After years of controversy and debate, the Pennsylvania State House Game and Fisheries Committed has passed Sunday Hunting Bill 1431 that repeals the remnants of the state’s old “Blue Law.” It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Act 107 of 2019, allowed additional hunting on designated Sundays. Historically, Sunday hunting was prohibited with the exception for foxes, coyotes and crows but this new bill will affect big and small game.

The effort to repeal the Sunday ban has a broad base of support from sportsmen’s groups, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

According to Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith, his agency has been working to get this bill across the finish line which will benefit hunters to help ensure the future of wildlife management.

Said Smith, “Hunters play an active role in helping to manage wildlife populations through the purchase of their licenses and other revenue they generate. They also fund wildlife conservation on a large scale for all species.”

Smith goes on to explain that one of the biggest reasons hunters stop hunting is a lack of time.

“While no one can add hours to the day or days of the week, removing prohibitions on Sunday hunting holds the potential to add significantly more time to the hunting calendar and it keep hunters hunting,” he said.

For now, HB 1431 lies with the Senate.

LEHIGH COUNTY FISH & GAME PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION

A recent press released announced that the above underwent a reorganization in 2024 and is an independent, nonprofit organization registered with the State of Pennsylvania and is not affiliated with the Lil-Le-Hi Fish Hatchery, Pioneer Fish & Game Association, Queen City Trout Nursery or Trout Creek Hunting and Fishing Club.

Association members are President William Rhoades, Vice President Peter Burkhardt, Treasurer Fred Boenig and Secretary Terry Ryan.

Rhoades writes that if there are any questions regarding the organization, inquiries should be sent to LehighCountyFishGamePA@gmail.com.

TROUT STOCKING

While on the subject of fishing, the Little Lehigh was again stocked with stocked this past Saturday within the Lehigh Parkway stretch in Allentown.