Become a Hunter-Trapper Education Instructor!

The Game Commission is looking for knowledgeable and experienced hunters and trappers to teach both basic and advanced hunter-trapper education programs.

Volunteer instructors receive certification training, all necessary teaching aids, and materials including the easy-to-use, standardized curriculum. Instructors must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

To reduce hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs), the Pennsylvania Game Commission adopted its first voluntary hunter safety program in 1959. Not long after, the program became mandatory for all first-time hunters and trappers age 16 and under. Today, all first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of age, must successfully complete a hunter-trapper education course prior to buying a hunting or furtaking license.

During the calendar year 2023, a total of 13 HRSIs were recorded in Pennsylvania, of which none were fatal. This is the lowest number of HRSIs recorded in Pennsylvania since 1915. While one incident is one too many, the marked decline of HRSIs in Pennsylvania can be attributed to the success of the hunter education program and mandatory use of fluorescent orange clothing.

Although almost half of Pennsylvania’s hunter-trapper education graduates complete their certification online, the Pennsylvania Game Commission relies heavily on certified volunteers to offer in-person hunter-trapper education courses across the state. The decline in HRSI’s in Pennsylvania is largely due to the dedication and hard work of our volunteer hunter-trapper education instructors.

Besides the fulfillment of making Pennsylvania a safer place to hunt and helping new hunters and trappers get afield, hunter-trapper education instructors receive the following benefits:

• Discounted General Hunting License
• Receive a complimentary subscription to the Pennsylvania Game News
• Receive discounts on gear through IHEA

To maintain your certification to teach, instructors must:

• Teach or assist with one hunter-trapper education course every two years.
• Attend and complete at least one instructor training workshop (roughly 2 hours long) every two years.
• Maintain and renew your required background checks and clearances every five years. 

If carrying on the great tradition of safe, responsible, ethical hunting is important to you, please consider becoming a Certified Hunter-Trapper Education Instructor. All applicants must pass a criminal background check and child abuse clearance check. Follow the steps below to get certified:

• STEP 1: Download and review the Introduction and HTE Policy information. Then download and complete the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Instructor Application forms:
  •  Introduction and HTE Policy  (PDF)
  •  PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Instructor Application  (PDF)
• STEP 2: Submit the above forms. There are three ways to submit the forms:
  • If you complete and sign the forms electronically, you can use the SUBMIT FORMS button at the bottom of the application.
  • If you complete the forms online, but can't sign them electronically, you can print, sign, scan and email to: pgchuntereducation@pa.gov
  • If you are unable to complete the forms online, print them complete them in ink, scan and email to the email address above or mail them to: PA Game Commission, Hunter Education & Outreach Division, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110
• STEP 3: You'll be contacted by PGC staff and/or your local State Game Warden after your clearances have been received with additional instructions.
• STEP 4: Complete new Instructor Orientation and Training, online or in-person.
• STEP 5: Begin teaching with other Certified Instructors.