PA LEGISLATORS THANKS FOR THE WORK ON SB431

  

    CONTACT: Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

    TELEPHONE: 717-350-6741

    EMAIL: huntersforsundayhunting@gmail.com

    WEBSITE: facebook.com/HuntersUnitedForSundayHunting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/DISTRIBUTION

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting would like to take the time and thank all the members of the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives who voted YEA in passing and bring Senate Bill 431 the Authorizing the Sale of Antlerless Deer Licenses Through the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing System into law. 

Special congratulations to Senator Dan Laughlin for introducing this bill and to Senator Scott Martin, Senator Mike Regan, Senator Patrick J. Stefano, Senator James R. Brewster, and Senator Ryan P. Aument for being sponsors and helping other legislators understand the importance of bringing the antlerless tag purchasing system up to standard for the 21st Century.

The passing of SB431 not only updates the purchasing system it also helps keep nearly one million dollars in conservation where it belongs.  With the updating system sums of money are no longer being lost to county treasurers.  This not only helps hunter-conservationists it helps all who enjoy wildlife in the Commonwealth.  As you know the Pennsylvania Game Commission receives no tax revenue for its operations as they continue to manage the 480 species of wildlife in the state.

There is much work to do to maintain the world’s most successful wildlife management model the North American Model of Wildlife Management.  You as politicians play a role in that by updating laws that govern hunting and fishing accordingly.  The overwhelming support in both chambers indicates an interest and understanding that times have changed and so must laws.  Please continue the hard work of updating and changing many of the outdated laws that govern conservation.  It is definitely a cause and effort that is needed and well worth it. 

Though too numerous to mention by name everyone that voted YEA for this deserves a handshake and congratulations.  Please accept this letter as just that.  A handshake for a job well done. 

Thanks for all that you have done in the legislative process and for allowing SB431 to become law.  Hunters will definitely enjoy the fruits of your labor come the 2023-24 hunting season.

Sincerely; 

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting, Executive Director, Kevin B. Askew

SUPPORT SB 1202 - LETTER TO PA LEGISLATORS

      

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting
huntersforsundayhunting@gmail.com
717-648-1835 / 717-350-6741

Letter to: Legislators of Pennsylvania; State Representatives and State Senators.

This letter is to urge you to support the removal of the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law and allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to decide what is best for Sunday hunting.  We ask that you recognize and understand that the Pa Game Commission are the subject matter experts for the management and conservation of Pa’s wildlife.  Case in point; Pa. Game Commission recognized as the best wildlife management agency in the country by the Quality Deer Management Association. https://www.qdma.com/pennsylvania-game-commission-named-qdmas-agency-year/

We encourage you to support Senate Bill 1202 presented by Senator Dan Laughlin.  The bill strengthens PA Title 34 Game Law and leaves all hunting management decisions to Pa. Game Commission. It addresses the offense of trespass while hunting, making the violation a primary offense with increased penalties.  Enforceable by both game wardens and other law enforcement.

Streamlining of the law puts full management and conservation in the hands of the experts - Pa. Game Commission. The transfer of full regulatory control to Pa. Game Commission is the best solution for game management in Pa.

Studies have shown and sportsmen have stated the lack of time, work, and family obligations are among the most frequent reasons limiting their hunting opportunities. Hence why recent polls from various sources indicate on average 70% overall support for removing the barrier to Sunday hunting. The Pa. Farm Bureau presented a statewide map during Pa. Game Commission public meeting April 23, 2018, that shows 64% approval for a law change.  Coupled with all 18 Pa.voting districts with 85% approval and support for legal hunting; it leaves us as proponents scratching our heads and wondering what is the problem? Begs the question, why does the Pa. legislature as a whole not see that Pa.sportsman have spoken and are asking for a change.

Do you as legislators not want Pa. Game Commission to have all the tools it needs to serve the interest of sportsmen?  Are you just ignoring the 70% of sportsman asking for the right thing - the removal of the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law and allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to decide what is best for Sunday hunting?

   

Whatever the reason, understand this, the fight to remove the barrier to Sunday hunting is much different this time.  Numerous organizations have joined in the effort.  We all bring a different skill set to this fight.  But make no mistake, the one thing each and every one of us have in common is the resolve to affect legislative change for the betterment of our hunting heritage here in Pa.

Every conservation organization involved in this effort understands the importance of wildlife management and recognizes the agency best to do that is Pa. Game Commission, not you as lawmakers.  Senator Dan Laughlin understands this better than any legislator.  That is why Hunters United for Sunday Hunting supports SB 1202 and advocate you to do the same.  Anything less fails the 480 species of wildlife in Pennsylvania.

Sincerely;

Executive Director, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

For more information:

FaceBook: @HuntersUnitedForSundayHunting  

Blog - ​https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com