Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB800

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for interference with lawful taking of wildlife or other activities permitted by this title prohibited.

Impact

If enacted, HB 800 will strengthen penalties against those who interfere with lawful wildlife taking, classifying such interference as a summary offense. Certain violations, specifically those affecting the condition or placement of property related to hunting, will be treated as more serious offenses. In addition to punitive measures, violators may also face restrictions on their right to hunt or trap for up to one year. This change aims to preserve the integrity of hunting practices and ensure that lawful hunters are not obstructed in their pursuits.

Summary

House Bill 800 aims to amend Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on hunting and furtaking laws. The bill specifically addresses the prohibition of interference with the lawful taking of wildlife. It defines various actions that would violate this prohibition, such as disrupting wildlife intentionally, blocking individuals engaged in lawful hunting, and creating barriers to hinder these activities. By emphasizing the protection of lawful hunting practices, the bill seeks to reinforce the rights of individuals participating in these activities under state law.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 800 appears to favor stricter enforcement of hunting regulations to protect lawful hunters' rights. Proponents of the bill argue that the new measures will create a safer and more respectful environment for those engaged in hunting and wildlife activities. However, there may be concerns from opponents who worry that the bill could overly penalize individuals and potentially lead to conflicts between wildlife advocates and hunters. The balance between protecting wildlife and allowing lawful hunting practices remains a central theme in discussions about the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 800 may arise from differing views on wildlife protection versus hunting rights. Advocates for wildlife may argue that the bill does not adequately address the impact of hunting on animal populations, while hunters emphasize their right to pursue their activities without undue interference. The debate could highlight broader issues surrounding wildlife management, conservation practices, and the responsibilities of hunters as stewards of the environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB59

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for interference with lawful taking of wildlife or other activities permitted by this title prohibited.

PA HB2106

In hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; and imposing penalties.

PA SB67

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for report to commission officer and for surrender of carcass to commission officer; in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for hunting on Sunday and further providing for unlawful devices and methods, for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and for hunting on Sunday without written permission; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list.

PA HB669

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

PA SB1087

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for report to commission officer and for surrender of carcass to commission officer; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list.

PA SB1312

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties.

PA SB357

In inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license and relating to carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for license not required, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for cooperation after lawfully killing big game; and, in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles.

PA HB1780

In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for elk hunting licenses.

PA HB1846

In enforcement, further providing for revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

PA SB698

In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.