Celebrate, but act responsibly in light of Sunday hunting ban’s repeal [column]

• By Brandon Rapp/For LNP | LancasterOnline

It’s easy to get lost in the excitement. The ban on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania has been repealed, and Sept. 14 marks the first authorized Sunday hunting day of the season.

The repeal follows much debate among hunters, farmers and non-hunting outdoor users like hikers and horseback riders. Many hunters felt at a disadvantage having only six days a week for their perennial pursuit instead of all seven, as is the case with most states in the U.S., even if only on public land. Many who make their living as proud Pennsylvania farmers expressed concern season after season as to a need for vigilance against trespassers and general safety, appreciating one day of respite. The same sentiment was echoed by non-hunting outdoor lovers who have come to enjoy a day to themselves.

In July, Gov. Josh Shapiro lifted the ban on the blue law that dates back to 1873, siding with those who have argued in bar rooms, barns, and the halls of the capital in Harrisburg that an opportunity to hunt all seven days of the week would be a benefit to families and state businesses.

If you found yourself joining, supporting, or volunteering for groups like Backcountry Hunters and Anglers or Hunters United for Sunday Hunting, you know what a herculean task this was. There have been years of battling opposition face to face, either in the offices of lawmakers or while working a booth at the Great American Outdoor Show. Enjoy the win.

These organizations advocate to strengthen the voice of hunters and preserve access to land and water for all through legislation and outreach to elected officials. If you don’t belong to one of these conservation organizations, consider joining and sending a nominal donation in the form of a membership fee. These groups are doing amazing work, some of which you’re seeing now.

For the happy hunters, victory comes at a cost, and the eyes of the Commonwealth will be on you this fall. Celebrations on social media and in the break room at work should be enjoyed, but when you to, act with respect to those who may not have felt this was the best decision.

Out in the field, the default setting should always be to exercise absolute safety. That priority allowed for a successful three hunting Sundays per year since 2020 to pave the way for lawmakers to fully repeal the ban.

So, when you head out this hunting season for those first Sunday hunts, whether on public or private land, understand someone you come across may not have agreed with this. Try your best not to give them any ammunition to prove how this may have been the wrong choice of policy and legislation.

Mentors of younger hunters now have the opportunity they’ve asked for season after season. To spark the fire of a love for hunting, the outdoors and conserving both in a generation quickly becoming more drawn into the orbit of digital entertainment.

As Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said in announcing the ban’s repeal, “One of the biggest reasons hunters stop hunting is a lack of time.” And time for today’s younger generation is at a premium with school, sports, studying and other activities taking up most of the week. A Sunday to spend together has been long sought after by many families who enjoy the sporting pursuits. Consider making plans now and take those younger generations with you this fall, even if only to observe and learn.

Rural small businesses, like gas stations and restaurants, in remote parts of the state benefit from being patronized by hunters in their travels. So, think about finding a new state game land to experience with the extra day while supporting those hardworking Pennsylvanians in places like Snow Shoe, McVeytown and Renovo.

Consider this a good opportunity to take advantage of a license that hasn’t increased in price for Pennsylvania residents since 1999. A Pennsylvania resident general hunting license costs $20.97. Consider visiting your local outdoors or hardware store and help preserve what we’re blessed to have in our state.

To the hunters of Pennsylvania, you have been given a gift; fruit from the effort of those you may or may not know. Try your best to responsibly make the most of it.