HR 523 — A Resolution designating the Monday after Thanksgiving as "Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Day" in Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO.   3406

                     THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 523
                                                Session of
                                                  2026

     INTRODUCED BY MALONEY, ANDERSON, BANTA, COOK, GREINER, KAUFFMAN,
        PICKETT, PUGH, SMITH, STAATS AND COOPER, MAY 11, 2026

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAME AND FISHERIES, MAY 13, 2026


                                 A RESOLUTION
 1   Designating the Monday after Thanksgiving as "Pennsylvania
 2      Sportsmen's Day" in Pennsylvania.
 3      WHEREAS, Pennsylvania sportsmen, including hunters, anglers,
 4   boaters and trappers, have long contributed to this
 5   Commonwealth's outdoor heritage, conservation ethic and way of
 6   life; and
 7      WHEREAS, The Commonwealth's hunting, fishing and boating
 8   programs administered through the Pennsylvania Game Commission
 9   and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission receive no State
10   General Fund tax revenue, but are supported by Pennsylvania
11   hunters, anglers, boaters and trappers through licenses,
12   permits, registrations, fees and related Federal excise tax
13   revenues; and
14      WHEREAS, These user-based dollars support wildlife and
15   fisheries management, habitat conservation, public access,
16   education, enforcement and sporting traditions; and
17      WHEREAS, Hunting, fishing, boating and trapping are
18   traditions shared among families, neighbors, friends and
 1   generations of Pennsylvanians; and
 2      WHEREAS, Generations of hunters have learned safety,
 3   patience, responsibility, respect for wildlife and respect for
 4   private and public lands while hunting alongside parents,
 5   grandparents, relatives, mentors and friends; and
 6      WHEREAS, The future of hunting depends upon families, mentors
 7   and hunting groups passing along knowledge, ethics of
 8   responsible conservation, skills and traditions to younger
 9   generations; and
10      WHEREAS, For many Pennsylvanians, gathering at deer camp
11   before the opening of firearms deer season is a cherished
12   tradition rooted in family, fellowship, storytelling,
13   preparation and shared respect for the outdoors; and
14      WHEREAS, The opening of firearms deer season, historically
15   observed for many years on the Monday after Thanksgiving, has
16   long been meaningful to families, rural communities, schools,
17   workplaces and local businesses across this Commonwealth; and
18      WHEREAS, As the timing of that opening has changed in recent
19   years, the importance of preserving hunting traditions, deer
20   camp and multigenerational participation remains clear; and
21      WHEREAS, The traditions of hunting, fishing, boating and
22   trapping support small businesses throughout Pennsylvania,
23   including outfitters, guides, sporting goods stores,
24   campgrounds, restaurants and lodging establishments; therefore
25   be it
26      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
27   Monday after Thanksgiving as "Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Day" in
28   Pennsylvania; and be it further
29      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
30   Pennsylvania sportsmen for their support of wildlife management,

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1   habitat conservation, small businesses, outdoor recreation,
2   family traditions, mentoring younger generations and preserving
3   Pennsylvania's sporting heritage.




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