Hunters have until Sunday, Aug. 25, to register through the Pennsylvania Automated License System for the 2013 elk license drawing. Applications can be submitted anywhere hunting licenses are sold, or online at the Pennsylvania Game Commission website at

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/.Applicants must pay a $10.70 non-refundable application fee to be included in the drawing for one of the 86 licenses, which is an increase from the 65 licenses issued for the 2012-13 seasons. Licenses will be drawn Friday, Sept. 13, in the auditorium at PGC headquarters in Harrisburg.Names will be drawn first for the 26 antlered licenses available, followed by the drawings for the 60 available antlerless licenses, and individuals are not required to purchase a resident or nonresident general hunting license to apply for the drawing. If drawn for one of the elk licenses, hunters then will be required to purchase the appropriate resident or nonresident general hunting license and view the elk hunt orientation video produced by the PGC before being permitted to purchase the elk license, which are $25 for residents and $250 for nonresidents.Hunters who want to earn a preference point for this year, but know that they would not be able to participate in the elk hunting season if drawn, have the option of simply purchasing a preference point for $10.70. While they will not be included in the drawing for the 2013 elk licenses, they will continue to build their preference points.Those applying for an elk license can choose either an antlered or antlerless elk license, or they may select either-sex on their application. For those who select "antlered only," if they are drawn after the antlered licenses are allocated, they will not receive an elk license.**********A "Mountain Moonwalk" is being held Wednesday, Aug. 21, beginning at 8:30 p.m., at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, for ages 12 and older. Extending to the North Lookout, the walk provides a night-time view of Schuylkill and Berks Counties.During the guided walk, participants will join a Hawk Mountain naturalist and walk along the rocky trail that at times is steep, but lighted by the glow of the full moon. This program offers a great chance to watch the full moon rise over the Kempton Valley and the entire program will last up to two hours.For information and required preregistration call 610-756-6961 or visit the website at

http://www.hawkmountain.org/.**********Bald Eagle Migration Day is being held Saturday, Aug. 24, beginning at 2 p.m., at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton. This free presentation is presented by educator Franklin Klock of the Carbon County Environmental Center.At this time of year visitors have a 40-percent chance of seeing a bald eagle at Hawk Mountain's North Lookout, and a 52-percent chance between Sept. 1-15. Late afternoon tends to be a good time to spot a bald eagle, so visitors have the opportunity walking to the lookout following the eagle presentation.For more information call 610-756-6961 or visit the website at

http://www.hawkmountain.org/.**********Sunday's edition of "Experience The Outdoors," hosted by award-winning Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association member Doyle Dietz, at 7 a.m. on 1410-AM WLSH, at 9:30 a.m. on Magic 105.5-FM and on the Web at

http://www.wmgh.com/ by clicking the link to the program, features Lehigh Valley Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza co-promoter Rick Weaknecht.**********Ticket sales are underway for the annual Schuylkill County Sportsmen's Association Banquet, Saturday, Sept. 14, beginning at 5 p.m., at Community Fire Company, Landingville. For information and tickets call Dennis Scharadin at 570-739-2085.**********A simulated hunting 3D course is open daily through Oct. 12 from dawn to dusk at Bears Head Archery, Delano, off I-81 exit 134. Sundays, the course is closed from 1-4 p.m. for trap. For information, email

docblazer@verizon.net.