In hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods.
Summary
HB1950 amends Pennsylvania’s Game Code provisions on unlawful devices and methods used in hunting and furtaking. The bill adds explicit exceptions to the general restrictions on semiautomatic firearms by stating that a semiautomatic rifle may be used to hunt game if allowed under Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. It also authorizes the Game Commission to permit the use of semiautomatic shotguns or magazine shotguns, without the usual two-shell magazine plug requirement, for hunting or assisting in the hunting of snow geese during the snow goose conservation season.
The bill leaves the underlying prohibition framework in place but gives the Game Commission more flexibility to set hunting rules by regulation for specific species and seasons. If the commission exercises that authority for snow goose conservation season, it must notify the Legislative Reference Bureau so the direction can be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The act takes effect immediately, meaning the regulatory changes can be implemented without delay once the bill is enacted.
Impact
HB1950 would amend Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically section 2308(b.1) governing unlawful devices and methods in hunting. Its practical effect is to expand lawful hunting methods by creating or clarifying exceptions for semiautomatic rifles and for semiautomatic or magazine shotguns in a limited snow goose conservation context. The bill primarily affects hunters, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and enforcement of hunting equipment restrictions, while preserving the commission’s regulatory role over when and how these exceptions apply.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill itself was broadly supported in committee, as it was reported as committed on a 26-0 vote. However, an amendment associated with the bill was defeated 14-12, indicating some disagreement over the bill’s details even though the underlying measure advanced unanimously. No committee transcript is available, so the broader discussion record is limited, but the vote pattern points to general support with some division on specific language changes.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the scope of firearm exceptions in hunting law, especially whether semiautomatic rifles and magazine shotguns should be allowed and under what conditions. The defeated amendment vote suggests members disagreed on how far to go in changing existing restrictions, likely reflecting differing views on hunting modernization, wildlife management, and safety concerns. The bill’s reliance on Game Commission regulations may also be a point of debate for those who prefer legislative specificity versus agency discretion.
In game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful activities; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for disabled person permits.
In game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; in special licenses and permits, providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties.