News!

UPDATE:  Scott Landry (IF 1st VP) contacted the Pennsylvania Wildlife Commission on January 6, 2026 and was told that Doves are a migratory bird and there is  NO HUNTING ALLOWED of Migratory birds on Sundays.  This is something to keep an eye on.

September – December 2026: Dove hunting on Sundays is expected to be allowed for the first time during the 2026–27 season. The Pennsylvania Game Commission previously excluded migratory birds from Sunday hunting to avoid losing total season days under federal frameworks. However, officials have stated that with the 2026–27 seasons being set from the outset with Sundays included, waterfowlers and dove hunters should be able to hunt on Sundays starting in the fall of 2026.

Sunday hunting for doves is expected to be allowed for the first time starting in September 2026 (the 2026–27 season) because of a major change in state law that shifted decision-making authority to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). Why it is being allowed nowLegal Reform: In July 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act 36 of 2025 (House Bill 1431), which fully repealed the state's centuries-old "blue law" ban on Sunday hunting.

Federal Framework: For the 2025–26 season, migratory bird seasons (like dove) were already set before the law passed. Adding Sundays mid-season would have violated federal rules, resulting in a loss of total hunting days. For the 2026–27 season, the PGC can build Sundays into the schedule from the start, preserving the full number of allowed days.

Benefits: Proponents argued that Sunday hunting doubles weekend opportunities for families, students, and workers who are busy during the week. Who makes the decision?The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners now has full authority to regulate and set Sunday hunting dates. This board consists of commissioners representing nine geographic districts across the state. Who to contactIf you wish to provide feedback or ask questions about upcoming 2026 seasons:Public Comments: You can email pgccomments@pa.gov or attend a public board meeting, where the 2026–27 seasons will be finalized starting in January 2026.

Centralized Dispatch: For general inquiries, call 1-833-PGC-HUNT (1-833-742-4868).
Find Your Commissioner: You can contact the commissioner for your specific district via the PGC Commissioner page.
Legislators: Since they passed the enabling legislation, you can also contact your local State Representative or Senator regarding broader hunting laws.