State: PA

Contact: Joe Mullin, Manager, Northeastern States Why it Matters: State events such as the Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus’ Annual Cigar Reception offer forums and opportunities for candid conversations about crucial conservation-related issues within the state, while also serving to welcome new Caucus members into the fold. The Cigar Reception brings together leaders and members from…

Contact: Nick Lewis, Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator Highlights Why it Matters: Many states have antiquated knife laws that criminalize the possession of automatic knives. These knives are useful tools for the outdoor industry, particularly hunters and anglers, as well as the first responder community. The introduction of this legislation is a positive step towards expanding the…

Contact: Nick Lewis, Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator Highlights Why it Matters: The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) serves as the lead regulatory agency for wildlife in the state, working in conjunction with the sportsmen’s community to conserve wildlife species. The PGC Board of Game Commissioners (Board) is the governing body for the PGC and are responsible for…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator For most sportsmen and women, the end of November conjures thoughts of gathering with family members and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving and sharing stories from successes afield. While this is most often the case, Pennsylvania’s sporting community had something else on its mind: Sunday…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator A historic day is quickly approaching for Pennsylvania’s sportsmen and women, as hunters will be able to head afield for the first authorized Sunday hunting opportunity on November 15. Thanks in large part to a valiant, decades-long legislative campaign, during which the Congressional Sportsmen’s…

Contact: Brent Miller, Northeastern States Senior Director and States Program Team Administrator On September 26, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved regulations to allow handheld and firearms-mounted thermal and night-vision optics for furbearer hunting. This regulatory change was made possible due to the passage of HB 1188 which was supported by numerous members of the bipartisan…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator On August 18, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Jim Brewster and Daniel Laughlin were among numerous other bipartisan legislators to propose Senate Bill 1266 (SB 1266) – legislation that recognizes the significant financial challenges that businesses and organizations have been experiencing as a…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator July 10 marked a significant date for anglers and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in the Keystone State, as House Bill 808 (HB 808) was effectuated into law, authorizing the PFBC the regulatory power to set license, permit, and tag fees. HB 808…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator On July 1, Governor Tom Wolf, a Member of the bipartisan Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, signed HB 1188 into law. The Governor’s approval of the bill, which was supported by many members of the bipartisan and bicameral Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, follows strong bipartisan votes…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States & States Program Administrator On June 24, House Bill 808 (HB 808), legislation that would grant the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) the regulatory authority to set license, permit, and tag fees, received an affirmative concurrence vote (157-44-1) in the House of Representatives. HB 808 is co-sponsored…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States & States Program Administrator On June 23, the Pennsylvania Senate voted 48-1 in favor of House Bill 1188 (HB 1188) – legislation that would allow for the use of night vision, thermal optics, and similar devices for nighttime hunting of predators. The bill is cosponsored by numerous members…

Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States & States Program Team Administrator On May 28, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Senator Dan Laughlin was named the “2019 State Legislator of the Year” by Safari Club International (SCI) – a partner conservation organization to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). Senator Laughlin has been an integral element…