Hunting on Sundays

[manofthe45]

But hey; "we" don't get to decide what is best for or what hunters want anyway. Do we?

Man I so want to break my own rule and follow this new direction, but please read new thread to discuss is it Game commision or Deer commission

[NYHunter]

Pa. is a real nice state to hunt. But it should move forward in it's way of thinking. Sunday hunting, yes. Small game season and big game season run concurrently, yes. Extended big game and small game seasons ,yes.  Too bad, I see it the state loosing alot of revenue from resident, and especially non-resident, hunters. 

Seems like 'the powers that be' just like to make things difficult. If someone doesn't want to hunt on Sunday, they can stay home and do what they wish. Don't penalize everyone else. We only pass through this life once, let everyone enjoy their ride through. 

[shotgunner]

I notice that many people are only concerned with how a regulation, like Sunday hunting, effects them personally. I think that if more people were concerned with how a change might benefit everyone they would be more likely to get a positive responce from the Game commission. This would apply to politics in general. Think not of what the Game commission can do for you but what the Game commission can do for everyone. Shotgunner

[COR]

I'd welcome an opportunity to hunt on Sudays here in PA.  I believe the pros outweigh the cons.  When I take time off every deer season I don't see the hunters I did as a kid especially during the weekdays...I think adding Sunday is a no brainer, I just don't see the negatives in it like some others here have.  If it could get a few more kids into hunting because their moms or dads get that extra day it is worth it in my opinion.  I'd bet 80% of our hunters in Pa hunt weekends...I just fail to see the rationale behind it (the current rule) and quite frankly haven't heard a good argument against it (and I have read them all carefully).  I'd also love to be able to spend an extra day afield with my dad.  This is a rule the game code should look at from the only perspective they should have as their best interest...PROMOTING and PRESERVING the HUNTING HERITAGE IN PA.  The religous arguments is archaic and the "let the deer rest" story is a laugh since they can sleep at night when I do...BTW Since when do deer need a 24hrs recovery time? They are ready to run circles around me after a brief afternoon nap and commonly do.....sometimes change is good.  Just my 2 cents.

[wild willy]

COR how many times have you had your barn shot into how many times you have somebody scope you just to see what you were doing I like a little peace and quiet on sunday maybe the people who decide sunday hunting in Pa should be the ones who live where people hunt

[Davemuzz]

COR how many times have you had your barn shot into how many times you have somebody scope you just to see what you were doing I like a little peace and quiet on sunday maybe the people who decide sunday hunting in Pa should be the ones who live where people hunt

Oh man.....the old gun shot in my barn story. There's a fellow out where I hunt that sings a song like this. Every year someone shoots a hole in his barn. At this point, there should be so many holes in the barn, the cows should be able to walk in and out with ease.

And hey....if your gettin scoped 6 days a week.....what's one more? 

Dave

[SHOOTALL]

scope someone ? when someone points a gun at you wouldn't it be proper to defend ones self ?

[Davemuzz]

 You don't have to agree with me, but you don't have to call me names.

edited by moderator:
The only part that need to be left after removing a post that violated GB rules.  If you think I am going over the top go back and reread the rules. no posts that contain personal attacks or name calling.
manofthe45

[COR]

COR how many times have you had your barn shot into how many times you have somebody scope you just to see what you were doing I like a little peace and quiet on sunday maybe the people who decide sunday hunting in Pa should be the ones who live where people hunt

Those problems aren't common and you know it.  Granted, they do happen, but you act as though you can't leave the cellar until Sunday.   Sunday hunting is a great idea and I stand behind it 100%.  The arguments against it are few and are losing ground daily, minds will change if we are patient and vigilant.  It's too bad those negative things have happened to you but most people that live in the country welcome hunting and understand there are some "bad" hunters but it is a very noble sport and it teaches a lifetime of values.  It's amazing to me how this subject brings out such passion in folks against it...BTW I would LOVE to let "the ones who live where people hunt" make that decision.  Do you really think your thoughts are echoed by the majority in that demographic? The farms I hunt in Clarion, Allegheny, and Armstrong counties want deer killed everyday, all week, every week. 

[SHOOTALL]

Look at this from a different point of view . If hunting is a sport then either allow it on Sunday or stop all sport on sunday . Shooting matches are shot on Sunday so forget the noise issue , people access public land on sunday so critters are disturbed anyway . If its a personal thing THEN KEEP IT PERSONAL ! If ya don't want it on your land then don't allow it .

