HARRISBURG – 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 and cable restraint certification courses.
“Becoming a volunteer instructor for the Game Commission is one way experienced hunters and trappers can help pass along our outdoors heritage to a new generation,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter Trapper Education 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 vitally important to ensuring these new, young hunters and trappers are both safe and responsible.”
Persons who wish to become instructors should be knowledgeable, law-abiding 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, WCOs and Deputy WCOs 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.
New instructors must pass a background check and assist with at least one class before attending the eight-hour new instructor training workshop. All new instructors must have attended and completed a class, as a student, within the 18 months prior to or after submitting their application.
For more information about becoming an HTE instructor, visit the Game Commission’s Web site and select “Education,” then scroll down and choose “Becoming an Instructor.” Individuals also can request an application packet online or by calling the agency’s Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015.