Afield: Additional Sunday hunting expected in Pennsylvania for this fall
Pennsylvania’s fall hunting seasons were established earlier this year and the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Digest printed. The seasons were set including three Sunday hunting days — the same as last year. However, all of that changed earlier this month when House Bill 1431 passed and was signed into law on July 9.
Previously, Sunday hunting was limited to three days: one during archery deer season, one during regular firearms deer season and a third during bear season. Pennsylvania’s blue laws, which prohibited hunting on Sundays, date back to 1682. In 2020, legislation passed that allowed the Pennsylvania Game Commission to select three Sundays for hunting.
HB 1431 further allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to incorporate as many Sundays as it sees fit into hunting seasons, beginning as early as September. Since seasons have already been set for this fall and published in the Hunting and Trapping Digest, movement to open more Sundays will need to be decided by the commissioners at their next meeting. This meeting was postponed from July 11-12 to July 28, to allow time for possible season changes.
If changes are made, the updates will need to get out to hunters to help alleviate confusion. Twelve days ago, PGC Press Secretary Travis Lau elaborated about what he expected to happen.
“We are looking to open more Sundays to hunting this fall, but any changes will be made with consideration for the welfare of the wildlife resources of Pennsylvania,” Lau said in a phone interview on July 15. “The commissioners will meet on July 28, and after that, I am thinking that we will have a clear idea on what this will look like for this fall’s hunting seasons. No matter what, any changes that are made will be the product of the board’s decisions.”
More than a week has passed and the Wednesday publishing of the agenda for the Commission’s July 28 meeting makes the commissioners’ plan clear. A resolution is included in the agenda that directs the executive director to add 10 Sundays to this fall’s hunting seasons. They are Sept. 14, 21 and 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26; Nov. 2, 16, 23, and 30, as well as Dec. 7. These dates include additions to squirrel, rabbit, grouse and pheasant seasons, turkey, archery deer, muzzleloader deer, and regular firearms deer season.
Sunday, Dec. 14, is not included, because it is not the commissioner’s intent to extend any season beyond its established closing date. Likewise, Nov. 9 is included for small game, but, as I understand it, not to extend the general elk season.
The commissioners put forth this resolution — to be discussed and voted on at their July 28 meeting. The timing gives agency staff time to consider the possible effects on the sustainability of the state’s wildlife populations. At this point, the resolution is only proposed for discussion and a vote. Hunters will know exactly which Sundays will be included and for which species after the July 28 vote.
The agency is accepting written comments, which can be sent to pgcboard@pa.gov. The public can also address the board beginning at 10 a.m. on July 28, at the agency headquarters in Harrisburg. Comments are limited to five minutes. People wishing to speak should sign up as they enter the room before the meeting. Speakers will be called on in the order that they have signed up.
Antlerless deer licenses
Antlerless deer licenses are sold by wildlife management units. Centre County is part of two units. WMU 2G includes Centre County north of I-80, and WMU 4D includes southern Centre County.
Antlerless deer licenses went on sale for residents on June 23. The second round of sales for residents and non-residents begins Monday, July 28. As of July 25, 13,899 licenses were still available for WMU 2G and 59,811 were available for WMU 4D. Remaining antlerless deer licenses are available on a first come, first served basis until sold out.
Licenses can be purchased online, or from any license issuing agent.