State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton, plans to introduce legislation that would permanently move the opening day of deer season back to the Monday after Thanksgiving. This proposal comes in response to concerns about the impact on businesses and local traditions.
State Rep. Brian Smith, R-Jefferson, also announced in December 2022 his intention to move the opening day of deer season back to Monday. Smith highlighted the financial impact on small businesses and volunteer organizations that relied on the weekend prior to the Monday start for revenue. Additionally, he noted that the switch to Saturday took away family time during the holiday weekend, as hunters left for camp immediately after Thanksgiving. In January, Smith announced that multiple legislators had agreed to co-sponsor his bill, which has yet to be introduced.
Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Decision to Maintain Saturday Start
In 2019, the Pennsylvania Game Commission board voted to shift the deer season opener to the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. The board has since upheld the decision to maintain the Saturday start during the annual approval of seasons and bag limits. Despite a show of support from hunters at the board’s January meeting in Harrisburg, the request to revert the opener back to Monday was not granted.
Opposition from Local Business Owners and Hunters
According to a memorandum sent by Boscola to all Senate members on March 8, her office has received numerous letters and phone calls objecting to the Saturday opener. Based on this feedback, local business owners and hunters seem to agree that the change has negatively affected businesses and traditions. Boscola’s proposed legislation will not impact Sunday hunting or determine the length of the season.
