Pennsylvania Basic
Hunter-Trapper Education Online Course
Take this Pennsylvania–approved course to complete your online hunter safety education. Hunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
unlimited exam attempts
Lifetime Card
Do you need Pennsylvania Hunting education?
You need education before you can purchase a PA hunting or trapping license if you are a first-time hunter or trapper, regardless of age.
How to Get your Hunter Education Certificate in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for a Hunter Ed account, pay for the official course, and get started. It only takes a few minutes.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass the Online Course
Take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile. We automatically save your progress so you can learn at your own pace.
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temp Card Immediately
After passing the online course, you're able to print your hunter education certificate immediately.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Hunting!
That's it. You're ready to buy your tag and hit the field.
Pennsylvania Game Commission Requirements
NOTE: If you are under 16 years old, you will need to take an in-person course with the Pennsylvania Game Commission or you may take the interactive Pennsylvania ilearntohunt Course at www.ilearntohunt.com. The interactive course requires no additional in-person component.
You must be at least 16 years old to take this online course.
You must be a resident of Pennsylvania to take the online course.
What to Expect From Hunter Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe hunting practices.
Watch this 73-second sample to see how we put you in the hunter’s camo.
Comprehensive Instruction in Pennsylvania Hunting Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Hunting safety education established by Pennsylvania. Hunter Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Hunting laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Hunter Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
Pennsylvania Approved
Pennsylvania Game Commission
2001 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797
Made in the U.S.A.
This Pennsylvania hunter safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations in the state of Pennsylvania and worldwide.
How do I get my Pennsylvania Hunter Education Certificate?
1. Study and pass the Pennsylvania Game Commission–Approved online course.
Study and pass the $34.95 course. Throughout the Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course, you’ll be tested on what you’ve learned.
2. Print your Temporary Hunter Education Certificate.
After successfully completing the online course, you’ll be able to immediately print out your Temporary Hunter Education Certificate.
3. Get your Pennsylvania Hunter Education Certificate.
You’ll be mailed your permanent Hunter Education Certificate within 2–3 weeks by Hunter Ed.
Get Certified
In Pennsylvania, regulations and timing regarding deer hunting season vary depending on the specific hunting zone and method used. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is in charge of planning the hunting seasons, which include archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons. Please visit the PGC website or get in touch with them directly for the most reliable information, such as specific dates and guidelines.
The best time to hunt deer in Pennsylvania depends on deer behavior, weather conditions, your preferred hunting style, and the specific season. Archery season happens first, in early fall. During this time, deer may still be in their summer patterns, marking a good time for patient and stealthy hunters. Firearm season often occurs during the rut (mating season), during which bucks exhibit heightened activity and decreased wariness. Muzzleloader season typically takes place in December after Firearm season and may provide a different hunting experience.
In Pennsylvania, hunter education is required for all first-time hunters who wish to hunt deer. The PGC offers a hunter education course that covers hunting safety, firearm handling, hunting ethics, and conservation principles. Upon course completion, you will receive a hunter education certificate, which is necessary to purchase a hunting license in Pennsylvania.
Hunt More Strategically
The HuntWise app combines pinpoint mapping features with accurate weather forecasting to provide hunters with the ideal tool to determine the best times and places to hunt all major North American game species. Complete your Hunter's Ed certification and you can get 50% off everything HuntWise PRO has to offer.
You can take advantage of this offer during checkout.
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Pennsylvania Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course cost?
The Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course fee is $34.95.
Taking the Course
Do you need Pennsylvania Hunting education?
You need education before you can purchase a PA hunting or trapping license if you are a first-time hunter or trapper, regardless of age.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
You must be at least 16 years old to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course?
You must be a resident of Pennsylvania to take the online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission?
The Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Is my Pennsylvania Hunter Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the Pennsylvania Hunter Education Certificate. Likewise, Pennsylvania will accept Hunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online Pennsylvania Hunter Ed Course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Hunter Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Hunter Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 90 days after course completion.
What is the permanent Pennsylvania Hunter Education Certificate?
The Hunter Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Hunter Education Certificate will arrive within 2–3 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Hunter Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Hunter Education Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com/.
We’re people, not robots.
Your Hunter Ed course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm CST
Sat-Sun 8am to 5pm CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
