Hunter Education
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Hunter-Trapper Education
Overview
Important You must complete the online Today's Hunter & Trapper in PA course before attending your class.
Details
This is a six-hour training class required by law for all first-time hunters and trappers before they can buy a license. You must pass a certification exam at the end of the class to complete this training.
Prior to attending this class, you must complete the online independent study part of this training. This independent study will require about 4 hours to complete.
Link to Online Course
Today's Hunter & Trapper in PA
NOTE: You must be at least 11 years of age to register for this class!
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Hunter-Trapper Education Independent Study
Overview
This is the required classroom portion of an independent study program.
Details
After taking the online course, you must attend this 2-3 hour class to be tested and certified. To prepare for this class, you must study the entire course content on your own by clicking on the link below. The independent study part of your training will require about 8-10 hours to complete.
If you do not want to study online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015 (M-F from 8:00am to 4:00pm) to request a printed version of Today's Hunter & Trapper in Pennsylvania. A $2.53 postage fee will apply.
Age-Related Information
NOTE: You must be at least 11 years of age to register for this class!
NOTICE TO PARENTS: Independent study is more difficult. Younger students should consider attending a traditional, multiple-day class.
Link to the Online Course
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Hunter-Trapper Education (Sign Language Services)
Overview
The Hunter-Trapper Education Course is a multi-day training class.
Details
This class is for any person who is required to complete the mandatory Hunter-Trapper Education training program before purchasing their first hunting or furtaking license. Sign language interpretation will be provided for any hearing-impaired students who may attend.
NOTE: You must be at least 11 years of age to register for this class!
Hunting
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Cable Restraint Certification
Overview
This is a one-day certification class for any person desiring to complete the mandatory Cable Restraint Certification Program.
Details
Being certified allows for the use of cable restraint devices to trap certain furbearing animals. Certification is required by regulation for any trapper using cable restraint devices to capture foxes and coyotes in Pennsylvania.
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Successful Bowhunting
Overview
Important You must first complete the online Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course before registering for Successful Bowhunting.
Details
You must pass the online bowhunter education course (Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course) AND Successful Bowhunting field day to complete the requirements for Pennsylvania bowhunter education. Successful Bowhunting field days are approximately 8 hours in duration. You must pass a certification exam at the end of the field day to complete this training.
Link to Online Course
Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course
NOTE: You must be at least 11 years of age to register for this class!
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Successful Furtaking
Overview
This is a one-day certification class for any person desiring to improve their skills and learn more about furtaking.
Details
IMPORTANT: To receive a training certificate recognized by other states or provinces, you must pass a written exam at this class!
Prior to attending this one-day class, you must complete the independent study part of this training by clicking on the below link. If you do not want to study online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015 (M-F from 8:00am to 4:00pm) to request a printed version of Successful Furtaking! Student Manual. The independent study part of the training will require about 6 to 8 hours to complete.
This program also includes training on the use of cable restraint devices to trap certain furbearing animals. Certification is required by regulation for any trapper using cable restraint devices to capture foxes and coyotes in Pennsylvania.
Link to the Student Manual
Successful Furtaking! Student ManualMore Information
REMEMBER: Students should bring waders, hip boots, or other wading gear to be used during the instruction on making water sets.
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Successful Turkey Hunting
Overview
Do you want to learn how to be a successful turkey hunter, both spring and fall? Then this advanced training class is for you! Our Successful Turkey Hunting program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to really enjoy your next turkey-hunting experience. Even before you attend a class, you’ll discover a lot about the wild turkey and turkey hunting by reviewing our online student guide. A printed copy is yours to keep at the end of the course!
Details
In our classroom, we’ll teach you the orienteering skills needed to navigate the back country in search of wary birds, plus shot selection methods to increase your success rate, enhance your hunting experience, and keep you safe. Next, you’ll learn both basic and advanced calling techniques using most of the popular call types available today. We’ll even give you a turkey call to take home after the class!
Moving outside, you’ll learn scouting methods and hunting techniques, including the effective use of decoys. Then we’ll show you how to fine-tune both your eye and your shotgun to consistently bag more birds.
Bring your 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun to the class! On our range, we’ll show you how to maximize its effectiveness. No ammunition is required – we’ll provide it. If you don’t have a shotgun, we’ve got one for you.
More Information
IMPORTANT: This is a voluntary, advanced, one-day hunter education training program. To receive a training certificate recognized by other states or provinces, you must pass an open-book, written exam at the conclusion of this class.
Prior to attending, you should complete the independent study part of this program by clicking on the link below. If you don’t want to study online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015 (M-F from 8:00am to 4:00pm) to request a printed version of our Successful Turkey Hunting! Student Manual. The independent-study part of the training will take about 6 to 8 hours to complete.
Link to Student Manual
Outreach
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Field Days
Overview
Field Days introduce participants to outdoor sports such as archery, trapping, and hunting through closely supervised hands-on activities. An adult must accompany all youth participants and can accompany more than one youth. Please ensure that your child meets the age requirements of the specific event that you are registering for as each event is different. If you are interested in hosting one of your events on this page, please contact recruitakid@pa.gov.
Youth Field Days: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1223121&mode=2
Notice: Registration information collected by Event Manager is used solely to register participants through the host organization, such as The National Rifle Association, The National Wild Turkey Federation or the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Registration information will not be provided to third party organizations without advance participant consent.
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Special Hunts
Overview
Browse the available special hunts below. These hunts will allow you the opportunity to gain hunting experience and help build a hunting support system for you as you pursue your interests in hunting and the outdoors.
Special Hunts: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1223121&mode=2
Youth Hunt participants must be 12 years of age by the date of the hunt and have successfully completed a Hunter-Trapper Education Course. Participants 12 and 13 must be accompanied by an adult member of the family (at least 18), or by an adult serving in place of a parent.
Notice: Registration information collected by Event Manager is used solely to register participants through the host organization, such as The National Rifle Association, The National Wild Turkey Federation or the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Registration information will not be provided to third party organizations without advance participant consent.
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Women's Programs
Overview
Pennsylvania Women's Programs supports women in their development of outdoor skills. These one-day classes are conducted by nonprofit organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation or the National Rifle Association and are taught using expert instructors in a noncompetitive environment. The emphasis is on wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation.
Women's Programs: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1223013&mode=2
Notice: Registration information collected by Event Manager is used solely to register participants through the host organization, such as The National Rifle Association, The National Wild Turkey Federation or the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Registration information will not be provided to third party organizations without advance participant consent.
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National Archery in the Schools Program
Overview
The National Archery in the Schools Program provides an opportunity for students to learn to shoot archery in their physical education classes. The events available for registration are either a Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) Training for teachers interested in offering NASP as part of their curriculum or a tournament for students that complete NASP as part of their physical education curriculum in their school. If there are any questions pertaining to this program, please contact recruitakid@pa.gov.
NASP: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=828131&mode=2
Notice: Registration information collected by Event Manager is used solely to register participants through the host organization, such as The National Rifle Association, The National Wild Turkey Federation or the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Registration information will not be provided to third party organizations without advance participant consent.
