LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO SENATOR JAKE CORMAN

The following joint organizational letter has been sent to Senator Jake Corman. To: Senator Jake Corman, Majority Leader

From:

Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen & Conservationists

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

Senator Corman; 

Please accept this letter in appreciation of the work you have done to get Senate Bill 147 through the Pennsylvania Senate with a vote 36 Yes and 14 No. We know this was no small task given the history here in Pa. and the tactics used by the Pa. Farm Bureau. Please extend our thanks to all of those Senators that see the value in providing additional hunting opportunities that SB147 brings. Is SB147 perfect? The answer is no. Does SB147 provide additional hunting opportunity? The answer is yes. 

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 you as legislators truly understand that the Pa. Game Commission has the expertise and knowledge to implement them.

All hunting conservation organizations involved in support of SB 147 have always supported the strengthening of trespass while hunting laws. We are glad that was not amended. The hope is the primary trespass language remains and is not compromised as SB147 moves forward. Hunting trespass laws have needed to be updated for many years. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau should be grateful that the Pa. Senate understands that and did not remove it like the PFB has been asking.

At this time last year there appeared to be no hope of Sunday hunting opportunities coming to Pennsylvania. But here we are moving in making hunting on Sundays a reality and taking steps toward removing the 337-year-old blue law that prohibits hunting on Sunday.  The Pa. Senators are truly making history.

For us this is not the end, it is just the beginning. Please keep this in mind. When these three Sundays are implemented and more opportunity has been provided to hunters; when the ‘nay-sayers’ sky did not fall; and you as politicians have had your fears and concerns marginalized; and all without detriment to game species; we as a hunting conservation community will be knocking on your door once again. This time with less patience and an uncompromised complete repeal of the Sunday hunting prohibition. There will be no more hiding behind ‘the-fear-of-the-unknown.’

The mission is not over and this fight will continue. Pa. Federation of Sportsmen & Conservationist, 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.

I hope that we continue to build our relationship and work hand-in-hand as conservationists and politicians to strike the needed balance between laws and regulations to do what is best for Pennsylvania’s wildlife.  Again, thanks for all the effort on Senate Bill 147. Looking forward to working with you in the future. 

Sincerely;

Harold Daub

Executive Director

Pa. Federation of Sportsman & Conservationists

Sincerely; 

Executive Director

Hunters United for Sunday Hunting

STATUS UPDATE & ASK - SENATE BILL 147

Status update and ask for Sunday hunting and Pennsylvania Senate Bill 147 supporters.
At this point in time, the only thing that we are certain of is that Senate Bill 147 has passed out of the Pa. Senate Game and Fisheries Committee with a vote of 8-3 and is now in the Pa. Senate Appropriations Committee.  The bill has about six more legislative steps to go through involving over 200 politicians across the state.
To track these politicians on where they stand day-to-day or week-to-week is impossible, many of them are still becoming educated in order to make a decision.  This is why Hunters United for Sunday Hunting urges everyone to continue the calls, continue the emails, continue the visits letting the representatives know that SB 147 and the repeal of Sunday hunting prohibition is a good thing for hunters and the conservation community.
We fully understand everyone’s frustration and wanting to know who supports and who doesn’t. We are as frustrated as you are with not getting specific and decisive answers.  Hence why we have not published any names with positions.  We don’t want to say or print information that is wrong and may not be correct.  We will not risk damaging our goal and support of SB 147 by being perceived as ‘throwing stones.’   
The only true way to tell who supported and who didn't is when that particular Senator or House Representatives cast the final committee or session vote of Yes or No regarding Senate Bill 147.
That being said here is how everyone can help at the present time to get SB 147 moved to the next step, the Pa. Senate.   There are two individuals that can make this happen.  Senator Patrick M. Browne, Chairman Senate Appropriation Committee, Senator Jake Corman Majority Leader of the State Senate.  Both gentlemen are interested in hearing why Senate Bill 147 should be moved out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and considered by the full Senate.
Please take time to contact both Senator Browne and Senator Corman; tell your story, explain how removing Sunday hunting prohibition will help you, your family and the reason it should be considered for a vote and not held up in the legislative process any longer.

Remember, Senator Browne and Senator Corman are not our enemies, please do not treat them as such, save that for Pa. Farm Bureau.  Both gentlemen are looking to do the right thing.  We just need to educate them on what that is and why Senate Bill 147 is a positive piece of legislation for hunters, landowners, and the agricultural community.

Feel free to use this: LETTER TO PA. LEGISLATORS - SUPPORT SENATE BILL 147 for reference and to email with a personal note why SB 147 is beneficial. https://huntersforsundayhunting.blogspot.com/2019/02/letter-to-pa-legislators-support-senate.html

Senator Patrick M. Browne contact information: https://www.senatorbrowne.com/

Harrisburg Office Phone: (717) 787-1349

Allentown Office Phone: (610) 821-8468

Email contact form https://www.senatorbrowne.com/contact-me/

Senator Jake Corman contact information: https://www.senatorcorman.com/

Harrisburg Office Phone: (717) 787-1377

Centre County District Office Phone: (814) 355-0477 / Toll Free: (800) 828-7300

Mifflin County District Office Phone: (717) 242-2410;

Email: jcorman@pasen.gov Email contact form: https://www.senatorcorman.com/contact/

Sincerely;

Interim Executive Director