Pennsylvania has enacted changes to its hunting laws, with the passage of Act 36 of 2025 granting the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) authority to regulate Sunday hunting. This change follows previous legislation in 2019 that allowed limited Sunday hunting and now opens up 13 consecutive Sundays for hunting between September 14 and December 7, excluding migratory game birds due to federal regulations.
The new law requires hunters on private land to carry written permission from landowners, including contact information for both parties. The expanded access is supported by both hunters and farmers, who note the benefits for managing deer populations and reducing crop damage.
In addition to expanded Sunday hunting, programs like the Certified Hunter Program and Agricultural Deer Control (AG Tag) Program are being promoted by the PGC. The Certified Hunter Program connects landowners with hunters who have met requirements such as holding a license for four of the past five years, passing a background check, completing an exam on ethics and landowner relations, and demonstrating marksmanship proficiency. Landowners retain control over their property and receive annual harvest reports.
The AG Tag Program allows farmers to work with hunters to address deer causing crop damage outside regular seasons. Hunters obtain permits through district game wardens and must report their harvests by April 30 each year.
Hunting remains significant in Pennsylvania’s economy. More than 800,000 licensed hunters contribute nearly $1 billion annually in spending, supporting over 15,000 jobs and generating $529 million in salaries and wages (https://www.pgc.pa.gov/InformationResources/AboutUs/Pages/Facts-and-Figures.aspx).
Representative Jill Cooper also announced upcoming community events. A Seniors for Safe Driving event will be held on September 10 at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company in Apollo. Seniors aged 55 or older can participate for a fee of $17; registration is available by calling 1-800-559-4880.
A Mobile Shredding Event co-hosted with Sen. Joe Pittman and Rep. Abby Major is scheduled for September 15 at VFW Post 92 in Lower Burrell from 9-11 a.m., limited to personal documents only.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will offer free financial aid webinars throughout September to help students and families prepare for college costs. Details are available at pheaa.org/virtual.
“Without question, hunting is an important part of Pennsylvania’s culture. Those who grew up hunting are quick to explain that some of their best moments are those spent in the woods with their families.”
“The combination of expanding hunting opportunities and connecting hunters with farmers is an important approach to one of the Commonwealth’s most important traditions.”
“Hunting is an important revenue generator. There are over 800,000 licensed hunters in Pennsylvania that spend just shy of $1 billion annually. Hunting accounts for more than 15,000 Pennsylvania jobs, generating $529 million in salaries and wages.”
More information about these programs can be found at PGC.pa.gov.