And for me it would be much better to have America's youth out hunting after church than wasting time and getting in trouble !

[Varmint Hunter]

I won't add to the differences in opinion except to state my position:

NO SUNDAY HUNTING

[Davemuzz]

I won't add to the differences in opinion except to state my position:

NO SUNDAY HUNTING

Oh......so I think your leaning towards the less use of the hunting license side of things.

Dave

[JoeG52]

I won't add to the differences in opinion except to state my position:

NO SUNDAY HUNTING

If you don't want to hunt on Sunday, YOU DON'T HAVE TO!
If you don't want people hunting your property on Sunday, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LET THEM!

There is no valid reason to stop others from hunting on Sunday.

[BCB]

I didn’t get into any trouble after church when I was growing up as a lad!  And there was no Sunday hunting a way back then.  That is only a weak reason or even lacking rational direction or purpose to allow hunting on Sunday.  It would only be a band aid for the kid anyhow—he or she is going to get in trouble if they are so inclined to do so, with or without Sunday hunting…

I have a little cabin on a piece of property that I own other than where my residency is located.  It is surrounded by woods and fields—some of which I own, some of which other people own.  The fields, some I own, some I don’t, are very good groundhog hunting areas—I don’t need V-Max bullets zinging over my head when I am trying to relax…

And, I really don’t think I should have to patrol my property to keep people off of it on Sunday.  They hunt it other days—let Sunday alone…

And so it goes...BCB

[Davemuzz]

If you want to hunt on Sundays in Pa., then you certainly can do that now. You are allowed to hunt Coyotes and crows on Sundays. I think there is one other critter you can hunt....but it escapes me right now. And if you want a challenge...try calling in a Coyote.

Dave

[tck]

The county doesn't give me a discount on my taxes for sundays.  So why can't I hunt on my own land on Sundays....

[COR]

I hope all these hunting accidents are being reported...bullets "zinging" over peoples head and such.  I believe in private property rights, post your land if you don't want Sunday hunters.  I DO NOT believe in overregulation.  I've done a little informal internet/email research and the numbers just do not support any higher incidents of hunting acdidents in states that allow Sunday hunting, I couldn't find any instances of buildings being shot at a higher rate either but those numbers were not kept.  We should be doing everything we can to preserve and continue passing on great hobbies like hunting.  Most working stiffs have the weekend days off so to me it's a no brainer...Hey PGC maybe your license sales will go up!  I'll continue to send my letters and emails and hopefully someone will see the true value in opening Sunday up completely, maybe just during the big game season as a test project.  All of you in favor of such change should do the same.

[BCB]

COR,

I don’t believe “accidents” is the correct word—rather I believe incidents would be correct.  No one is or was injured.  Some of the fields I mentioned are hunted quite extensively, by permission or not…Mostly Not…

And if you would want to purchase the “No Trespassing” signs for me and take the time to put them up and sign your name and place your address and ‘phone number on them and then TRY to enforce Trespassing—well, I think you get my drift.  Posting is worthless, and enforcement is even more idiotic—who do you call?  The Game Commission—Right!!!…My opinion of Sunday Hunting remains…BCB

[COR]

The Pa state police is who I would call in such a case, but we usually just confront the individual. In most cases it isn't a big deal and the polite ones were given access when questioned. It's just unfortunate that you have painted all hunters with such a broad "negative" brush.  I helped post about 200 acres a couple years back.  It took us all morning but it was a nice way to see the land and chat with the owner.  We paid $37.50/50 signs, yes I said "WE" because the owner and myself split the cost.  I would gladly help you post your land, PM me...even if you don't let me hunt on it.  That is your right.  You'd agree that the current rules only apply to those who wish to listen anyway.  Can somebody PLEASE give me a valid reason why hunting on Sundays is such a bad thing. 

