Mentored Youth Hunting Program (Including Junior Age Participants)

Youth under the age of 7 at time of purchase may hunt the following species:

  • Squirrel
  • Rabbit (cottontail)
  • Dove
  • Woodchuck
  • Coyote
  • Pheasant (requires the Pheasant Permit)

Youth under the age of 7 are not eligible to hunt deer, turkey, or bear in Pennsylvania unless a mentor transfers an eligible Big Game harvest tag(s) at time of harvest.

Youth between the ages 7-16 years of age may purchase a Mentored Youth Hunting Permit to pursue the following species:

  • Squirrel
  • Rabbit (cottontail)
  • Dove
  • Woodchuck
  • Coyote
  • Pheasant (requires the Pheasant Permit)
  • Antlered and antlerless deer
  • Fall and spring turkey during specific seasons, as noted on the PGC website or in the Hunting & Trapping Digest.

Mentored hunters are allowed only one Antlerless Deer License in antlerless deer lottery, but can purchase DMAP permits for additional antlerless opportunities. Mentored hunters can purchase migratory game bird licenses to hunt migratory game birds.

Note: If a youth is over age of 16 years old and would like to hunt migratory game birds, a Federal Duck Stamp is required.

Youths must be accompanied by a mentor who is at least 21 years of age who has a current, valid hunting license. A mentor may accompany only one mentored hunter while participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. The Mentor and Mentored Youth Permit holder may hold only one lawful hunting device between them. This device must be carried by the mentor until youth is stationary and within arm’s reach of mentor at all times while in possession of any lawful hunting device while engaged in hunting or related activities.

Mentored Youth applicants under the age of 12 years can continue to purchase Mentored Youth permits each license year until age 12 years. Once a youth reaches the age of 12 years, all prior Mentored Youth Permit purchases will be counted toward a lifetime limit of three and are no longer eligible for a Mentored Permit. Participants will be required to successfully complete the Hunter-Trapper Education program and purchase an age-appropriate hunting license to continue to hunt in Pennsylvania.

Mentors are responsible and accountable for all actions of the mentored hunter occurring while engaged in hunting or related activities. A mentor who causes or allows a mentored hunter to engage in unlawful acts shall be punishable as the principal offender.