It's official: Sunday hunting is coming to Pa.: Governor Wolf signs bill into law

John Buffone | York Daily Record

Show Caption Hide Caption Important fall hunting dates in Pa. to remember in 2019 Important fall dates for deer, bear, turkey, squirrel and rabbit.

With the stroke of a pen, Governor Tom Wolf officially changed the hunting landscape in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 147, which allows hunting on three Sundays throughout the year, passed the Pennsylvania Legislature on Monday evening and was signed into law by the governor on Wednesday.

“This legislation carefully balances the needs of landowners with an expanded opportunity for hunters who work or attend school during weekdays,” Gov. Wolf said.

More: Sunday hunting in Pa. passes legislature, just needs governor's signature to become reality

For months, the hotly debated bill went through a series of public hearings and amendments before it got to its current form.

When passed, the bill included the following amendments:

Appointing local police departments to enforce trespassing.

Unarmed persons looking to retrieve a hunting dog will not be subjected to trespassing violations.

When passed, the bill will go into effect in 90 days, rather than immediately.

Hunters are required to receive written permission by private landowners for the three huntable Sundays throughout the year.

More: Committee members vow to change votes as tempers flare at Sunday hunting hearing

As for the huntable Sundays, here is what is included in the bill:

One day of Sunday hunting shall be instituted by the commission during deer rifle season.

One day of Sunday hunting shall be instituted by the commission during deer archery season.

One day of Sunday hunting shall be instituted by the commission at their discretion.

Pennsylvania hunters haven’t had the opportunity to legally hunt most species on a Sunday since the 19th century.