BENEZETTE - Killed unlawfully in a 2014 poaching spree, one of the largest bull elk in Pennsylvania history is making its way back to the state's elk range as part of a traveling display of exceptional elk.

A mount of the bull known as the Historic Pennsylvania Poaching Bull is part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Great Elk Tour.

The tour arrived at the Winslow Hill Viewing Area in Benezette, Elk County on last Saturday. It will be there until Sunday before heading to Las Vegas.

The Historic Pennsylvania Poaching Bull was one of three killed in Karthaus, Clearfield County, by three men.

After the first poached bull was found, the Game Commission started extensive patrols from sunset to sunrise.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Mark Gritzer had been stalking the area and seven days later, the men came back.

"These men came right back to that area and I happened to be at the right place at the right time," Gritzer said. "On Sept. 15 around 8 p.m., they shot a magnificent 10- by 9-point directly in front of me."

The three men pleaded guilty and were prosecuted. They paid around $39,000 in fines, spent time in jail and their hunting privileges were suspended for a period of time.

Once word got out about the story, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation wanted to get involved to help showcase the healthy elk Pennsylvania has.

They had the bull mounted and covered all the expenses.

"Our mission is for the development of elk habitat, which helps other wildlife," Carol Lux said. "Also, to ensure our hunting heritage. That's what our chapter in Clearfield is really focused on, making sure kids become involved with hunting, get outside and enjoy the resources that we have."

The Historic Pennsylvania Poaching Bull is the largest of the six mounts on this year's tour.

After the tour, the bull will be given back to the Game Commission. It plans to give the bull to the county it was killed in, and put the bull on display in the Clearfield County Courthouse.

For a schedule of the Great Elk Tour, click here.

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