FEBRUARY 8TH - Hunter Trapper Safety Course

Berks Nature is partnering with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to host a Basic Hunter-Trapper Education (THE) course at The Nature Place! Registrants must be at least 11 years old to participate and please note that we always encourage parents and guardians accompanying younger students to stay and take the course.

This approximately 8-hour class is a prerequisite to obtaining a hunting license in Pennsylvania. In order to receive a Pennsylvania Basic Hunter-Trapper Education certificate, students must successfully pass a multiple choice/true-false exam with a score of 80% or higher. Curriculum for both the in-person course covers ethics and responsible hunting behavior, basic firearm safety, basic shooting skills, wildlife conservation and management, basic firearm and archery hunting techniques, outdoor preparedness and fur-taking basics.

The Basic Hunter-Trapper Education In-Person Course is offered free of charge to anyone age 11 and older. Please note - Some independent study is required prior to attending the course. Students will need to prepare by reading Chapters 1, 4, 5 and 9 in the  Today's Hunter and Trapper in Pennsylvania student manual . To request a copy of the Today's Hunter and Trapper student manual by mail, please contact the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education and Outreach Division at: [email protected]

Lunch will be provided! Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill at our filtered water station as Berks Nature discourages the use of single-use plastic bottles.  Please come well rested and ready to learn about our safe and ethical hunting heritage!

Registration instructions: 
Please visit the PA Game Commissions website to register: https://www.register-ed.com/programs/25?zip=19607&distance=50. There are several courses scheduled for 2025, please select the Basic Hunter-Trapper Education In-person Course located at The Nature Place to attend this program. Walk-ins are also welcome (first come, first served basis).