The Board of Game Commissioners meeting held on January 25, 2025, focused primarily on the contentious issue of the opening day for deer season in Pennsylvania. The meeting began with public comments, where attendees expressed their concerns regarding the current Saturday opener, which was implemented in 2019.

The first speaker, a long-time hunter from Tioga County, urged the commissioners to reconsider the decision to start deer season on a Saturday. He shared personal anecdotes about his family's hunting traditions and emphasized the importance of maintaining those experiences for future generations. He argued that many hunters, including his son and grandson, would prefer a return to a Monday opener, which he believes would enhance the hunting experience and allow for more family bonding time during the weekend.

Following this, Blaine Toy addressed the commissioners, echoing similar sentiments. He highlighted the division among hunters caused by the Saturday opener, stating that most prefer a Monday start. Toy criticized the Game Commission for not acknowledging the backlash against the Saturday opener and pointed out the negative impact it has had on camp owners, who find it challenging to make necessary repairs during the hunting season.

The discussions revealed a significant sentiment among hunters favoring a return to a Monday opener, with many citing the need for tradition and family involvement in hunting activities. The commissioners listened attentively to the concerns raised, indicating that the issue would be taken into consideration for future discussions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing debate surrounding the deer season opener in Pennsylvania, with a clear call from the public for the Game Commission to reassess its current policy. The commissioners are expected to deliberate on these concerns as they plan for the upcoming hunting seasons.