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Hunter-Trapper Education
Hunting has gotten safer since the start of the hunter-trapper education program in 1959. By law, all first-time hunters must complete a hunter-trapper education course to buy a Pennsylvania hunting license.
Mentored Hunting Permits
Pennsylvania's mentored hunt permits are designed to provide first-time hunters, of all ages, an opportunity to participate in hunting through the mentorship of a licensed hunter before successfully completing a hunter-trapper education course.
- Check out the Mentored Hunting Opportunities page for information on Special Hunts, Youth Hunting Opportunities and Hunter Mentor Resources.
Individuals hunting on a mentored hunt permit must hunt under the guidance mentor. A mentor is defined as:
- A hunter at least 21 or older who serves as a guide to a mentored hunter and who possess a valid, current hunting license or otherwise qualify for a license and fee exemptions.
Need a mentor? The International Hunter Education Association's new website - LearnHunting is a great resource for new hunters to find experienced mentors in their local area!
- Become a mentor! Help pass on the tradition of hunting in our state by volunteering to mentor someone near you. Sign up today at LearnHunting
Mentored Hunt Events
Experience the adventure of squirrel hunting. Available to Juniors and Adults, 15 and older, who are new to squirrel hunting. Applicants will be chosen through a lottery and paired with an experienced mentor. The hunt will take place on game lands near Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area with an exact date to be announced. A mandatory training session will be held in the morning, followed by an afternoon hunt. The required blaze orange hat and vest will be provided, along with shotguns and ammunition.
- Application Deadline: TBA
- Drawing: TBA
- Posted on hunt/fish PA: TBA
- Mandatory Orientation Meeting: TBA
- Hunt Date: TBA
- Total Hunters Drawn: 15
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is partnership with the National Deer Association, Benjamin Rush State Park, and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge offer multiple mentored deer archery hunts every year for beginners (see dates below). These mentored deer hunts provide individuals ages 12 and older with little to no hunting experience an opportunity to participate in a managed deer hunt while being mentored by an experienced hunter.
Important Hunt Dates and Locations:
- In-person Hunt Orientation at John Heinz NWR: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Mentored Hunt at John Heinz NWR: October 8-10, 2026
- Mentored Hunt at John Heinz NWR: November 20-22, 2026
- Mentored Hunt at John Heinz NWR: January 8-10, 2027
- Mentored Hunt at John Heinz NWR: January 21-23, 2027
- Mentored Hunt at Benjamin Rush SP: October 22-24, 2026
- Mentored Hunt at Benjamin Rush SP: January 21-23, 2027
Participants are selected through a random lottery, with the lotter application period open now through – August 22, 2026.
- Learn more or apply here!
Please note selected individuals are required to take the one-day in-person orientation to participate in any of the above-mentioned hunts. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate during orientation or any of the hunt days.
Please email mentoredhunting@pa.gov for more information or if you would like to potentially participate as a mentor for any of the above-mentioned hunts.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has partnered with US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Deer Association to offer multiple mentored deer hunts at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, located in Stroudsburg, PA. These mentored deer hunts provide individuals ages 12 and older with little to no hunting experience an opportunity to participate on a managed deer hunt while being mentored by an experienced hunter.
Important Hunt Dates:
- In-person Hunt Orientation at Cherry Valley NWR: September 12, 2026
- Mentored Archery Deer Hunt: October 8-10, 2026
- Mentored Rifle Deer Hunt: December 11-12, 2026
Click here to apply by August, 22, 2026.
Ten participants will be selected for each hunt. Additional participants will be selected as alternates, who may participate on days when a selected participant is unable. Alternates must attend orientation and be present at the start of each hunt day, if they wish to fill in open mentee spots for that day.
Please note, to be eligible to participate individuals must be 12 or older, able to purchase a mentored hunting permit or hunting license, and available to attend a one-day orientation training on Saturday, September 12, 2026. During the orientation training, participants will learn about the benefits of hunting for wildlife conservation, deer biology and habitat, hunting equipment, ethical shot placement, field dressing harvested game, and processing. Participants will also be provided 1-on-1instruction on how to safely and effectively shoot a crossbow or firearm. Please note that participants 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the mentored hunt as well as hunt orientation.
