Bureau of Wildlife Management recommends maintaining Sunday hunting closure for migratory game birds

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has decided to keep Sundays closed for migratory game bird hunting for the 2025-2026 license year, a move aimed at addressing logistical constraints and data gaps rather than biological concerns. This decision comes after a thorough review of the hunting landscape, which revealed that approximately 35,000 hunters pursue ducks, geese, and doves in Pennsylvania, ranking the state among the top in the Atlantic Flyway.

The Bureau of Wildlife Management emphasized that maintaining the current Sunday closure allows hunters to maximize their allotted hunting days under federal regulations. Since 1997, Pennsylvania has benefited from compensatory days, which enable hunters to retain their full hunting season despite the Sunday closures. If Sundays were opened for hunting, it would necessitate a reduction in hunting days elsewhere in the season, ultimately limiting opportunities for hunters.

The commission acknowledged the diverse opinions among hunters regarding Sunday hunting. While avid hunters often prefer the current structure that spreads hunting days over more weeks, less experienced hunters favor weekend access. To better understand these preferences, the commission plans to conduct focus groups and surveys to gather more accurate data on hunter opinions.

Looking ahead, the commission aims to gather insights from other states that have implemented Sunday hunting for migratory game birds. By spring 2026, they hope to present a more informed recommendation on whether to maintain the current structure or allow Sunday hunting in the future. This careful approach underscores the commission's commitment to balancing hunter preferences with regulatory constraints and biological considerations.