[BCB]

COR,

Thanks for your offer to help post, but I really don’t want to do that.  Landowners who post in our area are not so well liked, plus I think this some times causes scoff-laws to take the challenge to hunt within the posted area!  Strange but true…

Yep, the State Police would probably be the ones to contact, but I doubt they would show much concern as they are most likely busy with things that are MUCH MORE IMPORTANT.  And, access to my property is “by foot only”, except during certain times of the year when we have drier weather.  They ain’t a gonna walk ½ mile in those clean black shoes—and I don’t blame them…

You see no reason, nor have you heard a valid reason for not allowing hunting on Sunday.  So be it.  I guess we all have our thoughts on different subjects.  There are many things involving our everyday lives that I see no reason for, yet they will continue to be recognized and enforced…

People do access my property and are welcome to hunt it 6 days of the week.  Many just pass through as they are hunting and are moving toward other properties in the area…

I have a stressful job as many other people on this forum most likely do.  My stress comes from enforcing laws and regulations—that involves dealing with PEOPLE!  Sometimes I just want to go to my little one room cabin on that property and sit and think and sometimes write (that, and shooting are hobbies I pursue) without the distraction of other people…

No, I don’t classify all hunter as scoff-laws—but it only takes ONE.  I come from an avid hunting family and I have hunted since I was old enough to do so.  I now hunt only a little amount of time and then only with handguns…

The concept that many people who work might only have Sundays to hunt is probably true.  But before I finally settled on my present employment to get me to retirement, I worked 5 ½ or 6 days a week.  That was when I was younger and had a great desire to hunt.  Well, I did miss a few days to hunt, but responsibility had to come first.  Yet, I did manage to always get a few days of small game and a few more days of deer season.   I even managed to hunt waterfowl on a fairly regular basis each year.  Sure, I would have liked to have hunted more, but responsibilities to my family and society (didn’t want to be a burden to other workers and taxpayers) came first.  Scarifies all responsible people must make…

So there it is—my opinion and a few of the reasons.  I guess the appropriate way to see what the general public might think would be to put it on a ballot for a vote.  I don’t know if this would be possible, but maybe a less biased opinion from a more representative sample of the population might be acquired…

As I have said before—And so it goes…BCB

[COR]

Agreeing to disagree is good enough for me.  Your argument of wanting it quiet on Sunday to help relax, it's a point well taken and I'll respect that.  The state police don't do much except get their polished shoes muddy and grumble about reports. I work for the feds so I get my share of time off, which I  take annually.  I just love to hunt, it's MY therapy and relaxation.  One more day to legally hunt deer and bear would be great.  I do hunt crows and coyotes on Sunday so it ain't all bad. 

Although you are completely wrong about Sunday hunting (    ) I am always glad to meet a fellow handgun hunter.  I have done it that way since 2004 but still took a couple of meat deer with a rifle to fill tags since.  Maybe that's my real reason for Sunday hunting, I need an extra day since I am limited to a 75yd (MAX) shot and them there Pa deer is too smart. 

[BCB]

Well COR, since we are both handgun hunters, maybe we should really want/demand a special season for only handgunners!!!  That way we will have an equal chance like the archery and blackpowder people who don't seem to want to use there weaponry during regular deer season.  I wonder why we use handguns during the regular season?  Must be the challenge of competing with rifles?  Har, har, har...BCB

[Graybeard]

Can somebody PLEASE give me a valid reason why hunting on Sundays is such a bad thing.

I suspect most things banned on Sunday fall into the category of the old "blue laws" (where the heck did that name come from?) that were on the books many many years ago and in most places have since been removed. I suppose the original basis for them all were the Biblical ban on work on the Sabbath which most BUT NOT ALL take to be Sunday.

I don't know if the PA prohibition on Sunday hunting was or is based on that or some other reason to be honest. I do know from a person living far off from PA that more land owners want it closed than open and that is the reason you guys are still stuck not hunting on Sunday.

I know one such land owner who is also a hunter and he and I have had the discussion on a few occasions and he even as a hunter supports the no hunting on Sunday rule. Land owners up there in your short and intense hunting seasons get pounded pretty heavily by poachers (sorry there is no other name to apply to those who ignore property lines and hunt where they have no permission) who trespass on their lands continually. He often mentions road hunters to me in our daily e-mails. Technically I don't think there is such a thing as a "road hunter" as you either hunt or you ride the roads or you hunt you can't do both at the same time.

I think the slobs who hide under the guise of being a hunter are most likely the REAL reason you guys are not allowed to hunt on Sunday. There are just too many land owners tired of it all and who want at least one day a week to not have to put up with it during season.

Would it make you feel better if hunting were allowed on Sunday but shut down on say Saturday or Friday or even Monday or whatever OTHER day of the week than Sunday? Then at least you'd not be able to blame it on Christians or the church or whoever you now blame it on as if related to religion in some way. Maybe it is but maybe it's really more so based on land owners tired of folks ignoring their property rights and poaching on their land and feeling they'd like at least one day a week free from it.

