Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives advanced a bill on June 3 that would create a specific mentored trapping program for youth, a move Rep. David Maloney said undermines the state’s current Mentored Hunting Program.
Maloney said, “Currently in Pennsylvania, all first-time trappers must complete a mandatory Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) course before purchasing a furtaker license. While Pennsylvania does not have a formal, state-run ‘mentoring course,’ the Mentored Hunting Program allows beginners of all ages to trap under the guidance of a licensed adult without prior certification.”
He continued, “However, the requirement to successfully complete the HTE before taking a firearm into the field remains. The legislation Democrats rushed through today… has no age limit and creates a loophole that allows anyone of any age to obtain a hunting license without taking the HTE.”
Maloney also referenced comments from Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director Steve Smith regarding Sunday hunting safety statistics and described an incident involving gunfire striking a home near his residence. He said this demonstrates risks associated with loosening regulations: “Not three miles from my house, a couple’s home was hit by a 30.30 round on a Sunday, around 4:30 p.m. The authorities quickly found out which teaches to be careful of what is behind your target before firing a weapon.”
“This is how Democrat legislators, Shapiro and the PGC damage the standing of sportsmen in the eyes of the non-hunting public,” Maloney said.
Maloney serves as Republican chairman for the House Game and Fisheries Committee and represents various Berks County communities including Alsace Township and Boyertown boroughs, according to his official website. He supports allowing public schools to host hunter education courses and prioritizes initiatives such as eliminating property taxes, protecting children through background checks for those working with children, fostering private sector jobs, safeguarding property rights, promoting conservation efforts, establishing First Responders Day on September 27, mandating display of POW/MIA flags on state properties, and requiring schools to report known child abuse, according to his official website.
