They say the best things in life are free. Sometimes it's true.

Saturday and June 3 have been designated Fish for Free Days in Pennsylvania. From 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on those days, no fishing license is needed to fish the waters of the commonwealth. All other fishing regulations apply.

Youth under 16 do not need a license, but Fish for Free Days, scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day weekend and National Fishing and Boating Week, June 2-10, provide a great opportunity for unlicensed moms, dads and mentors to take the kids out fishing.

It's also a good excuse to take newbies out to a river, lake or stream to show them what the fuss is all about.

Hunter-trapper courses

The Pennsylvania Game Commission attributes last year's record-setting hunter safety record, in part, to the success of hunter-trapper safety courses such as those listed below.

Allegheny County: Ross Township Recreational Center. Two day course: June 15, 6-9:30 p.m.; June 16, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pre-register at 412-635-0661.

East Monongahela Sportsmen's Association. Two-day course: June 30, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; July 1, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pre-register at 412-829-1966.

Armstrong County: Dayton Sportsmen's Club. Two-day course: June 1, 6-9 p.m.; June 2, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Pre-registration required.

Beaver County: Beaver Valley Sportsmen's Club. Three-day course: Tuesday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Pre-register at 724-775-4502 and 724-544-8904.

Fayette County: Fairhope Rod & Gun. Two-day course: June 2, 8 a.m. 4 p.m.; June 3, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Pre-register at 724-929-8675.

Greene County: Wind Ridge Sportsmen's Club. Two-day course: June 8, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; June 9, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pre-register at 724-499-5499.

Washington County: ACE Sporting Goods. Two-day course: June 9, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; June 10, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pre-register at 724-222-5470.

Gander Mountain. Two-day course: June 15, 5-9 p.m.; June 16, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pre-register at 724-229-9800.