Help legalize semi-auto in PA HB 347 2011-2012

[WhiteFeather]

Got your attention?

This bill is only for limited use of semi-auto 22 for certain game.

HB 347 allows the use of semi-automatic 22 caliber rim fire rifles or smaller for the taking of coyotes, foxes or woodchucks that are typically considered pests by many farmers.

Additionally with enough support, nothing saying this couldn’t be amended to add other small game species right now while its in committee process.

Rep Sonney is the prime sponsor of HB 347 current sponsors are

SONNEY, CAUSER, CUTLER, DENLINGER, ELLIS, FABRIZIO, FLECK, GEIST, GODSHALL, GROVE, HESS, HUTCHINSON, KORTZ, MARSHALL, METCALFE, METZGAR, PYLE, STEVENSON and CHRISTIANA

If you are for the concept consider contacting any of the Reps not listed.

If you want a list drawn up of who the best ones to contact say the word.

You can also just contact / ask the chairman of the GAME & FISHERIES committee to bring this up for a public hearing or a vote (see link).
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...?cde=18&body=H

Might be a good idea to contact other Reps on this committee as well

It’s going to be a tough sell to change many people minds for legalizing semi autos rifles for deer hunting in one step move, (including many hunters) this is the small step approach. Legalize semi-auto rifles here, next expand to other small game species after no problems with this change. Then make the case for big game species. Many other changes to the title 34 (game codes) where done in the same little step process that many of you now enjoy the results.

Sure its going to take more time, little support from hunters, little change possible, still a valid strategy with only a little support.

Rather than working to help change the law. Might be just easier to move out of PA to enjoy what 40 of the 50 states already allow the use of semi-automatic rifles to harvest a variety of game or just deal with the status quo in PA and don’t complain.

Note: In PA it is already legal to use semi-automatic shotguns for small game and deer hunting (select areas).

READ the text here of HB 347

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...type=B&BN=0347

[Bug44]

Emailed Fred Keller and Matt Gabler... Hope to see their names on the list. Keep us posted! I will send out a few more emails in the morning.

[dsnover]

Update May 31, 2011
Picked up another sponsor here is current ones



If you want this changed how about contacting some Reps?

I will contact my reps today.


Edit: Contacted Julie Harhart asking for support. Marcia Hahn's office is closed until tomorrow, so will have to wait until then....

[RBELARDI]

Not that I want to derail this but I would also like to know their stance on Sunday hunting . . .

[WhiteFeather]

Not that I want to derail this but I would also like to know their stance on Sunday hunting . . .

You making this statement hunting for something.

Either way we have a thread right now about a June 9, 2011 public hearing on sunday hunting.

So as not to distract from this thread efforts about legalizing some semi-autos for hunting.

Could you ask the question there about Sunday hunting or even make arrangements to ask you question to the Reps in person at the hearing about their stance on Sunday hunting instead.

Public hearing on Sunday hunting June 9, 6:30pm in western pa
http://forum.pafoa.org/hunting-23/13...estern-pa.html

[Bug44]

Got an email from Fred Keller, He stated that he is for it. I guess we will wait and see... But hopefully we will see his name added to the list soon...

[P89]

I was pushing Curt to go upto .223 but that opens a can of worms.
I'm still trying to learn the whole baby steps/compromise thing.

[Yellowfin]

It's a good baby step.

[P89]

It is.
One thing to keep in mind is that we are not going to get past the 3 round including chamber rule, we shouldn't expect to, at this time.

I don't want anyone thinking this was my idea, lots of people worked at this, I'm just glad to see the efforts come to light.

[WhiteFeather]

It is.
One thing to keep in mind is that we are not going to get past the 3 round including chamber rule, we shouldn't expect to.

3 round rule is a deal with the feds over migratory game (market hunting mostly) that been carried over into other areas in tile 34 hunting regulations over the years.

Right now there is no mag capacity limits for 22 or smaller manually operated rifles (bolt, pump, lever action) for hunting, works the same with with maually operated big game rifles, so the 3 round limit is a non problem right now.