Few topics in Pennsylvania’s hunting community spark more debate than when the firearms deer season should start. Since the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) made the switch in 2019, opening day has fallen on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, breaking with the long-standing tradition of a Monday start.
The reasoning behind the change? The PGC argues that a Saturday opener increases accessibility and participation, particularly for younger hunters and those with demanding work schedules. Given the steady decline in hunting license sales over the past few decades, they see this move as a way to slow that trend. And to some extent, it appears to be working—since the change, the drop in hunting licenses has leveled out.
But not everyone is on board. Many hunters—along with lawmakers and local organizations—are pushing to revert back to the Monday start, arguing that the switch has disrupted long-standing hunting traditions. House Bill 70, currently under review, would make the Monday opener state law, taking the decision out of the Game Commission’s hands. Supporters of the bill argue that the Saturday opener negatively impacts rural economies that rely on the influx of hunters over the long weekend. Many volunteer fire companies and small businesses that cater to hunters count on the traditional schedule to bring in much-needed revenue.
Another major argument against the Saturday opener is that it conflicts with Thanksgiving weekend travel, family obligations, and other activities, making it harder for many hunters to participate in opening day. Critics also claim that the PGC failed to fully evaluate the economic and social consequences of the change before making their decision.
On the other hand, those in favor of the Saturday opener highlight its benefits, particularly for younger hunters who may not be able to take off work or school on Monday. The reality is that fewer people are hunting today than in previous generations, and any effort to make the sport more accessible should be considered a win.
Where Things Stand Now
As of February 2025, House Bill 70 remains under consideration by the House Game and Fisheries Committee. A recent 90-minute informational session was held to discuss the bill, but no vote has been taken. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has tentatively approved maintaining the Saturday opener for the 2025 season, with a final decision expected in April. This means that unless the bill gains traction and moves forward in the legislature, the Saturday opener will likely remain in place. The debate continues, with hunters, lawmakers, and organizations on both sides of the issue making their case.
This debate isn’t just playing out in online forums and hunting camps—it has reached the state legislature, where lawmakers are holding discussions and gathering feedback from hunters across the state. Republican State Rep. Brian Smith, a vocal opponent of the Saturday start, argues that the change wasn’t based on science or sound management principles but was instead a financial decision aimed at boosting license sales. Meanwhile, others, like State Rep. Jim Haddock, argue that stopping the decline in participation is critical to the future of hunting and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
At the end of the day, both sides want the same thing—to preserve and protect Pennsylvania’s rich hunting tradition. Whether you support the Saturday start or prefer the Monday opener, it’s clear that this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. With the final vote from the Game Commission scheduled for April and House Bill 70 still in play, this conversation will likely continue throughout the year.
For hunters looking to stay informed and connected on issues like this, tools like Hunterizer can help track hunting regulations and keep up with changes. No matter where you stand on the debate, it’s important to stay engaged, make your voice heard, and advocate for what you believe is best for the future of hunting in Pennsylvania.
Monday is the best fit for the pa hunters for many more reasons as to Sat reasons hands down ..Just refer to Rep Brian Smiths HB70 bill