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Home My Public Portal AboutSelect Board Meeting Packet - 11.22.22Conservation Commission Michael Tobin Chairman Casey Chatelain Vice Chair Person Commissioners Bruce Evans Gary Kaser Staff Chris Miller, Natural Resources Director Bill Grafton, Conservation Administrator Andreana Sideris, Assistant to Natural Resources Director and Conservation Administrator Discussion regarding undeveloped lots located at the corner of Vesper Pond Drive and Main Street, 138/74-81. b. Discussion regarding permitting for milling and paving on Breakwater Road. 7. Notices of Intent 56 Underpass Realty Trust proposes to remodel and expand the existing veterinary hospital and parking area, install stormwater improvements and restore native vegetation within 50 and 100 feet of inland wetlands at Brewster Veterinary Hospital at 56 Underpass Road, 78/116 (26/6). Continued - Neal Shifman and Deborah Rau propose to install a seasonal dock, create a vista corridor, remove invasive species, plant native species and convert a gravel patio into a dry -laid paver patio on and within 50 and 100 feet of inland resources at 87 North Pond Drive, 89/58 (27/84-1). 8. Request for Certificate of Compliance a. Andrew and Dana Gilbert, single family house reconstruction, SE 9-1773, 29 Cranview Road, 10/57 (38/71-1). David Karam, rebuild single family home, septic and garage, SE 9-1181, 330 Main Street, 15/20 (21/30-19). 9. Request for Extension to Order of Conditions a. Cobbs Pond Condominium Association, land management and vista pruning, SE 9- 1799, Wauquanesit Drive - Cobbs Pond, 57/5 (17/1). 10. Show Cause Hearings a. Continued -19 Muskrat Lane LLC, c/o Walter Harris, 19 Muskrat Lane 103/9 (9/3), cutting and clearing of vegetation on and within 50 feet of wetlands without a valid permit 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Town of Brewster Conservation Commission 1657 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 conservation@brewster-ma.gov (508) 896-4546 JOINT MEETING AGENDA CONSERVATION COMMISSION, SELECT BOARD & WATER COMMISSIONERS Remote Participation Only November 22, 2022 at 6:00 PM This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, No in -person meeting attendance will be permitted. If the Town is unable to live broadcast this meeting, a record of the proceedings will be provided on the Town website as soon as possible. The meeting may be viewed by: Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel 18), Livestream (livestream.brewster- ma.00v), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.00v). Meetings may be Joined by: 1. Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592, Webinar ID: 817 0484 9610 Passcode: 565669 To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized. 2, Zoom Webinar: : httos://us02web.zoom,us/i/81704849610?pwd=d2VINm5LcnU2TnBKWExMVEJFUUduQT09 and enter Passcode 565669 To request to speak: Tap Zoom "Raise Hand", then wait to be recognized. Ca,11 to Order Meeting Declaration of Participation Statement Public Comment / Citizens' Forum Joint Meeting with Select Board and Water Commissioners a. Review of State Approval of New Punkhorn Parklands Hunting Bylaw and Discuss and Vote on Implementation Plan Introduction of the New Conservation Administrator Discussion a. a. i b. b. b. Continued - Brown, 2628 Main Street, 78/14 (15/113-2) Cutting and clearing of vegetation within 25 feet of inland wetlands as well as the placement of fill on and within 100 feet of inland wetlands c. Continued - Karam, 330 Main Street, 15/20 (21/30-19), construction of addition, retaining walls and patios, vegetation clearing within 50 and 100 feet of inland wetlands 11. Request for Minor Change to Plan a. The Town of Brewster requests to review plan modifications to the Walkers Pond Boat Ramp and Parking Area under Determination of Applicability at Walkers Pond, 11/54. b. Jim Gould requests to replace the deck with a stone patio within the same footprint under SE 9-1925 at 42 Featherbed Lane, 11/46 (38/94). 12. Request for Administrative Review a. Lisa Goodman and Bill Weinreb proposes to prune trees to promote healthy growth within 100 feet of coastal wetlands at 54 Captain Youngs Way, 37/20 (2/73). 13. Report of the Natural Resources Director/ Report of the Conservation Administrator 14. Any Topic not reasonably anticipated by the Conservation Commission Chairman 15. Adjournment Date Posted: 11/17/2022 Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk: '72 Nrit..:)''.8 8; 1 l BREWiS. I ER TON CLERK Petition for the Town of Brewster Annual Town Meeting Warrant ARTICLE . To see if the Town will vote Article --. Petitioned Article - General Bylaw- Hunting in the Punkhorn Parklands To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town's General Bylaw by Adding a new Chapter 98 - Hunting in the Punkhorn Parklands as follows: §98-1 No person shall discharge any gun, including paintball guns, fowling piece, pistol, or firearm or release an arrow from a bow or hunt or trap or poison or set fire to any material known as fireworks, or other combustible matter, within the Town -owned land known as the Punkhorn Parklands; provided, however, this section shall not apply to any person abating nuisance or in the exercise of duty required by law; provided further that bow hunting only shall be permitted during a three-week period beginning on the first Monday in December of each year. , or to take any other action relative thereto. (Citizen's Petition) Address _ 1.3z 10kc-m) Ted d- u 1 c Girl l 3Z ;F 1 r7,rte. (iJ� r THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION 10 MECHANIC STREET, SUITE 301 WORCESTER, MA 01608 (508) 792-7600 (508) 795-1991 fax www.mass.gov/ago 1 October 31, 2022 Colette M. Williams, Town Clerk Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631 Re: Brewster Annual Town Meeting of May 14, 2022 -- Case # 10575 Warrant Article # 18 (General) Dear Ms. Williams: Under Article 18 the Town voted to amend the general by-laws to add a new Chapter 98, “Hunting in the Punkhorn Parklands” that prohibits hunting in the Punkhorn Parklands (“Punkhorns”) except for bow hunting during the three-week period beginning on the first Monday in December of each year. In addition, the new Chapter 98 prohibits the discharge of firearms in the Punkhorns. We approve Article 18 because it is consistent with G.L. c. 131, § 59, that prohibits hunting on “any land owned or leased by the commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof” unless “the authorities or persons having the control and charge of such reservations, parks, commons or other lands” authorizes hunting on such land during the applicable open season. G.L. c. 31, § 59. In this decision, we summarize the by-law adopted under Article 18; discuss the Attorney General’s standard of review of town by-laws under G.L. c. 40, § 32; and then explain why, based on our standard of review, we approve Article 18.1 I. Summary of Article 18 Under Article 18, a citizen petitioned article, the Town voted to amend the general by- laws to add a new Chapter 98, “Hunting in the Punkhorn Parklands.” The new Chapter 98 prohibits several activities within the Punkhorns including: (1) the discharge of any gun; (2) the 1 On August 12, 2022, by agreement with Town Counsel pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 32, we extended the deadline for our review of Article 18 for 45-days until October 8, 2022. On October 3, 2022, by agreement with Town Counsel pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 32, we extended the deadline for our review of Article 18 for an additional 30-days until November 7, 2022. 