Gov Shapiro Appointed as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) formally announced that Governor Josh Shapiro has been appointed to serve a two-year term as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus (GSC) - one of three caucus programs under the CSF umbrella.

Governor Shapiro joined the GSC in 2025. That same year, he delivered one of the largest policy victories for Pennsylvania sportsmen and women in decades when he signed Act No. 36 into law, repealing the Commonwealth's longstanding ban on Sunday hunting.

"I'm honored to serve as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Governors Sportsmen's Caucus, and I look forward to working with governors across the country to safeguard our hunting traditions, strengthen conservation, and protect our wildlife," said Governor Shapiro. "Here in Pennsylvania, with the second-largest population of licensed hunters, we've taken steps - including repealing the outdated ban on Sunday hunting - to expand opportunities to spend time outdoors, support rural communities, and pass these important traditions to the next generation. Hunting and outdoor recreation support thousands of jobs and contribute over $1.6 billion to Pennsylvania's economy each year and I look forward to collaborating with governors across the country to deliver real results for sportsmen and women."

Hunting contributes over $1.6 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy, supports more than 15,000 jobs, and generates millions in state and local tax revenue. By repealing the Commonwealth's ban on Sunday Hunting, the Governor delivered real freedom for Pennsylvania's 850,000 licensed hunters - second in the nation, behind only Texas - by empowering the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to expand Sunday hunting opportunities, strengthen wildlife conservation efforts, and grow rural economies across the Commonwealth through increased revenue.

The PGC subsequently added 13 new Sundays between September 14 and December 7 to established hunting seasons - with the exception of migratory game birds, due to federal guidelines, and a limit on Sunday hunting in state parks.

"The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation thanks Governor Shapiro for his willingness to serve as a leader of the bipartisan Governors Sportsmen's Caucus." said Brent Miller, Vice President of Policy for CSF. "We look forward to working with him to safeguard Pennsylvania's proud sporting-conservation heritage, while delivering still more wins for Pennsylvania's sportsmen and women, our fish and wildlife resources, and their habitats in the years ahead."

In 2009, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation formed the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus to shape policy that benefits scientific wildlife management efforts and ensure continued access and opportunities for sportsmen and women across the country. The GSC is in place to improve and facilitate strong communication between governors and their respective state legislative sportsmen's caucuses in the NASC network to work collaboratively to advance sportsmen's interests and sound, science-based fish and wildlife management.

As of March 2026, the bipartisan Governors Sportsmen's Caucus consists of 28 governors, representing diverse regions of the United States. Learn more about the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus here.