Significant Change To PA Hunting Law Proposed

PENNSYLVANIA — A state legislator is proposing a major change to the Pennsylvania Game Code that would drastically alter the Pennsylvania hunting law.

State Rep. Charity Krupa, a Fayette County Republican, wants to amend the code to allow licensed hunters to use semi-automatic rifles for the hunting of big game animals such as deer and bear. Krupa wants to permit the use of rifles with a capacity of six rounds - find in the magazine and one in the chamber.

"This proposal brings Pennsylvania in line with the states that already allow responsible use of semi-automatic firearms for hunting large game—typically with magazine restrictions similar to the one proposed here," Krupa wrote in a memo to colleagues seeking support for the measure. "These states have seen no measurable increase in safety concerns or negative wildlife impacts as a result."

Krupa noted there is a clear distinction between semi- and fully automatic firearms, which are stringently regulated under federal law.

"The current prohibition in Pennsylvania mistakenly conflates the two and denies hunters access to widely available, lawful, and commonly used firearms that are not military-grade," she stated.

Krupa asserted there is no compelling evidence to support Pennsylvania’s continued ban on semi-automatic rifles for large game. She contended those firearms are commonly used for other lawful purposes—including small game and predator hunting within the state.

Krupa said altering the law would provide for faster follow-up shots, aiding in the ethical harvesting of animals by minimizing suffering and reducing the chances of a wounded animal escaping. She stated the change also would help reduce the state's increasing deer overpopulation concerns.