Bellwood Sportsmen’s Association

What’s the purpose of Hunter-Trapper Education?

The program is designed to produce safe, responsible and knowledgeable hunters and trappers. Hunter education is rooted in concepts of firearm safety, but has grown to include important training in ethical behavior and showing respect for others and the resource. The program provides instruction in basic techniques plus a host of hunting, trapping and outdoor skills all designed to enhance a new participant’s knowledge and enjoyment of wildlife and our hunting and trapping heritage.

Who needs Hunter-Trapper Education?

Pennsylvania’s Game and Wildlife Code requires all first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of age, to attend and successfully complete the training. Participants must be at least 11 years of age to enroll in a course. (You must be 12 years old before you may begin to hunt.) There is no maximum age for enrollment. Parents are encouraged to attend the course with their children. Many states also require a certificate of hunter safety training before issuing a license. Experienced adults are again taking the course prior to hunting in another state/province or simply as refresher training.

What does the course include?

The course is conducted over two or more days with a minimum of 10 hours of instruction. Students must be present for all of the instruction for the courses they are attending. The course includes the following subjects:

• Hunter Responsibility and Ethics
• Principles of Wildlife Management and Conservation
• Firearms and Ammunition; Their Handling and Safety
• Wildlife Identification
• Field Care of Game
• Specialty Areas of Bowhunting and Muzzleloading
• Trapping and Furtaking
• Game Laws
• Survival and First Aid
• Turkey Hunting Safety

Field and live-firing exercises are often included as part of the training. At the conclusion of the course, a test is given. Students must achieve a passing score to successfully complete the course. A certificate of training is awarded to the graduates, and this certificate must be presented to initially purchase a hunting or furtaking license.

There is no cost for the instruction. Some classes may charge a nominal fee for program-related materials such as ammunition and targets if they are used as part of the training.

When and where can I take a course?

The course is offered at the Bellwood Sportsmen’s Association twice a year. Contact Mark Luke at (814) 944-6663 for dates and pre-registration.

Information courtesy of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. (www.pgc.state.pa.us)