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Get Started Hunting

Featured Videos & More

50 Years Full Film
During May 2018 (the 50th season of Spring Gobbler hunting in Pennsylvania), a team from Northwoods Collective filmed Lebanon County native Emily Kantner on her quest to tag a turkey. The challenges and thrills of the hunt are shown as she hunted from the agricultural valleys near State College to the depths of the Allegheny National Forest.

Turkey calling with Matt Morrett

Turkey Calling With Matt Morrett
Learn techniques from a five time world champion turkey caller.

Featured Articles & More

5 Tips For A Safe And Fun Spring Turkey Season

5 Tips For A Safe And Fun Spring Turkey Season
Maximize your turkey hunting experience by utilizing these safety tips while afield.

5 tips tor a safe and fun spring turkey season.

2019 Comprehensive Spring Turkey Forecast
PGC Turkey Biologist, Mary Jo Casalena provides us with an overview of where to hunt, hunter/harvest density and turkey population maps and the do's and don'ts.

Celebrate Spring Gobbler Season

Improve Hunting Success By Identifying Turkey Habitats
Learn where to locate turkeys from Josh Fuqua, SW region game lands maintenance supervisor. April 23, 2019

Purchase a License

Purchase a license
 
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Find a Mentor

  • Hunter Mentor Program
    Looking for help getting started as a new hunter? Or are you an experienced hunter who enjoys sharing your knowledge and passing on the hunting tradition to new folks?

    The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Hunter Education team is partnering with Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever to bring the National Hunter Mentor program to our state and provide a well-designed resource that helps both mentors and mentees.

    A curriculum developed by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) provides the framework for training and preparing mentors to take new adult hunters afield. All Hunter Mentors in Pennsylvania will be certified as Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) instructors and receive state background checks.

    If you would like to connect with a Hunter Mentor in your area to get started hunting or ask questions about hunting, please contact: mentoredhunting@pa.gov

  • Hunter Mentor Resources
    Hunter Mentor Training Presentation 2019 (PowerPoint)
    Hunter Mentor Code of Conduct (PDF)
    Hunter Mentor Reporting Form (PDF)
    Mentee Reporting Form (PDF)

  • Digital Mentor Program
    Are you in need of a few tips on how to scout and learn where to hunt? Do you regularly like to mentor people but are limited in time afield?

    The new Digital Mentor program is a nationwide effort spearheaded by Powderhook, an outdoors-focused media company working to engage more participants in hunting and shooting sports.

    To get the Powderhook App and get started as a mentor or mentee, simply type Powderhook into your smartphone’s app store. It’s free, fun to use, and a great way to connect with helpful outdoorsmen and women.

Youth Hunting Programs

  • Youth Hunt Days
    Special days are designated during the hunting seasons so that youth under the age of 16 may head afield with their parent or other adult mentor.

    Youth Spring Turkey Hunt: Saturday, April 20, 2019
    Junior Squirrel Hunt: TBA
    Junior Pheasant Hunt: TBA
    Junior Rabbit Hunt: TBA
    Youth Waterfowl Hunt: TBA
    Junior Deer Hunt: TBA

  • Youth Field Days
    Hosted by Pennsylvania Game Commission partners, these events connect youth and families to a variety of hunting and shooting sports experiences. Try activities like archery, air rifle, shotgun shooting, and more in these outdoor-focused and family-friendly.
    https://www.register-ed.com/programs/39

  • Junior Pheasant Hunts
    The excitement of flushing pheasants and energetic bird dogs is what makes these events very popular with youth hunters. Graduates of the Hunter Education program between the ages of 12 ands 16 are eligible to register for these free hunts, which are offered statewide in early October each Fall.
    www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunting/Pages/JrPheasantHunt.aspx

Where to Hunt
Hunting Tips and Tactics
Hunter Education Classes and Workshops

  • Calendar of Hunter Education Classes
    Hunter-Trapper Education courses across the state of Pennsylvania are listed on this site, along with other special courses and activities like Field Days, Public Hunting and Shooting Programs, and Special Hunts. Select your program of choice and then click “View upcoming events.”
    https://www.register-ed.com/programs/pennsylvania

  • Online Hunter Education Course for Adults
    For individuals age 16 or older, you may take the Hunter Safety exam in a fully online format. The web portal Hunter-Ed.com administers the test, which costs $19.50. Study, pass the course, and then print your course completion. You will then be authorized to purchase your hunting license through any Pennsylvania hunting license vendor.

    To take the online course, visit:
    https://www.hunter-ed.com/pennsylvania/