Hunter Nation Pennsylvania
Hunter Nation’s Dan Sneath Fights for Sunday Hunting and Sportsmen’s Rights in PA
For many Pennsylvania hunters, Sunday is the only day of the week when work and family schedules align with a chance to get into the woods. But outdated laws still restrict the right to hunt on Sundays in the Commonwealth — a frustration that Hunter Nation is working tirelessly to fix.
Leading the charge is Dan Sneath, Hunter Nation’s Pennsylvania Director of Legislative Affairs. Over the past several months, Dan has logged long days in Harrisburg, meeting face-to-face with lawmakers, agency heads, and staff to push forward legislation that would expand Sunday hunting opportunities and safeguard hunters’ rights more broadly.
“I’m in the Capitol every few weeks, walking the halls, building relationships, and making sure our issues stay front and center,” Sneath said. “There are a lot of distractions in politics, but Pennsylvania’s hunters deserve to be heard.”
Boots on the Ground: Meetings That Matter
Between February 3rd and April 24th, Sneath made multiple trips to the Capitol — on February 3rd, March 19th, March 26th, April 1st, and April 24th — to meet with members of both the House and Senate, and to coordinate efforts with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission.
Pennsylvania State Capitol; Photo by Hunter Nation
In one of the highlights of his recent visits, Sneath met with the executive staffs of both commissions to discuss shared priorities, including support for active conservation and game management that benefits Pennsylvania’s hunters and anglers.
Left: Dan Sneath and Senator Greg Rothman; Right: Dan Sneath with Anna Kulik and Paul Scott
Key meetings also included Senator Greg Rothman (R-34), Chair of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, and Representative Anita Kulik (D-45), Chair of the House Game and Fisheries Committee — two of the most influential voices on wildlife and outdoor policy in the General Assembly. Alongside Kulik, Sneath met with Paul Scott, the committee’s Executive Director, who helps shape the flow of legislation in the House.
Sneath also highlighted productive sessions with Senator Dan Laughlin’s office and Representative Mandy Steele (D-33) — two prime movers in the current fight to pass Sunday hunting legislation.
“Those were some of our best meetings. These lawmakers understand the importance of hunting culture in Pennsylvania and the need to modernize our laws to reflect today’s working families,” Sneath explained.
The Bills on the Table: SB67 and HB851
The legislative vehicle for this effort comes in two forms: Senate Bill 67 (SB67) and House Bill 851 (HB851) — both of which aim to expand the number of Sundays available for hunting. Senator Laughlin introduced SB67 in the Senate, and Representative Steele introduced HB851 in the House.
The legislation builds on previous bipartisan momentum. According to Sneath, Sunday hunting bills had majority support in both chambers last session, but procedural delays and end-of-session gridlock prevented them from reaching the finish line.
That’s where persistence comes in. As both bills await movement through their respective Game and Fisheries Committees, Sneath is working to ensure they don’t stall again — and that every lawmaker understands how important this issue is to rural Pennsylvanians.
Political Landscape Forecast
When asked about support for the bills, Sneath noted that momentum is on the side of hunters:
“There is support for Sunday hunting legislation. We had it last session, and we’re working hard to build and maintain that support this time around. It’s all about timing and pressure.”
While no formal opposition has emerged yet in this session, Sneath keeps a watchful eye on any amendments or backdoor efforts that might weaken the legislation. His role includes monitoring all bills that affect hunting rights, even when they don’t make headlines.
And while there are currently no other significant legislative threats on the horizon, Sneath stresses that vigilance is key.
“Bad legislation doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it shows up quietly in a rider or a committee substitute. That’s why I’m here.”
What Hunters Can Do Right Now
Sneath encourages all Pennsylvania hunters to contact their legislators and express support for SB67 and HB851.
“Every phone call, every email helps remind lawmakers that this issue matters,” he said. “We’re not asking for special treatment — we’re asking for the same opportunity to hunt on Sundays that’s already available in most other states.”
With Sunday hunting currently allowed in 38 states, Pennsylvania remains one of the last holdouts due to outdated blue laws. That puts the Commonwealth out of step with modern wildlife management and denies working families critical access to their outdoors heritage.
Photos from the Capitol show Sneath shoulder-to-shoulder with key decision-makers — not just talking about hunter rights, but working to secure them.
Executive Staffs from the PA Game Commission and the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
Staying Vigilant, Staying Involved
Hunter Nation’s mission is clear: protect the right to hunt, defend the values of America’s outdoor traditions, and hold lawmakers accountable. Dan Sneath’s work in Harrisburg is a testament to that mission — a blend of persistence, diplomacy, and grassroots accountability.
“We’re going to keep showing up until this legislation moves,” he said. “And we’ll be back again next session if it doesn’t.”
As the session unfolds, hunters can count on Hunter Nation to be their voice in the room — and their ally in the field.
Keith Mark
Founder, Hunter Nation
📧 Info@HunterNation.org
📞 (913) 933-6544 option 2
Kristi Brown
Public Affairs, Hunter Nation
📧 Kristi@HunterNation.org
📞 (901) 848-4560
Hunter Nation is the nation’s leading grassroots hunting advocacy organization that stands for the traditional values of God, Family, Country, Hunting and the Constitution. Hunter Nation works to promote science-based conservation and access to habitat, while preserving our country’s hunting heritage. It was founded and is based in Mission, Kansas.