Pennsylvania Elk Hunting Success & Guide History

Eugene Dellar

Eugene Dellar's Pennsylvania bull elk hunt is another part of Matt Lutz's individual elk guiding history. The memorable hunt produced this impressive bull in Pennsylvania's snowy elk country.

Jay Graybill

Jay Graybill's bull represents another successful Pennsylvania elk hunt guided by Matt Lutz. It is one of several bull and cow elk harvests that make up Matt's years of guiding experience.

Alton Darling

Alton Darling's Pennsylvania bull elk hunt is part of Senior Guide Dean Carper's extensive history guiding Pennsylvania elk hunters.

Donald Saum - 2026 Pennsylvania Archery Cow Elk

September 17, 2026 - Pennsylvania Elk Hunt Zone 308

After applying for a Pennsylvania elk tag for nearly 20 years, Donald Saum of York Springs, PA finally drew a 2026 Pennsylvania archery cow elk tag for Zone 308. Don chose PA Backcountry Outfitters for an authentic Pennsylvania elk hunting experience.

At nearly 75 years old and hunting with a compound bow, Don put in the miles through Pennsylvania elk country alongside guide Alan Gruver and owner/guide Matthew Lutz. The week brought fog, difficult shot opportunities, multiple cow elk encounters and close encounters with bugling Pennsylvania bulls.

On the morning of September 17, Don and Alan settled into an early-morning setup and waited for the cows to approach. At 35 yards, Alan gave Don the green light. Don made the shot and successfully harvested his Pennsylvania cow elk.

The hunt marked the first official elk harvest for PA Backcountry Outfitters.

It was also a milestone for Alan Gruver during his first year guiding with the PBO team. Alan's preparation, commitment and hard work helped turn Don's nearly 20-year wait for a Pennsylvania elk tag into a successful archery elk hunt.

Congratulations, Don, on a hard-earned and memorable Pennsylvania elk hunt!

Ryan Pearce - 2026 Pennsylvania Archery Bull Elk

September 26, 2026 - Pennsylvania Elk Hunt Zone 305

After applying for a Pennsylvania elk tag for 10 years, Ryan Pearce of Indiana, PA drew a 2026 Pennsylvania archery bull elk tag for Zone 305. After beginning his hunt with another outfitter, Ryan joined PA Backcountry Outfitters for the second week of his Pennsylvania elk hunt.

Before Ryan arrived, the PA Backcountry Outfitters team spent significant time scouting and covering ground in preparation for his hunt. During the first several days, Ryan and owner/guide Matt Lutz encountered multiple bulls and had several close encounters. With Zone 305 receiving considerable human and tourist pressure, getting within archery range proved challenging.

Ryan and Matt kept moving and stayed after the elk. By the end of eight days, they had covered an incredible 91.5 miles through Pennsylvania elk country.

On the morning of September 26, Ryan and his cousin Jack headed into the hunting area before daylight with Pennsylvania elk guides Matt Lutz and Dean Carper. While glassing a hillside, the group heard several bulls bugling below them and began working the area with cow-in-estrus calls.

After locating two bulls approximately 150 yards away, the group moved forward using the team's cow elk decoy, Matilda. They slowly closed the distance until Ryan and the bull were just 70 yards apart. Matt gave Ryan the yardage and the green light, and Ryan made the shot.

The bull traveled approximately 75 yards into the woods before going down. A heavy blood trail led Ryan, Jack, Matt and Dean to the bull together. After photos and congratulations, the crew caped and quartered the bull and packed it out in two trips.

Ryan's bull became the first official bull elk harvest for PA Backcountry Outfitters.

After 10 years of applying, eight hard days, 91.5 miles and countless encounters in Pennsylvania elk country, Ryan earned an unforgettable Zone 305 archery bull.

Congratulations, Ryan, on an incredible Pennsylvania bull elk hunt!

Austin Guzowski - 2026 Pennsylvania Rifle Cow Elk

October 3, 2026 - Pennsylvania Elk Hunt Zone 308

At 22 years old, Austin Guzowski of Union City, PA drew a first regular-season Zone 308 cow elk tag. On opening morning, Austin and his dad, Tom, headed into PGC Game Lands 321 with PA Backcountry Outfitters guides Matt Lutz, Dean Carper, Dylan Craft and Clinton Craft for Pennsylvania's October rifle elk season.

The guides split up that morning and began scouting the area. Before long, they located several bugling bulls and began working to determine which bull was holding cows. By the end of the morning, the team had located the herd they wanted to hunt and began putting together a plan for the evening.

That evening, Austin and his guides set up above the bull and his cows, hoping the herd would move into the clear-cut below. Instead, the elk moved in the opposite direction and eventually made their way into the fields to feed. Austin and his guides decided to make a move.

The group carefully closed the distance from approximately 300 yards to 200 yards. Matt and Dylan ranged the cow and helped Austin get into position. When a clear opportunity presented itself, Austin got the green light, squeezed the trigger and successfully harvested his Pennsylvania cow elk.

With the crew deep inside Game Lands 321 and a long recovery ahead, friend Steve Perrine brought his horses in to help get Austin's elk out. It made for a long night, but a memorable finish to a successful Pennsylvania elk hunt.

Austin's dad, Tom, was beside him for the hunt, while his grandparents, Dave and Susie, proudly waited for the crew at the Game Lands gate.

Making the hunt even more special, Austin harvested his Pennsylvania elk with his grandfather Dave's rifle.

Congratulations, Austin, on an unforgettable Pennsylvania elk hunt!