Pennsylvania

‘Not your childhood BB guns’: Pa. legislator considers air rifles for big game hunting

Published

7 months ago

May 21, 2025

‘Not your childhood BB guns’: Pa. legislator considers air rifles for big game hunting

Pennsylvania hunters one day may have the option to use an air rifle instead of a centerfire rifle to hunt big game.

Rep. Gary W. Day, a Republican from Lehigh County, sent a memo on May 7 to his fellow House members seeking co-sponsors for legislation that “would authorize the use of large caliber air rifles for hunting big game in Pennsylvania. This measure is designed to modernize our hunting laws and broaden opportunities for sportsmen and women, particularly those interested in emerging air-powered technologies. We will join 29 other states where this means of hunting is currently legal.”

He wrote, “Air rifles have evolved significantly in recent years. Modern large caliber air rifles are capable of achieving the velocity and energy required for ethical big game hunting — these are not your childhood BB guns.

“This change will offer numerous benefits, including attracting new hunters, increasing opportunity, supporting hunting traditions and promoting conservation. With proper legislation and oversight, we can responsibly integrate air rifles into Pennsylvania’s wildlife management framework while maintaining public safety and environmental stewardship.”

Day did not respond to interview requests about his proposal.

Air guns, in calibers from .177 to .22, are already permitted for small game in Pennsylvania, but not for big game hunting like for deer or bears.

While the technology continues to improve, air guns are not new to the hunting community. Air rifles have been used for hunting for more than 200 years in the United States. The National Park Service reports that Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail carried a gun in the early 1800s that used compressed air from a tank instead of gunpowder to fire a bullet.

Today, air rifles have been refined. Perry Henley, a buyer for Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter in Stroudsburg and Brodheadsville, said they have been selling air rifles for years to people and believes the new models are an ethical option for hunters to consider. The largest caliber they have in stock is a .25 caliber which can be used for small game.

There are pre-charged pneumatic rifles that use cylinders filled with compressed air to launch pellets down range at speeds that make them an ethical option for hunters.

When asked about why a hunter would choose an air rifle over a centerfire rifle that uses gunpowder, Henley said there are several advantages to air guns.

“They’re certainly quieter. The technology is there that they still have enough power that they will do the job properly for larger game,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be afraid to use one in place of a high-powered rifle myself.”

If there’s a demand by for larger calibers, Henley said, their stores will start carrying them. “If we have people who are interested in them, we’ll certainly stock them.”

He said in addition to air guns being quieter than centerfire rifles, they also have less recoil which is attractive to some shooters as well.

Pyramid Adventures in Recreation sells air rifles online and offers a caliber-by-caliber breakdown for hunting. According to the company’s website, .30 caliber air rifles are best for hunting small antelope and deer up to 75 pounds. A .357 caliber rifle is best for feral hogs, bighorn sheep and mountain goats weighing up to 250 pounds. A .45 caliber air rifle is best for large antelope, bear and mule deer weighing up to 500 pounds and a .50 caliber air gun can be used for elk, moose and bison. The company recommends keeping shots at game animals to under 75 yards away.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission doesn’t have a stance on air-guns for big game hunting.

“Air guns for big game presently is prohibited by the Game and Wildlife Code. Once the legislation has been introduced, staff here will review it. We expect to take a position on it at that time,” Travis Lau, Communications Director for the agency, said through an email.

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on this website’s homepage under your login name. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors.

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Pennsylvania

Nancy Elizabeth (Mast) Yoder, Greenville, PA

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Nancy Elizabeth (Mast) Yoder, Greenville, PA

GREENVILLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Nancy Elizabeth (Mast) Yoder, age 58, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, went home to be with the Lord on Friday evening, December 19th, 2025, at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital following an extended illness.

Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Nancy was the daughter of the late Enos D. Mast and Elizabeth J. (Hostetler) Mast. She was a faithful member of Harmony Mennonite Church in Kinsman, Ohio, where her quiet spirit and devotion were well known and deeply appreciated.

Nancy treasured time spent visiting with family and friends and dearly loved her pets. She found joy in crafts and crocheting, often creating items that reflected her care and thoughtfulness for others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Lavina Yoder and a nephew, Kenneth Michael Yoder.

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Ammon Ray Yoder; six children, Elizabeth Ann Yoder of Garrison, New York, Enos Daniel Yoder of Dover, Ohio, Mollie Sue (Gideon) Hertzler of Salisbury, Pennsylvania and Christopher Andrew, Joseph Eli and David Abraham Yoder, all of Greenville, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Karla Faye Yoder, Rosann, and Dorothy Hertzler.

Additional survivors include three sisters, Mollie (Floyd) Yoder, Clara (Albert) Yoder and Ada (Mervin) Yoder; two brothers, Joseph (Laura) Mast and Jacob (Erma) Mast, a brother-in-law, David Yoder; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends who will cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Harmony Mennonite Church, 6123 Youngstown Conneaut Rd., Kinsman, Ohio 44428, with Speaker Sylvan Yoder officiating.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, at the church from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Burial will take place in State Line Amish Cemetery in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements entrusted to Baumgardner Funeral & Cremation Service.

Nancy will be remembered for her faith, her gentle kindness, and her deep love for family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy, please visit our floral store.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball, Pick 2 Day results for Dec. 20, 2025

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 2 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Day: 2-2, Wild: 2

Evening: 5-3, Wild: 9

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Day: 2-0-0, Wild: 2

Evening: 4-6-7, Wild: 9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Day: 6-6-7-9, Wild: 2

Evening: 1-1-7-1, Wild: 9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Day: 9-9-1-2-6, Wild: 2

Evening: 8-1-9-3-5, Wild: 9

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

14-24-26-42-45, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

05-07-08-37-38

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

03-06-08-16-18

Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

10-13-22-31-35-45

Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

05-08-19-23-43, Powerball: 06

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.

When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Powerball lottery ticket wins $1 million as jackpot grows to $1.5 billion

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Pennsylvania Powerball lottery ticket wins million as jackpot grows to .5 billion

article

FILE – Powerball logo displayed on a phone screen and coins are seen in this illustration photo.

PHILADELPHIA – A Powerball ticket sold in Pennsylvania matched five numbers in Wednesday night’s drawing, winning $1 million, according to lottery officials.

What we know:

The Pennsylvania ticket was one of several nationwide that matched all five white balls. The ticket did not include the Power Play multiplier.

Because no one matched all six numbers, the Powerball jackpot continues to climb. The next drawing will feature an estimated $1.5 billion jackpot, with a cash option of $689.3 million.

Winning numbers (Dec. 17, 2025)