After completing the successful furtaking course, what will a trapper be allowed to do?

There are other opportunities available for hunters and trappers year-round. Many agencies, organizations, and sportsmen's clubs offer advanced courses that provide instruction in specific areas of hunting, shooting, trapping, and outdoors skills. These types of programs are both informative and challenging. In addition to participating in advanced hunting and trapping programs, involvement in other shooting sports and wildlife conservation organizations offers enjoyable and rewarding experiences.

Opportunities for advanced training are available to hunters and trappers who first complete a basic hunter-trapper education class. The Pennsylvania Game Commission, other agencies, organizations, and sportsmen's clubs offer a variety of courses that are designed to make you a more successful hunter. Some PGC courses are species-specific, such as turkey hunting. Other PGC programs will train you to use equipment including bows, muzzleloaders, traps, and cable restraints. Most of the PGC training is conducted outdoors and uses hands-on, interactive learning exercises. For more information about classes and to register online, visit www.pgc.state.pa.us.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission's social networking pages provide information about the state's birds, mammals, and their habitats. This is done by sharing photos, posting information, and chatting with interested sportsmen and others who enjoy wildlife. Other posts include season openings, hunting regulations, and reports about game population from field officers. The sites are a great way for the agency to connect with sportsmen.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Facebook page provides hunting and trapping season reminders, wildlife information, and safety tips. Additionally, hunters and furtakers can post pictures of their success in the field, interesting wildlife encounters, and shots of their outdoor adventures.

By following the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Twitter @PAGameComm, sportsmen receive current updates from the field, news articles, and hunting and trapping opening day alerts. Share your favorite hunting and furtaking photos with other sportsmen by tagging @PAGame Comm in your tweet.

Subscribe to the Game Commission's YouTube channel for the latest in game forecasts and wildlife news. You'll also find clips featuring major habitat management projects, tutorials on deer aging, and how to use the agency Mapping Center. Additionally, you can find PowerPoint presentations on important wildlife issues, short films about various wildlife species, and so much more.

NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program)

NASP is designed to introduce youth to the lifelong sport of archery. The program is a cooperative effort between state education and wildlife agencies, focusing on students in grades 4 through 12. Learn more at www.nasparchery.com.

Youth Field Days

Youth Field Days introduce participants to outdoor sports through supervised hands-on activities. These events are usually held from May until the end of September. Activities vary for each event, but usually include archery, trapping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, boating, and much more. Learn more at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

Junior Pheasant Hunts

These are special hunting opportunities for youth between 12 and 16 years of age, who have successfully completed the basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. Each year, sportsmen's organizations from around the state host these events. Hunting licenses are not required, but participants must wear the necessary amount of fluorescent orange and be accompanied by an adult. Learn more at www.pgc.state.pa.us.