EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Pennsylvania hunters and conservation advocates are currently celebrating the passage of House Bill 1431, which officially authorizes legal hunting on Sundays in the state.
This act repeals the prohibition on Sunday hunting and will allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to establish hunting seasons that include Sundays. It will also remove the limits of Act 107 passed in 2019, which permitted three Sunday hunts per year — one during the rifle deer season, one during the archery deer season and a third decided by PGC.
The PGC said its board of commissioners is postponing its next meeting to July 28 to allow more time for public comment before the board reviews options to potentially add new Sunday opportunities to the upcoming fall hunting season.
The act is a major success because lifting the ban creates more equitable opportunities for those who participate in outdoor sports. It offers a full day of opportunity for those who work during the week to get into the woods.
“Our state chapter is happy to see that there will be an increase in hunting opportunities for working adults and youth who were maybe engaged in other sports and activities during the week,” said Dave Boston, Pennsylvania NWTF State Chapter president.
Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was at least 150 years old and was following what are known as blue laws, which restrict or prohibit certain activities on Sundays.
This law follows the passage of Connecticut’s Public Act 25-138 last month, which legalized Sunday hunting on private lands.
Both laws align with the goals of NWTF’s Forests and Flocks Initiative, boosting regional support for hunting and increasing our voice against legislation that is in opposition to the NWTF’s mission.
The NWTF and its partners hope to see similar amendments enacted in other states, helping to preserve America’s hunting heritage, improve access and increase opportunities for future generations.
“The passing of this law is the perfect example of the NWTF’s mission statement and the North American Model of Conservation,” said Phil Ferrare, NWTF director of field operations. “We can’t hunt without encouraging conservation; the two are tied. Here in Pennsylvania, we continue to champion our hunting heritage, and I’m always amazed to see how passionate our volunteers are when it comes to our mission. We must keep advocating for amendments and bills like this one, so we can preserve our hunting heritage and conserve this state’s treasured natural resources.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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