The National Deer Association (NDA) applauds the recent passage of House Bill 1431 (HB1431) in Pennsylvania, which repeals the longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. This landmark legislation represents a major win for deer hunters across the Commonwealth, providing increased access and opportunity for sportsmen and women to participate in critical wildlife management.
“This is a win for hunters and for the health of Pennsylvania’s deer herds and wildlife habitat,” said NDA President and CEO Nick Pinizzotto, who lives in Pennsylvania. “I wasn’t sure I would see this day in my lifetime, but now that it’s here, I look forward to taking advantage of the increased hunting opportunities this provides. I know my fellow Pennsylvania hunters will as well.”
For years, the NDA has been a strong advocate for lifting the Sunday hunting restriction, recognizing the importance of access and flexibility for today’s hunters. With busy modern schedules, many hunters struggle to find time in the field—Sunday hunting offers a practical solution. By providing an extra day of opportunity, this bill helps retain active hunters and supports the recruitment of new ones, both of which are essential for sustaining conservation efforts.
“I’m excited – it feels like a new sense of freedom to finally have more time to hunt on my own terms,” said Elizabeth Kligge, a Pennsylvania hunter and NDA’s Director of Hunter Recruitment. “With busy weeks, that extra day makes all the difference. It also opens the door for more flexibility in our Field to Fork program, which relies on the generosity of volunteers, many of whom have been using vacation days to help us.”
“This is a huge win for Pennsylvania sportsmen and women,” said Kip Adams, NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer. “This is especially helpful for hunters who travel to hunt and students who participate in fall or winter sports with Saturday games. Whether you choose to hunt on Sundays or not, I’m glad Pennsylvania joins the vast majority of other states that provide this privilege.”
Hunting plays a vital role in managing Pennsylvania’s abundant white-tailed deer population. While the state boasts a thriving deer herd, it also faces challenges associated with overpopulation—including damage to forest regeneration, agricultural crops, and an increase in vehicle collisions involving deer. NDA encourages hunters to help manage these impacts by harvesting additional antlerless deer, a key strategy in promoting a balanced and healthy ecosystem. This legislation aids in our effort to increase antlerless harvest and appropriately manage our wild deer herd.
The passage of HB 1431 marks a significant moment for Pennsylvania’s outdoor community—expanding opportunities, improving wildlife management, and strengthening the future of hunting in the Keystone State.