Legislation introduced by state Rep. Eric Davanzo (R–Westmoreland) proposes dividing Pennsylvania’s regular firearms deer season opener into two separate start dates, based on location.
Under the bill, counties north of Interstate 80 would return to the traditional Monday opener following Thanksgiving. Counties south of the highway would begin on the Saturday before the holiday. The proposal was referred to the House Game and Fisheries Committee in late June but has not yet been voted on.
The change is intended to balance the needs of rural communities, where hunting season is a longstanding tradition, with the desires of hunters seeking more flexibility due to school and work schedules.
Pennsylvania moved the deer rifle season opener from Monday to Saturday in 2019, a decision that drew mixed reactions. Some hunters appreciated the extra weekend time, while others preferred the traditional start. The Game Commission’s initial data at the time showed hunters favored the Monday opener by a 2-to-1 margin. However, a 2021 survey commissioned by the Game Commission found 60% of hunters preferred the Saturday start.
The Saturday change was part of broader efforts to modernize state hunting laws. Other updates have included the legalization of Sunday hunting. In July, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill allowing the Game Commission to choose which Sundays to include in the season.
Some rural businesses, particularly in Jefferson County, reported a decline in revenue due to the earlier opener, citing fewer days spent by hunters in local communities. However, chambers of commerce in other counties reported no significant concerns.
Critics of Davanzo’s bill argue it undermines the Game Commission’s authority and creates inconsistency by relying on commissioner districts instead of the existing wildlife management units. The Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists noted that while they understand the intent of the legislation, decisions about season dates should remain with the Game Commission.
