Sunday hunting bill clears committee

Supporters of Sunday hunting say “it’s the closest we’ve ever been.”

The Hunters United for Sunday Hunting organization issued a statement, “It is because of the hard work of every single one of you that we can officially announce SB147 has passed out of the House Fish and Game committee with a 21-4 vote. Next stop, the full House.”

SB147 would repeal some restrictions on Sunday hunting by allowing the Pennsylvania Game Commission to choose three Sundays during regular game seasons when hunting would be permitted. Those Sundays would be one during archery season, one during firearms season and another at the game commission’s discretion.

The bill was passed with an amendment that would require hunters to receive written permission by private landowners for the three huntable Sundays throughout the year.

What happens next? While the SB147 is on the house floor, more amendments could be added, and a voting date has not been established. If the bills is passed in the House, it must be sent back to the Senate for a concurrent vote since an amendment was made. If passed there without any amendments, it will go to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for signing.

Kevin B. Askew, executive director of Hunters United for Sunday Hunting noted that although SB147 has been changed to stipulate only three Sundays available for hunting, the bill still allows the game commission to implement their hunting conservation plans with full regulatory control. Trespass while hunting will become a primary offense, enforceable by both game wardens and law enforcement.