HUNTERS UNITED FOR SUNDAY HUNTING COMMENT TO PA GAME COMMISSION, JAN 23, 2021

 

Senate Bill 147 signed and made legal by the November 27, 2019, PA Act. 107

Statement to PA Game Commissioners, January 23, 2021

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

Be advised that the mission to bring full regulatory authority to the PA Game Commission is alive and well.  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 January 2021 public meeting.  Many of my comments are not going to be new but are still valid and pertinent to the current Sunday hunting situation that you as commissioners are managing. 

As commissioners, you are faced with the challenging decision of how to best manage the three Sundays of hunting opportunity for the upcoming 2020-2021 hunting and trapping season.  Please take comfort in the fact that we know you are working to do the best you can under the guidelines placed upon you by our legislators.  

As you well know. 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 encouraging that initial reports indicate that you as commissioners and an agency are looking to be as inclusive as possible for huntable species in the upcoming season.  This will allow hunters the opportunity to maximize their time afield for both small and big game animals.  As previously mentioned in last January’s statement, if there is a biological reason certain species can’t support additional hunting, we simply ask that we be educated on that scientific reason so we as hunter-conservationists understand. The conservation and hunting community supports the wildlife management decisions made by this agency. 

In closing as one of the leading organizations for Sunday hunting, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting asks that you maximize these three Sundays by allowing as much hunting opportunity as is biologically permitted. 

I also ask that you welcome Hunter Nation and Hunt The Vote for joining the conference of nearly 25 organizations that are working on the removal of the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law and transfer full regulatory control to your agency to allow and decide what is best for Sunday hunting.

Thanks for your time;

Sincerely; 

Kevin B. Askew

Executive Director, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

HUNTERS UNITED FOR SUNDAY HUNTING TESTIMONY SUBMITTED TO PA GAME & FISHERIES COMMITTEE, SEPT. 10, 2019 HEARING

Pennsylvania House Representatives, Game and Fisheries Committee:  

Pa. Farm Bureau farmers do not own all the land.  We as hunters own ground as well.

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting welcomes the additional hunting opportunity in Senate Bill 147 and understands the task and decisions ahead of you as state representatives.

The three-day stipulation in SB147 is disappointing. That decision is definitely not based on any scientific evidence, nor what hunting conservation in Pennsylvania deserves. The full complement of Sundays is truly what is needed without question.

Educate yourselves a little bit and understand what Senate Bill 147 does.  The biggest misunderstanding is that it is only a ‘hunting’ bill.  The fact is, trespass is the main portion.  Specifically, the trespass that Pa. Farm Bureau has been wanting.  This is a very simple bill that does everything it needs, provides for landowner rights, strengthen trespass, and provides additional hunting opportunities. The Pa. Farm Bureau has been asking for decades for trespass laws to be updated, the language in this bill is exactly what they have been wanting.  Trespassing while hunting would be a primary offense and enforceable by both game wardens and law enforcement officers.  But yet they are still opposed? Why?  The Pa. Farm Bureau just wants to posture and stand in the way of wildlife conservation progress in this state for no real reason.  The Pa. Farm Bureau knows full well that they are getting stronger hunting trespass laws that benefit both farmers and landowners.  All the while providing additional hunting opportunities to farmers and others. 

It is no secret that the Pa. Farm Bureau wants to hold SB147 up by asking for a ‘written permission’ amendment.  What the PFB is not telling you is that they are working with Representative Dawn Keefer on a “use of paint to designate no-trespass areas”  better known as purple paint laws used in various other states. As written by PFB [purple paint]  “Would allow landowners to identify with purple paint on trees, fences and other structures those areas of the property where entry is prohibited, with paint markings having the same legal protection against unauthorized trespass as posting “no trespassing” signs.

This is very important to understand when it comes to Senate Bill 147.  ‘Purple paint’ negates the need for ‘written permission’ and confirms the PFB only wants to hold SB147 up for no real reason.  If the PFB were to come clean, you would find out their opposition has nothing to do with trespass and has everything to do with religion.

SB 147 is a step forward to correct a 337-year-old antiquated blue law.  If you do some research you will find that the four words ‘Hunting on Sunday Prohibited’ in Pa. Title 34 Game Law dates back to 1682 as a colony under British control.  The laws were enacted for religious reasons designed to drive people to observe Sunday as the Sabbath.  There are over 300 religions currently practiced in this century, not all of them observe Sunday as a Sabbath. As legislators you have a choice; continue to make history and help advance hunting conservation to fit modern times; or, continue a 337-year old outmoded law.

