The Game Commission announced Monday that beginning Sept. 14 and continuing through Dec. 7, all Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons will now be open to hunting — with the exception of migratory game bird seasons. The changes come on the heels of House Bill 1431, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on July 9, which officially repeals the state's Sunday hunting prohibition and gives the Game Commission authority to regulate the matter.
“We’re proud to offer 13 Sundays of hunting this season,” said Executive Director Steve Smith. “These aren’t just extra days in the field — they represent our commitment to increasing accessibility, removing barriers, and ensuring that Pennsylvania’s hunting tradition is passed on to the next generation.”
The 2025 Sunday hunting dates are:
Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 16, Nov. 23, Nov. 30, and Dec. 7.
The expanded opportunities apply to all game species with open seasons on those dates, except for migratory birds, whose seasons are set federally and cannot accommodate added Sundays without sacrificing existing hunting days.
Despite these additions, the firearms deer season will still conclude on Saturday, Dec. 13, and other seasons will retain their existing Saturday closing dates. Sundays will only be open for hunting if they fall between the opening and closing days of a season.
The change was made via executive order, rather than board action, due to timing constraints. Board members noted that waiting for a two-meeting voting cycle would have delayed implementation until after most fall hunting had ended.
Game Commission staff reviewed the new dates and concluded they would not negatively impact wildlife populations. The commission will monitor effects on game species and consider any necessary changes for future seasons.
Mentored Hunters Gain More Opportunities
Also approved Monday were expanded privileges for mentored hunters aged 7 and older. These young or novice hunters will now be eligible to purchase snow goose conservation permits and Agricultural Deer Control Permits — commonly known as “Ag Tags.”
There will be no limit on the number of Ag Tags a mentored hunter may receive, provided tags are still available. These changes aim to encourage youth and new hunter participation while aiding in population control and crop damage mitigation.
The new rules will take effect approximately six weeks after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Land Expansions Add 57 Acres to Game Lands
Four land transactions totaling 57 acres were approved to expand Pennsylvania’s state game lands:
- Luzerne County: 16.5 acres added to State Game Lands 91, via partnership with Natural Lands Trust.
- Cambria County: A land exchange netting 14.7 acres to State Game Lands 79.
- Luzerne County: 22 acres transferred from PennDOT in Hanover Township, known habitat for endangered bat species.
- Elk County: Resolution of a boundary dispute over 0.5 acres on State Game Lands 44.
Crop-Damage Program Rules Streamlined
Changes were also adopted to simplify the Agricultural Damage Depredation Permit program. Farmers will no longer be required to enroll in a two-year public access agreement or submit property deeds. Instead, landowners may certify their authority to enroll. These adjustments aim to reduce red tape for farmers experiencing crop damage from wildlife.
For the Game Commission, the day’s actions mark a significant step in modernizing hunting access and land stewardship.
“Today’s changes reflect both a respect for our traditions and a commitment to adapt,” said Executive Director Smith. “It’s a win for hunters, conservation, and future generations.”