Sunday Hunting in PA
On June 9th, a meeting was held at Seven Springs Resort to debate the possibility of removing the ban on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. Currently, PA is one of only eleven states that ban Sunday hunting. Ohio was the last state to overturn the ban in 2002. It doesn’t seem like a big issue, but both sides of the debate are very passionate. Many sportsmen and hunting associations support the issue stating that the extra day would help the sport of hunting by opening it up to more people and allowing parents that work six days a week to spend more time in the woods with their kids. It would also boost the economy by creating more license sales as well as all the other incidentals that go along with a day out in the field. For example, a new hunter would buy some hunting gear, blaze orange vest and hat, boots…maybe a new gun and ammo. On the way to the hunt, he may stop for breakfast and possible dinner after a day in the field. As you can see, just one hunter can create a lot of extra revenue for local businesses.
Hunting is a tradition passed down from father to son.
Opponents of Sunday hunting are mostly farmers, land owners and hikers. They claim that Sunday is the one and only day that is bullet free. They want the Sunday ban to remain in effect so they can enjoy a day of peace and quiet. That’s fine and dandy, but I have a few problems with these opponents! First of all, why is it always a small group of loud mouths that want to impose silly regulations and restrictions on the majority? Secondly, farmers and land owners are allowed to post their property to prevent hunting. Hikers and campers have many weekends that are hunting free to enjoy the outdoors. Most hunting seasons only last for 2 weeks and they are spaced throughout the calendar. There are also many areas that are off limits to hunters that they can enjoy anytime. Farmers also seem to be double sided on this issue. Many complain about deer and other animals destroying their crops due to large numbers but then they oppose the Sunday hunting even though it may help to thin the herds out and protect their land and crops.
I am one of those people that would benefit from Sunday hunting. I work six days a week and I have very little time to take my boys hunting. I would love to see Sundays opened up for people like me. Hunting is an American tradition and something that I would like to introduce my kids. Without Sundays being open, I would have to short my paycheck by taking un-necessary days off or use vacation days. Others that live from pay check to pay check may not even have those options. I also think that the sport of hunting needs new participants in order to held wildlife management. I’m sure anyone in PA or many of the other Northeastern States have noticed an increase in dear vs. vehicle accidents. As the herds grow, the deer expand their Territory until it overlaps with ours causing millions of dollars in damage as well as many deaths. By regulating the deer population, the death and destruction will decrease and the deer herds can continue at a more healthy level.
In conclusion, I think that the whiny minority needs to quit bitching and start supporting American Freedom and tradition. Our country was built on the foundations of hard work, tradition and providing for yourself and your family. Hunting is a big part of our American Heritage and once again, there is a small group that want’s to restrict that. Hunting is also a tradition that is handed down from father to son (and daughters, too) but if silly blue laws like the Sunday ban aren’t repealed, this tradition may become endangered. Hopefully, the Seven Springs committee will do the right thing and introduce the bill to the state senate in order to get the Sunday hunting ban lifted LIKE A MOFO!
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