Jacob Dingel Finding a bull like this can be trying when the hunt is on. That's why putting in your time scouting or hiring a guide is so important to your hunt's success. hunters have been successful calling in bulls in the November hunt," Banfield said. "But you still have to be where the elk are to pull in a bull. That's why scouting right before season matters so much." About 66 percent of Pennsylvania elk hunters hire a guide. The average success rate for guided hunts is 90 percent. That compares with a 77-percent success rate for hunters who don't hire a guide. "Our Elk Management Area is mountainous and rugged," Banfield said. "Having a guide to assist you might be helpful. But it's a personal decision, especially if you don't have time to scout and familiarize yourself with the area. "Don't come up the weekend before the opening day and think you're going to be successful. Plan, research, scout and then hunt." One of the best ways to increase your chances to hunt elk is to apply for the 6 elk hunt annually and build preference points. An applicant receives a preference point for every year he or she enters the drawing until the hunter is selected. Preference points act as multipliers increasing the number of times a hunter's name goes into the hat. "Every year about 30 percent of the hunters drawn have the maximum number of preference points," Banfield noted. "So the best way to help your odds of selection is to enter the drawing annually." If you ache for something different afield, and don't have the money to head out West, maybe it's time you try your luck in Pennsylvania's elk drawing. Every year, more than 100 hunters find themselves in the winner's circle planning the hunt of a lifetime. But you have to be in the elk hunt drawing to win. And don't forget to cross your fingers! WWW.PENNGAMENEWS.COMhttp://WWW.PENNGAMENEWS.COM