Copy to: Senator Dan Laughlin, Senator James Brewster, Senator Delvin Robinson
Senators, this letter is to thank you all for introducing, supporting, and endorsing Senate Bill 607 Repealing Sunday Hunting Prohibition in Pennsylvania. Obviously, you understand the need to provide more hunting opportunities and correct the Sunday hunting prohibition blue law once and for all.
Senator Laughlin, thanks for taking the lead and introducing SB607 as you did with Senate Bill 147, which became law as Act 2019 107.
Senator Brewster, thanks for your continued support and dedication to the sportsmen and women of PA. It is no secret that your legislative efforts contributed to the successful passing of SB147. We know you will put the same amount of time and dedication into the benefit of SB607.
Senator Robinson, thanks for the fresh view and vision as a newly elected senator. Being a co-sponsor on what is really a simple issue that needs correcting but can be a torrid issue at times, demonstrates that you have values as a leader. So thank you for stepping up for the sportsmen and women of PA.
The three of you understand as well as many of your colleagues. 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 the Pennsylvania Game Commission resource first model and the North American Model of Wildlife Management.
Though SB607 has not arrived in the PA House Game and Fisheries Committee. 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. There is at least a comprehension of the need for bipartisan support. As Representative Ed Neilson, House G&F Chair spoke and asked directly about Sunday hunting and any type of expansion being considered during the March 3, 2021 testimony. 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.”
It is also good to see that SB607 is for full repeal. Revisiting this issue every year is not the proper way to advance this legislation. Changing/updating the law will save much-needed legislative time, effort, and money. Exempting by law both species and days is not the proper way for our wildlife resources to be managed. The PGC needs the flexibility to manage accordingly, based on species, population, diseases, etc, and not be held to a standard set by non-professionals in wildlife management.
As you work through this. Please keep in mind that there is a standing offer. I and others from the 25 supporting conservation organizations are always available to answer questions, have meetings, phone calls, or simple email exchange with any concerns that may arise. Please do not hesitate to contact me to set something up.
For your knowledge and information attached are the 25 conservation organizations that support the repeal of Sunday hunting prohibition in PA Title 34 Game Law to authorize the PGC full regulatory authority to allow for hunting on Sundays.
Endorsed by Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners
Endorsed by Hunters United for Sunday Hunting
Endorsed by Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation
Endorsed by Pennsylvania Governor's Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation
Endorsed by United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania
Endorsed by Pennsylvania State Shotgunning Association
Endorsed by Pennsylvania National Wild Turkey Chapter
Endorsed by Pennsylvania Flyers Association
Endorsed by Pennsylvania Hunters Sharing the Harvest
Endorsed by U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation
Endorsed by Hunter Nation
Endorsed by National Shooting Sports Foundation
Endorsed by National Rifle Association (NRA)
Endorsed by Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Endorsed by Delta Waterfowl
Endorsed by Ducks Unlimited
Endorsed by Safari Club International
Endorsed by Hunt the Vote
Endorsed by Pheasants Forever / Quail Forever
Endorsed by Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
Endorsed by Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Endorsed by National Deer Association
Endorsed by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)
Thanks for your time and the work you will be putting into SB607. Please let us know what help you need.
Sincerely;
Kevin B. Askew
Executive Director, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting
#SB607 #sundayhunting #huntersforsundayhunting
