With Wolf's signature, Sunday hunting coming to Pa. in 2020

Pennsylvania hunters who clamored for a Saturday start to firearms deer season now have another reason to celebrate — Sunday hunting in 2020.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 147, lifting the ban on Sunday hunting, on Wednesday.

The law allows hunting on three Sundays: one during rifle deer season, one in statewide archery deer season and a third to be determined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

It also strengthens trespass laws and increases fines.

“I believe this has been a long time in coming and is truly a tribute to the thousands of hunters and the many organizations who have supported this effort,” said state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, chairman of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee. “Weekends are essentially the only time that most working men and women can get out into the woods.”

Bill co-sponsor Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, committee minority chairman, said the new law will be an important tool in helping to recruit new hunters and keep them active.

“Sunday hunting will boost interest in the sport and open up new opportunities for hunters who are unable to get into the woods on other days of the week,” Brewster said.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners is expected to take up the issue at its January meeting, although the law doesn’t take effect until Feb. 25, 2020. Commissioners will give final approval to 2020-2021 seasons and bag limits in April.

Previously, Sunday hunting was limited to the hunting of foxes, coyotes, crows and feral hogs during open seasons.