Major Change To PA Hunting Law: What To Know

PENNSYLVANIA — Hunting on Sundays now is legal in Pennsylvania after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Wednesday a bill repealing the longstanding prohibition against it.

The prime sponsor of the bill was Mandy Steele, an Allegheny Count Democrat who contended the ban was upholding the state's outdated "blue law" and was at odds with current values and lifestyles.

Steele, in a memo to colleagues, said removing the ban will:

• Expand recreational opportunities for Pennsylvania hunters and trappers.
• Boost wildlife conservation efforts through increased engagement.
• Enhance economic activity in Pennsylvania’s rural areas.
• Increase revenue collected from the issuance of hunting licenses.
• More accurately reflect today’s modern values, making Pennsylvania an attractive destination for sportsmen and sportswomen.

"This measure not only supports sportspersons, but bolsters the state’s economy," Steele stated.

The bill is described as " an Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission."