Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9 by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. “The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) could not be more excited to celebrate this long-awaited moment,” PGC Executive Director Steve Smith said. “This landmark law effectively will contribute to keeping hunters engaged and performing the valuable public service they provide in helping manage our wildlife populations and ensuring the future of wildlife conservation.”
Smith said the Game Commission plans to implement new Sunday hunting opportunities this fall. House Bill 1431’s signing into law as Act 36 of 2025 opens a 60-day window for the law to take effect. The Game Commission, meanwhile, is reviewing options available to add new Sunday opportunities to the established 2025-26 hunting seasons and working to determine how soon they could occur.
“We could not have reached this milestone alone,” Smith said. “Many thanks go to Representative Mandy Steele, who sponsored House Bill 1431…all supporting members of the General Assembly, including Senator Dan Laughlin, who long has championed this issue; Governor Shapiro; a multitude of sportsmen’s groups who care deeply about wildlife; the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; and last but not least, the hard-working staff of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and our Board of Commissioners. All played a huge role in getting us here, and on behalf of hunters statewide, I thank you.”
Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, said providing more time for hunters is an important step in keeping them involved, carrying out tradition and working for the good of wildlife. “This new law totally repeals the prohibition on Sunday hunting, which marks a truly historic win for the current and future generation of Pennsylvania hunters,” Steele said. “Hunters have been working on this issue for decades, to allow them more time in the woods, and it’s been an honor to lead on this issue in the House. Families are busier than ever, work and social schedules are demanding as ever, and this new law provides more opportunity for hunters to participate in one of America’s oldest traditions and be on the front line of conservation here in the Keystone State.”
Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, whose previous legislation brought about the expanded Sunday opportunities Pennsylvania hunters have enjoyed in recent years, credited legislators for their cooperative effort to make this meaningful change. “The full repeal of this archaic restriction is finally coming to fruition thanks to the bipartisan support of the General Assembly,” said Laughlin, who sponsored Senate Bill 67, which was introduced and also would have fully repealed the state’s Sunday hunting ban. “My advocacy for removing the state Sunday hunting restriction has been unwavering from the moment I was elected to office in 2016. These restrictions will hinder our residents no longer. Pennsylvania hunters, young and old, will now have the chance to fully participate in a cherished outdoor tradition while also continuously building family bonds and enjoying our Commonwealth’s great outdoors. This is a change I am truly proud to have fought for.”
The change positively impacts farmers, too, according to Chris Hoffman from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. “Pennsylvania Farm Bureau was a proud supporter of House Bill 1431, a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation,” he said. “These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state. We thank the General Assembly for getting this important bill across the finish line and we look forward to using the tools they gave us to mitigate crop damage and help protect the profitability of our farms.”
