In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation which would amend Title 34 to return the opening day of antlered deer rifle season to the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday.

In 2019 the Pennsylvania Game Commission abruptly changed the opening day of antlered deer rifle season to the Saturday after the Thanksgiving holiday. This change, which went against the will of the sportsmen they polled, disrupted the positive economic impact and familial traditions that came from the Monday start. Many small businesses and volunteer organizations experienced an influx of support in years past, but no longer.

In changing the opening day to Saturday, the Game Commission took away the family time that was traditional for many that weekend, as hunters now must leave earlier for deer camp and spend less time enjoying the company of family and friends. This also meant losing the family traditions of attending fundraising events, shopping on Black Friday, and the deals of small business Saturday. The loss of revenue to these small business owners, volunteer fire companies, and other volunteer organizations has been devastating to their bottom line and our rural regions.

My proposed legislation would return the opening day of antlered deer rifle season to the Monday after Thanksgiving and set the start date in statute. In doing this I hope to bring back harmony between hunting seasons and the success of small businesses during the weekend after Thanksgiving.

This is not an issue of wildlife management, it is purely cultural and economic, and thus the legislature must propose a permanent solution.

Please consider cosponsoring this piece of legislation.
Thank you.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0058: 34-2102