Pennsylvania Game News - March 2009 - 41

thank him for his service for our state’s wildlife, wildlife habitats and rich hunting and trapping heritage.” Commissioner Hill was nominated by Gov. Edward Rendell and con- firmed by the Senate on June 6, 2005, to fill out a vacant term on the Board. Hill was re-nominated and confirmed on October 16, 2006, to a full 8-year term. Minimum age lowered for HTE ‘independent study’ THE MINIMUM age students may take the Game Commission’s “independent study” Hunter-Trapper Education course has been lowered to 11. When initiated in 2006 the Game Commission joined a nationwide trend among conservation agencies to provide hunter education online, but limited participation to first-time hunters at least 17 years of age. On Sept. 1, 2008, the agency lowered the minimum age to 14. “The concept of obtaining a license for first-time hunters by foregoing the traditional 2- or 3-day course recognizes the time constraints of today’s world,” said Carl G. Roe. “By providing students with the flexibility of taking much of the course in their own home or school, and at their convenience, accommodates today’s busy lifestyles. Further, young people are clearly demonstrating that they are able to learn course materials in a home-study environment. “While hunting is recognized as an opportunity for families to spend time together, the process of obtaining a first-time hunting license is often the main impediment to people wanting to start out. The option of being able to go online or study educational materials on their own allows students to study at their own speed with a minimum amount of classroom time.” Registration is available online at the Game Commission’s website by clicking on the “Hunter Education Classes” icon in the center of the homepage. After reading the instructions, click on the “Go to Calendar” button at the top of the page, and then scroll down and select an “Independent Study” class meeting your scheduling needs. Once registered, the student is given the option of studying course material online or requesting a copy of a printed manual. Then, on a given date and time, students who completed the home-study portion of the course will spend time with a WCO to learn about the Game and Wildlife Code and hunting ethics. Students then take the test. “Most students spend about eight to ten hours completing the homestudy portion of the course,” said Keith Snyder, Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief. “Independent study is an established concept used by universities, industry and the military. Applications being accepted for Special Spring Gobbler Season License INTERESTED in applying for a second spring gobbler tag? Check page 38 of the 2008-09 Digest or visit the MARCH 2009 agency’s website, and click on “Spring Turkey Tag App.” in the center of the homepage. 41

Pennsylvania Game News - March 2009

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