2 release of an arrow from a bow; (3) hunting; (4) trapping; (5) poisoning; and (6) fireworks. In addition, as an exception to the hunting prohibition, Chapter 98 authorizes bow hunting during a three-week period beginning on the first Monday in December of each year, as follows: No person shall discharge any gun, including paint ball guns, fowling piece, pistol, or firearm or release an arrow from a bow or hunt or trap or poison or set fire to any material known as fireworks, or other combustible matter, within the Town-owned land known as the Punkhorn Parklands; provided however, this section shall not apply to any person abating nuisance or in the exercise of duty required by law: provided further that bow hunting only shall only be permitted during a three-week period beginning on the first Monday in December of each year. II. Attorney General’s Standard of Review and General Preemption Principles Our review of Article 18 is governed by G.L. c. 40, § 32. Pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 32 the Attorney General has a “limited power of disapproval,” and “[i]t is fundamental that every presumption is to be made in favor of the validity of municipal by-laws.” Amherst v. Attorney General, 398 Mass. 793, 795-96 (1986). The Attorney General does not review the policy arguments for or against the enactment. Id. at 798-99 (“Neither we nor the Attorney General may comment on the wisdom of the town’s by-law.”) In order to disapprove a by-law (or any portion thereof), the Attorney General must cite an inconsistency between the by-law and the state Constitution or laws. Id. at 796. A municipality has no power to adopt a by-law that is “inconsistent with the constitution or laws enacted by the [Legislature].” Home Rule Amendment, Mass. Const. amend. art. 2, § 6. Moreover, where the Legislature intended to preempt the field on a topic, a municipal by-law on that topic is invalid and must be disapproved. Town of Wendell v. Attorney General, 394 Mass. 518, 524 (1985). In determining whether a by-law is inconsistent with a state statute, the “question is not whether the Legislature intended to grant authority to municipalities to act…but rather whether the Legislature intended to deny [a municipality] the right to legislate on the subject [in question].” Town of Wendell, 394 Mass. at 524 (1985). “This intent can be either express or inferred.” St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Western Mass. v. Springfield, 462 Mass. 120, 125-26 (2012). Local action is precluded in three instances: (1) where the “Legislature has made an explicit indication of its intention in this respect”; (2) where “the State legislative purpose can[not] be achieved in the face of a local by-law on the same subject”; and (3) where “legislation on a subject is so comprehensive that an inference would be justified that the Legislature intended to preempt the field.” Town of Wendell, 394 Mass. at 524. “The existence of legislation on a subject, however, is not necessarily a bar to the enactment of local ordinances and by-laws exercising powers or functions with respect to the same subject[, if] the State legislative purpose can be achieved in the face of a local ordinance or by-law on the same subject[.]” Bloom v. Worcester, 363 Mass. 136, 156 (1973); see Town of Wendell, 394 Mass. at 527-28 (“It is not the comprehensiveness of legislation alone that makes local regulation inconsistent with a statute. . . . The question . . . is whether the local enactment will clearly frustrate a statutory purpose.”). 3 III. Municipal Power to Regulate Hunting and the Discharge of Firearms Article 18 prohibits both hunting (with allowance for bow hunting during a limited time period in December) and the discharge of firearms. Because a municipality’s power to regulate hunting differs from its power to regulate the discharge of firearms, it is important to distinguish between the two. A. Towns Cannot Regulate Hunting Except as Provided in Chapter 131 The activity of hunting is comprehensively regulated by General Laws Chapter 131 and related statutes and regulations that preempt the field. Chapter 131 imposes “carefully guarded conditions by which one may hunt in the Commonwealth safely, provisions by which one is licensed, and provisions designed to preserve and maintain the wildlife and natural resources of the Commonwealth.” Amherst, 398 Mass. at 797. Chapter 131 grants the Director of the Department of Fish and Game/Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW Director) wide-ranging authority over hunting and trapping in the Commonwealth (see generally G.L. c. 131, § 4, and 321 CMR 3.01 et seq.), and further grants the DFW authority to adopt comprehensive regulations governing hunting and trapping, which are embodied in 321 CMR 3.00 et seq. Pursuant to G.L. c. 131, § 5, “Except as provided in rules and regulations made under authority of this section, and except as otherwise provided in [Chapter 131], a person shall not fish, hunt or trap …”. Chapter 131 does not expressly preempt local regulation of hunting. However, the broad scope of Chapter 131, and the extensive powers granted to the DFW Director to regulate hunting, indicate a legislative intent that Chapter 131 occupies the field of hunting regulation. Towns are therefore preempted from regulating hunting except as expressly provided in Chapter 131. See Boston Edison Co. v. Town of Bedford, 444 Mass. 775 (2005) (town by-law imposing fines for failure to remove utility poles preempted by the comprehensive, uniform state regulation of utilities in G.L. c. 164); Wendell, 394 Mass. at 518 (town by-law regulating the use of pesticides in town frustrates the statutory purpose of centralized regulation of pesticide use). Because of the Legislature’s comprehensive grant of authority to the DFW to be the exclusive, state-wide regulator of hunting in the Commonwealth, towns are preempted from imposing by-law requirements which are