In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Game Code to allow licensed hunters to use semi-automatic rifles for the lawful hunting of big game animals such as deer and bear. The bill will permit the use of semi-automatic centerfire rifles with a capacity limited to six rounds—five in the magazine and one in the chamber.
 
This proposal brings Pennsylvania in line with the states that already allow responsible use of semi-automatic firearms for hunting large game—typically with magazine restrictions similar to the one proposed here. These states have seen no measurable increase in safety concerns or negative wildlife impacts as a result.
 
Why this legislation makes sense:
 
1. Clear distinction between semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms.
 
Semi-automatic firearms discharge a single round per trigger pull and are legally distinct from fully automatic weapons, which are stringently regulated under federal law. The current prohibition in Pennsylvania mistakenly conflates the two and denies hunters access to widely available, lawful, and commonly used firearms that are not military-grade.
 
2. No valid justification for continued prohibition.
 
There is no compelling evidence to support Pennsylvania’s continued ban on semi-automatic rifles for large game. These firearms are commonly used for other lawful purposes—including small game and predator hunting within the Commonwealth—and their prohibition for big game hunting is inconsistent and unsupported by science or safety data.
 
3. Practical benefits for ethical hunting.
 
Semi-automatic rifles allow for faster follow-up shots, which can aid in the ethical harvesting of animals by minimizing suffering and reducing the chances of a wounded animal escaping. This enhances hunter success while promoting humane practices.
 
4. Overpopulation and nuisance concerns.
 
Pennsylvania’s deer population continues to grow and has increasingly become a nuisance in many areas, contributing to agricultural damage, vehicle collisions, and ecosystem imbalance. Allowing hunters to use modern, effective tools—including regulated semi-automatic rifles—can help the Game Commission better manage overpopulation and meet harvest goals.
 
5. Second Amendment and sporting rights.
 
Many hunters already own semi-automatic rifles for sporting, self-defense, and recreational shooting. Denying their use for lawful hunting is an outdated policy that fails to reflect modern sporting practices or respect the rights of lawful gun owners.
 
6. Public confidence and responsible regulation.
 
This bill is narrowly crafted to allow only semi-automatic centerfire rifles with a six-round maximum capacity. Fully automatic firearms remain illegal for hunting, and the Game Commission will retain authority to regulate acceptable calibers and seasons. This strikes the right balance between safety, sport, and tradition.
 
It is time for Pennsylvania to modernize its hunting laws and bring them in line with the practices of most other states.
 
Please join me in supporting this commonsense legislation that respects our hunters, supports wildlife management, and upholds responsible firearm use.