(WHTM)– Governor Josh Shapiro signed what he called a “historic” bill on Wednesday that repealed Pennsylvania’s Sunday Hunting ban, which has been in place for centuries.

House Bill 1431, sponsored by State Rep. Mandy Steele (D-33), expands recreational opportunities for hunters, allowing Pennsylvanians to hunt on Sundays. The bill garnered bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Before the bill was signed, it was unlawful to hunt on Sundays except for foxes, crows, and coyotes. Individual small and large game have certain seasons that may allow for specific Sunday hunting days.

Governor Shapiro acknowledged after signing the bill that he’s “not a hunter, but I’m someone who respects hunting, respects the culture, and learned a ton from people” across the state.

“I’m really proud that we’re able to expand this tradition, and I think it’s one of the richest, most important parts of the heritage of our commonwealth,” Shapiro added.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission previously stated that it supported the bill, which will now allow it to include Sundays when planning annual hunting seasons.

The new law is also expected to boost revenue for new hunting license sales and bring in out of state hunters, which in turn will strengthen wildlife conservation efforts across Pennsylvania.

The law will take effect in early September (60 days after signing). Pennsylvania’s annual antlered & antlerless deer firearms season opens on November 29.

“For years, we heard from hunters across Pennsylvania frustrated by the Sunday hunting ban — from young hunters with school obligations to folks working two jobs and parents balancing family time on weekends, all wanting more time outdoors,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “As a parent myself, I know what it’s like to spend every fall Saturday on the sidelines, wondering when you’ll get to hunt — let alone share that tradition with your kids. Today, we’re changing that. By making hunting more accessible for everyone, this new law isn’t just a win for hunters — it’s a win for conservation. It helps us better manage wildlife now and ensures we pass down this tradition to the next generation. It’s a great day for Pennsylvania.”

Hunters were told to “stay tuned” for any potential changes to hunting schedules and bag limits for the upcoming seasons.