Thursday, March 2, 2017

New Implements to PA 2017-2018 Hunting

By: Jake Felix

Going out in the woods to try and hunt white tail deer in Pennsylvania could be a lot different this fall. There is a new bill going through legislation right now that could make it legal for hunters to use semi-automatic weapons to pursue game in the state of Pennsylvania. This is a huge deal for multiple reasons. It is also very controversial. There are hunters all over that have mixed feelings on the matter.

MY THOUGHTS
Personally, I like the idea of hunting with semi-automatic weapons for a limited number of species, such as predators and groundhogs. When it comes to hunting deer with the weapons, I’m not so sure how I feel. When it comes around to rifle season for deer in Pennsylvania, I do not know of many people that do not go into the woods for the day and try to kill a bruiser. I know that there is a lot of people in the woods during these two weeks, and giving some people semi-automatic weapons to use could make these two weeks treacherous. The reason that I like the idea of the use of semi-automatic weapons for species like coyotes and foxes is because you rarely see other people when you are hunting for them. There are not as many people in the woods during these seasons, so the possibility of an accident is a lot less likely.

OTHER HUNTERS’ THOUGHTS
To other hunters, it appears that they have the same thoughts as me. I have talked to friends and family about their thoughts on the possible bill to be passed. Some of the people I have talked with are all for the passing of the bill, but most of the people do not completely agree with it. The people that would be happy with the bill being passed are ones that already own a semi-automatic weapon. The majority of the people I’ve spoken with are against the use of semi-automatic weapons for deer hunting. They like it for predator control and pest control, but feel it is almost unethical for people to use these firearms with species such as deer and bear. These against the bill also feel as though it poses a threat to other hunters in the woods.



WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
If you are a fellow hunter or even someone that just enjoys walking and being in the woods, this bill could pose a new threat to you. This is putting weapons could be more dangerous than your grandpa’s .30-.30 rifle in the woods during all hunting seasons. This could put you and your companions in greater danger.
All in all, I strongly think you should look more into this bill and see exactly what you think. I am not saying that I am against the bill by any means, but I believe that they need to rethink the thought of allowing every game animal to be hunted with a semi-automatic weapon without testing it first. I feel that they should ease into the use of these firearms instead of going full throttle first and letting them be used for hunting every game animal.

1. Nale, Mark. "Pennsylvania Game Commission proposes big changes." Centredaily.com. N.p., 18 Feb. 2017. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
<http://www.centredaily.com/sports/outdoors/article133668439.html>.
2.
http://truthaboutguns-zippykid.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/P1000765.jpg

8 comments:

  1. I feel that semi automatic rifles should not be used for big game. I agree with you that it just feels unethical and unfair to use them. The danger involved with this should not go unnoticed. Using semi automatic rifles in the woods could definitely pose a threat to the public. What matters most is the safety of other hunters and the public. They need to limit the use of semi automatic rifles. I agree that they should only be used for predators or small game.

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  2. I do not believe that semi-automatic should not be used for big game. Just for the fact of how many people can be out in thee woods at that point in time. There are people who, would just shot for the fun, and not even worry about other people well being. Also, they should not be able to use it for small game, just because of the fact of grouse and pheasant being able to fly. So making, semi-automatic for the use of big game, and small game, I believe that it will put people lives into different perspectives.

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  3. I personally do not see a need for semi-automatics or air pistols when hunting in Pennsylvania. Especially when it comes to large game species. In a way, it seems to take away the challenge of hunting and ethics of being humane. I am very curious to see how this upcoming season will be and if they decide to put stricter regulations due to incidents if there are any.

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  4. The use of semi-automatic rifles for hunting purposes in my opinion is unnecessary. Using a semi-auto for hunting has several negatives in my opinion. Using a semi-auto rifle for big game and small game hunting opportunities is not very sporting. It doesn't encourage a hunter to actually take a ethical shot. My reason for this thinking is why would you take to the time to aim and take an ethical shot when you have an immediate follow up shot or shots. There is nothing that you cant hunt in PA that you cant do with an average rifle whether it be a bolt action, lever action, or pump action. I also think that for young hunters that the importance of taking an ethical shot on game would be decreased with the allowance of semi-auto rifles.

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  5. I agree with you in the fact that they should be used in some instances such as predator hunting and not big game hunting. In past experiences I've had problems with people being over-excited using a bolt rifle and unloading at a deer towards or around other people. Adding a semi-automatic rifle to the deer and bear woods does not seem safe nor ethical. To me deer and bear should be hunted with the standard bolt, pump, or break action.

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  6. Using a semi-automatic weapon for big game will become a huge issue if it is passed. I feel that semi-automatic rifles should not be used for big game. There are many issues that are already occurring with bolt, pump, and lever action rifles. Using semi-automatic rifles in the woods could definitely pose a threat to the public. There is absolutely no need to be carrying a semi-automatic in the woods with you in order to kill a big game animal. If Native Americans were able to kill big game animals with a long bow, there is no need for semi-automatic weapons in the woods.

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