PRINTER'S NO.
403
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 366
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SACCONE, KRIEGER, DIAMOND, MUSTIO, JAMES,
KAUFFMAN, MULLERY, A. HARRIS, M. K. KELLER, MARSHALL,
SCHEMEL, DUSH, GABLER, GROVE AND METCALFE, FEBRUARY 9, 2015
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GAME AND FISHERIES, FEBRUARY 9, 2015
AN ACT
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Amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for
unlawful devices and methods.
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The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
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Section 1.
Section 2308(a)(2) and (3) of Title 34 of the
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Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended to read:
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§ 2308.
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(a)
Unlawful devices and methods.
General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this
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title, it is unlawful for any person to hunt or aid, abet,
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assist or conspire to hunt any game or wildlife through the use
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of:
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* * *
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(2)
A semiautomatic [rifle or] pistol.
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(3)
[(Reserved).]
A semiautomatic centerfire rifle,
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unless the semiautomatic centerfire rifle is limited to a
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five-shell capacity, not including the rifle's chamber. This
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paragraph includes a semiautomatic rimfire rifle in .22
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caliber without an ammunition capacity limit.
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Section 2.
20150HB0366PN0403
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League, Inc.
CELEBRATING 82 YEARS OF ENHANCING CONSERVATION OF PENNSYLVANIA’S OUTDOOR RESOURCES
THE VOICE OF 200,000 LICENSED HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY
ACSL on the Web at www.acslpa.org
Mailing Address:
Member:
President:
JACK WALTERS
HM: 412.884.2148
[email protected]
First Vice President:
MIKE CHRISTESON
HM: 724.222.6160
[email protected]
Second Vice President:
KIM STOLFER
HM: 412.221.3346
[email protected]
Treasurer:
JOSEPH MALLINO
[email protected]
Directors:
DAVE BAGALEY
MIKE MARANCHE
JIM LIBERTO
MIKE KOZAK
KIM STOLFER
AUDREY PRITCHARD
HARRY LEWELLEN
EDGAR STEPHAN
KLINT MACRO
Legislative Chairman:
KIM STOLFER
706 Dutch Hill Rd.
McDonald, PA 15057
HM. 412.221.3346
FAX. 412.257.1099
[email protected]
Executive Secretary
Sara Barnett
1028 Hulton Road
Verona, PA 15147
Phone: 412.793.4437
[email protected]
National Rifle Association
1028 Hulton Road
National Shooting Sports Foundation
Verona, PA 15147
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Citzens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Hunting with Semi-auto Firearms HB 366
Consider Co-sponsoring Rep Rick Saccone’s Hunting with Semiautomatic
Firearms (HB 366) legalizing the use of semi auto firearms for hunting in PA as
currently 48 of 50 states now do.
Only the states of Delaware and PA still prohibit the use of semi-auto
firearms for hunting.
Rep Saccone's proposed legislation, if passed, would not automatically allow
these semi-auto firearms to be used for hunting, but would simply give the PA
Game Commission (PGC) the authority to regulate and allow the use of such semiauto firearms during specific seasons or for specific species as they currently do
for semi-auto shotguns and all types of hunting firearms in order to properly
manage our various game species.
Currently the PGC does allow disabled hunters with amputation of a hand or
both hands to use semi-auto firearms for hunting. There have been zero
enforcement problems.
Other than Delaware, ALL of the other states directly adjoining PA allow the
use of semi-auto firearms for hunting.
*Points to consider regarding our advocacy of legalizing semi-auto firearms for all
especially youth, women and even older male hunters.
Semi-Automatic firearms attenuate recoil. One big downside to manually
operated firearms, when compared to a semi-automatic rifle is felt recoil.
Larger calibers, including 30-06 on up, generate significant recoil that
average shooters may not tolerate well. Gas-operated semi-autos softens
this recoil.
Faster follow up shots. Semi-auto firearms provide for faster reloading for
follow-up shots. Combining less recoil, which limits muzzle jump with
faster reloading providing hunters the opportunity to get the sights and/or
crosshairs back on target for a second or third shot, should it be required,
and the semi-auto firearm wins out over manually operated actions for the
humane harvesting of game. (reduced recoil and follow up shot is
why semi-auto shotguns are so popular)
Many of these same semi-auto firearms also have adjustable stocks and
pistol grips that make them more user friendly again for young hunters,
woman and hunters in general.
Greater choices in the use of firearms will encourage out of state hunters to reconsider PA as a
choice to make for their hard earned dollars and hunting season selection.