As you make your decision, think about the disdain the PFB displays towards hunters on this subject and ask yourself; is this the way forward?  The York Dispatch printed this from Joel Rotz, Pa. Farm Bureau, Government Affairs and Communications spokesman “hunters who can't go out on Sundays already have an economic impact, such as by going to sports events or eating and drinking at bars and restaurants in their communities.”

We encourage the passing of Senate Bill 147 in its current state. Without any additional amendments or hold-ups.  The quicker SB 147 gets through the legislative process the better.  Only then will we be able to come together on what is truly needed and what is best for the future of hunting conservation in Pa.   

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting and the over 20 supporting organizations remain dedicated to our mission to remove the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law through education, and influence legislatures to change the law accordingly.

Sincerely;  

Kevin B. Askew

Executive Director, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

SB 147 PASSES PA APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE - SMALL VICTORY

Executive Director Message to all Sunday hunting supporters and those supporting additional hunting opportunities.

We gained another small victory in our efforts to bring more hunting opportunity to Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 147 was passed out of the Senate Appropriations committee with a vote of 20 YES / 4 NO.   It is now on its way to the full Senate to be voted on.  There are several more hurdles and steps that SB147 must go through before it becomes law.  The legislative process is cumbersome.

What does SB147 say at this point in time?  The current stipulations are that three Sundays will be available for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to implement into their hunting conservation plans with full regulatory control. Trespass while hunting will become a primary offense, enforceable by both game wardens and law enforcement.

Is this good or not?   The answer is yes and no.  Hunters United for Sunday Hunting has always supported the strengthening of trespass while hunting laws. The hope is the primary trespass language remains and is not compromised as SB147 moves forward.  Hunting trespass laws have needed this update for many years.  The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has always opposed because hunting trespass was always ignored.

The three-day stipulation is disappointing.  That decision is definitely not based on any scientific evidence, nor what hunting conservation in Pennsylvania deserves.   The full complement of Sundays is truly what is needed without question.  The encouraging thing with the three days is that there is no question that the legislators truly understand that the Pa. Game Commission has the expertise and knowledge to implement them.  PGC has full authority to use and manage as they see fit.

I am going to ask everyone to look at this situation as the glass-half-full with the hope of more to come.   At this time last year there appeared to be no hope of Sunday hunting opportunities coming to Pennsylvania.  But here we are today with another step forward in making hunting on Sundays a reality. That is a direct cause from the dedication, passion, and effort that everyone has in removing the 337-year-old blue law that prohibits hunting on Sunday.  We truly are making history.

Is this perfect and what is needed.  That answer is simply NO.  But it is a start.  When these three Sundays are implemented more opportunity has been provided to hunters, the ‘nay-sayers’ sky will not fall, the politician's fears and concerns will be marginalized and all without detriment to game species.

The mission is not over and this fight will continue.  Hunters United for Sunday Hunting remains dedicated to our mission to remove the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law through education, and influence legislatures to change the law accordingly.

I will leave you with the words of George S. Patton [It’s] “Better to fight for something than live for nothing.”

Please stay the course.  This is a marathon, not a sprint. The future of hunting conservation will benefit from the work we do today.

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

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

TO ALL PA FARMERS & AGRICULTURALISTS - HUSH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HAROLD DAUB

I want to take the time and direct a message to all the hard-working farmers and agriculturalists in Pennsylvania.  As we move forward in this year's legislative cycle to work a solution on having PA Title 34 Game Law changed and updated to remove the prohibition on Sunday hunting.  It is important that you understand that Hunters United for Sunday Hunting is not singling you out or personally attacking you in our endeavor to correct this outdated blue law.

Unfortunately Pa. Farm Bureau has placed us in a position where that looks like the case.  The PFB has bullied the legislators to a point where they believe that Pa. Farm Bureau speaks for all farmers and agriculturalists in the commonwealth.

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting knows this is not the case.  Facts show that the PFB represents less than half of you, with 58,000 farm operations in the state and the PFB only representing 22,648 voting Farmer members.  Please believe me when we hear statements like ‘I am a farmer, the Pa. Farm Bureau doesn’t represent me’ there is undeniable truth to it.

