Hunting in Pennsylvania: 5 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting License for Your Kids

Maybe you’ve talked up going on a bear hunt or practiced your duck call for the kids. Now that they want to go with you on your next great hunting adventure, here are a few things you need to know about applying for a hunting license for your kids in Pennsylvania.

1. Kids ages 12 to 16 can sign up for a Pennsylvania junior hunting license. Eleven-year-olds can apply also if they turn 12 by June 30 of their application year, however, hunting and furtaking privileges can not be exercised until a child turns the age of 12.

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2. But, all first-time hunters and trappers must prove they have completed a Hunter-Trapper Education Class to be granted a license. Passing the certification exam at the end of the six-hour training course is the proof of completion. Children must be 11 years old to take the HTE course.

Check with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to register for a class. Kids who've reached the age of 16 can complete the Hunter-Trapper Education Class online.

3. Once kids complete the course, they're ready to apply for a junior hunting, trapping, or combo license. A parent of guardian must be present to validate the child's information and sign the license.

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4. Archery, muzzleloader, or furtaker add-on privileges are only available through the purchase of a junior combo license.

5. In Pennsylvania, the fee for the resident junior hunting or furtaking license is $6.70 each, while a junior combo license costs $9.70. Nonresident junior hunting and furtaking licenses are priced at $41.70; a nonresident junior combo license is $51.70

For parents who want to introduce their kids to hunting in Pennsylvania before the age of 12, the state offers the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. Taking the HTE course before entering the program is not required. The Mentored Youth permit is $2.70, which includes one antlered deer tag and one spring turkey tag; a No Tags Mentored Youth permit can be purchased also for $2.70.

For more information about hunting in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

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