This is a sampling of the reasons for allowing PA become the 49th state to allow semi-auto
firearms for hunting as this change will retain and help recruit new hunters to carry on the all of
recreational activity that hunting provides.
We respectfully request that you consider adding your support, by co-sponsoring, this highly
desirable upgrade to PA hunters firearm choices as hunters in 48 other states now enjoy.
Respectfully,
Kim Stolfer
Chairman, Legislative Committee
Our research shows that of the 48 states that allow semi-auto firearms for hunting (i.e. predators,
elk, moose, deer, antelope, bear and small game hunting) that 17 out of 48 states had some magazine
capacity restrictions for hunting, out of those 10 states had 5 round limitations (one was less at 3
rounds) as proposed in Rep Saccone’s legislations (including NJ)
Listed below are the semi-auto rifle hunting regulation for the 5 states that adjoin PA
Before New York SAFE Act passage the limit was 10 rounds for semi-auto. Limit now is 6
rounds -- http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28182.html
• with any semi-automatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, EXCEPT the following semiautomatic firearms:
1. firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or
2. firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at one time in the magazine and chamber
combined, or
3. autoloading pistols with a barrel length of less than eight inches.
Maryland (not known to be gun owner friendly) allows semi-auto firearms for hunting
http://www.eregulations.com/maryland...m-regulations/
Rifle Regulations
• Firearms used for deer and bear hunting may not have an ammunition clip loaded with more than 8 cartridges or
bullets. If a clip has the capacity to hold more than 8 rounds, the clip does not have to be physically blocked, but
no more than 8 cartridges or bullets may be loaded.
New Jersey allows the use of semi-auto firearms for hunting even if they are subject to
stringent levels of gun control regulations. -- http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2014/dighnt22-33.pdf
A modern rifle magazine need not be pinned (plugged), but may be loaded with no more than three cartridges.
Rife permit holders of all ages may hunt with all rifle types as allowed by New Jersey laws.
Ohio has no magazine capacity limit for semi-auto shotguns and handguns and a 3 round
capacity limit for rifles in modern center fire calibers. -- http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/hunting-...tingequipment
West Virginia has no magazine capacity limit for hunting with semi-auto firearms
http://www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/hunting_regs.shtm
Important note: For DECADES the PA Game Commission has allowed semi-auto shotguns with rifle slugs (accurate out to 200 yards)
for special regulations areas for hunting deer and small game. Hunters using these semi-auto firearms are not causing problems in urban
areas now. They won’t anywhere else in PA either!
Kim Stolfer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Rick Saccone <[email protected]>
Thursday, March 26, 2015 11:10 AM
Kim Stolfer
Fwd: NRA Memorandum of Support for HB 366
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE device
For a pdf copy of the memorandum of support, please click here.
Memorandum of Support
Date:
March 25, 2015
To:
Honorable Members of the Game and Fisheries Committee
From:
John Hohenwarter
RE:
House Bill 366
___________________________________________________________________________
On behalf of the National Rifle Association of America, I am writing to express our support for House Bill 366 (RSaccone), “An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking,
further providing for unlawful devices and methods.”
This proposed legislation would bring Pennsylvania in line with 48 states by removing the ban on hunting with semiautomatic rifles in the Keystone state.
As the bill sponsor, Representative Saccone (R-39), has stated, “A semiautomatic firearm simply is one that holds
multiple rounds of ammunition. The trigger must still be pulled every time the gun is fired.” Allowing these firearms
to be used in the taking of animals would simply allow Pennsylvania hunters the same opportunities and options
enjoyed by hunters in every other state, except Delaware.
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Semi-automatic rifles similar to many manually operated rifles have the ability to hold multiple rounds of
ammunition. Representative Saccone’s legislation places a restriction on semi-automatic centerfire rifles by placing a
five-round capacity limit, not including the rifle’s chamber. This limitation is consistent with the capacity of most
manually operated rifles which usually are capable of holding five rounds. Like manually operated rifles, semiautomatic rifles only fire one bullet each time the trigger is pulled. The difference is that the gun mechanically loads
the next round eliminating the need for hunters to reload manually. This ability can make a positive difference if the
hunter misses his mark or a misfire occurs.
As 48 other states have discovered, allowing hunting with semi-automatic rifles does not pose an additional risk to
other hunters or the public. They are reliable and efficient tools in the field. For these reasons, I urge you to support
House Bill 366 to provide Pennsylvania hunters with the same opportunities hunters currently enjoy in every other
state but one. Please feel free to contact me at 703-267-1208 if you have additional questions or concerns. Thank
you.
