On November 29, Governor Ed Rendell (D) signed House Bill 2563, sponsored by Representative Ed Staback (D-115), into law.

This legislation will allow individuals with a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a firearm for personal protection while engaged in any hunting activity or other activity regulated by Title 34 (Game & Wildlife) of the Pennsylvania Code.  This new law takes effect in 60 days.  Currently, any individual with a carry permit, including law enforcement officers, must disarm before archery hunting and spotlighting.  HB 2563 will remove any requirements for individuals who are permitted to carry a concealed firearm for protection to disarm while engaged in any activity regulated in the Game Code, including all hunting seasons. 

The bill specifically states that concealed firearms are for personal protection only, and are not to be used to hunt or harvest any wildlife unless the Game Code authorizes them.