Experienced hunters and trappers are encouraged to share their knowledge
Harrisburg, PA -(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking for experienced hunters and trappers who are interested in becoming volunteer instructors for the agency’s basic Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE), Successful Bowhunting, Successful Furtaking and the Successful Turkey Hunting courses, as well as future courses under consideration.
“Becoming a volunteer instructor for the Game Commission is one way to help new hunters and trappers understand the importance of safety afield and to pass along our outdoors heritage,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter Education and Outreach Division chief. “Becoming an instructor also is a fine way to help make a difference in your community and to do something to help improve the quality of our education and safety programs.”
“If you’re an experienced hunter or trapper, and want to give something back, I encourage you to become a certified instructor for one or all of the agency’s education programs. Quality training is vital to ensuring these new, young hunters and trappers are both safe and responsible.”
Persons who wish to become instructors should be knowledgeable, experienced hunters and trappers, and be willing to teach at least one class per year. Classes are held at a variety of locations, such as sportsmen’s clubs, fire halls, schools and municipal buildings.
Instructors work with other volunteer instructors and wildlife conservation officers to plan and teach classes. Applicants need not be experts in every field of hunting and trapping. All teaching materials and detailed lesson plans are provided by the Game Commission.
All new instructors must have attended and completed a class, as a student, within 18 months prior to or after submitting their application. Also, applicants must pass a background check, assist with at least one student-level class and attend a new instructor training workshop before being certified.
For more information about becoming an instructor, visit the Game Commission’s website and select “Become an HTE Instructor” on the homepage. Individuals also can request an application packet online or by calling the agency’s Hunter Education and Outreach Division at 717-787-7015.
About the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC)
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is legally mandated to manage wildlife for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians, as well as all wildlife and the habitat that supports their existence. Pennsylvania’s Constitution and Game and Wildlife Code direct the Game Commission to protect, manage, and preserve wildlife and their habitat within the Commonwealth for the benefit of all people, including generations yet to come. Based on this direction, the Game Commission adopted the mission statement “to manage all wild birds, wild mammals, and their habitats for current and future generations.”