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You are receiving this email because you are a hunter-trapper education instructor.
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FAREWELL TO A.J. GARCIA
After 4 years working within Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE), A.J. Garcia is leaving to take a position with another state agency. Despite this departure from the Game Commission, A.J. plans to continue volunteering as a Hunter-Trapper Education Instructor and hopes to teach at least one HTE class in every district across the commonwealth. Please join us in wishing A.J. the best of luck in his new position.
Until a new hunter-trapper program administrator is hired, hunter-trapper education or youth field day-related requests can be sent via email to pgchuntereducation@pa.gov.
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LOOKING BACK AT 2022
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) Instructors, we offered a total of 464 basic HTE courses in-person and certified 12,113 students during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. In addition, 27 successful bowhunter and 20 successful furtaker courses were offered in-person. Click here to read more!
 HTE INSTRUCTOR RETREAT RECAP
On Saturday, February 4, 2023 over 200 Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) Instructors met at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the Game Commission’s first HTE Instructor Retreat! Instructors were able to attend a variety of seminars throughout the afternoon which included but were not limited to the importance of mentoring new hunters, increase of female participation in hunting, and benefits of and how to communicate about trapping.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission also offered a panel discussion to provide and encourage HTE instructors to ask questions and have open discussions on HTE-related hot topics. Because we were not able to get to every question asked during the time allotted, we have provided answers to unasked questions and some of the more popular questions below.
What can instructors do to make in-person courses more hands-on and interactive for students?
While skills stations are not mandatory, the Pennsylvania Game Commission encourages HTE instructors to offer skills stations when possible. Skills stations are designed to teach students safe hunting techniques through hands-on activities. The Pennsylvania Game Commission also provides inert firearms for educational purposes. If your district does not utilize inert firearms and would like to, please contact your local game warden. Please note, the only demonstrations currently prohibited are live fire demonstrations.
Why does the Pennsylvania Game Commission offer online HTE courses?
The primary goal of hunter-trapper education is to create safe, responsible hunters and trappers in Pennsylvania. With no significant different in test results or HRSI’s amongst online or in-person HTE graduates, currently there is no data that suggests online HTE isn’t meeting this goal. Online HTE allows students to take the course at a slower pace and to take the course at times that are more conducive to busy schedules. For these reasons, we believe that the convenience factor online HTE provides and the opportunity for it to help us to continue to grow the sport of hunting, makes it an appropriate option to provide at this time.
Would the Game Commission consider adding more real-life HRSI examples into the HTE curriculum to emphasize safety?
We believe that keeping the curriculum positive and centered around safety is a more effective way of educating students. While there are some, real-life HRSI examples are limited in the HTE course to avoid frightening or deterring individuals from hunting and trapping.
Can the Game Commission simplify how instructors report hours?
Hours reported by instructors for HTE courses are used to receive in-kind match funding through the Pittman-Robertson Fund, which is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Requirements for instructor reporting are established by the USFWS every year. Currently the manner in which each instructor uses a separate row for each different activity (Driving, preparation and teaching) for each day is about the simplest format we have for reporting.
Are there any plans to update the HTE curriculum and/or test in the near future?
We are currently in the process of hiring a new hunter-trapper education program administrator. This individual will be responsible for updating and creating HTE curriculum and tests as long as the changes meet IHEA guidelines.
How can HTE instructors fit everything into an 8-hour course?
Without any additions, the hunter-trapper education curriculum is designed to fit within a 6-hour timeframe. Following the HTE curriculum as written and keeping anecdotes short will help ensure in-person courses fit within 8-hours.
How can I get more instructors in my county?
Word-of-mouth can sometimes be the best way to recruit instructors in your local area! If you know someone who might be a good instructor, we encourage you to invite them to become an instructor. An instructor may request more instructor applications to be mailed to them to give to those interested. We can also provide instructors with flyers and other recruitment print materials to recruit at local sportsmen clubs, shooting ranges, etc.
Thank you for your dedication to hunter-trapper education.
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