inconsistent with G.L. c. 131 and related statutes and regulations. Thus, towns may only impose their local hunting requirements in those two categories expressly provided in Chapter 131: municipally owned lands (see G.L. c. 131, § 59); and Great Ponds not exceeding 500 acres in size (see G.L. c. 131, § 45). B. Towns May Regulate the Discharge of Firearms Within Their Borders By contrast, towns are allowed to regulate the discharge of firearms within their borders. See Brown v. Carlisle, 336 Mass. 147, 150-151 (1957) (upholding a firearm discharge by-law because “[t]he enumeration of [Chapter 131 and other] statutes demonstrates that the State has not excluded the type of legislation here undertaken by the defendant town…We are not confronted with an attempt to regulate hunting….” (emphasis supplied). See also Amherst, 398 Mass. at 797-798 (rejecting argument that Amherst’s firearm discharge by-law is preempted by 4 Chapter 131 because “the Amherst by-law in no way frustrates those sections” of Chapter 131 which “concern the safe use of certain firearms.”). IV. Article 18 is Consistent with General Laws Chapter 131, § 59 that Prohibits Hunting on Town-Owned Land Unless the Town Allows It We approve Article 18 because it is consistent with the statutory prohibition of hunting on town-owned land without town authorization. General Laws Chapter 131, Section 59 provides that a person shall not hunt on “any land owned or leased by the commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof” except that the persons having control and charge of such lands may “permit the hunting, within said boundaries during the applicable open season of any birds or mammals,” as follows (with emphasis added): A person shall not hunt, or in any manner molest or destroy, any bird or mammal within the boundaries of any reservation, park or common, or any land owned or leased by the commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, or any land held in trust for public use; except that the authorities or persons having the control and charge of such reservations, parks, commons or other lands, may, with such limitations as they deem advisable, permit the hunting, within said boundaries during the applicable open season of any birds or mammals. The authorities or persons having the control and charge of such reservations, parks, commons or land owned or leased or held for public use, the director of law enforcement, his deputy directors of enforcement, chiefs of enforcement, deputy chiefs of enforcement, environmental police officers, deputy environmental police officers, wardens and members of the state police in areas over which they have jurisdiction and all officers qualified to serve criminal process shall enforce this section. This section shall not apply to state forests acquired under section thirty or section thirty- three of chapter one hundred and thirty-two or any other provision of law, or to state parks and reservations under the control of the division of forests and parks of the department of environmental management. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit any agency of the commonwealth or any political subdivision of the commonwealth from permitting the hunting, during the applicable open season, in any area owned or leased by it, of any bird or mammal, or from entering into agreements with the director for the establishment of wildlife management areas. Because Article 18 is consistent with Chapter 131 that authorizes towns to determine whether to allow hunting on town-owned property, we approve it. V. Article 18 Must be Applied Consistent with General Laws Chapter 131, § 45 that Requires Great Ponds to be Accessible for Hunting General Laws Chapter 131, Section 45 requires that a Great Pond “shall be public for the purpose of hunting or boating thereon.” Further, G.L. c. 131, § 45 provides that “[a]ll persons shall be allowed reasonable means of access to such ponds for the purposes aforesaid,” which includes hunting. General Laws Chapter 131, Section 45, provides in relevant part as follows, with emphasis added: Except as otherwise provided in this section and elsewhere in this chapter, every great pond not actively being used as a source of water supply of any town, water supply or fire district or public institution, and not subject to the provisions of section one hundred 5 and sixty of chapter one hundred and eleven, shall be public for the purpose of hunting or boating thereon and shall, notwithstanding the provisions of any special law relating to fisheries in any particular place, be open to all inhabitants of the commonwealth for fishing purposes; provided that any city or town in which the whole or any portion of any great pond not exceeding five hundred acres in extent is situated may, as to so much thereof, as is located within its boundaries, make and enforce rules and regulations relative to hunting, fishing and boating thereon….Any such rules or regulations shall, to the extent that they authorize hunting or fishing or, both, be subject to the approval of the director, and to the extent that they authorize any other use thereof, be subject to the approval of the commissioner of environmental protection or to the extent that they impose restrictions upon the speed limit, a limitation on engine horsepower, a prohibition of the use of internal combustion engines, a ban on water skiing and other high speed uses, and a limitation of such uses to certain areas and certain times, be subject to the approval of the director of law enforcement. All persons shall be allowed reasonable means of access to such ponds for the purposes aforesaid. General Laws Chapter 131, Section 45 defines a “Great Pond” as: “a natural pond the area of which is twenty acres or more.” According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, there are several Great Ponds located in Brewster. See https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-great-ponds-list/download. Moreover, it appears that some of these Great Ponds are located in or near the Punkhorns, including Seymour Pond, Upper Mill Pond and Walkers Pond. See Northern Punkhorn Trail Map available on the Town’s website (https://brewster-ma.gov/files/Punkhorn_North_Section_Trail_Map.pdf).2 The Town must ensure that Article 18 is applied consistent with G.L. c. 131, § 45. Thus, the Town cannot apply Article 18’s hunting prohibition to any Great Pond located in the Punkhorns.3 Further, to the extent the Punkhorns abut a Great Pond, the Town cannot apply the by-law in such a way as to impede access to Great Ponds for the statutorily protected activities of hunting, fishing, and boating, as established by G.L. c. 131, § 45. The Town should consult with Town Counsel with any questions on this issue. 