Taking shots at Sunday hunting ban

Pennsylvania's long-standing ban on Sunday hunting is under siege again. This time, bowhunters and their supporters are directing their arrows at the law.

Legislation has been introduced in the state House that provides for an exception to the state's Sunday hunting ban and allows for bowhunting on the Sabbath.

The argument for doing so is the same as the one used for Sunday hunting, in general. Sunday would allow for an additional day of family time between, say, father and son. The additional day also could be a boost for the state's economy. Also, the added day would help thin the state's deer herd, thus reducing crop damage.

Likewise, the argument against Sunday hunting remains the same, too. Many farmers are reluctant to give hunters the additional access to their land. Hikers, walkers, joggers, bird watchers and other nature lovers want one day a week during hunting season free of hunting activity. Still others argue for a return of the Sabbath as a day of reflection and rest.

Pennsylvania is one of just six states that prohibits Sunday hunting. Thirty-nine states treat Sunday like any other day and five allow Sunday hunting on a limited basis.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission, which manages the state's wildlife resources, remains "neutral" in the debate over Sunday hunting.

Not so the 44,000-member Pennsylvania Farm Bureau &tstr; the largest organization in the state representing farm families &tstr; which staunchly opposes Sunday hunting.

The same goes for the 15 Lancaster County sportsmen's clubs, which worry that farmers would declare their land off limits to hunters entirely, if the Sunday ban is lifted.

At the same time, the Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania, another statewide hunters' group, favors Sunday hunting.

State Rep. Bryan Cutler, a member of the House Game & Fisheries Committee, which is considering the legislation to permit Sunday bowhunting, is conflicted.

Cutler represents rural Southern Lancaster County, where farmers have made it clear to him that they oppose any attempt to expand hunting to Sunday.

Cutler is also an avid hunter with a number of constituents who are hunters, and they're urging him to support Sunday hunting.

"I understand the farmers who are against it but, at the same time, if Sunday is for spending time with your family, I grew up spending time with my family hunting," he says.

State Rep. Marc Gergely, of Allegheny County, the Sunday bowhunting bill's sponsor, thinks it is time for Pennsylvania to join the majority of states.

"The world is changing, and we need to change with it," Gergely says.

That may be true, but change comes quicker to some than others &tstr; if it comes at all.

Proponents make a compelling argument for lifting the Sunday hunting ban. Opponents make a compelling argument for keeping the ban in place, as it has been since 1873.

There are counties where, for example, deer are encroaching in suburban areas in large numbers. These counties might benefit by the additional day to thin the herd. For other counties, the concern is not that great.

Sunday hunting, in whatever form, may be welcomed by some counties. It would go against the wishes of other counties &tstr; such as Lancaster.

A reasonable compromise, therefore, might allow Sunday hunting by county referendum. If voters in Tioga County want to hunt on Sundays, they could vote for it. Voters here could oppose it, if they so choose.

Pennsylvania government is built on the premise that local communities know best what works for them. While generally it makes sense to have uniform hunting rules statewide, in this case, a local option might satisfy hunters, farmers and other outdoors lovers.