Pennsylvania Game Commission officials spoke to state lawmakers Wednesday about expanding Sunday hunting.
Deputy Executive Director Bryan Burhans said it would increase recreational opportunities for hunters, attract new hunters and retain current ones.
“We have one of the most restrictive laws for Sunday hunting, and it is important to note that only four states currently prohibit Sunday hunting altogether – Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware,” Burhans said.
He believes the number one reason people stop hunting is lack of time and noted many people work during the week so Saturday is there only option to hunt.
“Unfortunately, we know of many cases where Pennsylvania residents, particularly near the state lines, don’t even purchase a Pennsylvania hunting license,” he said. “Instead, they opt to drive an hour or so to hunt in Ohio or New York because they are able maximize the time they have available by hunting both Saturday and Sunday.”
Currently, hunting on Sundays is permitted in Pennsylvania on a very limited basis in terms of species, but it is legal every Sunday throughout the year, not just the typical hunting season.
“By nature, Sunday hunting is what is commonly referred to as a blue law,” he said. “Blue laws are antiquated, religious-based laws that were originally designed to restrict or ban some or all Sunday activities in order to encourage a day of worship or rest. To date, all but two blue laws in Pennsylvania have been repealed: the complete ability to hunt on Sundays, and the option to purchase a vehicle.”
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