking and biking area. She added that the rainfall that the area has seen this year has also made for a good season of canoeing and kayaking on area waterways as well.
“This is prime tourism season,” Wehler said. “So that, along with the movie Unstoppable coming to the area, has definitely boosted our economic impact and we’re looking forward to continuing through the fall.”
PA Great Outdoors Director Dave Morris added that the current state of the economy so far has not had a substantial impact on tourism in the region.
“Based on what the Great Outdoors Visitor’s Bureau has been hearing from our tourism based businesses, they are all doing well this season,” Morris said. “That is to say that those businesses appear to not be affected by the national and state economy and that they are still seeing an increase in visitation and lodging and that people are coming. It doesn’t matter that maybe the state has not finalized their budget or not. They still want to see the river and the elk herd and hike, bike, and canoe. Definitely our area is still doing OK as far as economic benefit from tourism.”
Additionally, Wehler noted that PA Great Outdoors Web site, www.visitpago.com, and Visitor’s Guide have both recently been revamped based off of comments that have been received from visitors to the region regarding what they hope to see and do while in the area.
“As always, if they need an elk viewing guide, they can call our 800 number, 800-348-9393, and we’d be happy to send them one of those. We also have our magazine, GO! Magazine, which is basically a fun magazine that tells about different things that you can see and do as far as what is happening this fall,” Wehler said.