a guide to safe and responsible hunting and trapping
Welcome to Hunter-Trapper Education! in Pennsylvania
This official training program will provide you with the
knowledge and skills you need to be a safe and responsible hunter or trapper. The course is designed to meet the standards for hunter training established by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA). Additional subjects are included to meet the needs of first-time hunters and trappers in Pennsylvania.
Be Smart! Be Safe! Be Responsible!
How to use this guide: Read each chapter! The chapters are organized to form building blocks of information. Each chapter will help you understand the information in the next chapters. Do the exercises! In several of the chapters, you will find On Target exercises designed to help you learn important ideas and information. Answer the review questions! After studying a chapter, answer the review questions for that chapter. The review questions are located at the end of each chapter. To see how well you remembered the chapter's information, compare your answers to the correct answers found at the bottom of the chapter review page. Internet Available! This manual is also available online at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
Independent Study Option
This option has an age requirement. Please contact your regional office or go online at www.pgc.state.pa.us for more information. If you are eligible for this option, follow this procedure. Step One: Register for one of the Independent Study Option classes held throughout the state. Step Two: Thoroughly read each chapter in this guide. Complete all chapter review questions and On Target exercises. The material in this guide takes an average of 8 to 10 hours to read and understand. Step Three: Attend an Independent Study class. This one-day class will be approximately three (3) hours long and include a short lesson on Pennsylvanias hunting and trapping laws and regulations followed by a written exam. You must pass the exam. You then will be certified, allowing you to buy your first hunting or furtaking license.