I have a major regret about hunting. I wish I would have started sooner.

I grew up in the wilds of suburbia, where people I knew hunted for things like a better apartment or a bargain at a store. I thought hunting took place just one day a year, that Monday after Thanksgiving when we didn't have school. I thank my lucky stars that getting a job in Wilkes-Barre led me to finding a house in Shickshinny, where my new neighbors hunted every day and every species that they could.The Zagata family, dairy farmers, came by one afternoon to welcome me to the area. They asked me if I'd like some deer meat and were truly shocked when I said that although I'd never tried it, I would. Then it was my turn to be shocked when they brought me an entire deer carcass.Over the winter, and into summer and fall, they gradually taught me some things about hunting and got me shooting various guns. I'd always loved being in the woods, and with the other neighborhood kids, had built tree forts. There was something about hanging around in a tree and just watching animals and birds that really appealed to me.First I had to take a Hunter-Trapper Education class. I think I was about 25. I completed the class, contributing in a small way to a recent milestone in Pennsylvania hunting history. During the Pennsylvania Game Commission's meeting in July, the board recognized Darby Kreiser, Palmyra, who was the 2 millionth student to graduate from the game commission's Hunter-Trapper Education program, which became mandatory in 1969. Kreiser got a framed certification card and patch, a Parker Crossbow donated from Cabela's, and a $200 Bass Pro Shops gift card donated by Kalkomey Enterprises.The program could not be so successful without its cadre of volunteer instructors, said Joe Kosack, who oversees the program for the PGC and is also Associate Editor of the Pennsylvania Game News."There are 2,200 instructors, which is the second largest number of instructors for programs in the country," Kosack said. "We could always use more volunteers."Kosack explained the process of becoming a certified instructor. First, apply on line via the PGC website. After your application is reviewed, you'll be interviewed by your local Wildlife Conservation Officer.Next you'll take a three-hour course at your PGC regional office, and also pass criminal background testing. After those items are completed, you must also assist an instructor in a course.Kosack was involved with the state trapping association and initially got involved because he wanted people to become interested in trapping and develop their skills for it."The more I got involved the more I wanted to give something back," Kosack said. "I found I also wanted people to become better at outdoor recreation."Kosack was at the check station during the 2015 Pennsylvania Elk Hunt, and one of the hunters who was checking in an elk recognized him.The hunter couldn't wait to speak to him, saying, "You're the guy who taught me hunter ed." It was a proud moment for Kosack."There are all these little things you need to know," he added. "The bottom line is, in exchange for a little of your time, you can really make a difference."