Written By
Sunday June 30, 2024 was a culmination of many years of effort to bring a hunter safety class to Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Refuge staff in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Friends of Cherry Valley hosted nearly 40 students who completed their requirements for their hunter-trapper education. The Refuge hosts numerous mentored hunting activities throughout the year including an archery deer, rifle deer and turkey hunting experience. Refuge Manager Mike Horne shared his perspective “hunting is a deeply entrenched tradition in the state of Pennsylvania and on many National Wildlife Refuges. It’s very gratifying for me to see the next generation of hunters taking those first steps here at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.”
All first-time hunters and trappers in Pennsylvania are required to complete basic hunter education before they can purchase a hunting license. The class covers hunting ethics and responsible hunting behavior, firearm safety, shooting skills, wildlife management, hunting safety and basic hunting and trapping techniques. The in person 6-hour course is free to anyone age 11 or older, but some independent study is required prior to attending the course. An alternative online version of the course is offered but comes with a completion fee. Additional upcoming classes are available throughout the state and are featured on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
On the Cherry Valley Refuge, over 6,000 acres of the refuge are open to hunting. The class gave refuge employee Matt Falteich the opportunity to relay to the would-be hunters how the refuge provides these unique mentor opportunities to new and inexperienced hunters. “Our mentored hunting program at Cherry Valley is the perfect opportunity for an individual looking to start hunting but has no experience or mentor to teach them” said Matt “We teach all aspects of hunting, including some of the more overwhelming barriers to entry, such as field dressing and processing.”
The refuge is open to hunting by lottery permit, which gives the public more hunting opportunities. This is extremely beneficial, especially on the east coast, during a time when many hunters struggle to find accessible public land to hunt. The Hunter Safety Education class was a success and prepared 40 individuals for safe and successful hunting. Manager Horne shared, “Cherry Valley is one of three National Wildlife Refuges in the state of Pennsylvania, all of which offer hunting opportunities to the public. As a long time, Hunter-Trapper Educator, it’s great to finally host our first class at the refuge.”
Recreational Activities
Written By