Please email mentoredhunting@pa.gov for more information or if you would like to potentially participate as a mentor for either hunt.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has partnered with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to host a mentored deer hunt at Marsh Creek State Park, located in Downingtown, PA. These mentored deer hunts provide individuals ages 12 and older with little to no hunting experience an opportunity to participate on a managed deer hunt while being mentored by an experienced hunter.
Important Hunt Dates:
In person orientation at MCSP: January 15, 2027
Mentored Archery Hunt: January 16, 2027
Click here to apply by December 4, 2026
Five participants will be selected for the hunt. Additional participants will be selected as alternates, who may participate on days when a selected participant is unable. Alternates must attend orientation and be present at the start of each hunt day, if they wish to fill in open mentee spots for that day.
Please note, to be eligible to participate individuals must be 12 or older, able to purchase a mentored hunting permit or hunting license, and available to attend a one-day orientation training on Saturday, September 12, 2026. During the orientation training, participants will learn about the benefits of hunting for wildlife conservation, deer biology and habitat, hunting equipment, ethical shot placement, field dressing harvested game, and processing. Participants will also be provided 1-on-1instruction on how to safely and effectively shoot a crossbow or firearm. Please note that participants 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the mentored hunt as well as hunt orientation.
Please email mentoredhunting@pa.gov for more information or if you would like to potentially participate as a mentor for either hunt.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has partnered with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to host a mentored deer hunt at Marsh Creek State Park, located in Downingtown, PA. These mentored deer hunts provide individuals ages 12 and older with little to no hunting experience an opportunity to participate on a managed deer hunt while being mentored by an experienced hunter.
Important Hunt Dates:
In person orientation at MCSP: January 15, 2027
Mentored Archery Hunt: January 16, 2027
Click here to apply by December 4, 2026
Five participants will be selected for the hunt. Additional participants will be selected as alternates, who may participate on days when a selected participant is unable. Alternates must attend orientation and be present at the start of each hunt day, if they wish to fill in open mentee spots for that day.
Please note, to be eligible to participate individuals must be 12 or older, able to purchase a mentored hunting permit or hunting license, and available to attend a one-day orientation training on January 15, 2027. During the orientation training, participants will learn about the benefits of hunting for wildlife conservation, deer biology and habitat, hunting equipment, ethical shot placement, field dressing harvested game, and processing. Participants will also be provided 1-on-1instruction on how to safely and effectively shoot a crossbow or firearm. Please note that participants 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the mentored hunt as well as hunt orientation.
Please email mentoredhunting@pa.gov for more information or if you would like to potentially participate as a mentor for either hunt.
- Are you interested in learning how to hunt waterfowl? Apply to join the PGC and Delta Waterfowl for a free mentored waterfowl hunt at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. 10 selected participants will be paired with experienced mentors for a 1-day hunt. Following the hunt, participants will be shown how to process and cook their harvest.
A mandatory orientation will be held on November 20th, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at Cocalico Sportsmans Club in Denver, PA. Dinner will be provided. The hunt will be held at Middle Creek Wildlife Management area on November 21st, 2026.
All equipment, waders, guns, and shells will be provided for use the day of the hunt. We will also have bins of donated camo clothing for hunters to use if needed. - Requirements to Apply:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have little to no waterfowl hunting experience
- Must have completed a Hunter-Trapper Education course prior to the hunt
- Must have a valid 2026-27 Pennsylvania hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a PA migratory game bird license.
- Must be able to legally possess and use a firearm in the state of Pennsylvania
- Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
- Application will be posted here in late July.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission in partnership with local sportsman's clubs stock pheasants for the junior pheasant hunt season every year. This special season is open to junior hunters and all mentored hunters (regardless of age). A FREE Junior Pheasant Hunting Permit (available online and at license vendors) is required to participate in the pheasant season for all junior hunters.
- For more information on how to participate or host a Junior Pheasant Hunt click here.
Additional Online Resources:
- Pennsylvania Game Commission YouTube channel for content built to help new hunters.
- Call of the Outdoors podcast is all about wildlife, hunting, habitat and conservation efforts in the Keystone State.
Online Courses: If you want to learn hunting skills from the comfort of your own home, consider taking an online course. Today’s Hunter is a great option and has online courses on how to hunt deer, turkey and elk.
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