Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

September 4, 2025

Pennsylvania’s New Sunday Hunting Law and Deer Management Programs: A Win for Landowners, Hunters and Wildlife

Without question, hunting is an important part of Pennsylvania’s culture. Those who grew up hunting are quick to explain that some of their best moments are those spent in the woods with their families. 

Like any tradition or past time, Pennsylvania’s hunting landscape is undergoing significant transformations, which include the expansion of Sunday hunting opportunities and innovative programs like the Certified Hunter Program and Agricultural Deer Control (AG Tag) Program. These initiatives, led by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), are designed to address agricultural crop damage caused by deer, promote ethical hunting practices, and foster collaboration between landowners and hunters.

Pennsylvania’s prohibition on Sunday hunting is an example of the state’s “blue laws” dating back over 200 years, but it had been relaxed in recent years. In 2019, Act 47 allowed hunting on three Sundays annually: one during archery deer season, one during firearms deer season, and one chosen by the PGC.

Act 36 of 2025 became law on July 9, fully repealing the Sunday hunting ban by giving the PGC authority to regulate Sunday hunting like any other day. This important change opened hunting each Sunday, from Sept. 14 to Dec. 7, a total of 13 consecutive Sundays. This applies for all game species except migratory game birds, which remain excluded due to federal regulations. 

These Sundays include several seasons such as archery deer, firearms deer, bear, and small game like squirrels, pheasants, and rabbits. Hunters on private land must carry written permission from the landowner, including the hunter’s and landowner’s contact information, to ensure compliance and respect for property rights.

Many hunters were proponents of the idea because it expanded hunting opportunities and made it easier to balance work and family obligations. Many farmers supported the measure, recognizing the increased management of deer populations that cause millions in crop damage annually, threatening agricultural livelihoods.

Furthering the connection between hunting and farming, the Certified Hunter Program connects landowners, especially farmers seeking to reduce crop and property damage, with responsible hunters who have met additional requirements, which include:

• Holding a Pennsylvania hunting license for four of the past five years and passed a Hunter-Trapper Education course.
• Passing a criminal background check with no recent wildlife or game code violations.
• Completing a written exam on landowner relations, hunting ethics, and effective practices.
• Demonstrating marksmanship proficiency (e.g., hitting a 6-inch target at 100 yards with a rifle or 20 yards with a bow, with at least four out of five shots).

Landowners benefit by retaining full control over their property and are in direct communication with a PGC liaison. They can access annual harvest reports and a feedback system to refine the program. The result is reduced crop damage through targeted antlerless deer harvests and confidence in the hunters accessing their land.

Landowners interested in the Certified Hunter Program can email pgcchp@pa.gov or call 570-985-3843. Hunters can apply online or contact the same for details.

The Certified Hunter Program is the perfect complement to the PGC’s Agricultural Deer Control (AG Tag) Program, which enables farmers to enlist hunters to harvest antlerless deer causing crop damage, both during and outside regular deer seasons. To participate, landowners apply for permits through their district state game warden. Hunters contact enrolled landowners to obtain deer control coupons, which can be redeemed online at huntfish.pa.gov or through license issuing agents for an agricultural deer control harvest permit.

Hunters must report their harvest (or lack thereof) by April 30 each year, ensuring accountability and data for wildlife management. This program is critical in areas with high deer populations, where crop losses can devastate farms.

Landowners interested in the AG Tag Program should reach out to their regional PGC office, where hunters can obtain lists of enrolled properties. Here in the southwest region, the phone number is 833-742-4868.  

The combination of expanding hunting opportunities and connecting hunters with farmers is an important approach to one of the Commonwealth’s most important traditions. Hunting is an important revenue generator. There are over 800,000 licensed hunters in Pennsylvania that spend just shy of $1 billion annually. Hunting accounts for more than 15,000 Pennsylvania jobs, generating $529 million in salaries and wages.

More information on these programs can be found at PGC.pa.gov.  

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Seniors Can Save Money by Taking Drivers Course - Join me at my Seniors for Safe Driving event on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company, 4078 Route 66, in Apollo. This course provides seniors, aged 55 and older, with reminders and updates for safe driving techniques. You even get a discount on your auto insurance for participating! The course is $17. To register, call 1-800-559-4880!

Dispose of Personal Documents Safely - Do you have files that need to be destroyed? Bring them to a Mobile Shredding Event I am co-hosting with Sen. Joe Pittman and Rep. Abby Major on Monday, Sept. 15, at VFW Post 92,1601 Wildlife Road in Lower Burrell, from 9-11 a.m. The free event is available specifically for personal use and not commercial use. There is a limit of two bags or boxes per person. Books, magazines and items with binding materials other than staples cannot be shredded. Call my New Kensington office at 724-472-4102 or my Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 for more information.

PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is co-hosting several free financial aid webinars during September to guide college-bound students and their families in affording a higher education.

The webinar titled “Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account” will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 6-7 p.m. Creating the account is necessary to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is expected to be available on Oct. 1.

The webinar titled “Searching for Scholarships” will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 6-7 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from noon to 1 p.m.

To register for these webinars, and view a full schedule of future webinars, visit 
pheaa.org/virtual. 


Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper