Pennsylvania hunters may soon have more opportunities to hit the woods as lawmakers push to repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting. Senate Bill 67, reintroduced this week by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), seeks to eliminate the restriction and give the Pennsylvania Game Commission full authority over hunting seasons, including Sundays. If passed, the bill would remove one of the last major hurdles limiting hunting access in the state. Pennsylvania is one of the few states still holding onto a broad Sunday hunting ban, a law that has roots dating back to the 19th century.
A History of Limited Sunday Hunting
For decades, Pennsylvania hunters have been restricted from hunting on Sundays, except for a few exceptions. A 2019 law allowed Sunday hunting on just three designated days: one day during archery season, one during firearms deer season, and one chosen by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. But for many, those limited opportunities don’t go far enough.
“The law is outdated and needs to change,” Laughlin said in a statement. “Hunting is already one of the most regulated activities in the state, and we trust the Game Commission to make sound decisions about when and how we hunt.”
This isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried to repeal the ban. A previous version of the bill passed the state Senate and made it through the House Game and Fisheries Committee but failed to reach a final vote before the legislative session ended. With the bill back on the table, supporters hope to see it move forward this time.
Support from Hunters, Game Commission, and Landowners
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, which manages wildlife populations and hunting regulations, has voiced strong support for repealing the ban. Officials argue that increasing hunting opportunities—especially for those with limited time—could help maintain interest in the sport and contribute to wildlife management efforts.
“It makes sense to let people hunt when they’re available to do so,” said Steve Smith, the commission’s executive director. “We hear from hunters all the time who want this change.”
The state’s farm community, which historically opposed Sunday hunting, has also softened its stance. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, which represents landowners across the state, now supports allowing the Game Commission to decide on Sunday hunting rather than keeping it as a blanket ban.
What This Could Mean for Hunters
If the bill passes, hunters in Pennsylvania could see more weekend opportunities, aligning the state with most others in the country. Supporters of the change argue that many hunters—especially those with busy work schedules—would benefit from an extra day in the field.
Opponents, however, raise concerns about potential conflicts with other outdoor recreationists and private landowners. While public lands would be open to hunting, landowners would still have the right to decide whether to allow hunting on their property.
For now, Senate Bill 67 is in the early stages of the legislative process. Hunters will be watching closely to see if this attempt to repeal the Sunday hunting ban finally gets across the finish line. If cahnges are made to the season dates, Hunterizer will let you know.
