In the 06-07 hunting season The Pa. game Commission enacted a Mentor hunt. Children under age 12 could legally hunt and harvest game while hunting with a mentor. The child does not have to have a hunting license or pass the NRA Hunters Safty test. The adult must be at least 18 and have a valid hunting licence. You are only permitted to have one firearm between the two of you and the child is not permitted to carry it. Once the two of you are posted and ready to hunt, the child may then take possesion of the weapon and legally harvest game.
The first year this was limited to ground hog, spring gobbler and squirrel. The child had to make a tag for any turkey taken but their shooting a turkey did not count against the adults harvest tag.
For the 07-08 hunting season, this mentor hunt will also include antler deer. The youth hunter will have the same antler restriction as the licensed junior hunter.
When a child turns 12, they must then pass the NRA Hunters safty test and apply for a hunting license.