2See also DEP Great Pond Information as follows: (1) Walkers Pond: https://www.mass.gov/doc/ walkerspond/download (2) Seymour Pond: https://www.mass.gov/doc/dfwseymopdf/download; and (3) Upper Mill Pond: https://www.mass.gov/doc/dfwwalkupdf/download. 3 We note that G.L. c. 131, § 45 grants to certain categories of cities and town the right to make rules and regulations regarding hunting on great ponds not exceeding five hundred acres, but it requires that such rules and regulations be approved by the Director. See Pearson v. Plymouth, 44 Mass. App. Ct. 741, 744 (1998) (“All such [great pond] rules and regulations are subject to the approvals of various State administrative agencies having special competence and responsibility in the particular subject, e.g., …rules and regulations authorizing hunting and fishing are subject to the approval of the director of fisheries and wildlife.”) 6 VI. Conclusion Because the by-law adopted under Article 18 is consistent with G.L. c. 131, § 59, we approve it. However, the Town is not authorized to prohibit hunting on Great Ponds and the by- law cannot apply to any Great Ponds in the Town, except as outlined in G.L. c. 131, § 45. Note: Pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 32, neither general nor zoning by-laws take effect unless the Town has first satisfied the posting/publishing requirements of that statute. Once this statutory duty is fulfilled, (1) general by-laws and amendments take effect on the date these posting and publishing requirements are satisfied unless a later effective date is prescribed in the by-law, and (2) zoning by-laws and amendments are deemed to have taken effect from the date they were approved by the Town Meeting, unless a later effective date is prescribed in the by-law. Very truly yours, MAURA HEALEY ATTORNEY GENERAL Margaret J. Hurley by: Margaret J. Hurley, Assistant Attorney General Chief, Central Massachusetts Division Director, Municipal Law Unit Ten Mechanic Street, Suite 301 Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 792-7600 x 4402 cc: Town Counsel Gregg J. Corbo Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Bylaw Amendments NOTICE Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 32 as amended requires that the foregoing posting include the following information: The amendments to the General Bylaws adopted under Article 18, Annual \ Town Meeting held, May 14th, 2022 have been approved as follows by the Attorney General: CITIZENS PETITION – PUNKHORN HUNTING RESTRICTIONS ARTICLE NO. 18: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town’s General Bylaw by Adding a new Chapter 98 – Hunting in the Punkhorn Parklands as follows: §98-1 No person shall discharge any gun, including paint ball guns, fowling piece, pistol, or firearm or release an arrow from a bow or hunt or trap or poison or set fire to any material known as fireworks, or other combustible matter, within the Town-owned land known as the Punkhorn Parklands; provided, however, this section shall not apply to any person abating nuisance or in the exercise of duty required by law: provided further that bow hunting only shall only be permitted during a three-week period beginning on the first Monday in December of each year, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Citizen's Petition) (Majority Vote Required) Petitioner Joseph Breda: I move to approve Article No. 18 as printed in the warrant. Citizen Anne O’Connell: I move the previous question. ACTION on moving the question: Adopted to move the question. Voter Cards. ACTION: Adopted by a majority. Voter Cards. A True Copy Attest: Colette M. Williams CMC/CMMC Town Clerk Brewster, MA The invalidity by reason of any defect in the procedure or adoption of the amendments may only be made within ninety days of such posting. Copies of amendments to the Bylaws may be examined and obtained at the Town Clerks Office, 2198 Main Street, Brewster, Massachusetts Posted 11/03/2022 –Please do not remove until November 17th, 2022 Posted 11/03/2022 at: Town Offices Police Station Captains Golf Course Council on Aging Ladies Library MASSACHUSETTS FISHING& HUNTING 2022 NO HUNTING ON SUNDAY HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS OPEN SEASON (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT ANNUAL LIMIT DEER Deer (Big Game) Youth Deer Hunt Day Paraplegic Hunt Shotgun Archery Oct. 1, 2022 Nov. 3 - 5, 2022 Nov. 28 - Dec. 10, 2022 Zones 10-14: Oct. 3 - Nov. 26, 2022 Zones 1-9: Oct. 17 - Nov. 26. 2022 Primitive Firearms Dec. 12 - Dec. 31, 2022 See full regulations for more information. See full regulations for more information. 1 antlered deer OR 1 antlerless deer in Zone specified in permit during season 2 antlered deer + antlerless deer by permit Black Bear (Big Game) Zones 1-14 Sept. 6 -Sept. 24, 2022 Nov. 7 - Nov. 26, 2022 Nov. 28 - Dec. 10, 2022 See full regulations for more information. 1 UPLAND GAME BIRDS* Crow Zones 1-14 Jan. 1 -April 9, 2022 July 1, 2022 -April 10, 2023 (M, F, Sat only) Pheasant Youth Hunt Zones 1-14 Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 8, 2022 Oct. 15 - Nov. 26, 2022 2 4 No limit Quail Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey (Big Game) Zones 11-14 Zones 1-14 Youth Hunt: Zones 1-13 Fall: Zones 1-9 Oct. 15 - Nov. 26, 2022 Oct. 15 - Nov. 26, 2022 Apr. 23, 2022 (special restrictions apply**) Oct. 17 - Nov. 26, 2022 Oct. 3 - Nov. 26, 2022 Apr. 25 - May 21, 2022 Fall: Zones 10-13 Spring: Zones 1-13 4 3 8 6 No limit 15 See full regulations for more information. * Upland game bird hunting is closed during shotgun deer season. Migratory game birds (includes waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails): Seasons and bag limits set annually. For Migratory Game Bird Regulations visit mass.gov/migratory-game-bird. ** Must have completed the Youth Turkey Hunt program. RABBIT, HARE & SQUIRREL Cottontail Rabbit Zones 1-12 Jan. 1- Feb. 28, 2022 and Oct. 15, 2022 - Feb. 28, 2023 Zones 13 and 14 Jan. 1- Feb. 28, 2022 and Nov. 15, 2022- Feb. 28, 2023 5 5 10 10 Snowshoe Hare Zones 1-4 Jan. 1- Feb. 28, 2022 and Oct. 15, 2022 - Feb. 28, 2023 Zones 5-12 Jan. 1 -Feb. 5, 2022 and Oct. 15, 2022 -Feb. 4, 2023 2 2 4 4 Zones 13 and 14 Jan. 1- Feb. 5, 2022 and Nov. 15, 2022 - Feb. 4, 2023 2 4 Gray Squirrel Zones 1-9 Sept. