Hunting with Semiautomatic Riffles will Wait, PGC Says

Semiautomatic centerfire rifles will not become lawful for hunting big game in the 2019-20 seasons.

After receiving input from the public and key members of the General Assembly, and noting the board already is considering several significant proposed changes, Pennsylvania Game Commissioner Brian Hoover on Feb. 1 rescinded his direction to staff to develop language through which semiautomatic centerfire rifles could be included as lawful sporting arms in big-game seasons.

No proposal will be drawn up, and no vote will be taken.

Semiautomatic rifles that meet specific criteria have been permitt...