Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, an organization committed to improving public access to public lands, strongly supports House Bill 1811, introduced by Representatives Steele, Hill-Evans, Freeman, Merski, and Otten. This legislation amends Title 34 to ensure the Pennsylvania Game Commission may pay fair market value for land acquisitions intended for use as state game lands, aligning pricing authority with real-world land values in 53 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. If enacted, this legislation could be the catalyst for greatly improved hunting access in Pennsylvania’s most populous areas. It is important to note that the measure also has the support of the PA Game Commissioners and Commission staff.

CLICK HERE to Take ACTION and show your support for HB1811!

For generations, Pennsylvania’s public lands have been the cornerstone of our hunting heritage, wildlife conservation efforts, and outdoor traditions. Our state game lands system, now exceeding 1.5 million acres, is one of the finest in the nation, providing critical wildlife habitat, public access for hunting and fishing and a range of recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians.

Importantly, state game lands support the management of more than 480 species of wild birds and mammals for which the Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible. These lands provide essential habitat for both game and nongame species, ensuring the long-term health and diversity of Pennsylvania’s wildlife populations. Abundant wildlife not only benefits hunters and anglers but also enhances the quality of life for all residents and visitors, including hikers, photographers, birders and families seeking time in nature.

HB 1811 modernizes outdated pricing limits that have constrained the Game Commission’s ability to acquire new lands in counties where the market value has long outpaced the current $400 per acre cap. The bill authorizes the Commission to pay fair market value for game lands in counties of the first through fifth classes, which include most of the state’s more populous and rapidly developing areas. Counties of the sixth, seventh, and eighth class, generally the smallest and most rural counties by population, will remain subject to the $400-per-acre limit.

This bill would unfetter the PGC to establish or expand Game Lands close to population centers, thereby creating hunting access for the maximum number of Pennsylvanians. Lack of places to hunt are a major barrier to those who want to become or remain a hunter in the Commonwealth. In our eyes, HB1811 has the potential to increase access to hunting, a primary goal of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

In addition, the economic benefits of investing in public lands are substantial. Outdoor recreation contributes more than $13.6 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting more than 152,000 jobs across the state. Much of this activity is directly tied to public lands. Hunters, anglers, hikers, campers and others drive spending in rural and urban communities, generating sustainable economic growth while reinforcing our shared commitment to conservation.

By passing HB 1811, the General Assembly can help ensure that Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in public land stewardship, hunter access and outdoor opportunity. We urge swift passage of this common-sense measure that balances fiscal responsibility with our enduring responsibility to future generations of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

CLICK HERE to Take ACTION and show your support for HB1811!

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Pennsylvania Chapter