Defending Pennsylvania’s Hunting Heritage

Hunter Nation Pennsylvania has been working tirelessly to defend and strengthen our hunting heritage across the Commonwealth. Our mission is simple: protect the traditions we value and expand opportunities for hardworking hunters and their families.

We’ve been on the front lines advocating for policies that keep hunting accessible; and we’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Protecting Opening Day Traditions

One of our top priorities has been preserving the opening day of rifle deer season as the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Since 2019, Pennsylvania hunters have benefited from this change, gaining valuable extra weekend hunting days after the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) made the right call to move the opener from the traditional Monday start.

However, not everyone agrees. Certain groups and individuals have pushed to roll this progress back, seeking to eliminate those additional weekend opportunities. Many of these same voices also oppose Sunday hunting altogether.

At Hunter Nation, we believe these efforts would take opportunities away from Pennsylvania’s hunting families, and we’ve been actively fighting back.

Advocacy That Delivered Results

We haven’t been sitting idly by.

Hunter Nation Pennsylvania has been actively engaging with the PGC and state legislators to ensure hunters’ rights are protected. And that advocacy is making a real impact.

  • January 24, 2026 – The PGC Board of Commissioners gave preliminary approval for the 2026–2027 seasons and bag limits.
    • The proposal kept the Saturday after Thanksgiving opener
    • Included full Sunday hunting across all open seasons
  • April 11, 2026 – Final approval was granted.
    • The Saturday opener remains in place
    • Sunday hunting is officially included in all open seasons

This is a major win for Pennsylvania hunters.

Work Still to Be Done

While these victories are significant, the fight isn’t over.

Sundays will once again be excluded from migratory bird seasons. Feedback from hunters on this issue has been split, and the Board has chosen to continue gathering input before making a final decision.

This means there’s still an opportunity, and a need, for hunters to make their voices heard.

Expanding Opportunities for the Next Generation

Beyond season structures, Hunter Nation Pennsylvania is also focused on growing the future of hunting.

We’ve been working closely with the PGC and state legislators on:

Mentor Youth Program Improvements

  • The age restriction for Mentor Youth Tags has been removed
  • Mentors are no longer required to give up their own tag to take a youth hunting

This change makes it easier than ever to introduce the next generation to deer and turkey hunting.

Hunter Education in Schools

We are actively supporting legislation to introduce a Hunter/Trapper Education curriculum in Pennsylvania school districts—approved by both the PGC and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

This initiative will help ensure that hunting knowledge, safety, and conservation values are passed down for generations.

Looking Ahead

These wins represent meaningful progress, but they’re also a reminder of why continued advocacy matters.

By protecting traditions, expanding access, and investing in education, we are helping preserve Pennsylvania’s hunting heritage while creating more opportunities for today’s hunters and tomorrow’s.

Hunter Nation Pennsylvania remains committed to that mission, every step of the way.

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