John Klein Advocates for Pennsylvania's Mentored Youth Hunting Program Expansion
September 06, 2025 | Game Commission, TOURISM & RECREATION, Executive Departments, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania
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The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Board of Game Commissioners meeting on September 5, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the mentored youth hunting program. Public comments highlighted strong support for proposed changes aimed at expanding hunting opportunities for young participants.
John Klein, representing Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, emphasized the importance of the mentored youth hunting initiative, which allows young individuals to hunt under the guidance of experienced mentors. Klein noted that Pennsylvania was the first state to implement such a program in 2006, marking a pivotal moment in youth hunting legislation. He praised the commission for its careful and methodical approach to expanding the program, which he believes is essential for fostering a new generation of hunters.
Klein specifically supported a proposal that would allow mentors to take multiple youth hunters, each with their own tags, thereby increasing access and participation in hunting activities. He underscored that the essence of hunting is often rooted in mentorship and shared experiences, urging the commission to approve the proposed changes.
Ralph Martone, a former commissioner and retired physics teacher, echoed Klein's sentiments, reflecting on Pennsylvania's leadership in conservation and wildlife management. He expressed his enthusiasm for the agenda item, recalling his own experiences with the mentored youth program and advocating for its continued growth.
The discussions at the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing youth engagement in hunting, with the potential for a positive vote on the proposed changes that could further support this initiative. The commission's next steps will be closely watched by advocates and stakeholders in the hunting community.
John Klein, representing Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, emphasized the importance of the mentored youth hunting initiative, which allows young individuals to hunt under the guidance of experienced mentors. Klein noted that Pennsylvania was the first state to implement such a program in 2006, marking a pivotal moment in youth hunting legislation. He praised the commission for its careful and methodical approach to expanding the program, which he believes is essential for fostering a new generation of hunters.
Klein specifically supported a proposal that would allow mentors to take multiple youth hunters, each with their own tags, thereby increasing access and participation in hunting activities. He underscored that the essence of hunting is often rooted in mentorship and shared experiences, urging the commission to approve the proposed changes.
Ralph Martone, a former commissioner and retired physics teacher, echoed Klein's sentiments, reflecting on Pennsylvania's leadership in conservation and wildlife management. He expressed his enthusiasm for the agenda item, recalling his own experiences with the mentored youth program and advocating for its continued growth.
The discussions at the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing youth engagement in hunting, with the potential for a positive vote on the proposed changes that could further support this initiative. The commission's next steps will be closely watched by advocates and stakeholders in the hunting community.
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