House approves lifting Sunday hunting ban after debate over recreation and private property; 131-72

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on June 11, 2025, passed House Bill 14‑31, a measure to lift the state's ban on Sunday hunting. The clerk recorded the final vote as 131 ayes and 72 nays; the bill will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Representative Steele, the bill's prime sponsor, said Sunday hunting is an "archaic blue law" that creates barriers for working families and farmers and that modern wildlife science supports lifting the ban. "Not being able to hunt on Sundays creates major hurdles for busy families," Steele said on the floor.

Opponents, including Representative Baloney, argued the bill raises issues for hikers, birders and other outdoor recreationists and flagged concerns about private property rights, trespass enforcement and possible effects on waterfowl seasons. Representative Baloney said the measure "does not stick with the single subject" and warned of unintended consequences and legal challenges.

Stakeholder letters and floor comments cited objections from the Sierra Club, the Keystone Trails Association and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, which said in written submissions they had "significant concerns" about safety, recreational use and conservation tradeoffs.

The debate touched on technical points including potential changes to hunting seasons for waterfowl, trespass penalties, and whether the bill would permit additional methods or expanded seasons. Several members urged careful attention to implementation details. The House approved the bill 131‑72 and sent it to the Senate.