Hunter Nation Pennsylvania
Monumental Victory for Hunters: Pennsylvania Passes Sunday Hunting Bill
The hunters of Pennsylvania just got one step closer to reclaiming their Sundays.
In a historic move, the Pennsylvania Senate passed House Bill 1431 (HB1431) on Thursday, June 26, bringing the Commonwealth within arm’s reach of ending its outdated ban on Sunday hunting once and for all. Hunter Nation has been at the forefront of this fight, testifying, building coalitions, and working directly with lawmakers to secure support in both chambers. Thursday’s Senate vote follows this week’s successful committee vote and shows the clear momentum behind the push for expanded hunting access.
The legislation, introduced by Representative Mandy Steele (D-33) , empowers the Pennsylvania Game Commission to authorize Sunday hunting across the state, effectively dismantling one of the last remaining blue laws keeping hunters out of the woods every seventh day. Senator Daniel Laughlin (R-49) had previously introduced Senate Bill 67 (SB67) which was an identical bill to HB1431. Sen. Laughlin championed HB1431 as it made its way through the Pennsylvania Senate.
Screenshot taken from Facebook
“The vote to pass HB1431 out of the Senate is a monumental step toward ending the prohibition on Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth,” said Dan Sneath, Hunter Nation’s Pennsylvania Director of Legislative Affairs. “We are closer than ever to providing a long-deserved opportunity to our hunters, particularly working-class families.”
“Hard-working Pennsylvanians need more days to be afield with their families. Sunday is often the only day they can pass on our outdoor traditions to their children,” said John Bingaman, Hunter Nation’s Pennsylvania State Director. “We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Sunday hunting is about fairness, freedom, and the future of our sport.”
With the Senate now on record in support, the bill returns to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote on a few minor changes. Hunter Nation urges all hunters to stay vigilant and keep the pressure on.
A Coalition for Access
Hunter Nation’s Pennsylvania state chapter leadership worked diligently to build a broad based coalition in an effort to get this long overdue change passed. This coalition building included working with key Pennsylvania lawmakers. This victory wouldn’t have been possible without strong leadership from Sen. Dan Laughlin and Rep. Mandy Steele, and the unwavering support of partner organizations including the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting (HUSH), and the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists (PFSC).
“This coalition extends beyond hunters to include landowners, farmers, conservationists, and parents. These individuals recognize that increased access fosters greater opportunity, not increased conflict.” added Sneath.
What’s Next?
With a successful concurrence vote in the House, which could occur any day, HB1431 will be sent to the Governor's desk for final signature. This action will mark the end of Pennsylvania's last-in-the-nation ban on Sunday hunting.
This is a defining moment in the fight for hunting rights and outdoor freedom. But we’re not done yet.
Stay tuned. Stay loud. And stay proud.
John Bingaman
PA Director, Hunter Nation
📧 john@hunternation.org
Keith Mark
Founder, Hunter Nation
📧 Info@HunterNation.org
📞 (913) 933-6544 option 2
Dan Sneath For press inquiries, contact:
📧 dan@hunternation.org
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.