Your Guide to Legally Hunting in Pennsylvania: How to Complete Hunter Education Course and Obtain Licenses

If you're interested in hunting in Pennsylvania, there are several steps you need to follow to ensure that you are hunting legally and safely. 

Hunting can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to understand the regulations and requirements before you head out into the field. 

In this educational blog, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to learn to legally hunt in the state of Pennsylvania. From completing a Hunter Education Course to obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, we will cover everything you need to know to get started as a hunter in Pennsylvania.

Before we list all the steps you need to complete to legally hunt in Pennsylvania - we'll cover some commonly asked questions.

Who is Required to Take the PA Hunter Safety Course?

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website, "All first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of age, must successfully complete hunter-trapper education training before they can buy a Pennsylvania hunting or trapping license.

Individuals may take hunter-trapper education either through an in-person class or by completing an online class."

What is the Minimum Age Requirement to Legally Hunt in Pennsylvania?

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website, the PA Hunter Education Courses are, "available to anyone 11 years and older. A training certificate recognized throughout North America is awarded when you pass a test at the end of the Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education course. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children."

How Much Does the PA Hunter Education Course Cost?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Hunter-Trapper Education Course is offered free of charge to anyone who wants to participate in an in-person training session. The in-person course is funded through the sale of hunting licenses and other hunting-related fees, and is available to both residents and non-residents of Pennsylvania.

However, if you choose to take the online Hunter-Trapper education course, there may be a fee charged by the third-party provider that hosts the online course. This fee is typically around $34.95-$50, but may vary depending on the online course provider.

Where Can I Take the PA Game Commission's Hunter Education Course?

As we mentioned, there are two options individuals have to take the PA Hunter-Trapper Education Course. You can choose to take it in-person or online.

We typically host an in-person Hunter Safety Course once or twice a year at our retail store, Kinsey's Outdoors in Mount Joy, PA.

However, if you missed our in-person education class - you can find a PA Hunter Safety Course near you here.

If the in-person hunter education courses don't work for you, you can opt to take one of the three online PA Hunter Education Courses approve by the PA Game Commission.

The 3 Online Hunter Education Courses are:

1. Hunter-Ed.com
2. iLearnToHunt.com
3. NRA Hunter Education

What Does the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Hunter Education Course Cover?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Hunter Education Course is designed to teach hunters the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be safe, responsible, and ethical hunters.

The course covers a range of topics related to hunting, including:

1. Firearm safety: Safe handling, storage, and transport of firearms, as well as basic marksmanship skills.
2. Hunting techniques: Strategies and methods for locating, tracking, and harvesting game animals.
3. Wildlife conservation: Understanding of the role of hunters in wildlife conservation, including habitat management, population dynamics, and wildlife biology.
4. Hunting laws and regulations: Understanding of Pennsylvania's hunting laws and regulations, including bag limits, seasons, and safety requirements.
5. Hunting ethics: Encouraging ethical hunting practices, such as respect for wildlife and the environment, and sportsmanlike behavior.
6. First aid and survival skills: Basic knowledge of first aid, emergency response, and survival skills in the field.

Before you take your in-person or online course - make sure you take advantage of this Pennsylvania Hunter Education course study guide here!

Taking all that information into consideration - below are the 6 Steps You Need to Take to Legally Hunt in Pennsylvania.

Step 1 - Complete a Hunter Education Course: Before obtaining a hunting license in Pennsylvania, individuals must complete and pass an approved in-person or online Hunter Education course. 

Step 2 - Purchase a Hunting License: Once you have completed the Hunter Education course, you can purchase a hunting license online through the Pennsylvania Game Commission website, HuntFish.pa.gov or at an authorized license issuing agent like Kinsey's Outdoors. If it is your first time purchasing a PA Hunting License, you will need to provide proof of completing a Hunter Education course.

Step 3 - Obtain Additional Permits: While you are purchasing your license - make sure you purchase the required permits and tags depending on the type of game you plan to hunt. For example, if you wish to hunt archery, bear, pheasant, migratory birds, or antlerless deer - you will need additional permits and tags. Again, these additional tags and permits can be obtained through the Pennsylvania Game Commission HuntFish.pa.gov website or at an authorized license issuing agent.

Step 4 - Review Hunting Regulations: Before heading out to hunt, it's important to review Pennsylvania's hunting regulations to ensure you are following all laws and guidelines. The regulations cover topics such as hunting seasons, bag limits, legal hunting hours, and firearm restrictions.

Step 5 - Choose an Area to Hunt: Pennsylvania offers over 1.5 million acres of State Game lands for the public to hunt. You can find maps and information about hunting state game lands and other public areas on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.

Step 6 - Practice Safe Hunting: Always follow safe hunting practices and guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a successful and enjoyable hunting experience. Make sure you always positively identify your target. Also be sure you are shooting at legal game. It's important to stress that under no circumstance should you ever shoot at sounds or movement. For more hunter safety tips - visit the PA Game Commission's website here.

It's also important to note that specific rules, regulations and requirements may vary depending on the type of hunting and location within Pennsylvania. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website or contact your local Game Commission office for any region specific questions.

Get Out and Hunt!

Becoming a responsible and ethical hunter in Pennsylvania requires a commitment to learning and following the rules and regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. 

By completing a Hunter Education Course and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, you can ensure that you are hunting safely and legally. 

We hope this educational blog has provided you with the information you need to get started on your journey as a hunter in Pennsylvania. 

Remember to always practice safe and ethical hunting practices, and to respect the wildlife and environment around you.

Happy hunting!