Dominick Cerminaro, left, leads his sons, Paul Cerminaro, center left, Santo Cerminaro, center right, and his father, Santo Cerminaro, right, into the woods to go deer hunting on the first day of regular firearms deer hunting season in most of Pennsylvania, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 in Zelienople, Pa.
Keith Srakocic / AP Photo
Keith Srakocic / AP Photo
Dominick Cerminaro, left, leads his sons, Paul Cerminaro, center left, Santo Cerminaro, center right, and his father, Santo Cerminaro, right, into the woods to go deer hunting on the first day of regular firearms deer hunting season in most of Pennsylvania, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 in Zelienople, Pa.
(Harrisburg) — Pennsylvania’s governor has signed a law permitting hunting on three Sundays per year, but it won’t take effect until early 2020.
Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill on Wednesday, three days before the start of rifle deer season.
Wolf says the measure balances landowners’ needs with those of hunters who can’t take weekdays off from school or work.
The legislation permits Sunday hunting on one day during rifle deer season, one during statewide archery deer season and a third day the Game Commission will pick.
Sunday hunting will require a landowner’s written permission. The bill also makes it easier to enforce anti-trespassing laws.
Pennsylvania’s prohibition on Sunday hunting dates to the 19th century, although there are currently exceptions for crows, foxes and coyotes, and for noncommercial private game reserves.
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