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.
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:
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PA FARM BUREAU
PA GAME COMMISSION