Here at Grice’s, we love seeing families in the woods together. As new generations of hunters learn, there’s a lot to keep in mind! Today, we’ll be doing a deep dive into how to introduce kids to hunting in Pennsylvania.
What age can my kids start hunting?
There is no minimum age to start hunting in PA! As soon as your child is able to safely operate a gun and understand its use, they can start hunting. There are different license types for kids under seven, as well as those 7-11 and 12-16. All hunters under twelve must be accompanied by an adult mentor.
What animals can kids hunt in PA?
Kids under 7 can hunt squirrels, cottontail rabbits, doves, woodchucks, and coyotes. They can hunt pheasants, too, with a Pheasant Permit. Deer and turkeys are off limits unless an adult transfers a tag to them.
Once kids turn 7, they can get their own deer and turkey tags.
Can children hunt without a license in Pennsylvania?
No, kids must have a hunting license, just like adults. Mentored Youth Permits are under $3. For youth under 7, the permit doesn’t include any game tags. Mentored Youth Permits for ages 7-11 include one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, and one spring turkey tag.
Junior Hunting Licenses for ages 12-16 include antlered deer, spring and fall turkey tags, too. They cost $6.97 and are available as regular licenses or mentored license.
Licenses can be purchased in-person at select locations or at huntfish.pa.gov.
What is mentored hunting?
Many new hunters - kids and adults - prefer to learn hunting hands-on. Pennsylvania allows hunters to hunt with a mentor before taking the required Hunter Safety Education Course.
Mentors must be licensed hunters 21 and older. They’re responsible for keeping new hunters safe and making sure they follow all laws.
Mentors accompanying youth or juniors can’t have their own gun. Those accompanying an adult can hunt with their own gun, but must stay within eyesight of their protege.
Doesn't Pennsylvania require hunter safety education?
In Pennsylvania, kids can hunt with a mentor until they turn 12. Then, a lifetime limit of three mentored licenses kicks in. Once someone over 12 has gotten three mentored licenses - as a child or as an adult - it’s time to hit the books and pass a Hunter Safety Education Course!
Where can I take a hunter safety course?
Right in your community - or in your home! There are online courses available as well as plenty of in-person options. Just make sure they satisfy the Pennsylvania Game Commission Requirements.
In-person courses are always free. Some of the online courses charge fees of $35-50. But there’s a great free option from the National Rifle Association that’s perfect if you’d rather invest in extra ammunition or other hunting supplies.
Opting for an in-person class? Do your homework! You’ll get a textbook before you take the six-hour class and exam, with chapters that are required readings before the course. Then, show up for a day, or a few evenings, and get your certification!
Everyone is licensed and good to go…now what?
Make sure everyone’s got all the essentials: a rifle or shotgun, ammunition, and our favorite hunting accessories. Once you’ve got everything in order, head to the range to brush up on basic gun safety rules and skills before moving into the woods.
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