I'm pretty sure based on our many conversations on the matter of at least one PA land owner who is also a hunter that he feels that way and from things I've read even way down here a lot more feel the same.

I think your real problem up there is that you just have too many hunters or hunter wannabes that live in the city and own no land on which to hunt who are to lazy and/or sorry to either hunt state or federal land or to properly seek legal permission to hunt on private land and instead just trespass and poach and it makes land owners especially those who don't hunt themselves wish hunting season didn't even exist. Yes we as a group who call ourselves hunters are often our own worse enemy and no that doesn't apply to all but then it doesn't have to apply to all to stigmatize us all.

[BCB]

Graybeard makes some interesting points, a couple of which I never really considered.

As I previously mentioned, if put to a vote in a general election in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I suspect Sunday hunting would be voted down…

The concept of short season cause extreme hunting pressure for short periods of time is something I have never considered, but do see if quite often.  If seasons were longer, the amount of people traffic on a given day would be lessened.  This most likely would apply to Sundays.  Maybe then a landowner could stand a “bit of inconvenience” from a single hunter or father and son combination.  That argument still will not change my mind at this point in time…

I also agree and I mentioned the fact that it only takes one to ruin it for all.  I realize that might be determinism, but that is just the way things are.  Maybe one respectful hunter could be accepted on Sunday, but one disrespectful hunter will ruin it for all others in the future.  Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice, get the hell out and don’t every come back.  The end of it all…

We do have many hunters who travel from the cities to hunt in the country—naturally!  I don’t know if State Game Lands provide adequate hunting grounds/game or not.  I actually have hunted certain Game Lands because there were stocked heavily with ringnecks or some are especially noted for large squirrel population.  So they do provide good hunting if one does some research…

And finally to quote Graybeard, “Yes we as a group who call ourselves hunters are often our own worse enemy and no that doesn't apply to all but then it doesn't have to apply to all to stigmatize us all”.
And so it goes…BCB

[Graybeard]

I can't say for sure but I think spreading your seasons out longer would do more to help PA hunting than anything it's just too danged short a modern gun season up there. I think it's two Saturday's long if memory serves me correctly. I never have fully understood all the various break outs of your seasons what with early muzzle loader, late muzzler loader with flint locks only, bow season, gun season ad infinitum.

Down here in Bama bow season opens on Oct. 15 and closes on Jan. 31 of the following year. Gun season opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving and like bow season closes Jan. 31 the following year.

Our limit used to be one buck per day but now it's changed to three per season one of which much be an 8 pointer. Most of the state still can kill up to two deer per day all season long they just have to be does or at least one doe and one buck until you take your three buck limit.

We do have a pretend muzzle loader season as well but it is merely a pretend season. It's the last four or five days of bow season prior to the opening of gun season and the last two weeks of gun season. All it buys you is the freedom to shoot a doe rather than a buck on private land in those counties which don't already have doe season all season long I guess that might be a tiny incentive but not much of one really.

Our seasons are long and bag limits are liberal. Most folks hunt the first 2-3 weeks and are done for the year leaving the wood free of hunters for the most part the rest of the season for those who enjoy being out there along with the deer which I happen to be one of them.

If PA would spread the season out more you'd not have so many folks crowded into such small areas at a time as more folks would spread out their time to avoid the crowds I believe. From what I hear opening day of gun season it's like wall to wall orange up there. Then from what my friend reports he sees hardly anyone as he hunts during the week and then that next Saturday rolls around and the woods are mostly orange again.

He has to kick folks off his land every Saturday of season I think but seldom during the week.

[DCRthe3rd]

The Pa game comm with an interest in keeping land open to the public has been at one time informed by land owners with ground open to public hunting , that they would shut their ground down 24/7 to hunting if Sunday hunting was to take place. Certainly not the root of no-Sunday hunting "for the most part anyhow" , but that does not help things in an attempt to pass Sunday hunting.

[Davemuzz]

While I can believe that a certain percentage of landowners would pose this "threat" to the PGC, I would think it would be a minority of landowners. You know.....the small guys with the big mouths.

MHO

Dave

[SHOOTALL]

you mean the guys that own 5 acres and think they can post the whole county ?

[Davemuzz]

 

[DCRthe3rd]

I seem to be missing some inside joke