As the details of the gun law passed in Massachusetts, which took effect on Aug. 2, are brought to light, it is obvious that this law goes beyond controversial to being — not just to this writer, but to everyone who is a responsible gun owner — an overreach seriously impacting law-abiding citizens.

The effect is felt by both Massachusetts residents and anyone who enters Massachusetts to engage in lawful target shooting or hunting. It is never my intent to present anything in this column which is not well-founded in fact, and any opinions expressed are linked to factual information which can be defended.

The expansion of the definition of what constitutes a military-style assault rifle, such as the AR-15 (which has garnered so much negative publicity for good reason) has now included commonly used autoloading or semi-automatic sporting shotguns and rifles, which now no longer can be legally purchased by Massachusetts residents. The training requirement of the law seems to refer to programs which have not yet been defined and the law’s requirements for all firearms to be registered seems to be universally opposed by police organizations who understand what a nightmare this would create.

I will not rant in this space until there is clear information of what exactly this law means and as this column is being written that is still being undertaken on a number of fronts.

I reached out to police chiefs in both Orange and Athol this week, as we have had an ongoing conversation for a long time before this law was passed to provide good information to the public about the legal responsibilities of gun ownership, particularly as it relates to buying, selling, transferring ownership, safe storage and a number of other common questions so many people have.

This recent law only creates a need for more good information, so as soon as schedules permit, there will be a session to provide me with information to share with readers.

In addition, I reached out to the leading gun-rights organization in Massachusetts, Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) and will ask them for clarification and definition of the new laws. Massachusetts gun owners should be members of GOAL. They have been working for decades to protect gun rights for responsible, law-abiding citizens and they are actively involved in action to address this recent law that includes challenges to the many examples of possible constitutional conflicts.

The process of getting good information together will take time but I will convey it as soon as it can be put together. Meanwhile, challenges are already underway across the state.

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The irony of this is Massachusetts has, and has had for decades, some of the most stringent gun laws in America. In my opinion, a greater issue might be in focusing on those who have little regard for the laws, not hunters and target shooters.

Aug. 1 was the date Massachusetts antlerless (doe) permits were announced. Those who had applied before the July 16 deadline can now check to see if they have been selected. Each deer management zone has a number of permits allotted. The number is based on the population in each zone and the number of permits is increased, decreased, or left the same depending on whether the deer density in that zone is above, below or at goal.

You can log into MassFishHunt to check your status and if you have been selected, you can purchase the permit. Surplus Antlerless Deer Permits will go on sale in late September. Each permit costs $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents. You need a hunting license in order to purchase a surplus permit. The easiest way to buy a license or a surplus permit is online through massfishhunt.mass.gov. In-person sales are also available at license vendor locations.

2024 Surplus ADPs will go on sale on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.: Surplus ADPs in zones 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 go on sale. Zone 9 is first-come, first-served and limited to 1 permit per day. Zones 10, 11, 13 and 14 have no daily or season purchase limit and are available for purchase throughout the entire 2024 season.

• Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.: Surplus ADPs in zones 3, 7, 8, and 12 go on sale. Zones 3, 7, 8, and 12 are first-come, first-served and limited to 1 permit per zone per day.

This writer was lucky and was drawn for a Zone 5 antlerless permit. Now the job is to get the new Winchester SX4 sighted in. This move creates a dilemma for me as my Remington 1100 slug gun is a really good deer gun with a Timney adjustable trigger, which is no longer sold, and a rifled barrel and cantilever scope mount. That will be my backup, I guess.

Meanwhile, dog training for my real passion, upland hunting, is going better with Tessie improving on her retrieving weekly while her pointing staunchness is excellent.

A Sunday trip to Deerfield to shoot skeet at the Franklin County League of Sportsman’s Clubs range was very enjoyable. Always a group of very personable gentlemen who enjoy shooting skeet and socializing, and it’s good practice for me. It was actually two very good rounds (for me) with the Ruger Red Label 28 gauge. Certainly a good start. Now if the water at the pond would stop rising!

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.