HARRISBURG, Pa. – Two Pennsylvania Republicans are teaming up to modernize the state’s hunting laws, pushing legislation that would finally allow the use of semi-automatic rifles for big game hunting.
Sen. Daniel Laughlin (R-49) and Rep. Charity Krupa (R-51) have each circulated sponsorship memos outlining plans to end the state’s long-standing prohibition on semi-autos for deer and bear. Under current Game Commission rules, semi-automatic rifles are legal for small game, but banned for big game—a restriction many hunters say is outdated and inconsistent.
Laughlin’s proposal would permit semi-autos with a three-round capacity limit, applying the same standard already in place for semi-automatic shotguns used in turkey and waterfowl seasons.
“This proposal brings parity and clarity by applying the same 3-round standard to rifles for hunting game such as deer and bear,” Laughlin wrote, adding that the bill “provides hunters with additional options, particularly those who have physical limitations that make operating bolt-action or pump-action rifles more difficult.”
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed a bill to repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting.
Krupa’s version takes a slightly different approach, allowing centerfire semi-automatic rifles with a total capacity of six rounds—five in the magazine and one in the chamber.
Her memo emphasizes that semi-automatics fire one round per trigger pull and are “legally distinct from fully automatic weapons, which are stringently regulated under federal law.” She argued there is “no compelling evidence to support Pennsylvania’s continued ban” and noted that other states allowing semi-autos for big game “have seen no measurable increase in safety concerns or negative wildlife impacts.”
Supporters say the change would make Pennsylvania’s laws match the practices of most other states, improve ethical harvests by allowing faster follow-up shots, and give hunters modern tools to help manage the state’s overabundant deer population. Krupa pointed out that unchecked herds contribute to crop damage, vehicle collisions, and habitat strain.
As dumb as it sounds, both lawmakers stressed that the bills would not permit so-called “high-capacity” magazines or fully automatic firearms and that the Game Commission would retain authority over calibers, seasons, and other hunting regulations.
Neither measure has been formally introduced yet, but if passed, it would mark a significant shift in Pennsylvania’s hunting policy—one many sportsmen have been calling for over decades.
PA House Votes to Fully Repeal Sunday Hunting Ban—Senate Up Next
As a PA resident I think it’s about time that we join surrounding states in modernizing the game laws. As for semi auto rifles for big game, I agree that there’s limited practicality for hunting deeper in the woods but they could be very useful for those who hunt open field. In that scenario the louder initial chambering wouldn’t be an issue and allow for quicker follow up shots. Far too many deer take off after the initial shot and are sometimes difficult to track with too many getting away mortally wounded but not being found before they succumb. The… Read more »
I’m laughing at the fact that deer are recognized as big game. Now they need to rid them of the 3-round rule. I believe that even in Kommiefornia you are allowed 5 if I remember correctly.
If deer are considered big game, then what is a moose or an elk, giant game? We must need a 50 cal for that. LOL!!!!
Make OreGONEistan OreGUN agian!
the six round brings m1 garands back as hunting rifles 7 round clip with one dummy
Hell you got Sunday hunting, now semi autos might as well make jack lighting legal too
In Minnesota, auto’s for deer are a pain. Climbing up or down a deer stand ladder, you obviously want an empty chamber in case the rifle’s dropped. And there’s no way to chamber a round in an auto loader without it being LOUD. However it’s possible to gently chamber a round in a bolt action silently. Lever guns make a little noise, but nowhere near what an autoloader does. And pump rifles, like the Remington 760 series are likewise, loud and also the pump rattles a bit while carrying. Then if you’re talking an old Remington Jam O Matic or… Read more »