Once again this year, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners set the opening day of the firearms deer season as the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The board long has expressed the belief the Saturday opener better accommodates the majority of hunters and is better for the future of hunting, opinions backed by evidence such as license sales and a scientific survey of hunters.

But President Commissioner Scott Foradora said the board wants to know more about the impacts of the Saturday opener, especially knowing that some hunters would like to see the opener returned to the Monday after Thanksgiving.

He said, “With today’s vote, the Board has once again scheduled the start of the firearms deer season to be on a Saturday. We do this, firmly believing that starting the season on a Saturday creates the most opportunity for hunters, and thus helps ensure the future of the sport that we are charged with protecting.

However, he said, he has heard from some hunters who want the opening to return to the Monday after Thanksgiving.

“As the debate over a Saturday or Monday opener lingers on, it has unfortunately caused considerable disagreement within our hunting ranks. It has fractured and divided us, at a time when we should be united,” Foradora said.

He directed staff within the game commission to work with the leadership of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, to once again study and analyze this issue.

“It is my hope that a comprehensive review can take place, to address some of the concerns that we have heard and ensure that the Board’s decision is truly in the best interest of our hunting community,” Foradora said.