HARRISBURG – Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) introduced Senate Bill 67 to fully repeal Pennsylvania’s prohibition on Sunday hunting, transferring full authority over wildlife management decisions to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) has now joined in supporting the effort, provided agricultural concerns are addressed in the bill.
“For eight years, I have fought to remove this outdated prohibition and expand opportunities for hunters,” Laughlin said. “Through open dialogue and collaboration, we’ve built a consensus. I am pleased that the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau now fully supports this effort and is calling for its passage.”
“Pennsylvania Farm Bureau proudly supports Laughlin’s bill, a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation,” Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, said. “These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state.”
Laughlin’s bill would have Pennsylvania join the 39 states that have no limits on Sunday hunting. While Act 107 of 2019 permitted hunting on three Sundays, a full repeal is necessary to provide greater access for sportsmen and women, align Pennsylvania with neighboring states, and support conservation efforts.
“The Sunday hunting prohibition is one of the last remnants of our commonwealth’s antiquated ‘Blue Laws,’” Laughlin said. “Hunting is a longstanding tradition, a vital conservation tool, and an economic driver for rural communities. It’s time we fully eliminate this restriction.”
Laughlin emphasized that the bill’s support is tied directly to measures addressing agricultural concerns, including solutions to mitigate wildlife-related crop damage. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s endorsement of this legislation marks a significant milestone in the effort to modernize Pennsylvania’s hunting laws.
“The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has been a key partner in ensuring that this legislation addresses the concerns of our agricultural community,” Laughlin said. “Their willingness to collaborate and seek balanced solutions has helped shape this bill into a policy that benefits both farmers and hunters.”
“Delegates representing Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members voted to remove their opposition to Sunday hunting, contingent upon the implementation of significant statutory and regulatory changes addressing crop damage from wildlife and hunting management on farmland,” said Andy Bater, PFB State Board Director and chairman of PFB’s Wildlife and Fisheries Committee. “This policy shift has fostered unprecedented collaborative efforts between Farm Bureau, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and statewide hunting organizations.”
Additionally, expanding Sunday hunting opportunities would provide greater access for individuals with disabilities who rely on companions to assist them in the field. For many, Sunday is the only available day to participate in the sport.
“I want to give the needed latitude to the Game Commission to increase hunting and trapping opportunities and rebuild interest in hunting, which will benefit all Pennsylvanians,” Laughlin said. “This is about modernizing our laws, supporting conservation, and ensuring hunting remains a strong tradition for future generations.”
Laughlin urges his colleagues to support this legislation to expand access for hunters, protect agricultural interests, and modernize Pennsylvania’s approach to wildlife management.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit www.senatorlaughlin.com or follow Sen. Laughlin on Facebook and X @senatorlaughlin.
CONTACT:
Chris Carroll; 814-453-2515