But it is also important that you understand and realize I and my organization has no choice but to play in this same sandbox of misrepresentation created by Pa. Farm Bureau. There is no other course of action.  I combat it and separate as much as I can by continually reminding politicians and those that I meet with that the PFB does not have the support of the entire farming community.

I would like to report that lawmakers listen.  In some cases, they are coming around and starting to realize the charade is over and standing up to the PFB leadership bullies; and for good reason.

Again, this message is for farmers and agriculturalists.  I understand that you have been asking for the strengthening of trespass laws as a route to the overall Sunday hunting issue.  Hunters United for Sunday Hunting is on record as supporting an update to trespass laws in Pa.

My overall concern is that as the oppression of the PFB is unmasked, the politicians in their frustration will dismiss your asks in totality and not provide you with the necessary means to get the law updated.  The Pa. Farm Bureau will have ruined it for all.

The mission of our organization will remain steadfast.  That being to remove the prohibition of Sunday hunting in PA Title 34 Game Law through education, and influence legislatures to change the law accordingly.

If you are a Farmer member of the PFB:  my first ask is that you accept this as qualified reasoning that I do understand that you are a victim of association.  My second ask is that you contact the PFB leadership, tell them to just acknowledge and accept that the strengthening of trespass laws is the objective.  My third ask is to have PFB leadership acknowledge and accept the fact that the PFB as an organization is not wildlife managers; leave that to Pa. Game Commission.

For the majority of farmers who are not in the PFB.  I encourage you to contact your Pa. representatives, let them know that as an independent farmer the PFB does not represent you.

For the non-farming, hunting and conservationist community:  my ask is that you understand the position the PFB has placed all Pennsylvania farmers in as we continue to work on getting PA Title 34 Game Law updated.

In closing, the only people that can affect change is us.  Make it known to the Pa. legislature; contact them, voice your concerns as it pertains to Pa. Farm Bureau, tell lawmakers to support legislation that would amend Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to authorize the Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide for Sunday hunting. Sincerely;

Harold Daub Executive Director, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

Contact Information:
FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR - BY PA COUNTY

PA FARM BUREAU

PA GAME COMMISSION

9 PART EDUCATION SERIES - UNDERSTANDING PA TITLE 34 GAME LAW

9 Part Education Series designed to assist in helping understand PA Title 34 Game Law as it pertains to wildlife management and the issue of removing the barrier to hunting opportunities in Pa.   EDUCATION SERIES 1 OF..... WHAT HARM DOES SUNDAY HUNTING DO? EDUCATION SERIES 2 OF..... SECTION 322 POWERS & DUTIES EDUCATION SERIES 3 OF..... SECTION 2101 ADMINISTRATION OF TITLE EDUCATION SERIES 4 OF.... SECTION 2102 REGULATIONS EDUCATION SERIES 5 OF.... SECTION 2102 SEASONS, POSSESSION, BAG LIMITS, DEVICES EDUCATION SERIES 6 OF.... SECTION 2102 TRANSPORTATION, SALE, DISTURBANCE OF GAME/WILDLIFE EDUCATION SERIES 7 OF.... SECTION 2102 TRAPS, FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, DEVICES EDUCATION SERIES 8 OF..... SECTION 2303 HUNTING ON SUNDAY PROHIBITED EDUCATION SERIES 9 OF... WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

EDUCATION SERIES 7 OF.... SECTION 2102 TRAPS, FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, DEVICES

Education series: why this mission is important, why the law needs to be deconflicted, and what it would mean to people.

Education Series 7 of……

§ 2102.  Regulations

Many people do not understand or have the time to read what is in PA Title 34 Game Law.  

So let's examine the law as it pertains to wildlife management and the issue of removing the barrier to hunting opportunities in Pa.  

On page 43 you will find what the Pa. Game Commission can do in the interest of wildlife and hunting.

PA Title 34 Game Law link:

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/34/34.HTM

Pa. Title 34 Game Law

§ 2102. Traps, firearms, ammunition and other devices.

The commission shall promulgate regulations stipulating the size and type of traps, the type of firearms and ammunition and other devices which may be used, the manner in which and the location where the devices may be used, the species the devices may be used for and the season when the devices may be used.