John McGonigle Pennsylvania has released a draft version of its improved hunter safety program with an eye towards raising the level of efficiency, standardizing classes and meeting national standards. Hunters from states that don't meet the national hunter safety class standards will not be permitted to hunt in other states. Improved safety while hunting has always been a game commission goal, and upgrading hunter education classes is another way of meeting that safety goal. Find it under the Hunter Education link. Call 787-7015 to receive a copy.
Public comment is welcomed.
Years of data have shown that hunting is a safe activity and that well organized, certified hunter education classes have contributed to hunting's excellent safety record. Following is a partial list of goals to be accomplished according to the draft version's new five-year plan. This has been and is a shortcoming of hunter education classes because of lack of facilities and time constraints. The plan calls for a mandatory remedial hunter education course for game-law violators. The plan also proposes to develop separate, voluntary courses such as turkey hunting, muzzleloading, waterfowl hunting and furtaking.