Pennsylvania House votes to give hunters new gun options
"HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – The state House of Representatives has voted to remove a ban on hunting with semi-automatic rifles.House Bill 263, sent to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for his signature on Thursday, also removes the ban on air- and gas-powered rifles.The legislation doesn’t automatically allow the guns to be used for hunting, but it gives the Pennsylvania Game Commission the authority to regulate and allow their use during certain seasons or for certain animals.Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) said his bill brings Pennsylvania in line with many other states that allow semi-automatic firearms as a hunting option.Gabler said air- and gas-powered rifles – now with equal or greater muzzle energy and stopping power than numerous small-caliber guns that are allowed – are especially popular with young hunters and women in states that allow them.He said the intent of his legislation is to bring new options to Pennsylvania hunters."
So basically, it removes a legislative ban and allows the PA Game Commission to decide what is appropriate for hunting. That's probably better than having a bunch of suits in Harrisburg make those decisions. I live in Washington state now, and it it still illegal to hunt with airguns except for a few 'unclassified' animals.
"HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – The state House of Representatives has voted to remove a ban on hunting with semi-automatic rifles.House Bill 263, sent to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk for his signature on Thursday, also removes the ban on air- and gas-powered rifles.The legislation doesn’t automatically allow the guns to be used for hunting, but it gives the Pennsylvania Game Commission the authority to regulate and allow their use during certain seasons or for certain animals.Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) said his bill brings Pennsylvania in line with many other states that allow semi-automatic firearms as a hunting option.Gabler said air- and gas-powered rifles – now with equal or greater muzzle energy and stopping power than numerous small-caliber guns that are allowed – are especially popular with young hunters and women in states that allow them.He said the intent of his legislation is to bring new options to Pennsylvania hunters."
So basically, it removes a legislative ban and allows the PA Game Commission to decide what is appropriate for hunting. That's probably better than having a bunch of suits in Harrisburg make those decisions. I live in Washington state now, and it it still illegal to hunt with airguns except for a few 'unclassified' animals.
