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Eleven-year-old Darby Kreiser made Pennsylvania hunting history when he became the 2 millionth student to graduate from the Game Commission’s Hunter-Trapper Education program.
Kreiser was recognized at the Board of Game Commissioners meeting this month, where the Game Commission presented him with a framed certification card and patch; Cabela’s awarded him with a new Parker crossbow; and Kalkomey Enterprises gave him a $200 gift card to Bass Pro Shops.
The team of Hunter-Trapper Education instructors from the Izaak Walton League of Lebanon County joined in the presentation and also received a plaque.
A year ago, Darby was just tagging along with his older brother Jon, who was enrolling in the Hunter-Trapper Education course, which first became mandatory in 1969.
The Hunter-Trapper Education program’s aim is to train new generations of hunters to be safe and responsible. And the results have been impressive. More than 38,000 students received their basic Hunter-Trapper Education certification in 2015 – the safest year on record for hunting in Pennsylvania, with only 23 hunting-related shooting incidents occurring statewide.
Decades ago, hundreds of incidents a year were commonplace.
“Our Hunter-Trapper Education program is something in which every Pennsylvanian can take pride,” said Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough. “The fact it has reached 2 million people is impressive by itself, but the role it has played in making hunting in Pennsylvania continually safer is an achievement all of us can celebrate.
“Please join me in applauding the dedicated team of volunteer instructors who make it all possible, congratulating Darby Kreiser as the program’s 2 millionth graduate,” Hough said. “May all your future hunting and trapping seasons be successful.”
For Darby, the best part of graduating the course last year is the chance this year to finally get his first hunting license.
And although he’s received a little more attention than his older brother, don’t feel too bad for Jon – graduate No. 2,000,001.
To become and instructor
For more information about becoming a Hunter-Trapper Education instructor, visit the Game Commission’s education page at pgc.pa.gov, or call the Game Commission’s Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015. Instructors must be at least 18 years old, meet qualifications and pass a background investigation.
To take the course
Hunter-Trapper Education is required for all first-time license buyers in Pennsylvania. To find a Hunter-Trapper Education course near you, go to the Game Commission’s website, pgc.pa.gov. The Hunter-Trapper Education page can be found under the Hunt & Trap tab. Registration can be completed online. Enrollment for most courses is limited due to the size of the facility where it is taught. Questions can be directed to the Game Commission’s Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015.