In Pennsylvania, semi-automatic firearms are generally permitted for hunting small game after a 2017 law change, but not big game, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Specifically, manually operated or semi-automatic rimfire rifles or handguns chambered for .22 caliber or less, and propelling single-projectile ammunition are allowed for those hunting big game – which includes deer, elk, bear and turkey. Additionally, manually operated or semi-automatic centerfire shotguns or muzzleloading shotguns (10 gauge or less) are also permitted for small game hunting.

“Currently, the Pennsylvania Game Commission authorizes the use of semi-automatic rifles for small game, but prohibits their use for big game hunting, despite widespread acceptance and use of these firearms in other states,” said state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, in his co-sponsorship memorandum.

“Many hunters already use semi-automatic shotguns for turkey and waterfowl hunting with a three-shell limit. This proposal brings parity and clarity by applying the same three-round standard to rifles for hunting game such as deer and bear.”

Laughlin proposes allowing semi-automatic weapons to hunt big game in Pennsylvania, with magazines limited to three rounds.

State Rep. Charity Krupa, R-Smithfield, is pictured speaking with members of the state Farm Bureau in the state House chambers earlier this year.

A co-sponsorship memorandum is also being circulated in the state House of Representative by state Rep. Charity Krupa, R-Smithfield, that would allow the use of semi-automatic centerfire rifles with a capacity limited to six rounds – five in the magazine and one in the chamber.

“This proposal brings Pennsylvania in line with the states that already allow responsible use of semi-automatic firearms for hunting large game–typically with magazine restrictions similar to the one proposed here. These states have seen no measurable increase in safety concerns or negative wildlife impacts as a result,” Krupa wrote in her co-sponsorship memorandum.

Krupa also said the current state prohibition on semi-automatic weapons to hunt big game denies hunters to widely available, lawful and commonly used firearms that are not military grade, while allowing them for small game hunting and prohibiting them for big-game hunting is inconsistent. The state representative also said semi-automatic rifles allow for faster follow-up shots, which can aid in the ethical harvesting of animals by minimizing suffering and reducing the chances of a wounded animal escaping and can help better manage the state’s growing deer population.

“Many hunters already own semi-automatic rifles for sporting, self-defense, and recreational shooting. Denying their use for lawful hunting is an outdated policy that fails to reflect modern sporting practices or respect the rights of lawful gun owners,” Krupa wrote. “This bill is narrowly crafted to allow only semi-automatic centerfire rifles with a six-round maximum capacity. Fully automatic firearms remain illegal for hunting, and the Game Commission will retain authority to regulate acceptable calibers and seasons. This strikes the right balance between safety, sport, and tradition.”

All states but two allow at least some form of big-game hunting with semi-automatic weapons. Alaska, Florida and Georgia allow the use of semi-automatic rifles for hunting most game animals with limits on magazine capacity. Arizona allows semi-automatic rifles for hunting with no specific restrictions on magazine capacity. Texas allows semi-automatic rifles for various game, including deer and hogs. New York allows hunting with semi-automatic rifles but restricts magazine capacity to 10 rounds and has regulations on the type of ammunition used while New Jersey allows hunting with semi-automatic rifles is allowed with strict regulations regarding magazine capacity and the type of game hunted.

Delaware and Pennsylvania both prohibit hunting with semi-automatic rifles for big game but allow their use for small game hunting. A 2017 survey by the Pennsylvania Game Commission indicated support for semi-automatic weapons for small game hunting but less support for semi-automatic weapons for big game hunting.

Ahead of the March 2017 Board of Game Commissioners meeting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission sent out 4,000 surveys about semi-automatic guns. The responses showed there was support for using semi-automatic guns for furbearers and groundhogs, but not for big game, according to published reports. .

“This legislation would not allow high-capacity magazines or fully automatic weapons,” Laughlin said in his co-sponsorship memorandum. “It simply aligns our state’s hunting laws with the practices of many other states and provides hunters with additional options, particularly those who have physical limitations that make operating bolt-action or pump-action rifles more difficult. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation that reflects current firearm technology, improves accessibility for hunters, and maintains the tradition of responsible hunting.”