HARRISBURG, Pa. — In a massive change in the state’s most popular hunting season, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has changed the first day of rifl...

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- In a massive change in the state's most popular hunting season, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has changed the first day of rifle deer hunting season.

The game commission gave preliminary approval in January, and on Tuesday made it official.

The opening day of rifle deer season moves from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The vote was 5-3.

Those who supported the change believe it will entice more people to hunt. It will help hunters who can't get the first Monday after Thanksgiving off from work or school.

Opponents cited tradition and crowded highways on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Rifle deer season has started on the Monday after Thanksgiving since 1963.