Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law today by Gov. Josh Shapiro, marking a historic day for Pennsylvania hunters and the future of wildlife conservation in the Commonwealth.

“The Pennsylvania Game Commission could not be more excited to celebrate this long-awaited moment,” Executive Director Steve Smith said.

“This landmark law effectively will contribute to keeping hunters engaged and performing the valuable public service they provide in helping manage our wildlife populations and ensuring the future of wildlife conservation. Today is a win for wildlife. Today will forever be remembered.

“We could not have reached this milestone alone,” Smith said. “Many thanks go to Representative Mandy Steele, who sponsored House Bill 1431, which was signed into law today; all supporting members of the General Assembly, including Senator Dan Laughlin, who long has championed this issue; Governor Shapiro; a multitude of sportsmen’s groups who care deeply about wildlife; the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; and last but not least, the hard-working staff of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and our Board of Commissioners. All played a huge role in getting us here, and on behalf of hunters statewide, I thank you.”

Smith said the Game Commission plans to implement new Sunday hunting opportunities this fall.

House Bill 1431’s signing into law as Act 36 of 2025 opens a 60-day window for the law to take effect. The Game Commission, meanwhile, is reviewing the options available to add new Sunday opportunities to the established 2025-26 hunting seasons, and is working to determine how soon they could occur. More will be known in the coming weeks and the Game Commission will share important news when available.

Beyond the opportunities that await this fall, though, there’s a bright horizon that’s free of overarching Sunday hunting prohibition.

Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, said providing more time for hunters is an important step in keeping them involved, carrying out tradition and working for the good of wildlife.

“This new law totally repeals the prohibition on Sunday hunting, which marks a truly historic win for the current and future generation of Pennsylvania hunters,” Steele said. “Hunters have been working on this issue for decades, to allow them more time in the woods, and it’s been an honor to lead on this issue in the House. Families are busier than ever, work and social schedules are demanding as ever, and this new law provides more opportunity for hunters to participate in one of America’s oldest traditions and be on the front line of conservation here in the Keystone State.”

The change will positively impact farmers, too, said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Chris Hoffman.

“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,” Hoffman said. “These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state. We thank the General Assembly for getting this important bill across the finish line and we look forward to using the tools they gave us to mitigate crop damage and help protect the profitability of our farms.”