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    Interested in Becoming a Certified Hunter?

    Benefits:

    • Expand your hunting opportunities by gaining access to private property while helping manage deer populations.
    • Improve your hunting skills and become a more knowledgeable, effective, and responsible hunter.
    • Earn Certified Hunter recognition by completing requirements that demonstrate your knowledge, safety, proficiency, and commitment to responsible hunting.
    • Support Pennsylvania landowners, municipalities, and farmers by helping manage deer populations.
    • Donate harvested deer to support local food supply through programs such as Hunters Sharing the Harvest if desired.
    • Contribute to responsible deer management through a program built around safe, ethical, and sustainable hunting.
    • Access additional tools and resources, including a subscription to OnX Hunt.

    Requirements:

    • To participate in the Certified Hunter Program, you must:
    • Be 18 years of age or older
    • Have purchased a Pennsylvania or other state hunting license in 4 of the last 5 years and successfully completed Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE).
    • Have no Game and Wildlife Code Violations within the past 3 years and no convictions resulting in license revocation in the past 10 years.
    • Successfully pass a lifetime criminal background check
    • Successfully complete the Certified Hunter Program exam
    • Successfully complete the Certified Hunter Program shooting qualification
    • Sign and comply with the Certified Hunter Program Agreement.
    • Be committed to helping Pennsylvania landowners manage deer populations through the harvest of antlerless deer. 

    The Certified Hunter Program accepts applications annually, typically from January 1st through March 31st. Applications must be submitted during this time to be considered for selection during that year.

     To be considered, you must meet all requirements outlined above. If your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to complete the Certified Hunter Program online exam.

     Applicants have 30 days from the day they receive their test link to take their CHP exam. At the conclusion of the application window, applicants will be prioritized based on their exam scores and be invited for the next step in the process. Applicants not selected will expire and are able to apply again the next application period. 

    Please Note: The number of applications accepted can vary year to year and region to region. Applications will be accepted based on regional need and established Certified Hunter quotas for that year.

    The Certified Hunter online exam must be completed within 30 days.

    The exam covers five key areas:

    • Landowner Relations – Communication, obtaining and respecting permission, and maintaining positive relationships with private landowners.
    • Hunting Ethics/ Effectiveness – Fair-chase principles, responsible hunting practices, wildlife conservation, and appropriate conduct in the field.
    • Regulation and Law- Seasons and bag limits, legal implements, tagging requirements
    • Certified Hunter Technology & Practices- E-tagging, reserving properties, map utilization
    • Land Use Best Practices- Agricultural versus Suburban/Urban, Safety Zones, Proper equipment

    A study guide will be provided with your test link to help you prepare for the exam. Your exam will consist of 100 questions based on the topics listed above. The exam must be taken in one sitting. You will have 30 days from the day you receive the link to complete the exam. The exam may only be completed once per application period. No exceptions will be given.

    Please Note: The online exam must be completed using a computer. Using a cell phone or other mobile device may cause errors or prevent the exam from being completed successfully. Retakes will not be provided for errors or technical issues resulting from taking the exam on a mobile device. 

    Applicants selected for the next step in the process will receive an email with a link to register for a Certified Hunter Program Shooting Qualification. Participants will be tested with a shooting qualification of centerfire rifle and/or archery equipment. The applicant can choose to qualify in one or both categories.  

    Shooting qualifications will take place in the region(s) in which Certified Hunters are needed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to attend the shooting qualification at the location and date that is provided. An applicant can attend any qualification held in the state. Attempts from the PGC to provide multiple qualifications will be made but are not guaranteed.

    Shooting qualifications are typically held during the spring and summer months on a weekend day for the given application year. Dates and locations will be posted in advance.

     

    Centerfire Rifle Qualification Standards

    • Place at least four out of five shots within a 6-inch circle from 100 yards.
    • Hunters who qualify with a centerfire rifle are also eligible to use a shotgun with slugs or a muzzleloader. Handguns are not permitted for use in the program.

    Archery Qualification Standards

    • Place at least four out of five shots within a 6-inch circle from 30 yards.
    • Archery participants may use crossbows, compounds, or traditional equipment.
    • The 30-yard standard remains consistent regardless of type of bow used.
    • Archery participants must use field points only.

    Shooting Aids

    • Shooting aids such as bipods, tripods, etc. may be used to steady your shot.
    • You must be able to carry in and carry out any shooting aid you intend to use.
    • Your setup must reflect a realistic field shooting position.
    • The use of a shooting bench is not permitted.

     

    How to Prepare:

    • Practice shooting ahead of time. No practice or additional shots will be given on test day.
    • Bring your own equipment; firearm, bow, shooting aid, and necessary ammunition. You will not be permitted to use other participant’s firearms or archery equipment for your test.
    • Shooting test will be conducted on a live shooting range. It is recommended to bring your own PPE (ear/eye protection) and be prepared to conduct your test while firearms are being discharged on the range.
    • Photo ID will be required.
    • Retests will not be permitted on the same day. 
     

    We appreciate your interest in the Certified Hunter Program and look forward to working with you. If you have any questions about the process, please refer to the information above and the FAQ document. If you have questions that are not addressed on this webpage, please email the Landowner Resource Office at  PGCCHP@pa.gov.