Big changes are coming to Pennsylvania hunters. Newcomers hoping to take advantage of new access, new regulations and a new deer opener first have to pass the state’s Hunter-Trapper Education course.
Since 1959, hunting-related shooting incidents have declined significantly. Hunting is safe and getting safer because of increased hunter education.
All first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of age, are required to successfully complete the training before they can purchase a state hunting or trapping license. A home study program that precedes the course is taught at locations throughout the state. A written test follows.
A training certificate, reciprocally accepted by states and provinces throughout North America, is given after passing the course. Participants must be at least 11 years old to enroll. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children.
For details and registration, visit the state Game Commission website at pgc.pa.gov and open the “education” tab. Download the program guide and register online to take the course at one of dozens of locations. In Allegheny County the Hunter-trapper Education course will be presented at the following venues:
Saturday: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Penn Hills No. 3 North Bessemer VFD, 1701 Leechburg Rd.
Saturday: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Aliquippa Bucktails, 2564 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.
Monday and Tuesday: 5-8:30 p.m., Keystone Shooting Center, 925 Sheraton Drive, Mars.
Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Elizabeth Township Sportsman Association, 1501 Nichols Hill Road, Elizabeth.
Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monroeville Public Safety Training Center, 2465 Johnston Road, Monroeville.
Oct. 26, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Northside Sportsman Club Clubhouse, 325 Mt. Pleasant Road, Warrendale.
Hunting access
Harvesting game is a bonus for more than 75% of American hunters, who say they “hunt merely to enjoy the outdoors.” The American Hunting Lease Association’s annual State of Hunter Access Report, released last week, noted that the decline in hunting participation has created a “groundswell” of efforts to recruit new hunters. The report found:
• 76% of hunters hunt merely to enjoy the outdoors and harvesting an animal is a bonus.
• Whitetail deer hunting drives the industry with 95% (pursuing deer).
• Public ground access is a fantastic entry into the sport and 65% of the hunters accessing it are mostly satisfied with their experience. Only 1% have stopped hunting due to high pressure.
• Access to private land for free is obviously popular when it is possible; 85% of participants hunting this way are happy with their arrangement. Oddly, 15% are not.
• 77% of hunters responding have mentored a new hunter in the last three years.
• 97% of participants were men. There is a huge opportunity to recruit adult women to the sport.
First Published: September 26, 2019, 6:53 p.m.
