America's problems with firearms do not extend to the legitimate pastime of hunting. Real or potential criminals who can easily obtain handguns and assault rifles are the problem -- not the law-abiding heirs to Daniel Boone who stalk the woods in pursuit of game.

So why can't Pennsylvanians hunt on Sunday? The question sort of answers itself. Because this is Pennsylvania, where the ghosts of the once-extensive Blue Laws still do a little vestigial work in protecting the sabbath.

Only recently have selected state liquor stores started opening on Sundays, though you still can't buy a case of beer or a car on Sunday. And you can't hunt (with a few narrow exceptions, like hunting pests such as coyotes and crows).

It's absurd that a hunting prohibition dating back to 1873 still applies to this day and age, but House Bill 904 would allow so-called "expanded hunting" on Sundays by simply repealing a section of existing law. The bill has recently been the subject of hearings in the House Game and Fisheries Committee.

The testimony indicated that hunters would go out more if Sunday hunting were introduced, and this could mean an economic impact of as much as $629 million a year, according to a survey.

However, many rural landowners oppose the move on the grounds that they want one day a week free of worrying about trespassers, gunfire and other interruptions to their lives. Their opposition is such that the prospect has been raised that some may close their properties to all hunting if it is allowed on Sunday -- which could prove counterproductive to any change.

The concerns of landowners are important -- indeed they are the best argument against HB 904. But nothing in the bill strips them of their right to close their property to hunting if they wish. Despite their feelings, it is possible that over time Sunday hunting may come to be accepted. After all, some 38 states allow unlimited Sunday hunting and a few others allow it for limited periods. Again, Pennsylvania doesn't have to be a world unto its own.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission does not oppose the bill, although its board is split over the issue. The commission's executive director, Vern Ross, testifying before the House committee, did welcome the authority that the bill would give the game commission. As it stands now, the commission would be left to decide the extent of Sunday hunting and what species would be included. In view of the opposition, it should probably start out in a limited way.

The General Assembly should approve HB 904. Let people hunt when it is convenient for them to hunt. Let them have their day of rest as they see fit. They can always praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.