DONEGAL TWP — It’s a rite of passage for many children.

The hunter-trapper safety education course is the clearance needed for any new hunter hoping to get a license and participate in the popular outdoor pastime.

Nearly 30 youths, mostly 11 and 12 year olds, attended the annual course Saturday at the Happy Hunters Sportsman Club.

Instructors from the club as well as the Pennsylvania Game Commission taught hunting and gun safety during the more than six-hour course.

“Every hunter needs to know how to safely handle a firearm and basic hunting safety,” said Terry Beer, a wildlife conservation officer with the commission. “You have to pass this class before you can even get a license.”

While commission officials were on hand, most of the course was taught by volunteers of Happy Hunters.

“We do this every year,” said Grant Morrow, an instructor with the club. “This is the first year we’ve done it in April.”

Morrow said the date of the course was moved up from July for one important reason.

“We don’t have air conditioning in here,” he said.

Morrow said he and four other instructors explain how young hunters can be safe.

“From tree stand safety to muzzleloaders, we go over all safety aspects,” he said.

The thorough work of the volunteer instructors is welcomed by the state.

“While the class is mandated by the game commission, we couldn’t do it without them,” said Chris Deal, a wildlife conservation officer. “These guys really step up to the challenge.”

The work is also appreciated by the young hunters.

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to hunt,” said Evan Shoaf, 11, of Evans City. “This place is awesome.”

Evan said his uncles are big hunters and that sparked his interest.

Students in the course are required to pass a 90 question test to receive a hunting license.

Evan admitted he was a little nervous about the exam, even after preparing at home.

“I spent a couple hours reading the chapters online,” he said, referencing the game commission’s online safety manual.

Robert Woof, 12, of Jefferson Township said he also was a little nervous about the test, but said it was a good benchmark to prove he’s ready to be a hunter.

Even before hitting his teen years, Robert knew the information taught during the class was of the upmost importance for new hunters.

“It’s very informative,” he said of the class. “Hopefully I can continue to study so I can become the greatest hunter I can be.”

While Robert was pleased with the different information presented, he said it isn’t too difficult to master.

“Most of it is common sense,” he said.

Robert said he has already gone mentor hunting with his father and older brother. He said the passion for hunting runs in the family.

“My dad got me interested in it,” he said.

Mitchell Kelsea, 12, of Fenelton said he was looking forward to passing the test so he can hunt deer this year.

“I’m learning a lot about safety and hunting,” he said.

Mitchell said he will be hunting with a 7 mm-08. Mitchell’s friend, Mason Turner, 11, of Chicora, said he preferred his .243 rifle.

“It’s got good distance and good power,” he said.

Mason said he was excited about hunting deer this year as well, adding he’s even ready to brave the elements should it be a cold season.

“You just have to wear a lot of clothes,” he said, perhaps a little too confidently.

While Mitchell shared his friend’s excitement for the chance to finally hunt, he said he had other outdoor thrills to look forward too before then.

His sights are trained on Saturday, the opening day of trout season here.

“That’s like Christmas,” he said.

Other hunter-trapper education courses will be held in Butler County in upcoming months. For dates, visit www.pgc.state.pa.us.