Sunday hunting bill in Pennsylvania moves to full Senate for vote

A bill that would allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to include more Sundays for hunting has taken one step closer to passage.

The state Senate Game and Fisheries Committee voted Tuesday to move Senate Bill 67 to the full Senate for a vote.

Sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin of Erie, the bill gives authority to the Game Commission to decide which Sundays should be part of hunting seasons. The legislature approved in 2019 only three Sundays for hunting which now happen in the fall during black bear, archery deer and rifle deer seasons.

“I come before you today with a deep passion for Senate Bill 67, particularly regarding the repeal of the prohibition on Sunday hunting,” Laughlin, a Republican, told the committee. “This issue strikes at the heart of our cherished traditions, our economic vitality and our fundamental rights as sportsmen and sportswomen."

Laughlin was involved in getting the three Sundays approved and believes it’s now time to give the Game Commission the opportunity to include more Sundays for hunters.

“The Sunday hunting prohibition is one of the last vestiges of our commonwealth’s antiquated so-called Blue Laws which were literally created hundreds of years ago," he said, "some dating back to colonial times to prevent certain activities deemed to be inappropriate for a Sunday."

He believes the current restrictions hamper hunters from enjoying their sport as well as impacting the state’s economy.

“It’s about respecting the rights of responsible hunters who should have their freedom to enjoy their sport on any day of the week. Hunting is deeply ingrained in our culture and by lifting this prohibition, we affirm our commitment to preserving our hunting heritage for generations to come,” Laughlin said.

He also pointed out there are many things that have been legalized for Sundays over the past 50 years, including some that he doesn’t agree with.

“Being able to take your kids out rabbit hunting or squirrel hunting or deer hunting on a Sunday and spending quality family time together, is what drives me to try and get this done,” Laughlin said.

James Brewster, minority chair of the committee and a Democrat serving part of Allegheny County, agrees with the bill. He’s heard from the Game Commission that there have been no problems with the three Sundays that are already used by hunters.

“There were zero complaints in the whole state,” Brewster said. "That’s kind of remarkable."

Creating more opportunities: Pa. legislators, Farm Bureau discuss what it will take to allow more Sunday hunting

Sen Cris Dush, a Republican for the District 25 in northcentral Pennsylvania, objected to the bill.

“When the Sunday hunting came, I’ve seen more purple paint (signifies no trespassing) and no trespassing signs and a result, the people who are hunters up in my area are now asking me to help the Game Commission to get more land,” Dush said.

He said in his rural area, there are counties that are now more than 50% owned by the commonwealth and that creates a shortage in property tax revenue.

“Another aspect to this is, I have a lot of people who like to hike or ride their horses or whatever through state forest land,” he said about enjoying Sundays without hunters. “It’s a good way to take the family out and spend time."

Citing local economic and recreational concerns, Dush said, “I’m definitely going to be a ’no.’ I’ve got to look out for my constituents.”

If the bill is approved and signed into law, Sunday hunting would be permitted during approved seasons on public lands and on private property based on the discretion of the land owner.

“The landowner ultimately retains all of their rights,” Laughlin said. “This doesn’t change that. If you want to post your land that says there is no hunting on Sunday from noon to three, it’s totally and completely up to the land owner."

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on this website's homepage under your login name. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors, and Instagram at whipkeyoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Can you hunt on Sundays in Pennsylvania?