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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.
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.
- Check out the Mentored Hunting Opportunities page for information on Special Hunts, Youth Hunting Opportunities and Hunter Mentor Resources.
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!
- Become a mentor! Help pass on the tradition of hunting in our state by volunteering to mentor someone near you. Sign up today at LearnHunting
Mentored Hunt Events
Experience the adventure of squirrel hunting. Participants with a Mentored Adult Hunting Permit will be selected through a random lottery and paired with an experienced mentor who will help them pursue squirrels in the forest of State Game Lands 46 at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and State Game Lands 156 in Lancaster County. The required blaze orange hat and vest will be provided, along with shotguns and ammunition.
Experience the adventure of squirrel hunting. Participants with a Mentored Adult Hunting Permit will be selected through a random lottery and paired with an experienced mentor who will help them pursue squirrels in the forest of State Game Lands 46 at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and State Game Lands 156 in Lancaster County. The required blaze orange hat and vest will be provided, along with shotguns and ammunition.
- Application Deadline: July 26, 2024
- Drawing: July 29, 2024
- Mandatory In-person Orientation Meeting: September 14, 2024 from 8 am – 1 pm
- Hunt Date: September 14, 2024 from 1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Total Hunters Drawn: 10
To learn how to apply for this hunt click here.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission in partnership with the National Deer Association, Benjamin Rush State Park and John Heinz Wildlife Refuge offer multiple mentored deer archery hunts every year for beginner hunters. Mentored hunt dates for the 2024-25 hunting season are:
Mandatory In-person Orientation at John Heinz: October 6, 2024
John Heinz Hunt #1: October 17-19, 2024
John Heinz Hunt #2: November 22-24, 2024
John Heinz Hunt #3: January 9-11, 2025
John Heinz Hunt #4 January 16-18, 2025
Ben Rush Hunt #1: October 25-26, 2024
Ben Rush Hunt #2: January 24-25, 2024
Participants are selected through a random lottery, with the lottery application period opening in late July – August 2024. Learn more or apply here!
NEW IN 2024! The Pennsylvania Game Commission in partnership with Delta Waterfowl Foundation is hosting a Mentored Waterfowl Hunt on December 28, 2024 at Middle Creek.
- More information on how to participate is coming soon!
The Pennsylvania Game Commission in partnership with local sportsman's clubs stock pheasants for the junior pheasant hunt season every year. This special season is open to junior hunters and all mentored hunters (regardless of age). A FREE Junior Pheasant Hunting Permit (available online and at license vendors) is required to participate in the pheasant season for all junior hunters.
- For more information on how to participate or host a Junior Pheasant Hunt click here.
Additional Online Resources:
- Pennsylvania Game Commission YouTube channel for content built to help new hunters.
- Call of the Outdoors podcast is all about wildlife, hunting, habitat and conservation efforts in the Keystone State.
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.
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International Hunter Education Association
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Pennsylvania Big Game Records
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