The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering a significant expansion of Sunday hunting across the state, a change many hunters have been anticipating for years. On Monday, the commission held a public meeting to discuss a proposal that would allow hunting on up to 13 Sundays during the 2025–26 hunting seasons. These dates would span from mid-September through early December and cover archery, small game, and rifle deer seasons.
This development follows the recent passage of House Bill 1431, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, which repeals a century-old ban on most forms of Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. Supporters say the expansion would improve accessibility, especially for hunters with limited weekday availability. David Reed of Halifax expressed enthusiasm, noting that having Sundays available could help offset poor weather on Saturdays. However, some commenters urged a balanced approach, suggesting a midday pause on Sundays similar to Maryland’s model to reduce conflicts with other outdoor enthusiasts like hikers and bird watchers. The Game Commission plans to finalize and vote on the proposed Sunday hunting schedule in the coming weeks, with the first potential Sunday hunt set for September 14.