Bill > HB1659

This bill makes two key changes to Pennsylvania's hunting regulations. First, it establishes a new seven-day mentoring season for hunting immediately following the regular firearms deer season, during which licensed hunters can accompany and mentor new or less experienced hunters (both young people and adults) while hunting deer and small game species as designated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Second, the bill modifies the start dates for the regular antlered deer hunting season across different wildlife management districts, specifically setting the opening day as the first Monday following Thanksgiving in Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7, and the first Saturday before Thanksgiving in Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9. These changes are designed to provide more opportunities for new hunters to learn and participate in hunting, while also providing some flexibility in hunting season timing across different regions of the state. The bill will go into effect 60 days after its passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1659