Press Article: Change in Pennsylvania Deer Season Opening Day Affects Local Businesses
EMPORIUM, PA — The traditional hustle and bustle of CJ Spirits in rural McKean County has diminished since the Pennsylvania Game Commission changed the opening day of rifle deer season from Monday to Saturday in 2019. Owners like Sam Cummings Jr. report significant revenue losses for businesses that once thrived on hunting traffic, describing the new schedule as creating “almost a nothing weekend” for local economies.
In previously popular patterns, hunters would arrive at camps after Thanksgiving, shop in nearby towns like Kane, and embark on their deer hunts on Monday. The Saturday opener has since prompted a swift return home by Sunday to accommodate work and school, reducing the time they spend—and money they spend—in local communities. Tina Johns Solak, executive director of the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, noted that while other attractions like elk watching help, they cannot substitute for the financial benefit of hunting season.
While the Game Commission did not evaluate the economic ramifications of their decision at the time, feedback from local business owners and hunters has prompted some lawmakers to propose reinstating the original opening day. Efforts, including a recent push by State Representative David Maloney, to integrate a return to Monday in legislative proposals have faced rejection in committees.
However, the Game Commission maintains that the Saturday opener has made hunting more accessible, particularly to those with weekday commitments. Executive Director Stephen Smith indicated that Pennsylvania has managed to stabilize hunting license sales—which have generally declined nationally—since the change. He asserted that maintaining license numbers is essential for local economies, and the commission is receptive to discussions about the impact of its decisions. The debate continues as stakeholders seek a balance between tradition and evolving recreational needs.
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Photo credit www.spotlightpa.org
