Hunter Education
"Individuals may complete the Pennsylvania Basic Hunter-Trapper Education course either by attending an in-person course or by completing an online course. Pennsylvania will accept hunter education certification obtained from other states, and other states will accept Pennsylvania's Hunter-Trapper Education certification as it pertains to firearm hunting. Although Pennsylvania's Basic Hunter-Trapper Education course discusses archery and trapping, completion of this course may not be accepted in states that require an archery (bowhunter) specific or trapper specific certification.
In order to receive a Pennsylvania Basic Hunter-Trapper Education certificate, students must successfully pass a multiple choice/true-false exam with a score of 80% or higher. Curriculum for both the in-person course and the online courses covers ethics and responsible hunting behavior, basic firearm safety, basic shooting skills, wildlife conservation and management, basic firearm and archery hunting techniques, outdoor preparedness and fur-taking basics. The in-person course is offered free of charge. Some online courses are fee-based."
(from the PA Game Commission Website)
Hunter Education Schedule
Weekend Classes start at 8:00AM
| Date | Sportsman Club | Class Size | Course Contact | Enrollment Page |
| 04/18/2026 | Lebanon Indoor Archery | 30 | Todd Kaylor | Enroll Here |
|
05/09/2026 |
Heidelberg Sportsmens Assn |
40 | Todd Kaylor | Enroll Here |
|
06/20/2026 |
Middle Creek Visitors Center |
40 | Joe Szewczak | Enroll Here |
Weekday Classes Start at 8:00AM
| Date | Sportsman Club | Class Size | Course Contact | Enrollment Page |
| 06/11/2026 | Myerstown Rod & Gun Club | 60 | Joe Szewczak | Enroll Here |
| 07/15/2026 | Dela-Ches Fishing Assn | 40 | Joe Szewczak | Enroll Here |
| 08/05/2026 | "R" Field & Stream Fishing Assn | 60 | Todd Kaylor | Enroll Here |
| 08/12/2026 | Dela-Ches Fishing Assn | Joe Szewczak | No Public Enrollment |
General Information
Instruction in all classes begins at 8:00 AM sharp and will adjourn between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, as classroom participation and test taking times can vary. Please arrive between 7:30 and 7:45 AM to confirm attendance. If you drop a student off for the day, please arrive no later than 4:00 PM to pick them up.
In Lebanon County, lunch is provided through the generosity of the hosting clubs. Donations are welcome. If you have special dietary needs, please plan accordingly.
* Chapters 1, 4, 5, and 9 of Today’s Hunter and Trapper in PA are required reading!
About the HTE Basic Course Curriculum
All first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of age, must successfully complete a Basic Hunter-Trapper Education course to obtain a PA hunting or trapping license.
The HTE Basic course is not an advanced how-to course on sporting arms use. It is intended to teach our students the requirements to carry a loaded firearm in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - where our family, friends, and neighbors live - in a safe and ethical manner. The curriculum covers ethics and responsible hunting behavior, basic firearm safety, wildlife conservation and management, basic firearm and archery hunting techniques, outdoor preparedness, and fur-taking basics.
PA Hunter-Trapper Education Programs Info on classroom & online courses.
About the PA Game Commission Mentored Hunting Program
Hunting and trapping skills, including the use of their specialized equipment, may best be learned from a mentor. A mentor is a licensed hunter, at least 21 years old, who serves as a guide to the mentored hunter. The mentor must possess a valid, current hunting license or otherwise qualify for a license and fee exemptions.
Mentored hunters are not required to take a Hunter Education class before obtaining a permit to hunt through the program. However, after 3 years of mentored hunting, a mentored hunter must successfully pass a hunter-trapper education course at age 12, or after a maximum of 3 years of mentored hunting if age 12 or older.
Information on the PA Game Commission’s mentored hunting programs - including how to enroll in those programs - can be found here:
Get Started Hunting Includes a list of the PGC’s mentored hunting events
Learn to Shoot 2026 PA Public Hunting and Shooting Programs Enrollment