An independent, scientific survey of resident deer hunters who have had the chance to take part in Pennsylvania firearms deer seasons that opened on both Monday and Saturday revealed 60 percent of hunters support a Saturday opener, while 27 percent oppose it and 12 percent have no preference. Deer hunters favor Saturday opener Scientific survey shows majority support new firearms deer start. Sixty percent of Pennsylvania deer hunters support a Saturday-after-Thanksgiving start to the firearms deer season, while another 12 percent have no preference between a Saturday or Monday opener, and 27 percent oppose a Saturday opener, based on recent survey results presented to the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners in January. Pennsylvania in 2019 shifted the opening day of firearms deer season, which for decades began on the Monday after Thanksgiving, to begin the Saturday after APRIL 2022 Thanksgiving. The past three firearms deer seasons opened on Saturday. The move was welcomed warmly by hunters who otherwise would have missed the opener due to work or school obligations, but now could participate. Others - especially if they travel to camp to hunt - said they liked the traditional Monday start better. But there hadn't been any data to shed light onto which opinions were more popular. The Game Commission in 2021 contracted with Responsive Management, a 47 Hal Korber