A longstanding Pennsylvania hunting restriction is now history. Governor Josh Shapiro has signed House Bill 1431 into law, officially repealing the state’s ban on Sunday hunting and giving the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) full authority to include Sundays in hunting seasons.
The bipartisan legislation marks a major shift in state hunting policy and is expected to benefit the Commonwealth’s 850,000 licensed hunters, rural economies, and conservation efforts. The law takes effect on September 7, 2025.
Governor Shapiro celebrated the signing at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County, joined by legislators, outdoor advocates, and PGC officials. Supporters say the new law empowers more Pennsylvanians—especially young hunters, working families, and weekend-only outdoorsmen—to participate in the tradition of hunting.
Since 2020, hunters in the state had access to only three designated Sundays each year. Despite that limit, license sales held steady, bucking national declines. Now, with broader Sunday access, the PGC expects engagement and revenue to grow, boosting both wildlife management and the \$1.6 billion hunting economy.
The new law also includes stronger protections against trespassing on private land, preserving landowner rights even as access expands.
Agriculture leaders welcomed the change, citing the benefits of reducing wildlife damage to crops. Outdoor and hunting groups praised the collaboration between lawmakers, hunters, and farmers to reach a solution with wide-ranging support.
The bill passed with large majorities in both chambers: 142–61 in the House and 34–16 in the Senate. The identical Senate bill, SB67, mirrored the widespread backing.
The PGC will now determine which seasons and species may include Sunday hunting, guided by data and public input. New dates and regulations are expected to be released ahead of the 2025–2026 hunting season.
Source: www.pa.gov