Sunday Hunting Days Set for 2025

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has announced new Sunday hunting days for 2025. Beginning Sept. 14 and running through Dec. 7, all Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons will be open for hunting, with the exception of migratory game bird seasons, which are governed by federal regulations.

For most other species, authorized Sunday hunting dates in 2025 include: Sept. 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and Dec. 7. These Sundays fall within existing seasons and are now open under a new law.

The change comes with the passage of House Bill 1431, signed into law July 9 as Act 36 of 2025, which repeals the longstanding ban on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. The law takes effect Sept. 7, granting the Game Commission full authority to regulate Sunday hunting.

The Board of Game Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution directing Executive Director Steve Smith to enact the changes by executive order. This approach allowed Sunday hunting to be added more quickly than if it had gone through the standard two-meeting Board process.

Director Smith emphasized that expanded Sunday hunting has been long requested by hunters and is not expected to negatively impact wildlife. “We’re proud to offer 13 Sundays of hunting this season,” Smith said. “These extra days reflect our commitment to making hunting more accessible and ensuring Pennsylvania’s hunting heritage continues.”

The commission will review impacts and adjust accordingly when setting the 2026–27 seasons.