HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) – Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has signed a bill to allow the state’s hunters an opportunity to hunt on three Sundays per year.
In Pennsylvania, it is currently unlawful to hunt wildlife — with the exception of foxes, coyotes, and crows — on Sundays.
“This legislation carefully balances the needs of landowners with an expanded opportunity for hunters who work or attend school during weekdays,” said Gov. Wolf.
Bryan Burhans, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, explained that the change won’t happen during the current year.
“Many hunters are excited about the new Sunday hunting opportunities Senate Bill 147 will provide, and you can count me as part of that group,” Burhans said in a released statement, “but, the process takes time.”
The new law won’t take effect for 90 days, extending the Sunday ban until February of 2020.
It is to be determined which Sundays will be open for hunting.
The bill provides for hunting on three Sundays – one within the archery deer season; one within the firearms deer season; and one on another Sunday selected by the game commission.
“That is something that could lead to confusion,” says Shawn Anderson, who works at Sportsmen Outfitters in Knox.
Anderson would like to see all Sundays open to hunters during big game season.
“Most people only have the weekend off,” he noted. “So, that only gives them that Saturday. If they have both Saturday and Sunday, I’m sure they’ll take full advantage of that.”
Sundays would also benefit younger hunters, according to Anderson.
“The more Sundays people can get out and hunt, the more they’ll take their kids out to hunt.”
“Without the youth, there’s no future for the lifetime of the sport. If we don’t get the youth involved, it’s going to die.”
Since state game lands were largely established with funds from hunters and hunting license fees, that should give hunters priority over those who use that land for recreation, according to Anderson.
He has sent emails to legislators urging passage of the bill.
Not so enthusiastic about the prospect is Anderson’s co-worker, Tom Rainey.
Rainey sees positives and negatives in the bill’s passage.
“I can see where you’ll have more posted property come out of it. That’s what I’ve heard from all the guys arguing against it. They’re just going to post their property.”
Nevertheless, Sunday is far from a day of rest for hunters, Rainey explained.
“Guys on Sunday are checking their trail cameras, hanging tree stands anyway, so they’re in the woods.”
Those unhappy with the measure include some farmers for fear of an increase in trespassing.
The bill’s final form includes several provisions required by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, such as stronger trespassing laws; limiting Sunday hunting to three days with the primary focus on antlerless deer; and for those Sundays, anyone seeking to hunt on private property would need written landowner permission. In exchange for those changes, the bureau agreed to take a neutral stance on the measure it had opposed in previous attempts. A violation carries a fine of $250.00 to $500.00.
Also objecting to the legislation is the Keystone Trails Association, as Sunday hunting would pose a safety risk to hikers. Sunday is traditionally a day where hikers can be in the woods and avoid the peril of hunting.
Angela Burtner, President of the Clarion County Trails Association, says she has noticed hikers using the trail that runs through her property tend to wear brighter colors during hunting season. However, there doesn’t seem to be any decrease in the number of people using the trail during hunting season.
Sunday hunting restrictions exist in 11 states according to the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation with Pennsylvania, Maine, and Massachusetts having the most restrictive laws.
“There’s every reason, however, to believe Senate Bill 147 soon will become law,” says the Burhans.
“And the game commission will be doing its part to implement additional Sunday hunting opportunities as soon as it can.”
