Editorial: Lawmakers should pull trigger on hunting bills

If you see someone in orange this week, it’s not likely a Bengals or Browns fan, not during hunting season in Pennsylvania.

For decades, the Keystone State traditionally celebrated the first day of deer season as not so much holiday as holy day on the Monday after Thanksgiving. That changed in 2019 when the Game Commission moved the start back two days, kicking off the Saturday after Thanksgiving instead.

Pennsylvania is thick with hunters. According to the National Deer Association, the state has more hunters per square mile — 14.4 — than any other state.

It has the fifth-largest number of deer at 1.5 million. Texas has less than four times that many, but with six times the area the animals aren’t as densely located. Pennsylvania has about 32 deer per square mile, putting it just behind Michigan’s 36. The state’s geography, with wild areas just a short hop from urban ones, is likely part of the draw.

It is more than a tradition. It is a beloved pastime. It is a way to feed families who depend on the 30 to 60 pounds of venison that can be harvested from a deer. And it’s big business, with $3 billion generated annually, with about $1.7 billion coming from retail.

So why aren’t legislators acting on a hunting bill introduced in March?

House Bill 495 was one of several proposals put forth eight months ago for various hunting-related changes to state law. It would return the first day of hunting season to the Monday after Thanksgiving. It was introduced March 17 and referred to the Games and Fisheries Committee.

Other bills related to the same statute also were sent to committee that month. They propose changes such as making stealing trail cameras a specific crime, making hunting licenses free for disabled veterans and allowing the Game Commission to revoke or deny licenses for anyone with an animal cruelty conviction.

One bill — removing antlered harvest restrictions for senior hunters — has left committee. It saw some movement in June and September, but that was all.

Hunting isn’t just a game. It’s important to people and bottom lines in Pennsylvania. These bills deserve attention and action.

It isn’t that the first day needs to be moved. There are valid arguments for and against. But like so many other things languishing in committee rooms, it’s an idea that deserves real action. The targets are in sight. Lawmakers just need to pull the trigger.