Hunter-Trapper Education Courses Required For First Time Hunters

Hunter-Trapper Education courses are required for all first-time hunters and trappers before they can buy a license in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) offers both in-person and online options.

The course covers responsible hunting behavior, firearms basics and safety, basic shooting, wildlife conservation and management, outdoor safety and survival, hunting techniques, trapping and furtaking basics, and hunting safety.

The following options are available:

• PGC’s Basic Hunter-Trapper Education In-Person Course is offered free of charge to anyone age 11 and older. Classes are held in various locations across the Commonwealth. A schedule is available at www.pgc.pa.gov.

• An interactive online version of PGC’s Basic Hunter-Trapper Education Course is offered to Pennsylvania residents age 11 and older. The fee for this course is $49.95.

• PGC’s official online course is offered to Pennsylvania residents age 16 or older. The fee for this course is $34.95.

• The National Rifle Association offers a free online hunter education course to Pennsylvania residents age 11 and older.