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Legislation To Reinstate Monday Opener

In 2019 the Pennsylvania Game Commission shifted the opening day of rifle deer season from the traditional Monday following Thanksgiving to the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This was basically a social shift, with the commission’s spokespersons telling us the Saturday opener would increase the number of sportsmen who would be able to hunt. Among these were young hunters who the commission said often were unable to hunt on the Monday opener because of school.

However, that was flawed reasoning, since many schools, especially those located in rural regions, were closed on that Monday in deference to the opening day.

The commission also told us that many sportsmen had to work on Monday but were off and could hunt on the Saturday opener, which sounds good. However, many workers are called in to work on Small-Business Saturday following Black Friday because of the increased flow of customers in places where they work. The change did not increase hunter numbers.

When the commission and other organizations surveyed hunters about which day they preferred for the opener, a strong majority favored the Monday opening day and still may.

In addition, moving the opening day negatively affected many groups and businesses. Fire companies that sponsored hunters’ breakfasts, sporting goods stores, grocery stores, and restaurants were all adversely affected. Because of the Saturday opener, hunters who formerly headed off to their camps and who patronized businesses in those areas were rushed to open their camps or didn’t have time to open them after having enjoyed a family Thanksgiving.

Since the PGC appears unwilling to return the opening day to Monday, it may have to be done through legislation. Rep. Brian Smith recently announced plans to amend Title 34 so that the legislature can return the opening day of rifle deer season to the traditional Monday. Smith’s legislation carries with it the addition of another Sunday of hunting, which will allow for fourteen consecutive days of hunting, including four weekend days, the same number that now exist. Smith has said he hopes for “harmony between the hunting season and the success of small businesses.”

Randy Santucci and Dan Davila have organized a group to return the opener to Monday, and they have a Facebook page with 4,000 members. They can be contacted at rsantucci2022@gmail.com or ddavila2112@gmail.com to be included.

Some have lamented that Rep. Smith’s proposal may be a “non-starter.” But, if you want to see the Monday opener reinstated, you can help by contacting your state representative, urging him to co-sponsor Rep. Smith’s legislation. Ours is Rep. Jim Gregory.

 

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