Young hunters ages 12 to 16 from throughout Pennsylvania are reminded all entries for the Game Commission's Hunter Education Youth Essay Contest must be postmarked no later than October 31.

The theme for this year's contest is: "Why is Hunting a Timeless Tradition?" The prize list features the grand-prize winner receiving a scholarship to the Safari Club International's Apprentice Hunter Program at the Indianhead Ranch in Del Rio, Texas, during the summer of 2008. The scholarship is provided by the Pennsylvania chapters of Safari Club International (SCI).

The grand-prize winning essay also will be published in the agency's Pennsylvania Game News magazine. Previous grand-prize winners will not be eligible for this year's grand prize.

The first-prize winner will receive a $500 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card; second prize will receive a $300 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card; and the third-prize winner will receive a $200 Dick's Sporting Goods gift card. The fourth-prize winner will receive a Sightron 10x42 binocular. All entries receive a Game Commission "Working Together for Wildlife" embroidered patch.

For guidelines and more information, visit the Youth Eassy Contest announcement.

9/22/2007