Hunter-Trapper Education
As part of our commitment to the preservation of the tradition of hunting, along with the ongoing participation and development of youth in hunting, Cocalico Sportsmen conducts PA Hunter-Trapper Education courses each year. These courses are part of the schedule of dozens of classes that are conducted in Northern Lancaster County under the direction of the PA Game Commission (PGC). We provide the use of facilities while the course materials are provided free to the students from the PGC.
The current course is (6) hours of an instructor lead class combined with prior self-study at home by the students. The course is comprised of basic instruction designed to start the students on the road to becoming safe, ethical, knowledgeable, involved, and responsible hunters. It includes an introduction to firearms and their safe handling, archery, trapping, and black powder muzzleloaders, as well as outdoor safety and wildlife conservation and management. Lectures and demonstrations are intermixed with several videos designed to provoke thought and discussion on the various topics. Also included is a review of the PA Hunting and Trapping Laws by a PGC Game Warden.
The course concludes with a test that the students must pass in order to receive their Training Certificate, which is necessary for them to purchase their first PA hunting license. You must be at least 11 years old to participate. Adults may also take the course to obtain their Training Certificate as these are more often now required for non-resident hunters to obtain a license in many of the western United States.
You may see the detailed schedule for classes held at Cocalico Sportsmen along with additional information about these and other classes held in Lancaster County and across the state, as well as register online, at www.pgc.pa.us. You may also contact Jim Creek, Instructor, at 717-572-8583 or jcreek@me.com. Sign up early as the classes fill quickly and there are space limitations.