Overview:
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is pushing for three proposals to update the state's hunting laws, including allowing Sunday hunting, the use of crossbows by all hunters, and reducing legal setbacks for archery hunters. The proposals have gained momentum due to the governor's support and the positive impact they could have on hunters, deer populations, and public health. The governor is urging people to contact their representatives and senators to support the measures.
This space has not commented very much on the three proposals to update Massachusetts hunting laws which have made their way to the headlines recently. The media has given considerable attention to the measures put forward by the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board to allow Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth, allow the use of crossbows by all hunters, and reduce legal setbacks for archery hunters.
What has drawn real attention to these matters is the strong support for all three by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. The governor recently met at the Cape with Fish and Wildlife Board members and MassWildlife staff to publicly promote the measures, which require approval by the Massachusetts Legislature, where she again strongly voiced her support for hunting and the positive impact these changes would have on hunters.
That includes increasing hunters’ ability to take more deer from a population which in many areas of the state has reached problematic numbers. In addition to reducing deer numbers, deer hunters were also lauded for helping ease the food crisis for many Massachusetts families by providing venison through the MassWildlife Hunters Share the Harvest Program. It was also noted that high deer populations contribute to increased tick-borne diseases which have become a significant health issue.
This matter will be coming to a head shortly and you can make a difference. A phone call to your representative and senator will count! You have a chance here to make a real difference. My suggestion would be to take your cellphone (it seems like nobody uses landlines anymore) and call their offices. State clearly that you want them to support these three measures which you believe will make a difference and benefit hunters, but equally important, will improve the health of the deer herd, improve the health of people in the district by protecting them from tick-borne diseases and assist people facing food insecurity.
Those calls will make a difference! Here are the phone numbers for local members of the Legislature. Susannah Whipps at (617) 722-1532, Jo Comerford at (617) 722-2090 and Aaron Saunders at (617) 722-2320.
Personally, I have been absolutely amazed to see the widespread support for these changes. In my 35 years as a Fisheries and Wildlife Board member, I listened to the consistent request by sportsmen and women to allow Sunday hunting. The pros and cons have not changed, but obviously the climate has shifted. Massachusetts and Maine are the only states remaining that do not allow hunting on Sundays. The other two issues have been around for a few years but never gained support in the Legislature.
Right now, the strong support from the Governor’s Office and also by a broad group of conservation groups including Mass Audubon have created a “perfect storm” of momentum for change. The series of listening sessions held by MassWildife drew unprecedented input from a broad spectrum of citizens with strong support for the measures from all across the state.
I feel that those in the sporting community who are berating the governor are making a mistake. Like many, it is my opinion that Chapter 35, the onerous law passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor, is terribly flawed and will not withstand a court challenge which has been making its way through the legal system. That is a separate matter and does belong in this debate. It is time to unite and speak with one voice and get these changes before the Legislature with the clear support of voters.
Today the new boating law goes into effect. All operators of motorboats and personal watercraft must complete a state-approved boater safety course. Eventually, everyone will be required to obtain a boating license to drive a power boat in Massachusetts. Those born after Jan. 1, 1989, must obtain certification by April 1, 2026 (today!) with enforcement beginning on Sept. 1, 2026.
Those born on or before Jan. 1, 1989, have until April 1, 2028, to comply. Courses can be taken online or in person and cover navigation, safe operation and accident prevention.
This sudden appearance of spring weather is invigorating! Turkeys and other wildlife, however, have been in that mode for a while in preparation for spring mating season. Tom turkeys, like all male birds, are dressed up with bright feathers and doing everything they can to catch the eye of females and establish breeding territories.
Songbirds are filling the air with delightful noises and males are building nests. Waterfowl are everywhere and on land, deer are appearing in fields and mowings. Many deer look really rough as they are shedding the winter outer hairs of insulation and will soon be that reddish color of summer. Bucks are beginning to spout velvet antlers, and the natural world is alive!
The trout stocking trucks have been rolling, and local waters will be stocked soon. The first one noted on the stocking report was Connors Pond in Petersham earlier this week. Get your tackle ready! Get real time info from the MassWildlife online stocking report.
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.