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 5 10 Zones 10-14 Oct. 15, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 5 10 Rabbit, hare, and squirrel hunting are closed during shotgun deer season. FURBEARERS Bobcat Coyote Fox (red or gray) Opossum Zones 1-8 Zones 1-14 Zones 1-14 Zones 1-14 Jan. 1- March 8, 2022 and Dec. 20, 2022 - March 8, 2023 Jan. 1- March 8, 2022 and Oct. 15, 2022 - Mar. 8, 2023 Jan. 1- Feb. 28, 2022 and Nov. 1, 2022 - Feb. 28, 2023 Jan. 1 -Jan 31, 2022 and Oct. 1, 2022 -Jan. 31, 2023 Raccoon Zones 1-14 Jan. 1 -Jan 31, 2022 and Oct. 1, 2022 -Jan. 31, 2023 3 See full regulations for more information. All furbearer hunting seasons are closed during shotgun deer season except for coyotes. Special restrictions apply. The following species may be taken year-round (except during shotgun deer season) by licensed hunters with no daily or seasonal bag limit: English sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, weasel, woodchuck. TRAPPING Beaver' Bobcat'', Coyote', Fox', Weasel Fisher' Mink', River Otter' Muskrat, Opossum, Raccoon, Skunk OPEN SEASON (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) Jan. 1- April 15, 2022 and Nov. 1, 2022 - April 15, 2023 Nov. 1- Nov. 30, 2022 Nov. 1- Nov. 22, 2022 Nov. 1- Dec. 15, 2022 Jan. 1- Feb. 28, 2022 and Nov. 1, 2022- Feb. 28, 2023 1- Pelt checking/reporting required; see below. 2 - Bobcats may only be trapped or salvaged in Wildlife Management Zones 1-8. TO REPORT VIOLATIONS (800) 632-8075 www.mass.gov/ole Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 1 508-389-6300 Visit us at: www.mass.gov/masswildlife Facebook: www.facebook.com/masswildlife Questions?: Contact us at mass.wildlife@mass.gov 2022 M A S S AC H U S E T T SFISHING HUNTING& OFFICIAL FRESHWATER FISHING, HUNTING, AND TRAPPING LAWS Connect with MassWildlife! Rte 1 Kittery, ME / 888-587-6246 / ktp.com / ktpguns.com Save 20% Online!Visit ktp.com/mahuntfor details! 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Truglo front sight. The SX4 Field is a step forward from the fastest shotgun in the world: the original SX4. SX4 FIELD SHOTGUNUpland (and marsh) ready with a satin oil finish walnut stock, mUpland (and marsh) ready with a satin oil finish walnut stock, matte black receiver, Truglo front sight. The SX4 Field is a step forward from the BAR MARK III RIFLEAutoloader with traditional walnut stock, polished blued steel barrel, engraved alloy receiver, Inflex recoil pad. BLR LIGHTWEIGHT RIFLESatin nickel finish receiver and stainless steel barrel. Gloss walnut stock, open sights, pistol grip style buttstock.Gloss walnut stock, open sights, pistol grip style buttstock. engraved alloy receiver, Inflex recoil pad. MA_HuntRegs_2020.indd 1MA_HuntRegs_2020.indd 1 9/2/20 3:35 PM9/2/20 3:35 PM See our instant $25 FF coupon on page 36! Have a question? mass.wildlife@mass.gov (508) 389-6300 Connect with MassWildlife! On the Cover A tom turkey in full strut. Photo © Dean Cerrati Cover Inset Two boys enjoying a day of trout fishing. Photo © Troy Gipps CONTENTS MASSWILDLIFE B E S A F E , B E S E E N GET YOUR OR ANGE ON ALL outdoor users who are in the field during hunting seasons are encour- aged to wear blaze orange to increase their visibility. Hunters see page 18 for blaze orange requirements. Learn more at mass.gov/dfw/blaze-orange NEW FOR 2022 License/Stamp/Permit Fee Increases: For the first time since 1996, the fees for hunting, freshwater fishing, trapping licenses, and associated stamps and permits have increased. The new fees address the increased costs of our current conserva- tion, recreation, and education work including the scientific management of fish and wildlife and their habitats, trout and pheasant stocking, and Hunter and Angler Education programs. Fee increases will be phased in annually beginning this year and continuing until 2026. Further details can be found online at mass.gov/mass- wildlife-funding (see page 8 for 2022 license fees). New Pheasant/Quail Permit: A permit is required for any person 15 years or older who hunts, takes, or possesses pheasants or bobwhite quail. Hunters hunting or possessing pheasant or bobwhite quail harvested on a licensed commercial shoot- ing preserve do not need a permit (see page 6). Seasonal Bag Limits on Pheasant/Quail Lifted: Seasonal bag limits for pheasant and quail have been eliminated. Daily and possession bag limits have not changed (see page 34). Hen Pheasant Hunting Allowed Statewide: Hen pheasants may now be hunted state- wide and are counted as part of the two-bird daily bag limit for all pheasant hunters. Martin Burns WMA Controlled Hunts Eliminated; Pheasant hunters at Martin Burns WMA in Newbury are no longer required to register or “check in” on Satur- days or Veterans Day during the pheasant hunting season. For further information, contact the Northeast District office at (978) 772-2145. GENERAL Director's Message .....................................2 MassWildlife Directory ...............................4 Environmental Police ..................................5 Licenses, Stamps, Permits, and Fees ......6 –8 Marine Fisheries and Saltwater Permits .....7 Recreational Vehicles ................................18 By the Numbers ........................................37 Outdoor Skills Programs ...........................48 Education Programs ..................................49 Publications ...............................................50 Sunrise-Sunset Table .................................51 FISHING ��1 0–17 Fishing and Bait Regulations ...............10–11 Free Fishing Weekend ...............................11 Reptiles and Amphibians ..........................11 Catch and Release Areas ...........................12 Interstate Pond Regulations .....................12 Fishing Prohibitions ...................................12 Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program........................................13 Catch and Release Tips .............................13 Ice Strength and Safety Tips .....................14 Boating Laws .............................................15 Fishing and Boating Access .......................15 Fishing Map ...............................................16 Trout Stocking ...........................................16 HUNTING ��18–44 Gun Laws ...................................................21 Wildlife Management Area Regulations ...21 Wildlife Management Zone Map ........22–23 Youth Hunters .....................................24–25 Deer .....................................................26–29 Black Bear ............................................30–31 MassWildlife Lands ...................................31 Wild Turkey .........................................32–33 Pheasant, Quail .........................................34 Ruffed Grouse ...........................................35 Crow ..........................................................36 Rabbit, Hare, Gray Squirrel .................38, 39 Migratory Game Birds ........................40–41 Coyote, Fox, Bobcat ............................42, 43 Raccoon and Opossum .............................44 Summary of Hunting Season Dates ..........52 TRAPPING ��46–47 Furbearer Check Stations ..........................46 Trapping Prohibitions ................................47 Problem Animal Control ...........................47 Photo © Troy Gipps 2 COMMONWE