HUNTERS UNITED FOR SUNDAY HUNTING COMMENT TO PA GAME COMMISSION, April 10, 2021

The memo reads: 

From: Senator Daniel Laughlin

To: All Senate members

Subject: Repealing Sunday Hunting Prohibition in Pennsylvania

Statement to PA Game Commissioners, April 10, 2021, Public Meeting

Executive Director Burhans, Deputy Executive Directors Grohol and Palmer, Commissioners, and Staff:

As the executive director of Hunters United for Sunday Hunting thanks for the opportunity to submit this letter as part of the PA Game Commission April 2021 public meeting.  

It is refreshing and rewarding to watch the March 3, 2021, Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee testimony and hear Mr. Burhans relay information from the commissioners by saying,  “We would also like to build upon the success of Act 107 of 2019 which provided for three days of hunting on Sundays.  This change was implemented in 2020 and was met with great enthusiasm by hunters who have sought the chance to hunt on Sundays for several decades. The game commission supports opening additional Sundays to hunting and welcomes the opportunity to work with the committee to craft legislation giving full authority to the board of commissioners to offer additional Sunday hunting opportunities.  This year's Sunday hunting opportunities were extremely popular with our hunters and we did not see any, any substantial issues occur on these Sundays.” 

Though mentioned often, it deserves repeating.  The fight to bring hunting on Sunday has never been about a particular species or season. It is not about deer, it is not about specific seasons, it is not about this firearm or the other. It is about the increased opportunity based on your agency's resource first model and the North American Model of Wildlife Management.

It is also good to know that as commissioners you understand the inclusiveness of seasons and species on the Sundays as stated to the House G&F Committee by Mr. Burhans, “this year which is being proposed is where the Sundays overlapping the existing small game seasons is going to be allowed this year.  We got a lot of complaints from hunters, I want to hunt small game but you can only shoot a deer or harvest a bear so we heard a lot of hunters who said they would like small game.”

As we work to get full regulatory authority legislation introduced in this legislative session it is encouraging to hear and see that there is now an understanding in the legislative body of what Sunday hunting can provide and what it means to people.  Hence why Representative Ed Neilson, House G&F Chair spoke and asked directly about Sunday hunting and any type of expansion being considered. Rep. Neilson summed it up very well “the workforce is almost six days a week now, people have to do what they have to do to survive.  Families when the covid hit, everybody is struggling and they are trying to get as many [hunting] days as they can in.” 

In closing, please know that Hunters United for Sunday Hunting appreciates all that you do.  We understand that you are working diligently under the rules placed upon you by the legislature and by the constraints of scientific wildlife management to provide as much hunting opportunity as possible. 

The ask is this. Help us help you.  There are 25 conservation organizations that support full regulatory authority to be given to the PGC.  Please continue to relay and populate the message ‘that the PGC commission supports opening additional Sundays to hunting and welcomes the opportunity for legislation giving full authority to the board of commissioners to offer additional Sunday hunting opportunities.’

Sincerely;

Kevin B. Askew

Executive Director, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

THE PA GAME COMMISSION HAS A ROBUST PROCESS

The PA Game Commission has a robust process in developing regulations.

Section 2102 of PA Title 34 Game Law states: Pa Game Commission shall promulgate such regulations as it deems necessary and appropriate concerning game or wildlife and hunting or furtaking in this commonwealth, including regulations relating to the protection, preservation and management of game or wildlife and game or wildlife habitat, permitting or prohibiting hunting or furtaking, the ways, manner, methods and means of hunting or furtaking, and the health and safety of persons who hunt or take wildlife or may be in the vicinity of persons who hunt or take game or wildlife in this commonwealth.

The Process:  All agency regulations are voted on by an eight-member board of commissioners.  The board of commissioners is nominated by the governor and approved by the Pennsylvania Senate.  These commissioners are solely responsible for all agency regulation setting.

The Game Commission’s regulation setting process collects public comments for consideration by the board of commissioners in a number of different ways:

•    Comments are received through email and distributed to the board of commissioners.

•    Letters received by PGC are forwarded to the board of commissioners for review.

•    The public has the opportunity to make public comments at the agency’s commission meetings.

As referenced above; Pa. Game Commission is responsible for all wildlife in the commonwealth and those hikers, bikers, horseback riders and all others that come in contact with hunters.  This regulation setting process is completely transparent and open to all.  The process is designed to take comments from all citizens of Pennsylvania, not just hunters, and trappers, but all stakeholders, no one or group is excluded.  In addition, and as part of the commission’s regulation setting process, a press conference is held at each commission meeting to allow the press to ask questions about regulation proposals and use this information to help better inform the public.

Any regulation which the agency proposes is presented at a commission meeting.  Any proposal must be voted on by the board of commissioners at two public commission meetings before the regulation is adopted, or rejected if a “no” vote prevails. 

The agency also uses, where appropriate, scientifically-based surveys to better understand the attitudes and preferences as part of the process.  Often, individuals opposed to a specific regulation proposal are more inclined to voice their opinion as opposed to individuals who support a proposal.  Science-based public surveys are critical to evaluating actual public opinion.  The results help the board in their decision-making process for particular regulations. 

