GAME COMMISSION RECRUITING INSTRUCTORS FOR HUNTER EDUCATION

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 website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) 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.

COLLECTIBLE PATCH/PRINT MARKS 50 YEARS OF HUNTER EDUCATION

To honor 50 years of hunter education, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering a limited edition patch and fine-art print by George LaVanish, of Tyrone, Blair County.  The print, titled Tomorrow’s Hunters, depicts and instructor and students in a hunter education training exercise.  The companion patch is a thumbnail of the print’s theme.

As a token of appreciation, the four-inch embroidered patch and 13-inch by 18-inch print will be presented to each active volunteer instructor.  The remaining items will be available to the public for sale. 

Of the 5,000 patches, nearly 2,000 patches will sell for $5.66, plus shipping/handling and state sales tax.  Orders for the patch are being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis via “The Outdoor Shop” on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).  Just click on the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page, choose the “Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop” in the lower left-hand corner of the page, select “Merchandise” from the banner, then click on “Patches” and scroll down to the “50 Years of Hunter Education” patch.

Of the 3,000 prints, roughly 200 prints will sell for $79.95 for unframed print, and $179.95 for framed prints, plus shipping/handling and state sales tax.  Prints will be available by late March. Orders will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis via “The Outdoor Shop” on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).  Just click on the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page, click on “Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop” in the lower left-hand corner of the page, select “Merchandise” from the banner, and then click on “Misc. Prints” in the left-hand column.

Wildlife Conservation Officer

Jerrold W. Czech Jr. #637

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Southeast Region

Philadelphia/Delaware Counties

Bureau of Wildlife Protection

Enforcement Division

Dispatch-610-926-3136