Legislation aimed at bringing those born in Pennsylvania to return to the state for hunting has passed the state Senate.
The legislation, Senate Bill 1313, also known as the “Coming Home to Hunt” bill, was sponsored by Sen. Greg Rothman, R-34, Mechanicsburg, and passed with a vote of 48-1 last week.
Rothman was inspired to sponsor the bill as he says hunters are leaving the commonwealth as Pennsylvania is losing population with more losses projected in coming years. On top of that, hunting licenses have declined by nearly 4000,000 over the last 35 years.
“Pennsylvania outdoor recreation is second to none and the sportsmen who grew up here know that better than anyone,” Rothman said. “My proposal would encourage them to come back to the commonwealth by offering these hunters licenses at resident prices.”
Currently, a resident adult pays $20.97 for a hunting license and a non-resident adult pays $101.97, which includes one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, one spring turkey tag and small game privileges for one license year.
According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the five-year average of hunting licenses sold to Pennsylvania residents is 756,085, whereas the five-year average sold to non-residents is 59,461.
“My bill would encourage those who have moved away to reengage with hunting and the local economy in the commonwealth,” Rothman added. “Our outdoor heritage, wildlife and our natural resources are a key part of bringing people back to Pennsylvania.”
Rothman believes offering resident rates to native Pennsylvanians living elsewhere will allow them to join family and friends in time-honored traditions that will also benefit conservation and the Pennsylvania economy.
Bob Albee, retired teacher and manager of Plymouth Bait & Tackle supports the legislation.
“I think that would be a great idea, if their job took them out of state, they can’t help that,” he said.
The bill proved to be bipartisan as all area senators voted to advance it lauding its effort to make hunting more accessible and attractive to those native-born residents who have since moved away while trying to keep the traditions of Pennsylvania outdoor recreation alive.
“Pennsylvania’s natural resources and wildlife are some of our greatest treasures,” said Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp. “Extending resident-rate pricing to native Pennsylvanians who live out of state would help them reconnect with family and participate in long-standing traditions such as hunting at family camps and our state lands. With hunting licenses in a steady decline, Senate Bill 1313 would also strengthen our local economies and further support state conservation efforts.”
The bill has been sent to the state House where it is being considered for a vote.