As I’ve talked to hunters over the last few weeks, there seems to be some confusion as to the implementation of the recently passed law removing the ban on Sunday hunting throughout Pennsylvania.

I reached out to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for a clear understanding of the new law and just when it is to be implemented. Here is how it stands.

A ban on Sunday hunting was one of the last remnants of “blue laws” in Pennsylvania, but new legislation ended the ban and brings more opportunities to hunters in the Commonwealth. House Bill 1431, introduced by Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, fully repealed the ban on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania and authorized the Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide additional Sunday hunting opportunities. On July 9, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law as Act 36 of 2025. The Board of Commissioners postponed the July meeting to allow more time for public comment before discussion on adding new Sunday opportunities to the established 2025-2026 hunting seasons.

On July 28, 2025, the Board of Commissioners approved the following Sunday hunting dates for the 2025-2026 seasons:

All Sundays, beginning with September 14, 2025 and ending with (and including) December 7, 2025.

On these Sundays, any game that is in season may be hunted, with the exception of migratory game birds.

To hunt on private land on these Sundays, hunters must obtain written permission from the landowner.

So, there you have it. I hope this clarifies any confusion as to the Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania in the upcoming 2025-2026 seasons.