The Pennsylvania Game Commission unanimously voted to allow the use of semi-auto rifles for deer, bear, and predator seasons at their monthly board meeting in January. It was believed that the Game Commission would only allow hunting with semi-auto rifles for small game and predator season. However, hunters can now use a semi-auto rifle to hunt any game in Pennsylvania during gun season.
For deer and bear full-metal jacket rounds are not permitted and any big game animals hunters are limited to a five round capacity magazine. The new law will be on a probationary period until the year 2020.
The Game Commission said they found no evidence to harm the safety of hunters when using semi-auto rifles. However, some hunters are still concerned that there safety in the woods will be effected.
“I feel the Game Commission made a mistake in allowing this law to be in place. I feel hunters safety will be harmed with this new law,” said Tyrone junior Bryce Bauer.
Despite some opposition, other hunters are excited to be able to use there new semi- auto rifles in the hunting woods.
“I am excited that Pennsylvania is going to allow the use of semi- auto in the hunting woods. I think its a great way to get more hunters in the woods,” said junior Matt Davis.
The new role is expected to be finalized at the PA Game Commission board meeting March 27- 28 and will go likely into effect next hunting season.