HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced today the specific Sunday hunting dates for 2025, with 13 Sundays authorized for hunting beginning September 14 and continuing through December 7.
The approved Sundays are: September 14, September 21, September 28, October 5, October 12, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, November 23, November 30, and December 7.
All Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons will be included as part of those seasons and open to hunting, with migratory game bird seasons being the lone exception.
The announcement follows Governor Josh Shapiro’s signing of significant legislation into law on July 9, which fully repeals Pennsylvania’s longstanding Sunday hunting ban, marking a historic day for Pennsylvania hunters and the future of wildlife conservation in the Commonwealth.
House Bill 1431, signed into law at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County, becomes Act 36 of 2025 and takes effect September 7, 2025.
The law makes Pennsylvania the latest state to eliminate restrictions on Sunday hunting, opening new opportunities for the state’s 850,000 licensed hunters.
Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban has its roots in colonial-era “blue laws” dating back to the 17th century, which were designed to reserve Sundays for church, rest, and family time.
The Commonwealth had previously allowed limited Sunday hunting since 2020, permitting hunters to pursue game on three designated Sundays each year.
The new law gives the Pennsylvania Game Commission full authority to decide which hunting seasons can include Sundays, guided by biological data and hunter feedback.
Previously, Sunday hunting was strictly limited to one day during archery and rifle deer seasons, and a third Sunday was chosen at the discretion of the Game Commission.
Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith stated that the agency has reviewed the expanded season dates and is confident they will not jeopardize the state’s healthy and abundant wildlife populations.
“For years, we heard from hunters across Pennsylvania frustrated by the Sunday hunting ban— from young hunters with school obligations to folks working two jobs and parents balancing family time on weekends, all wanting more time outdoors,” Smith said. “By making hunting more accessible for everyone, this new law isn’t just a win for hunters—it’s a win for conservation.”
The legislation passed with bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. The House approved the bill in a 142-61 vote, while the Senate passed it 34-16.
“This new law is about real freedom: the freedom to hunt, the freedom for families to pass down traditions to the next generation, and the freedom for the Pennsylvania Game Commission — the experts who know our hunters and our wildlife best — to set hunting seasons that work for today’s Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said at the signing ceremony.
“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,” said Representative Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny. “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.”
Laughlin, who introduced identical legislation, called the full repeal of the “archaic restriction” the result of “bipartisan support of the General Assembly.”
The change is expected to benefit Pennsylvania’s rural economies. Hunting contributes over $1.6 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy, supports more than 15,000 jobs, and generates millions in state and local tax revenue.
The Commonwealth has maintained steady hunting license sales even as many other states have seen declines since 2020.
With approximately 850,000 licensed hunters, Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation, behind only Texas.
The law also addresses agricultural concerns about crop damage from overabundant wildlife. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman said the legislation was developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the farming community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation.
The law also strengthens protections against trespassing on private property, ensuring the rights of landowners are respected as Sunday hunting expands.
Stanley Knick Jr., president of the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners, said the change will give hunters more opportunity to get outside, especially those who work and don’t have the time otherwise.
“It’s been a long time coming, but this change is going to give hunters more opportunity to get out,” Knick said. “It’s something a lot of hunters will appreciate.”
Passing this legislation was a collaborative effort, receiving support from multiple organizations, including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Hunter Nation, and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
