Bill to Repeal Sunday Hunting Ban Passed by Pennsylvania House
- The Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1431 on June 11, 2025, to repeal the statewide ban on Sunday hunting with a 131-72 vote, moving the bill to the Senate for consideration.
- The repeal effort arose because the current ban is a 19th-century blue law seen as outdated, and recent crop damage concerns among farmers shifted prior opposition toward support.
- Sponsored by Rep. Mandy Steele, the bill would enable the Game Commission to add Sundays to the annual hunting season and increase penalties for trespassing to discourage illegal hunting on private land.
- Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Game Commission, noted that lifting the ban on Sunday hunting could extend the number of days available for hunting each year, helping to maintain hunter participation. He emphasized the important role hunters play in managing wildlife populations and supporting conservation efforts financially.
- If enacted, the legislation could aid farmers by controlling wildlife damage and expand sustainable hunting opportunities, though some outdoor groups oppose it citing trail safety and recreation concerns.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Sunday hunting proposal passes Pa. House. What’s next?
A hunter walks across a field. (Getty Images)For the second year in a row, a proposal to repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting prohibition passed the state House in bipartisan fashion this week. After Wednesday’s vote, a bevy of organizations have weighed in with some arguing it’s past time to end the ban, while others say it would be a step backwards for the outdoor experience in Pennsylvania. As the debate moves to the Senate, a key committee c…
PA House Votes to Fully Repeal Sunday Hunting Ban—Senate Up Next
HARRISBURG, PA – In a big win for sportsmen and working families, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill to fully repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting. House Bill 1431, introduced by Rep. Mandy Steele (D-Allegheny), cleared the chamber in a strong bipartisan vote of 131-72 and now heads to the Senate. If signed into law, the bill would end one of the last remaining “blue laws” in the state, finally allowin…
Bill to repeal PA's Sunday hunting ban heads to Senate
(WJET/WFXP) – A House bill impacting Pennsylvania hunters will soon be making its way to the Senate. On Wednesday, June 11, House Bill 1431 was approved by the House Game and Fisheries Committee by a vote of 131-72. Union City student in the running for wildlife magazine feature The bill, introduced by Representative Mandy Steele, would fully repeal Pennsylvania's Sunday hunting ban. While some exceptions have been made for the Sunday hunt…
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