WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP -- A new piece of legislation could clear the way for Sunday hunting for young hunters.
State Representative Frank Farina plans to introduce a bill that would end the state's ban on Sunday hunting for two days during rifle deer season.
Currently, Sunday hunting is banned by state law, but this bill would allow Sunday hunting, but only for participants in the mentored youth hunting program.
Paul Scavone owns JS Sporting Goods near Wilkes-Barre.
"I have regular customers who have young children and that's one of the biggest things I hear is, 'boy, I wish they could hunt on Sunday' so I think it would help," Scavone said.
State law currently bans Sunday hunting.
The law also does not allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to override the ban.
Farina's bill would allow the game commission to end the state's ban on Sunday hunting during rifle deer season for those young participants.
Paul Hiedcavage from Trucksville has a nephew who's involved in the program.
"It will be good for him. He'd like it because he likes to go hunting and shooting and stuff like that."
Hunting enthusiasts think this bill could have a big impact on the sport of hunting and they believe getting youngsters out into the field is the key to keeping the hunting tradition going.
"It might entice the kids who are on the fence about hunting or those who are involved in other sports to maybe give it a try on an off day and bring them into the sport," said Scavone.
We did find some hunters who worry Sunday hunting may be a disruption.
"In theory it's a good thing to have children go out, however it is a foot in the door and in Pennsylvania it's so nice and peaceful on a Sunday," said Edward Piestrack of Alden.
There's no word from Farina's office about when he plans to introduce the bill in the state legislature.