Overview
A ban on Sunday hunting is one of the last remnants of “blue laws” in Pennsylvania, but new legislation could end the ban and bring more opportunity to hunters in the Commonwealth.
House Bill 1431, introduced by Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, would fully repeal the ban on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania and authorize the Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide additional Sunday hunting opportunities.
If House Bill 1431 becomes law, the Board of Game Commissioners will determine when additional Sunday hunting opportunities would be implemented.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Currently, Sunday hunting is broadly prohibited, except for foxes, coyotes, and crows during open seasons and most other game on three consecutive Sundays in the fall.
Sunday hunting dates for the 2025-26 season:
- November 16
- November 23
- November 30
At this time, no additional Sunday hunting opportunities have been considered for the 2025-26 season. The bill must still receive the governor’s signature. After the bill is signed, the Board of Commissioners would have authority to consider additional changes. The board is scheduled to meet in July.
On these three Sundays, any game that’s in season may be hunted, with the exception of turkeys and migratory game birds.
To hunt on private land on these Sundays, hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner.
Review the Hunting & Trapping Digest for more details.