With hunting season not far away, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering free webinars this fall to teach residents of all ages how to hunt.
PGC’s Learn to Hunt program provides information on where to hunt certain types of animals, what items are needed to do so, preparing the game for the tabletop, and other tips and strategies.
The 2022 webinar series kicked off on August 24 with a talk on squirrel hunting. Lectures are recorded and emailed to registered participants after the live event.
The recordings are also available at www.pgc.pa.gov on the “Learn to hunt” web page.
Coming up this month is a two-part series on archery deer hunting. These are scheduled for Wednesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 7. September 21, both at. 18:00
A pheasant hunting tutorial is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5, also at 6 p.m.
To register, visit http://bit.ly/pgclearntohunt.
PGC Director of Communications Travis Lau believes the programs have benefits for both new and experienced hunters looking to learn new skills or brush up on the basics.
“Many, if not most, hunters in Pennsylvania grew up hunting,” Lau said. “They were mentored by parents, relatives or friends who taught them everything from technique to where to go, how to clean and process the collected game. Today, however, there are fewer hunters overall and fewer mentors. Therefore, it may be more difficult for someone interested in hunting to get started.
“That’s where the Learn to Hunt program comes in. It is open and appropriate for all ages, and many of the participants in the sessions so far have been adults. Through this program, hunters are learning what they need to get started and be successful. There is a lot of good information out there for beginners and hunters looking to improve or learn a new niche.”
Past webinars currently available to view online include a talk on basic turkey biology and “Getting Started,” an overview of equipment needed for spring turkey hunting. The latter covers topics like choosing the right shotgun and ammo, along with using calls and camouflage.
For information on in-person and online hunter-trapper education courses, visit the PGC website, hover over the “Education” drop-down menu, and select “Hunter-Trapper Education.”
Season dates and baggage limits are also available online. They can be viewed by clicking on “Seasons and Bag Limits” under the “Hunting and Trapping” tab on the home page.
Seasons and bag limits vary by game type, weapon, and geographic area.