BELLEFONTE — In 2019, a state agency bucked tradition when it moved the start of rifle deer season to the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Moving it back two days — from the longtime Monday start — was controversial. Some hunters criticized the move as an unnecessary shift, while others welcomed the extra time in the woods.

A Pennsylvania legislator thinks he’s found a compromise that will work for both rural communities and hunters who want more flexibility.

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Eric Davanzo (R., Westmoreland) would create two start dates for the regular firearms deer season, determined by game commissioner districts. Using Interstate 80 as a rough dividing line, the bill would have northern counties return to the traditional Monday, and have those to the south begin on the Saturday before the holiday.