Pennsylvania has a long and proud trapping heritage. This heritage should be maintained and passed on to younger generations. Mentorships that lead to licensing are the gateway to making this happen. Such programs enhance self-confidence and self-esteem while fostering a sense of stewardship for our public lands. Most importantly, they would help to curb declining license sales and ensure future generations of trappers. Furthermore, mentorship programs instill a deep respect for wildlife and conservation and help responsibly manage and maintain wildlife populations.

As such, I plan to introduce legislation that would remove certain trapping exceptions and prohibitive licensing eligibility requirements in Title 34 (Game) to permit young people to attain accreditation through an approved hunter or furtaker education program and obtain a license. Eligibility would further extend to adults who previously participated in apprentice trapping and hunting license programs and to those in current or previous service (with honorable discharge) in any branch of the armed forces of the United States within six months of the date of application.

By drawing on the experience and expertise of our established trappers, we can provide our youth with mentorships that allow hands-on training that emphasizes responsible, lawful trapping techniques. Mentoring is key in recruiting and retaining younger participants and to continue to build our trapping heritage as we look to the future. I hope that you will join me in sponsoring this important legislation in an effort to involve Pennsylvania youth in our rich trapping heritage