Pennsylvania is one of only 11 states that currently prohibit hunting on Sundays. In an effort to overturn that law, Hunters United for Sunday Hunting (HUSH) filed a suit against the Pennsylvania Game Commission asking courts to end the antiquated “blue law” that prohibits taking game of any size on Sundays.
Federal Judge Yvette Kane, a Clinton-era appointed judge, dismissed the suit under the grounds that ‘recreational hunting’ is not protected under the Second Amendment. HUSH had also claimed that the ban was unconstitutional based on the First Amendment, which was similarly struck down by Judge Kane. She stated that HUSH failed to convincingly argue that the ban violated religious beliefs or forced “them to participate in state religion.”
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) was not a part of the suit, but still had some comments in reaction to the ruling. “The ruling will only serve to strengthen the resolve of the NSSF […] to reform antiquated blue laws and to give professional game managers in Pennsylvania the discretion to permit hunting on Sunday.”
Adam Winkler, a professor of law at UCLA, wrote that, “This case highlights what could be an important debate of the scope of the Second Amendment: does it guarantee a right to have a gun for any lawful purpose – or only for self-defense?”
As the debate over Sunday hunting laws rages on, Tioga Boar Hunting is waiting to guide your party through a game you won’t soon forget. Contact us today for reservations!