First Sunday of big-game hunting in Pa. since colonial times

Pennsylvania was a British colony in 1682 when blue laws were enacted banning many activities, including hunting, on Sundays.

For the first time since, Sunday and on the next two weekends, hunting of big game such as deer and bear will be allowed on Sundays.

Hunting will be allowed this Sunday as part of archery deer season, then Sunday, Nov. 22 as part of bear firearms season and on Sunday, Nov. 29, as part of deer firearms season.

“There are a lot of hunters who have wanted this for a long time,” said Todd Cearns of Sewickley Township, who is an officer with the Westmoreland County Sportsmen’s League and the Herminie No. 2 Game Association, along with being a hunting instructor.

For hunters with full-time jobs and kids, Cearns said, the extra opportunity to hunt Sundays will provide more time in the field.

“The biggest thing I saw with hunters with children is that they need Sunday hunting because their kid is in football, wrestling, college and other activities,” he said.

But there are exceptions.

All hunting is prohibited in Allegheny County Parks except for a single, private archery permit for deer management with stringent guidelines, said Andy Baechle, parks director. Additionally, county police monitor for poaching during hunting season, he said.

Hunting is prohibited in City of Pittsburgh Parks (except archery in Hays Woods) and usually in small parks in urban areas.

If you aren’t a hunter, consider wearing florescent orange if going into areas where hunting is allowed.

“Don’t be afraid to find an archer in the big woods or a small woodlot in a suburban area,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission spokesman Patrick Snickles. “The safety zone for archery is 50 yards, meaning a bow hunter can’t shoot within 50 yards of buildings where people live, work or frequent.”

Archery accidents are rare, Snickles said. Most archery hunters shoot at the maximum distance of 30 to 40 yards, while deer hunters with rifles shoot 200 to 300 yards, he added.

Chances are casual walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts won’t encounter bow hunters because they’re in tree stands.

“I am willing to bet people walk past archery hunters and don’t see them,” Snickles said.

If you want to avoid hunters, Snickles advises to stick to major trails.

Hunters tend to stay away from areas frequented by hikers, joggers, mountain bikers and the like, he said.

“From their point of view, these outdoor enthusiasts are a disruption and scare away game,” he said. “I would be shocked to see someone setting up for bear season on a rails-to-trails.”