ALTH OF MA SSACHUSE T TS Charlie Baker, Governor Karyn Polito, Lieutenant Governor E XECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Kathleen Theoharides, Secretary DEPAR TMENT OF FISH AND GAME Ronald S. Amidon, Commissioner DIVISION OF FISHERIE S & WIL DLIFE Mark S. Tisa, Director FISHERIE S & WIL DLIFE BOAR D Joseph S. Larson, Ph.D. (Pelham) Bonita J. Booth (Spencer) Bob Durand (Marlborough) Ernest W. Foster IV (Scituate) Michael P. Roche (Orange) Stephen A. Sears (Dalton) Brandi Van Roo, Ph.D. (Douglas) NATUR AL HERITAGE & ENDANGERED SPECIE S A DVISORY COMMIT TEE Mark J. Mello, Chair (New Bedford) William E. Brumback (Acton) Timothy J. Flanagan (Lenox) Joseph S. Larson, Ph.D. (Pelham) Wayne R. Petersen (Hanson) Kevin D. Powers (Plymouth) David H. Small (Athol) Associate Members Andrew D. Finton (Watertown) Russell T. Hopping (New Bedford) Bryan S. Windmiller, Ph.D. (Concord) GENERAL D IRECTOR'S MESSAGE T H E F U T U R E O F CO N S E R VAT I O N When I was growing up in central Massachusetts, fishing, hunting, trapping, and shoot- ing were a way of life. Outdoor skills were passed from generation to generation, and plenty of neighbors were willing to share their knowledge if you didn’t have a mentor in your family. In my case, it was my grandfather who got me started fishing and hunting and bought me my first gun. There were three dairy farms right down the road from where I lived, and the farmers used to let us milk the cows, fish the cow ponds, and hunt the farms. The more time I spent on the water and in the woods, the greater my love and appreciation grew for nature, open spaces, and wildlife conservation. So much so, I made it my lifelong career. And I am still an active hunter, angler, and shooter. These pursuits continue to fuel my passion for conservation and inform every aspect of my work leading the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) as Director. Things have sure changed since my childhood. Increased urbanization of the landscape and people with less time to spend outdoors have led to significant declines in hunting and fishing participa- tion over the last 40 years, not only in our state but across the country. These shifting societal trends have profound implications for the future of wildlife conservation in North America and call for a new funding paradigm. As many outdoorspeople now know, MassWildlife’s work to conserve fish and wildlife for the benefit of all citizens still relies primarily on license sales and “Federal Aid” collected by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program as an excise tax on the sales of hunting and fishing gear. Our license-buyers, program volunteers, and donors have made pos- sible our work to fulfill our conservation mission to date and we couldn’t have done it without them. Looking to the future, however, license fees alone (the fee-based model) will not sustain the conserva- tion of all wildlife and their habitats much longer. While we at MassWildlife continue to work hard to retain, recruit, and reactivate hunters, anglers, and trappers, the fact is less than 5 percent of Massachusetts residents currently participate in these activities. I want to thank my fellow licensed anglers, hunters, and trappers, who are and have been MassWildlife’s vital partners through the years: providing financial support; shar- ing observations in the field and serving as stewards, both of wildlife and by looking out for our Wildlife Management Areas; giving time volunteering, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists; and offering input, support, and enthusiasm for MassWildlife’s programs and services. Anglers, trappers and hunters are all part of our working landscapes here in Massachusetts. For example, hunters help state fish and wildlife agencies manage deer populations so that they are in balance both with the available habitat and with the needs and expectations of landowners, while provid- ing food for their families. The declines in hunting and angling participation and therefore license-buying have serious consequences that directly or indirectly impact everyone. Under its statutory authority, MassWildlife is responsible for conserving all wildlife in trust for all citizens in the Com- monwealth. Everyone benefits from access to nature, open spaces, clean air and water, and healthy fish and wildlife populations. Over the course of this pandemic, many of us ex- perienced firsthand just how important the outdoors, nature, and open spaces are to our overall health and wellbeing. Many of us found relief from the daily stress and anxiety of our worlds being turned upside-down by appreciating its peace and solitude, and enjoying nature-based activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, paddling, birdwatching, and camping. (Continued on page 9) MassWildlife Director Mark S. Tisa Pho t o b y T r o y G i p p s / M a s s W i l d l i f e CALL US AT:315.349.8322 visitoswegocounty.com ORDER YOUR FREE GUIDE! LEGENDARYFISHING AWAITS! SALMON RIVER, PULASKI NEW YORK It only takes one light tackle hook-up for you to understand why they are called Steelhead. Anglers from around the world will tell you that these underwater light- ning bolts do more than steal your bait. By the time they have had their way with you, they’ll have stolen your heart and soul. Wheth- er heading upstream for a fall feeding frenzy or dropping back to Lake Ontario in the spring, these 5-10 lb. “chromers” will give you the freshwater fight that brings you back for more. Let this be your year to experience the legendary waters of the Salm- on River -- long regarded as one of North America’s premier steelhead destinations! M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E Exp l o r e t h e M a s s W i l d l i f e L a n d s V i e w e r o n l i n e t o l e a r n m o r e ab o u t l a n d a n d w a t e r s o p e n t o h u n t i n g , f i s h i n g , t r a p p i n g , an d w a t c h i n g w i l d l i f e . G o t o ma s s . g o v / d f w / w i l d l i f e - l a n d s . M A S S W I L D L I F E B O S T O N O F F I C E 251 C a u s e w a y S t r e e t , S t e . 