Pennsylvania hunters have always been divided for one reason or another. Now, an elected representative wants to make that division legal by returning to a Monday Opening Day in some counties while retaining a Saturday Opening Day in others. Just when you thought Pennsylvania hunting couldn’t get any crazier, a politician gets involved.

There is never a lack of topics Pennsylvania hunters are willing to divide over. Crossbows, combined seasons, and even hunting hours have all been magnets for discord. Remember when each of these changes was pegged as the downfall of hunting? Surprisingly, not much has changed.

Of course, the biggest reasons for the divide have been Sunday hunting and the Saturday opener. Despite the governor signing legislation, following overwhelming support from legislators, and three successful years of the Saturday opener, the arguments just will not stop. Now, Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland County) has added fuel to the fire with a proposal that would establish two different opening days for Commonwealth deer hunters.

Under Rep. Davanzo’s proposed legislation, the state would be split north and south, with Interstate 80 being the general dividing line. Counties north of the line would return to a Monday opening day, and those south of the line would remain under the current Saturday opening day. Rep. Davanzo claims the change would be a compromise that would appease both sides and benefit small businesses hurt by the loss of revenue from traveling camp hunters. In reality, it is a poorly thought-out idea that would benefit no one.

Despite the original opposition to the Saturday opener, which the Pennsylvania Game Commission admits was 2-1 against, the idea has caught on. A recent survey by Responsive Management showed a shift, with 60% of licensed hunters approving of the change. Most of those opposed appear to be older hunters whose steadfast objection seems to be rooted in tradition rather than any tangible disadvantages.

There are two main reasons why Rep. Davanzo’s plan for two openers will not correct anything.

First, there is no real problem, just a perceived one. While many local businesses feared a loss of revenue due to camp hunters not spending as much time in the area, reports from local chambers of commerce do not support those fears. A small percentage of hunters travel to camp for opening day, and that has not changed.

Second, making legislation that regulates hunting and fishing never works to the benefit of the sportsmen. Take Sunday hunting, for example. People are excited about the recent change that removes the prohibition and the 14 additional days they will have in the woods this season, but overlook the reason it took decades to allow Sunday hunting was a law that prohibited doing so. If legislators can establish opening day, what will happen when hunters find they dislike the opening day, their county is legally obligated to abide by? A decades-long fight to reverse it? A loss of hunters who travel to other counties to start two days earlier?

Our commissions are not perfect, and neither are the commissioners, but they are not politicians. With some notable exceptions, their decisions are based on staff recommendations regarding what is best for the resource and maintaining viable hunting & fishing opportunities. When mistakes are made, they can quickly and easily reverse course, not so when the legislators are involved.