Pa. Game Commission Process At Work:

Recently, the Pennsylvania legislature authorized the Game Commission to regulate the use of semiautomatic rifles in hunting.  After surveying wildlife agencies in various other states, it was clear that semiautomatic rifles have been used safely without issue, even for big game.  However, when Pa. Game Commission sent a survey to hunters and reviewed all public comments, it became clear that the use of semiautomatic rifles was not supported by hunters, landowners, and other citizens.  As a result, the board of commissioners decided to not allow semiautomatic rifles for big game at this time.  This example reaffirms the agency’s robust regulation decision-making process in considering all comments from the public, and in using valid surveys to better evaluate the opinions of segments of our state’s citizens.

In closing, if given the ability to regulate hunting on Sundays.  It will go through this very same process prior to implementation in order to make the best decision possible.  Please be assured that Pa. Game Commission regulation setting process works and can be trusted.  We have been able to accomplish many wildlife management goals with it.   The task of hearing, considering, developing and implementing regulations is not taken lightly.   All eight commissioners understand their duty to the citizens of the commonwealth and its wildlife.   

Sincerely, 

////Signed////

Bryan Burhans

Executive Director

  

Read Signed Letter: The PA Game Commission has a robust process in developing regulations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - IT'S ABOUT TIME CONFERENCE- FEB 10, 2019, NEW KENSINGTON PA

Contact: Hunters United for Sunday Hunting
Telephone: 717-350-6741
Email: huntersforsundayhunting@gmail.com
Facebook: @huntersunitedforsundayhunting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HUNTERS UNITED FOR SUNDAY HUNTING IS HOSTING AN INFORMATION CONFERENCE FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REMOVING THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY HUNTING IN PA TITLE 34 GAME LAW AND PROVIDING REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION TO DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR SUNDAY HUNTING. ‘It’s About Time’ conference: Sunday, February 10, 2019; Penn State New Kensington Campus, 3550 Seventh Street Road, New Kensington, PA  15068 *Press/Media only 12pm-1pm - Harold Daub HUSH Executive Director; Senator Dan Laughlin Game & Fisheries Committee, Erie Co.; Senator James Brewster Game & Fisheries Committee, Allegheny/Westmoreland Co.;  Representative William C. Kortz II House Game & Fisheries Committee, Allegheny Co; Bryan Burhans Pa. Game Commission Executive Director available for interview.  
Public & General Attendees - 1pm - 4pm https://www.facebook.com/events/2174240692667160/ https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com/2019/01/its-about-time-conference-western-pa.html

Halifax, Pa. Feb. 6, 2019 – Hunters United for Sunday Hunting ‘It’s About Time’ invites all hunters, sportsmen, sportswomen, outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, media outlets and all other like-minded people to attend this information session. Keynote speakers include Pa. Game & Fisheries Senate and House Committees Chair/Minority Senator Dan Laughlin, Senator James Brewster and Representative William C. Kortz II, all support legislative action amending PA Title 34 Game Law to remove the barrier to Sunday hunting and transfer regulatory authority to the Pa. Game Commission.  Laughlin and Brewster authored Senate Bill #147 repealing Sunday hunting prohibition and strengthening trespass laws in Pa. The bill passed out of committee with a vote of 8-3 February 5, 2019. Senator James Brewster represent District 45, Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. Representative William C. Kortz II, District 38, Allegheny County. Topics of discussion: Senator/Representative - explain current hunting legislation and what is needed for future progress. Pa. Game Commission - discussion of the process of Sunday hunting implementation. Hunters United for Sunday Hunting - talk about mission, current progress and what is needed to help get the barrier to Sunday hunting removed in Pa. Other organizations in support of removing Sunday hunting prohibition in Pa.

Current surveys and polls conducted indicate an average of 80% respondents support expanding Sunday hunting opportunity. https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com/2018/05/sunday-hunting-what-do-polls-say.html

The Pa. Game Commission supports the law change and has stated: "

The Board of Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Game Commission does hereby urge the General Assembly of Pennsylvania to repeal the prohibition on Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Game-Commission-Details.aspx?newsid=209

HUSH Mission Statement - Remove the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law through education, and influence legislatures to change the law accordingly.

For more information about this topic, please contact Hunters United for Sunday Hunting at 717-350-6741 email at huntersforsundayhunting@gmail.com.  View our Blog - https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com/

Executive Director Harold Daub, Communications Director Kevin Askew

WITF - TOPIC OF DISCUSSION - HUNTERS WANT SUNDAY RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

December 4, 2018 WiTF Smart Talk Radio Show -  Topic of Discussion - hunters and advocates want to see restrictions lifted to allow hunting on Sundays.
Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the issue are Republican State Senator Dan Laughlin, Bryan Burhans, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Mark O'Neill, director of strategic communications with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and Joe Neville, executive director, Keystone Trails Association. 

WITF SMART TALK - CLICK TO LISTEN - SUNDAY HUNTING SHOW

Comments welcome below.

