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Hunter-Trapper Education

Hunting has gotten safer since the start of the hunter-trapper education program in 1959. By law, all first-time hunters must complete a hunter-trapper education course to buy a Pennsylvania hunting license

Find a Hunter-Trapper Education Course

Shopping Cart Icon.jpgPurchase A License


Mentored Hunting Permits

Pennsylvania's mentored hunt permits are designed to provide first-time hunters, of all ages, an opportunity to participate in hunting through the mentorship of a licensed hunter before successfully completing a hunter-trapper education course. Learn more
 
  • Individuals hunting on a mentored hunt permit must hunt under the guidance mentor. A mentor is defined as A hunter at least 21 or older who serves as a guide to a mentored hunter and who possess a valid, current hunting license or otherwise qualify for a license and fee exemptions.  

Need a mentor? The International Hunter Education Association's new website - LearnHunting is a great resource for new hunters to find experienced mentors in their local area!

Info Icon.jpgBecome a mentor! Help pass on the tradition of hunting in our state by volunteering to mentor someone near you. Sign up today at LearnHunting

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​Mentored Hunt Events

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Learn to Hunt

The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Learn to Hunt Program is designed to help individuals of all ages become successful hunters. Through these webinars, participants will learn about game behavior, habitat preferences, choosing or using equipment, preparing game meat for the table and much more! 

Past Learn to Hunt webinars, currently available, include pheasants, squirrel, spring turkey, and deer.  

Watch Video Icon.jpgWatch past webinars here: Learn to Hunt Program

Find Icon.jpgFind topics such as Bowhunting, Furtaking & Cable Restraint, Archery Safety Course and more hereExplore Bowhunting

Pennsylvania Youth Outdoor Hunting and Fishing Basics Field Day is a family-friendly event with a variety of hunting and shooting sports experiences like archery, air rifle, shotgun shooting, muzzleloaders and more. It is designed to teach you practical skills to become a more confident hunter.

Online Courses: If you want to learn hunting skills from the comfort of your own home, consider taking an online course. Today’s Hunter is a great option and has online courses on how to hunt deer, turkey and elk. 

Additional Online Resources:


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Where
to Hunt

With over 1.5 million acres of state game lands provided by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania has plenty of public and private land to go hunting. 

State Game Lands: The Game Commission owns and manages more than 1.5 million acres of state game lands throughout the Commonwealth. The primary purpose of these lands is the management of habitat for wildlife and provide opportunities for lawful hunting and trapping. 

State ForestsOther locations open to hunting include state forests, national forests, and private land participating in the Game Commission Hunter Access Program. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages over 2 million acres of forest land in 50 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties and are open to a variety of recreational activities. 

Private Lands: In addition to the millions of public land acres available to hunters statewide, the Pennsylvania Game Commission partners with private landowners to provide public hunting opportunities through its Hunter Access Program. For more than 80 years, the program continues to provide hunting and trapping opportunities to the Commonwealth's sportsmen on millions of acres of private lands.


Buying A License

After successfully completing a hunter-trapper education course, Pennsylvania residents can purchase a hunting license at any participating issuing agent or online at HuntFishPA

  • With a resident adult hunting license, hunters receive an antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, one spring turkey tag and small game hunting privileges for one license year. 
  • To legally pursue antlerless deer in Pennsylvania, hunters must apply for and purchase an antlerless deer license.
    • Special licenses must be purchased in addition to a general hunting license to pursue black bear, migratory game birds, elk, and furbearers. 
    • Special licenses must also be purchased to pursue deer during archery or muzzleloader seasons.

Additional Resources For Purchasing a License

LEARN: More about the different available license types: License Types

Watch Video Icon.jpgWATCHHow To Purchase A License Online or How To Apply for an Elk License

Read more icon.jpgREAD: How to purchase a hunting license or report a harvest on HuntFishPA 



 

Resources

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THANK YOU for being a Pennsylvania Hunter!