Two Bills Introduced Affecting Hunting Rules In PA

Two proposed bills, one introduced in the Pennsylvania House, the other in the state Senate, aims to modernize hunting regulations by permitting semi-automatic rifles for big game, and return the firearms deer season opener to the Monday after Thanksgiving.  Currently the first day of firearms deer season is the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Reportedly, with the season falling on a Saturday, there have been serious economic impacts on taverns, restaurants, gun shops, volunteer fire departments, and small grocery stories.  Introduced by Rep. Charity Krupa and Sen. Gene Yaw, both Republicans, the bills seek to align state practices with national standards, and address traditional season timing.