Hunting on Sundays Now Legal in PA

Hunting on Sundays is now legal in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro today signed a bill into law allowing hunting on Sundays in the state. The bi-partisan legislation repeals a previous ban on Sunday hunting.

According to a press release from the state, the PA Game Commission plans to begin allowing Sunday hunting this fall.

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

Hikers visiting trails where hunting is permitted need to know that wearing blaze orange is now a must beginning in the fall. Personally, I carry a blaze orange hat in my hiking backpack in case I ever find myself in the woods during hunting season. It's also a good idea to put some kind of orange on your pooch if you are hiking with dogs.

Many of the hikes in 60 Hikes are NOT in areas where hunting is typically allowed, but there are a handful of sights where hikers should be aware of the new legislation.

I did a quick review of the list of hikes in my book, and the following places may allow hunting on Sundays: Binky Lee Preserve, Evansburg State Park, French Creek State Park, Marsh Creek State Park, Neversink Mountain, Nockamixon State Park, Ridley Creek State Park, Sadsbury Woods, Top Rock Trail at Haycock Mountain.

If you plan to hike this fall, check out the Game Commission's website for updated information. It's also always a good idea to check the website of the place you are planning to hike for updated information.

The safest approach is to buy yourself some blaze orange now and stuff it in your backpack so it's always ready if you find yourself in a place that allows hunting.