Pennsylvania Expands Sunday Hunting Across State for 2025 Season

For the first time in Pennsylvania's history, hunters will be able to hunt every Sunday from September 14 through December 7 during the 2025–2026 season, following the repeal of a longstanding ban on Sunday hunting by Gov. Josh Shapiro. This change, enacted through House Bill 1431 (Act 36 of 2025), grants the Pennsylvania Game Commission full authority to regulate Sunday hunting and is expected to boost hunting license sales and wildlife conservation efforts. The expanded Sunday hunting applies to all species with open seasons except migratory game birds, which remain subject to federal regulations and thus do not have additional Sunday hunting days. The commission emphasized that the new dates will not jeopardize wildlife populations and will be monitored for impact, while supporters hailed the move as a way to make hunting more accessible, particularly for younger hunters and those with weekday commitments. Public comment sessions showed strong approval from the community, and officials encouraged hunters to review regulations carefully as the new rules take effect on September 7. The expanded Sunday hunting is seen as a milestone for both tradition and conservation in Pennsylvania's outdoor economy.