Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2440

Introduced

4/27/26

Refer

4/27/26

Caption

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for the offense of unlawful devices and methods.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2440 would modify existing regulations that govern hunting practices within the state. It would enable hunters to use bait as a tool for deer removal when sanctioned by the relevant authorities. Such changes signify a shift towards providing more flexibility in hunting techniques, particularly in addressing wildlife management concerns such as disease control and habitat conservation. Enforcement would be contingent upon adherence to specific commission regulations, ensuring that the practice is well-regulated.

Summary

House Bill 2440 proposes amendments to Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on the offense regarding unlawful devices and methods in hunting and furtaking. The bill introduces an exception for licensed hunters using bait on private property under certain conditions. This allowance aims to permit baiting for specific purposes defined by the commission, particularly in contexts like managing wildlife disease transmission and habitat issues.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline hunting practices for wildlife management, it may evoke discussions around ethical hunting practices and the ecological impact of baiting. Opponents may raise concerns regarding the potential over-utilization of baiting, which could disrupt natural hunting behaviors and ecological balances. Additionally, the bill's specific conditions regarding private property and regulatory compliance could lead to debates about land rights and access, as it implies differing treatment for hunters based on location and licensing.

Latest PA HB2440 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB2440

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1950

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods.

PA SB1023

In game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful activities; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for disabled person permits.

PA HB2311

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for prohibited devices and methods.

PA HB1538

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for prohibited devices and methods.

PA HB1431

In game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.

PA SB303

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; in special licenses and permits, providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties.

PA SB1238

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for prohibited devices and methods.

PA SB67

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations, for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.

PA SB1313

In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for residents.

PA HB1366

In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for elk hunting licenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.