The Pennsylvania Game Commission has shut down plans to allow the use of semi-automatic rifles for big game hunting in the state.
The decision was made following announcement of plans to develop language for regulations earlier in the week and after feedback was received from the public as well as members of the state legislature.
Semi-automatic rifles have been legal only for hunting small game, such as coyotes, foxes and squirrels for the past two years. Semiautomatic shotguns are permitted for deer hunting across the state.
The big game proposal would have allowed hunters to use semi-automatic rifles to hunt species such as deer, bear and elk. This proposal could be revisited in the future.