In our last post (Will We Need a License to Own a Gun in Pennsylvania?) we referenced the famous “No one hunts with an assault rifle!” speech delivered by Governor Andrew Cuomo (NY).
In Pennsylvania, this may change very soon.
Currently, Pennsylvania law prohibits the use of semiautomatic rifles to “hunt any game or wildlife.” See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2308.
Senate Bill 737 aims to change that. Currently on the House table, the new law would read:
Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to hunt or aid, abet, assist or conspire to hunt any game or wildlife through the use of:
* * *
(2) A semiautomatic rifle or pistol, except as set forth in subsection (b.1).
* * *
(b.1) Additional exception.–A semiautomatic rifle may be used to huntgame in accordance with regulations promulgated by the commission.
If passed, the Game Commission would create the regulations and restrictions it deems appropriate. So beware that even if this bill becomes law, restrictions will still exist.
Senator Scott Hutchinson (Butler County) is the prime sponsor of SB 737. Photo retrieved from http://www.senatorscotthutchinson.com/newsroom/photo-gallery-2/ on 10/26/2015.
According to Guns.com, Pennsylvania is only one of two states with an absolute ban on hunting with semiautomatic rifles, the other being Delaware.
Do Pennsylvanians want to hunt with modern sporting rifles? Tell your local representative!