MassWildlife has announced that it will hold two virtual public hearings on two different proposed deer hunting regulation packages on Feb 23. These hearings have been scheduled to gather public feedback about the proposed regulatory changes. A summary of both proposed regulations are as follows:
The first proposal would make emergency deer hunting regulations in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs) 13 and 14 permanent. A public hearing on this will be virtual and instructions on how to participate are available online at the MassWildlife web site. Written comments can be submitted using an online feedback form. Comments can also be submitted by mail to: MassWildlife Re: Deer Public Hearing, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 9.
In response to Martha’s Vineyard, Elizabeth, and Nantucket Islands (WMZs 13 and 14) facing a rapidly increasing deer population and a declining number of licensed hunters, seasons were expanded there. A regulatory proposal would extend the Winter Deer Season in WMZs 13 and 14, adding an additional two weeks in February to the existing season, where primitive firearms and archery equipment are allowed. If this does not pass, the Winter Deer Season in WMZs 13 and 14 would remain Jan. 1–31.
The proposed changes also include an Early Deer Season in WMZs 13 and 14. This regulatory proposal would add a new 10-day Early Deer Season in which primitive firearms and archery equipment can be used in WMZs 13 and 14. The season would begin on the second Monday before the Youth Deer Hunt and end on the Thursday before the Youth Deer Hunt, and be limited to primitive firearms and archery.
In addition, the proposal removes the visibility requirement for harvested deer during transport. Harvested deer will no longer need to remain visible before being reported and tagged with a confirmation number or metal seal and also removes the on-island deer check requirement. Hunters who harvest deer in zones 13 and 14 will no longer be required to report their deer before transporting it off-island. During the first week of shotgun season, all harvested deer are still required to be checked in person at a check station, but island harvested deer may be checked in at stations on the mainland.
There is a second set of proposed changes to the regulations for the hunting and tagging of deer, and a public hearing for this will be held on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Instructions on how to participate in the Zoom hearing are available at the MassWildlife website. Written comments can be submitted using a feedback form available online by 5 p.m. on March 9. Comments can also be submitted by mail to: MassWildlife Re: Deer Public Hearing, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 9.
The final deer hunting changes are included in the following regulatory proposal:
- Creates a Winter Deer Season in WMZs 9, 10, and 11 from Jan. 1–31, where primitive firearms and archery equipment can be used. This proposal is intended to provide additional opportunity to harvest deer in areas where deer numbers exceed management goals.
- Expands the Youth Deer Hunt to include both the fourth Friday and subsequent Saturday following Labor Day.
- Moves the archery deer season start date to the Monday following Youth Deer Hunt. This proposed change is intended to provide more consistency year-to-year.
- Allows only synthetic and other non-deer-based lures. This proposed change is intended to help prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal disease that infects members of the deer family. While CWD has not been detected in Massachusetts, urine and other deer-derived lures and attractants from infected deer can contain CWD-causing prions that stay in the environment for many years.
- Allows Massachusetts Environmental Police to substitute confirmation numbers for metal seals. Currently, MEP officers need to attach a metal seal to deer taken under Chapter 131 Section 37. This proposed change would allow MEP officers and MassWildlife staff more flexibility for remote reporting of deer using confirmation numbers and allow these deer to be donated to Mass Wildlife’s Hunter Share the Harvest Program.
You should go to the MassWildlife web page to research these proposals and see the options available to provide input.
On April 1, the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act will take effect in Massachusetts. That means that any boat operator born in 1989 or later will be required to obtain a Boater Safety Certificate by April 1, 2028.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police have begun publicizing this requirement and encourages boat owners and operators to get certified early. Additional details on the changes will be included in a future column. This writer is looking forward to heading to Charleston, South Carolina, to attend the Southeast Wildlife Exposition. It was a very impressive event last year and the chance to get away from this miserable winter will be great!
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.