4 0 0 , B o s t o n 0 2 1 1 4 (50 8 ) 3 8 9 - 6 3 0 0 Ad m i n i s t r a t i v e O f f i c e s FI E L D H E A D Q U A R T E R S 1 R a b b i t H i l l R o a d , W e s t b o r o u g h 0 1 5 8 1 (50 8 ) 3 8 9 - 6 3 0 0 Ad m i n i s t r a t i o n , R e a l t y , F i s h e r i e s , W i l d l i f e , Inf o r m a t i o n & E d u c a t i o n , H u n t e r E d u c a t i o n , Na t u r a l H e r i t a g e & E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i e s P r o g r a m W E S T E R N W I L D L I F E D I S T R I C T 88 O l d W i n d s o r R o a d , D a l t o n 0 1 2 2 6 (41 3 ) 6 8 4 - 1 6 4 6 An d r e w M a d d e n , D i s t r i c t S u p e r v i s o r CO N N E C T I C U T V A L L E Y W I L D L I F E D I S T R I C T 34 1 E a s t S t r e e t , B e l c h e r t o w n 0 1 0 0 7 (41 3 ) 3 2 3 - 7 6 3 2 Jos e p h R o g e r s , D i s t r i c t S u p e r v i s o r CE N T R A L W I L D L I F E D I S T R I C T 21 1 T e m p l e S t r e e t , W e s t B o y l s t o n 0 1 5 8 3 (50 8 ) 8 3 5 - 3 6 0 7 Tod d O l a n y k , D i s t r i c t S u p e r v i s o r NO R T H E A S T W I L D L I F E D I S T R I C T 85 F i t c h b u r g R o a d , A y e r 0 1 4 3 2 (97 8 ) 7 7 2 - 2 1 4 5 Pa t r i c i a H u c k e r y , D i s t r i c t S u p e r v i s o r SO U T H E A S T W I L D L I F E D I S T R I C T 19 5 B o u r n e d a l e R o a d , B u z z a r d s B a y 0 2 5 3 2 (50 8 ) 7 5 9 - 3 4 0 6 Jas o n Z i m m e r , D i s t r i c t S u p e r v i s o r DE P A R T M E N T O F F I S H A N D GA M E O F F I C E 251 C a u s e w a y S t r e e t , S t e . 4 0 0 , B o s t o n , 0 2 1 1 4 (61 7 ) 6 2 6 - 1 5 0 0 Ro n a l d S . A m i d o n , C o m m i s s i o n e r SU N D E R L A N D F I S H H A T C H E R Y 55 9 A m h e r s t R o a d , S u n d e r l a n d 0 1 3 7 5 (41 3 ) 6 6 5 - 4 6 8 0 Ch u c k B e l l , H a t c h e r y M a n a g e r BI T Z E R F I S H H A T C H E R Y 37 H a t c h e r y R o a d , M o n t a g u e 0 1 3 5 1 (41 3 ) 3 6 7 - 2 4 7 7 Ho l l y H u b e r t , H a t c h e r y M a n a g e r SA N D W I C H F I S H H A T C H E R Y 16 4 R t e 6 A , S a n d w i c h 0 2 5 6 3 (50 8 ) 8 8 8 - 0 0 0 8 Ad a m D a v i e s , H a t c h e r y M a n a g e r RO G E R R E E D F I S H H A T C H E R Y (C L O S E D T O P U B L I C ) 693 W a r e S t r e e t , P a l m e r , M A (41 3 ) 2 8 3 - 7 4 4 0 Da n i e l M a r c h a n t , H a t c h e r y M a n a g e r M C L A U G H L I N F I S H H A T C H E R Y 90 E a s t S t r e e t , B e l c h e r t o w n 0 1 0 0 7 (41 3 ) 3 2 3 - 7 6 7 1 Ku r t P a l m a t e e r , H a t c h e r y M a n a g e r M A S S W I L D L I F E D I R E C T O R Y CO N T A C T U S ma s s . w i l d l i f e @ m a s s . g o v Q U E S T I O N S ? Em a i l u s a t m a s s . w i l d l i f e @ m a s s . g o v Ge t M a s s W i l d l i f e ' s E - N e w s l e t t e r : ma s s . g o v / d f w / n e w s l e t t e r CO N N E C T W I T H U S ! 4 GENERAL M ASSWILDLIFE DIRECTORY 5M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E NOTICE This Guide contains a summary of the laws and regulations in place as of October 10, 2021. Any changes in law or regulation enacted after October 10, 2021 are publicized by MassWildlife through releases to the news media, all license sales outlets, and on its website. These are not the complete laws and regulations. Laws and regulations (MGL Ch. 131 and 321 CMR) are subject to change. Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, ALThe mission of the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) is to protect the environment and natural resources of the Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts through enforcement, education, and public outreach. TO REPORT VIOLATIONS Emergency 24/7 Statewide Dispatch (800) 632-8075 (617) 626-1665 mass.gov/ole MA SSACHUSE T TS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICE BOS TON HQ Shaun T. Santos, Colonel 251 Causeway Street, Suite 101 Boston, MA 02114 BOAT AND RECRE ATION VEHICLE REGIS TR ATION OFFICE S Boston (617) 626-1610 Fall River (508) 679-8287 Hyannis (508) 771-8382 Springfield (413) 733-1642 Worcester (508) 753-0603 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV ) AND BOATING SAFET Y COURSES (508) 564-4961, mass.gov/boat-and-off-highway-vehicle-ohv-safety-courses E N V I R O N M E N TA L P O L I C E EN VIRONMENTAL POLICE GE NERAL SALVAGE OF DEER, MOOSE, AND BEAR ROAD-KILLED DEER may be kept by a Massachusetts driver or passenger of ve- hicle killing said deer if reported to MEP at (800) 632-8075 immediately and then tagged at a MassWildlife or MEP office within 24 hours. ROAD-KILLED MOOSE OR BEAR may not be kept by a Massachusetts driver or pas- senger of the vehicle killing the said moose or bear. The disposition of any moose or bear carcass is only at the discretion of MEP or MassWildlife. To report a road-killed moose or bear, call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300 or the MEP number listed above. About This Guide This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife through its unique part- nership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. The revenue generated through ad sales significantly lowers production costs and generates savings. These savings translate into additional funds for other important agency programs. If you have any feedback or are inter- ested in advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com Graphic Design: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski 5 M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E6 GENERAL L ICENSES L I C E N S E S HUNTING, FRESHWATER FISHING & TRAPPING Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 (except for limited term licenses). Who Needs a License? Hunting: Licenses are required for anyone 15 years of age and over for hunting any game bird or mammal. No person under the age of 12 may hunt. (See Youth Hunt- ers, pages 24–25) Fishing: Licenses are required for anyone 15 years of age and over for fishing the inland (fresh) waters of Massachusetts. Anglers under 15 may fish, but do not need a license. A freshwater (inland) fishing license is not required on the Merrimack River seaward of the first upstream bridge (northbound traffic) of Route 495 in Haver- hill, however, a saltwater fishing permit is required. (See page 7) Trapping: A license is required for all persons age 12 years of age and older. In addition, to trap on the land of another, a Trap Registration Number is required. AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS: Any person who owns or leases land that is principally used for agriculture and any im- mediate family members who are domi- ciled on said land do not need a hunting, fishing, or trapping license to hunt, fish, or trap on that property. Permits and stamps are still required. RESIDENT & NON-RESIDENT LICENSES: To obtain a resident hunting, fishing, or trapping license, applicant must reside in Massachusetts for six consecutive months immediately prior to purchase. A valid Massachusetts non-resident license is required for all non-resident anglers and hunters ages 15 and older. A Big Game License is required of all non-residents to hunt deer, bear, and wild turkey and allows for hunting of small game. For hunting small game only, a non-resident Small Game license is required. (see page 19 for non-resident hunter information) Purchasing Licenses, Stamps & Permits Licenses, stamps, and permits may be purchased online by anglers 15 years and older, and by hunters and trappers 18 years or older at mass.gov/massfishhunt. Minor hunters may purchase licenses, stamps, and