VBLOG - "IT'S ABOUT TIME" - WATCH - LISTEN - LEARN

It's About Time Conference

YouTube Channel - Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting, Executive Director, Harold Daub talks about mission to remove barrier to Sunday hunting in Pa and how people can help.

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting, Executive Director, Harold Daub gives a call to action and describes organizational setup.

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting, Executive Director, Harold Daub  names the organizations that support removing the barrier to Sunday hunting in Pa.

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting, Executive Director, Harold Daub  describes section 2303, PA Title 34 Game Law.

National Rifle Association spokesperson Janet Nyce, talks about NRA support removing the barrier to Sunday hunting in Pa.

Pa. Game Commission, Executive Director, Bryan Burhans talks about the PGC process of Sunday hunting and wildlife management.

Senator Dan Laughlin talks about Senate Bill 1202.

Senator Dan Laughlin talks about the legislative process for Senate Bill 1202.

Robb Miller, Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation talks about the legislative support for Senate Bill 1202.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: HUNTERS UNITED FOR SUNDAY HUNTING IS HOSTING AN INFORMATION CONFERENCE FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REMOVING THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY HUNTING IN PA

CONTACT: Hunters United for Sunday Hunting TELEPHONE: 717-350-6741 EMAIL: huntersforsundayhunting@gmail.com
WEBSITE: facebook.com/HuntersUnitedForSundayHunting FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: HUNTERS UNITED FOR SUNDAY HUNTING IS HOSTING AN INFORMATION CONFERENCE FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REMOVING THE PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY HUNTING IN PA TITLE 34 GAME LAW AND PROVIDING REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION TO DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR SUNDAY HUNTING.

‘It’s About Time’ conference: Sunday, September 30, 2018; Pa. Game Commission Headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg Pa. 17110

*Press/Media only 12pm-1pm - HUSH Executive Director Harold Daub, Senator Dan Laughlin, Senator James Brewster, Pa. Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans available for interview.  

Press Packet: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OxGHlC7nYaxxCAke6_Ejd8hpAZa49q8d?usp=sharing

Public & General Attendees - 1pm - 4pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/2142174669355651/

Halifax, Pa. Sept 24, 2018 – Hunters United for Sunday Hunting ‘It’s About Time’ invites all hunters, sportsmen, sportswomen, outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, media outlets and all other like-minded people to attend this information session. Keynote speakers include Pa. Game & Fisheries Committee Minority Chair Senator James Brewster and Senator Dan Laughlin authors of Senate Bill 1202 amending PA Title 34 Game Law.  As written SB 1202 would remove the barrier and prohibition of hunting on Sunday and strengthen trespass laws in Pa.

https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com/2018/08/so-what-does-pennsylvania-senate-bill.html

Topics of discussion: * Senators - explain current hunting legislation and what is needed for future progress. * Pa. Game Commission - discussion of the process of Sunday hunting implementation. * Hunters United for Sunday Hunting - talk about mission, current progress and what is needed to help get the barrier to Sunday hunting removed in Pa. * Other organizations in support of removing Sunday hunting prohibition in Pa.

Current surveys and polls conducted indicate an average of 70% respondents support expanding Sunday hunting opportunity. https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com/2018/05/sunday-hunting-what-do-polls-say.html

The Pa. Game Commission supports the law change and has stated: * The Board of Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Game Commission does hereby urge the General Assembly of Pennsylvania to repeal the prohibition on Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. * Sunday hunting could effectively generate $629 million in additional spending and create 5,300 new jobs, resulting in $18 million in additional sales and income tax. *The 47 states that currently permit Sunday hunting, have not experienced any discernible impact on the health or vibrancy of game populations.

https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Game-Commission-Details.aspx?newsid=209

Mission Statement - Remove the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law through education, and influence legislatures to change the law accordingly.

For more information about this topic, please contact Hunters United for Sunday Hunting at 717-350-6741 or email at huntersforsundayhunting@gmail.com.  View our Blog - https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com/

Executive Director Harold Daub, Communication Director Kevin Askew

'IT'S ABOUT TIME' CONFERENCE PRE-REGISTRATION

Click Here to Pre-Register: 
'It's About Time' Conference Pre-Registration

‘It’s About Time’ conference: 1pm - 4pm Sunday, September 30, 2018; Pa. Game Commission Headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg Pa. 17110

Door Prizes will be given away. All attendees have a chance to win.

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting is hosting an information conference focusing on the importance of removing the prohibition on Sunday hunting in Pa Title 34 Game Law and providing regulatory authority to the Pennsylvania Game Commission to decide what is best for Sunday hunting.

All hunters, sportsmen, sportswomen, outdoor enthusiasts, conservationist, media outlets and all other like-minded people are invited to attend this information session.

Keynote speakers include Pa. Game & Fisheries Committee Minority Chair Senator James Brewster and Senator Dan Laughlin authors of Senate Bill 1202 amending PA Title 34 Game Law by removing the barrier and prohibition of hunting on Sunday and strengthen trespass laws.