Mar 15, 2024 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

Punxsutawney Phil has called an early spring. We are at least moving in that direction and with spring comes the need for a hunter safety course. I am a hunter safety instructor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the following contains some information that might assist you in preparing for a hunter safety course before next hunting season.

If you are planning to hunt for the first time in Pennsylvania a hunter safety class is required before heading to the woods. The hunter safety class is required by anyone planning to hunt regardless of age or skill level. That being said, there are different ways to go about taking a class.

If you are a mom or dad or grandma or pap or any other mentoring adult, I would encourage you to take the hunter safety course with your young person. Nothing screams buy in like having you right beside them during the course. Adults might audit the course or take the test and earn their hunter safety certification as well.

Online classes can be located on the hunter-ed.com site at https://www.hunter-ed.com/pennsylvania/. Although this course is offered in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and hunter-ed.com, it is not a standalone Pennsylvania Game Commission hunter safety course. This course offers the PGC hunter education card issued through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This offering provides the same durable plastic credit card style hunter safety card including hunter name, address, date of birth, certificate number, date of completion and instructor name. You will never need another card unless you lose this one, and if you do lose it, a replacement duplicate card can be issued via your certification number through the Game Commission’s Harrisburg office.

Long about the time that COVID reared its ugly head, the online component took great strides in popularity with up-and-coming hunters. It’s convenient. It’s simple for those of the technology friendly set. The online version can be flexible for an individual’s calendar. If one does not mind sitting in front of the computer screen for a few hours, then I guess this is an acceptable alternative.

One can also choose to take an in-person hunter safety course with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The course list offering is located on the Pennsylvania Game Commission site: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunter-TrapperEducation On the upcoming events page, one can search by zip code for in-person classes being held in your area. There are a number listed at the writing of this article. Prior to taking the in-person course, students are required to read Chapters 1, 4, 5, and 9 online, located at the Today’s Hunter & Trapper in PA.

I am still a proponent of the in-person class. Call me nostalgic but there is just something a bit more immersing about attending a class with other would-be hunters, dressed in flannel, sharing their excitement and exuberance for the upcoming hunt. The chance to have questions pertaining to hunting and trapping answered in real time by an expert, such as your local game warden, is a rather neat experience. I also like the fact that kids, as well as adults, have the opportunity to interact with the local law enforcement community. A youngster’s first contact with a game warden should be a positive one and a lifelong friendship may result.

Classes are often held at local sportsmen’s clubs and introduce new hunters to the extensive benefits these clubs provide to the new hunter, shooter, sportsman/woman.

In-person courses provide an opportunity to handle inert firearms and many youngsters have shared with me that this is their favorite part of the hunter safety experience. Youngsters have the opportunity to handle rifles and shotguns under the watchful eyes of instructors. These firearms have been made safe by modifying the firing mechanisms for training purposes. Great attention is given to safe weapons handling and provides the basis for future safety beyond the classroom walls.

Some out of state hunter safety certifications are reciprocal with Pennsylvania. A complete list can be found on the PGC website. Some states require a standalone archery component in order to be able to hunt archery. PGC classes offer information regarding the pursuit of game with a bow and arrow but does not require a separate course.

In order to receive a Pennsylvania Basic Hunter-Trapper Education certificate, students must successfully pass a multiple choice and true/false exam with a score of 80% or better. Curriculum for both the in-person course and the online courses covers ethics and responsible hunting behavior, basic firearm safety, basic shooting skills, wildlife conservation and management, basic firearm and archery hunting techniques, outdoor preparedness and fur-taking basics. (PGC website)

The Basic Hunter-Trapper Education in-person course is offered free of charge to anyone age 11 and older. Students may take the course prior to their 12th birthday but may not purchase a hunting license until they turn 12. Some online courses are fee-based. Lunch is often included with the in-person course and is usually free. Oftentimes the sponsoring club takes care of lunch, so make sure to say thanks for their generosity.

I hope we run into one another at the next hunter safety course. Good luck and good hunting.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com