(Credit: Laura College/Unsplash)
The debate over when Pennsylvania's firearms deer season should start continues to stir strong opinions.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission supports starting the season on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as it has been since 2019, citing that it helps slow the decline in hunting license sales.
However, many hunters, lawmakers, and local organizations prefer the season to begin on the Monday after Thanksgiving, as it traditionally had before the change.
The House Game and Fisheries Committee recently discussed the issue, with State Rep. Brian Smith advocating for the decision to be made by the legislature rather than the Game Commission.
He argued that many hunters prefer the Monday start, and that the Saturday opening negatively impacts volunteer organizations that rely on the long weekend for fundraising.
While proponents of the Saturday start argue it gives hunters more flexibility, especially those returning to work on Monday, the final decision is still pending.
The Game Commission has tentatively approved the Saturday start, with a final vote scheduled for April. Meanwhile, House Bill 70, which would set the season's start to the Monday after Thanksgiving, continues to be reviewed.
