By Christina Lengyel, Reporter | The Center Square
Republished by Travels With The Post
(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro has officially repealed Pennsylvania’s more-than-300-year-old Sunday hunting ban.
Shapiro signed the repeal, House Bill 1431, into law during a Wednesday (July 9, 2025) ceremony at Harrisburg’s Blue Ridge Sportsman Club. He was joined by members of the sporting community, as well as legislators who pushed for the ban for years.
The governor referred to bill sponsors Rep. Mandy Steele of Allegheny County and Sen. Dan Laughlin of Erie County as an “unlikely duo.” Their pairing, he claimed, was a testament to the role of hunting in the state’s history. “By repealing this outdated ban on Sunday hunting, Pennsylvanians can spend more time outdoors, with more chances to share traditions” and conservation efforts, Shapiro added.
The state has the second-largest group of licensed hunters – 850,000 – in the nation. It’s behind only the numbers in Texas. Pennsylvania hunters rejoiced after a 2020 move to allow hunting on three Sundays per year. Advocates say the additional day will now attract more weekend visitors to the state, and drive license sales.
They also emphasize that the extra day gives more opportunities for families to share in the tradition, because most children are in school Mondays through Fridays.
Expanding Family Traditions
“As a parent myself, I know what it’s like to spend every fall Saturday on the sidelines, wondering when you’ll get to hunt, let alone share that tradition with your kids,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “By making hunting more accessible for everyone, this new law isn’t just a win for hunters. It’s a win for conservation” with better wildlife management.
The Game Commission now has the exclusive authority to determine hunting seasons. The law goes into effect within 60 days. The pause providers commissioners with a brief window to finalize plans before the fall hunting season opens.
The law includes better trespassing protections, too. That was a major concern among opponents of additional hunting days. They say those who live near game grounds deserve a reprieve.
Russell Redding, the state’s Secretary of Agriculture highlighted the delicate balance between the state’s farmers and its wildlife. “Crop damage from overabundant wildlife continues to take a real toll on farms across the Commonwealth,” he says. “Giving hunters more days in the field helps protect livelihoods, especially in areas hardest hit.”
“Farmers were struggling with crop damage, and hunters were ready to help. By working together, we reached solutions that benefit everyone,” says Dan Sneath, director of legislative affairs for Hunter Nation, an advocacy group. “We rolled up our sleeves, went to work, and found common ground between the agricultural community and hunters.”
Other Benefits: Conservation, and Food
The state sees benefits from hunting beyond the $1.6 billion the industry contributes to its economy. Experts say hunters, and revenue from hunting licenses, play an invaluable role in protecting the environment and conserving wildlife.
Pennsylvania families in need additionally benefit from the Hunter’s Sharing the Harvest program. Since its inception in 1991, Redding explains, the program has contributed about two million pounds of venison to the Commonwealth’s charitable food network.
Top photo by Getty Images on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
Turkey photo by Monte Loomis from the PA chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation
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