2
Untfred,S,p,b,rtsmen
of Fennsjr finia
"The largest statewide individual membership
sporting advocacy organization in the Commrrnweallh"
Conservation sup'portedthrough thousands of voices for
hunting, fishing trapping and our secondamendmentgun rights.
Established 1983
OFFICERS
President
Randy Santucci
412-760-l 492 (Cellular)
[email protected]
Vice President
Wayne Haas
7 l7 -856-5848(Cellular)
[email protected]
Treasurer
PeteKingsley
7 17-47l -5820(Cellular)
[email protected]
Secretary
Blaine M. Toy
724-664-1674 (Cellular)
toy [email protected]
Chairman of the Board
StephenMohr
7 l7 -278-8542 (Cellular)
stephenmohr@
mohrswidowmaker.com
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Fred Bratchie
Phil Wagner
Dave L. Williamson
Randy Santucci
Mike Skickhouser
Ronald Cramer
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Dr. N. CharlesBolgiano
Ralph Saggiomo
Jim Wagner
WayneA. Bush
Ron Benjamin
Lon Strayer
Mike Frazier
USPOF'T'ICIALADDRESS
Unified Sportsmenof Pennsylvania
P.O.Box 125 . Bainbridge,PA 17502
USPMEMBNRSHIPDWISION
USPMembership
5304th Avenue. Sutersville.PA 15083
LegalizingSemi-automatic
Firearmsfor HuntingHB 366
The UnifiedSportsmen
of Pennsylvania
supportsHB 366sponsored
by HouseRepresentative
RickSacconeto legalizesemi-automatic
riflesandpistolsfor hunting.
Thislegislation
is longoverdueas 48
statescurrentlyallowthe useof semiautomaticriflesandpistolsfor
hunting.
Pennsylvania
hasallowedthe useof semiautomatic
for
shotguns
decadeswithno adverseimpactson gameor safety.
Expanding
semiautousewill increasehunterinterestand provide
a markedadvantagein the harvestof predatorslikecoyotesthat
reducegameavailability
to sportsmen.
As a 2-112yearformermemberof GovernorTomCorbett's
AdvisoryCouncilfor Hunting,FishingandConservation,
two
piecesof legislation
to legalizesemiautomaticriflesfor varmints
andpredators
werereviewedandwereunanimously
approvedby
the counciladvisingthenGovernorCorbettto supportthemif they
cameto hisdesk.Onceagainthe prevailing
opiniontowardssemi
positive
automaticriflesfor huntingis completely
Semialtomaticriflesarethe#1 sellingtypeof rifleacrossthe
country,andthiswasevidentat the recentHarrisburg
outdoorshow,
largestof its kindin theworld.Thesectionof the showset aside
for firearmmanufacturers,
featuredmostlysemiautomatic
firearms
in comparison
to theirmanually
operated
consumer
counterparts,
preference
was evident.
As Pennsylvania
hasextensiveruraltractsof landin whichall center
fire highpowercalibersof riflesare permitted
andveryfew areasare
restricted,
implementing
semiautousageintroduces
no increased
danger.
The natureof reducedrecoilfromsemiautomatic
firearmsallows
moreaccuratefollowup shots,andallowsusagefromindividuals
who otherwisemaystrugglewithrecoilfrommanuallyoperated
firearms.
In the interestof soliciting
froma nationally
opinionoutsideof Pennsylvania
knownoutdoorfigurewhowouldknowof anyconcernsusingsemiautomatic
riflesfor hunting.I contacted
emails
exchange
TedNugentwho I occasionally
with,tappinghisextensive
huntingexperience
in manystatesin our nation.
Ted'sresponseto me lastevening3-24-2015
was:
":##i:FI?',;Z'f
g#{:;l:'"'
;;;X::,':f;"f
handguns,rifles or shotguns have never caused
any problemswhafsoeyer in any of the 48 sfafes
where they arelegal. (Period)The technologygoe$
WAYbackto the early part of the 20th century &
beforeand therers no logic to be found for the
banning of such firearms.Surelythe NRA& many
professionalgun writers can providesfats & I
wish you Godspeedin getting rid of this absurd
regulationin PA & CT. Let me know how I can help.
pod bless you & yours, carryon, nevergive up!
Ted& family."
. Eliminating
restrictions
on residentandnon-resident
huntersalikeof their
firearmof choicecreatesa morehunterfriendlyenvironment
increasing
interest
in Pennsylvania
hunting.
RandySantucci
President
andSW Regional
Director
UnifiedSportsmen
of Pennsylvania