What People Are Saying About Governor Shapiro Signing Historic Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Pennsylvania’s Ban on Sunday Hunting

“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.”

“The passage of Sunday hunting is a meaningful step forward for Pennsylvania’s farmers, too. Crop damage from overabundant wildlife continues to take a real toll on farms across the Commonwealth.”

“For years, we heard from hunters across Pennsylvania frustrated by the Sunday hunting ban…Today, we’re changing that.”

July 10, 2025

Harrisburg, PA – Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 1431 into law, officially repealing Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. The new bipartisan law delivers real freedom for Pennsylvania’s 850,000 licensed hunters, empowers the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to expand Sunday hunting opportunities, and strengthens wildlife conservation efforts while growing rural economies across the Commonwealth.

House Bill 1431, sponsored by Representative Mandy Steele, passed the House in a 142-61 vote and the Senate by a 34-16 vote — showing broad, bipartisan support. Identical legislation (SB67) was also introduced by Senator Dan Laughlin.

Read below to see what people are saying about Governor Shapiro repealing the Sunday hunting ban:

Dan Sneath, Director of Legislative Affairs for Hunter Nation: “Here in Pennsylvania, we still believe in coming together to get stuff done — and that’s exactly what happened with Sunday hunting. 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.”

Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau: “Pennsylvania Farm Bureau was a proud supporter of House Bill 1431, a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation.These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state.”

Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith: “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. 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.”

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding: “The passage of Sunday hunting is a meaningful step forward for Pennsylvania’s farmers, too. 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.”

Representative Mandy Steele: “Repealing the archaic ban on Sunday hunting is a historic win for Pennsylvania’s forests and for generations of hunters to come. 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.”

Senator Dan Laughlin: “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. 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.”

See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro repealing the Sunday hunting ban:

The Philadelphia Inquirer: Sunday hunting is now legal in Pa.

Outdoor Life: Pennsylvania Officially Repeals Its Centuries-Old Ban on Sunday Hunting

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Shapiro signs Sunday hunting expansion into law as budget talks continue

Penn Live: Shapiro signs bill to fully allow Sunday hunting in Pa.

Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Shapiro signs law repealing Pa.’s ban on Sunday hunting. Here’s what you need to know.

Politics PA: Governor Repeals Sunday Hunting Ban in Pennsylvania

LNP: Gov. Shapiro signs new law lifting ban of Sunday hunting in Pa.

Go Erie: Pa. Game Commission receives authority to implement Sunday hunting with historic signing

Lancaster Farming: Sunday Hunting Prohibition Lifted in Pennsylvania

The Tribune-Democrat: Governor signs bill lifting ban on Sunday hunting in Pa.

KDKA: Pennsylvania repeals ban on Sunday hunting