Hunters in Pennsylvania are closer than ever to gaining full access to the woods on Sundays. On June 11, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1431 by a 131 to 72 vote. This bill would repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting, which has roots going back nearly 200 years.
This is a big moment for hunters, especially those who work through the week and struggle to find time for the field. The bill now moves to the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee. If it passes there, it will head to the full Senate for a vote. If approved, it goes to the governor’s desk.
The History Behind the Ban
Sunday hunting has been restricted in Pennsylvania since the 1800s. While three Sundays per year were opened up in 2020, the full ban remained mostly in place. These exceptions gave hunters a small taste of what expanded access might look like. But for many, it wasn’t enough.
Supporters argue that the current limits don’t reflect the needs of modern hunters. Many work Monday through Saturday and only have Sundays free. That one extra day could mean the difference between putting meat in the freezer or going home empty-handed.
What the Bill Does
House Bill 1431 would allow hunting on all Sundays. It eliminates the ban across the board, though it still respects private landowner rights. Landowners would still decide whether to allow hunters on their property on Sundays.
The bill is similar to Senate Bill 67, already introduced earlier this year. Lawmakers are working to align both bills so the process moves quickly.
Why This Matters
The main argument in favor is access. Extra time in the woods helps:
- Working-class hunters
- Youth hunters with school schedules
- Conservation efforts through better game management
Hunting license sales have been declining across the country. Fewer hunters mean less funding for conservation, since license fees help pay for wildlife management. More opportunities could slow or reverse that trend.
There’s also the issue of crop damage. Deer and other game can do a lot of harm to farmland. Giving hunters more time to manage those populations could ease the strain on agriculture.
The Concerns
Not everyone is on board. Groups like the Sierra Club and Keystone Trails Association are worried about safety. They say opening more Sundays to hunting puts hikers and other trail users at risk. Some lawmakers echoed those concerns during debate.
Others doubt that more hunting days will boost license sales. They want more data before lifting the ban.
Another sticking point is trespassing. Landowner groups have asked lawmakers to strengthen rules around hunter access. There’s talk of requiring written permission to hunt on private land, even if it’s not posted. That might be added as an amendment before final passage.
What’s Next
The Senate reconvenes on June 23. That’s the earliest the bill could move forward. Senators Greg Rothman and Dan Laughlin have said they expect a committee hearing and vote soon after.
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee will likely hear from both sides again. Key issues could include:
- Trail safety and shared land use
- Private landowner rights
- The role of Sunday hunting in game management
If the bill clears committee, it will head to the full Senate. If it passes there, it goes to Governor Josh Shapiro. He has not said whether he will sign it, but many expect he would.
What Hunters Should Know
If House Bill 1431 becomes law, it won’t mean hunting everywhere on every Sunday. Game Commission regulations would still apply. Seasons, bag limits, and legal hunting hours stay in place. Hunters would still need to know the rules.
Also, just because Sunday hunting is allowed doesn’t mean it’s allowed on all land. You must still have permission to hunt private property. Respect landowners, follow signs, and ask first.
This bill is about expanding opportunity, not removing responsibility. The future of hunting depends on how well we balance both.
The Bottom Line
Pennsylvania hunters have pushed for this change for years. Now, with strong bipartisan support in the House, the finish line is in sight. If the Senate follows through, Sunday hunting could become a regular part of the Pennsylvania season.
That extra day could help grow the hunting community, improve wildlife management, and give more folks a chance to enjoy time in the field. It’s not just a win for hunters. It’s a step forward for everyone who values smart conservation and fair access.
Stay tuned. The next few weeks could bring big news for hunters across the state.
