Harrisburg, Pa. — On July 9, Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1431 into law, lifting Pa.'s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. The bipartisan law is a welcome change for the Commonwealth's 850,000 licensed hunters.
To celebrate the occasion, Gov. Shapiro visited Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County with Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Rep. Mandy Steele, who sponsored the legislation, and other legislators, hunters, and outdoor advocates.
“This new law is about real freedom: the freedom to hunt, the freedom for families to pass down traditions to the next generation, and the freedom for the Pennsylvania Game Commission — the experts who know our hunters and our wildlife best — to set hunting seasons that work for today’s Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Shapiro. “By repealing this outdated ban on Sunday hunting, Pennsylvanians can spend more time outdoors, with more chances to share traditions and a stronger future for conservation. I’m proud we came together to bring Pennsylvania’s hunting laws into the 21st century and honor the traditions that make our Commonwealth special.”
Since 2020, Pa. hunters have been allowed to hunt on three designated Sundays each year: One Sunday each during archery and rifle deer season, and a third Sunday chosen by the Game Commission. According to the Pa. Game Commission, even those limited Sunday opportunities have helped keep hunters and sportsmen engaged.
Gov. Shapiro gives final approval to House Bill 1431, lifting Pennsylvania's Sunday hunting ban starting in September.
Under the new law, the Game Commission has full authority to decide which hunting seasons can include Sundays based on ecological information and hunters' feedback.
“For years, we heard from hunters across Pennsylvania frustrated by the Sunday hunting ban — from young hunters with school obligations to folks working two jobs and parents balancing family time on weekends, all wanting more time outdoors,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “As a parent myself, I know what it’s like to spend every fall Saturday on the sidelines, wondering when you’ll get to hunt — let alone share that tradition with your kids. Today, we’re changing that. By making hunting more accessible for everyone, this new law isn’t just a win for hunters — it’s a win for conservation. It helps us better manage wildlife now and ensures we pass down this tradition to the next generation. It’s a great day for Pennsylvania.”
Hunting contributes over $1.6 billion to the Pa. economy every year, supports over 15,000 jobs, and generates millions in state and local tax revenue.
Opening more Sunday hunting opportunities is expected to draw even more hunters from both within Pa. and from other places, increasing local business revenue and boosting conservation through the efforts funded by license sales.
Pa. has the second highest number of licensed hunters in the nation, with Texas in first.
The new law also strengthens protections against trespassing on private property to ensure that landowners retain their rights.
“The passage of Sunday hunting is a meaningful step forward for Pennsylvania’s farmers, too,” said Secretary Redding. “Crop damage from overabundant wildlife continues to take a real toll on farms across the Commonwealth. Giving hunters more days in the field helps protect livelihoods, especially in areas hardest hit.”
Gov. Shapiro visits Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County for the signing of House Bill 1431.
“Here in Pennsylvania, we still believe in coming together to get stuff done — and that’s exactly what happened with Sunday hunting,” said Dan Sneath, director of Legislative Affairs for Hunter Nation. “We rolled up our sleeves, went to work, and found common ground between the agricultural community and hunters. Farmers were struggling with crop damage, and hunters were ready to help. By working together, we reached solutions that benefit everyone.”
House Bill 1431, introduced by Rep. Mandy Steele, passed the Pa. House in a 142-61 vote and the Senate by a 34-16 vote with broad bipartisan support. Identical legislation, SB67, was also introduced by Sen. Dan Laughlin.
“Repealing the archaic ban on Sunday hunting is a historic win for Pennsylvania’s forests and for generations of hunters to come,” said Rep. Steele. “I am honored to have led on this issue in the House. This new law creates more opportunities for hunters to participate in one of America’s oldest traditions and be on the front line of conservation here in the Keystone State. Governor Shapiro has long understood the value of hunting and conservation, and I admire his commitment to getting this bill signed fast — he truly gets stuff done.”
“For years, I’ve worked alongside sportsmen, farmers, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to finally bring Pennsylvania in line with the vast majority of other states,” added Sen. Laughlin. “With the signing of HB 1431, we’re showing that common-sense reform is possible when we focus on shared values. I’m proud of this bill, proud of the process, proud of the persistence, and proud of what it means for Pennsylvania.”
The law takes effect on Sept. 7, 2025. Following this date, the Game Commission will set new season dates and bag limits.
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