permits online, at MassWildlife offices, and other license vendors. Minors must have parental consent (sworn affi- davit online or written when in person) to purchase a license, and must either attest that they will always hunt with licensed in- dividual at least 18 year old, or have taken hunter education. See page 24. Licenses, permits, and stamps are not transferable. If you have difficulty purchasing these products through the MassFishHunt sys- tem, call (844) 595-2930. Hunting/Sporting License First ever hunting and sporting licenses for anyone aged 18 years or older can be purchased only if the buyer has successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course from any jurisdiction or held a hunting license from any jurisdiction prior to 2007. Falconry Hunting with birds of prey is allowed under a special permit from MassWildlife. A hunting license is required. Federal and state waterfowl stamps and HIP registra- tion required when hunting waterfowl (see page 40). A Pheasant/Quail Permit is required when hunting ring-necked pheas- ant or bobwhite quail. All other hunting regulations apply. Pheasant, bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, and gray squirrel may be taken from the respective opening day through March 15th. Unprotected birds and mammals (see page 18, Open Seasons) may be taken by falconry except in areas closed for the taking of such animals. Falconers shall not practice falconry on posted land without permission. Contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300 for more information. Trapping License & Trap Registration Number To trap on the land of another, a Trap Registration Number is required and may be obtained from MassWildlife by calling (508) 389-6300 only after successful com- pletion of a Trapper Education course from any U.S. state. To obtain a trapping license, minors 12–17 years-old must have consent from a parent or guardian. (See page 46) LICENSE, PERMIT, TAG DISPLAY: All hunters, anglers and trappers must have their license, permits and stamps in possession while engaging in these activi- ties. Hunters and anglers may display a true, complete and legible image of a valid license using a mobile device. Hunters must comply with all tagging requirements. If a tag is required, as it is for hunting deer, bear, and turkey, hunters must carry a pa- per copy of the license, permits and tags. PERMITS NEW: Fees for resident and non-resident permits have changed. See page 8. NEW — PHEASANT/QUAIL PERMIT: Required by all persons aged 15 years or older (including falconers) to hunt, take or possess pheasants or bobwhite quail harvested within Massachusetts, except for those hunting or possessing pheasants or quail harvested on licensed commercial shooting preserves. All birds harvested on commercial shooting preserves must be tagged with a MassWildlife supplied adhe- sive yellow harvest tag. ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT: Required to take an antlerless deer during archery, shotgun, and primitive firearms seasons in all zones. The deadline to apply for an ant- lerless deer permit is July 16 at any license vendor or online through the MassFishHunt system. Only one application per person. The application is free. (see page 28) YOUTH DEER HUNT PERMIT: Youth hunters ages 12–17 are required to obtain a free permit to hunt deer on the designated day. (see page 25) BEAR PERMIT: Required to hunt bear. Hunters may purchase this permit when purchasing their hunting/sporting license or at any time prior to the end of the third segment of the bear season through any license vendor or or online through the MassFishHunt system. TURKEY PERMIT: Required to hunt turkey. Hunters may purchase this permit when purchasing their hunting/sporting license or at any time prior to the end of the fall turkey season through any license vendor or or online through the MassFishHunt system. YOUTH TURKEY HUNT PERMIT: Youth hunters ages 12–17 are required to obtain a free permit/authorization to hunt turkey on the designated day. (see page 24) SPECIAL LICENSES/PERMITS Special authorization is necessary for sale, possession, importation or release of certain fish and wildlife, and for fur dealers, propaga- tors, wildlife rehabilitators, taxidermists and/ or fur buyers. Sale and importation of baitfish require separate dealer and importation permits. Apply to MassWildlife Boston office, Permit Section (617) 626-1575. For permits regarding crossbows, falconry, problem animal control, or shooting preserves contact Field Headquarters at (508) 389-6300. M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 7 LICENSES GE NERAL STAMPS NEW: Fees for resident and non-resident stamps have changed. See page 8. ARCHERY STAMP: Required to hunt deer during the archery deer season. PRIMITIVE FIREARMS STAMP: Re- quired to hunt deer during the primitive firearms deer season. MASSACHUSETTS WATERFOWL STAMP: Required of all waterfowl (ducks and geese) hunters age 15 and older. Mas- sachusetts state stamps are valid Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 and may be purchased online at YOUR LICENSE DOLLARS AT WORK Did you know your license dollars and a federal excise tax on your purchase of hunting and fishing equip- ment pays for most of MassWildlife’s fish, wildlife and habitat management and its other conservation programs? Since 1938, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has partnered with the U. S. Fish and Wild- life Service, sportsmen and women, and the fishing, hunting, shooting, and boating industries to fund fish and wildlife projects through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Today, this pioneering program serves as a cost-effective model for fish and wildlife conservation by providing fish and wildlife access to those who both funded and directly benefit from the resource—the anglers and hunters. Their contributions through this “user pay, public benefit” conservation model—funded by license purchases and excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment—benefit all Massachusetts residents, fish, wildlife and their habitats. SALTWATER FISHING PERMITS Saltwater anglers in Massachusetts are required to purchase a state recre- ational saltwater fishing permit. The fee for this permit is $10 and is the same cost for all anglers, including non-residents. Anglers younger than 16, or disabled, or who fish only on charter boats or "head boats" are exempt from this requirement. Anglers age 60 and older will need to obtain a permit, but the saltwater permit is free. The permit is available online, by mail, and in person at participating vendors and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries offices in Gloucester, Boston, and New Bedford. For more information, please visit: mass.gov/dmf/saltwaterpermits. MARINE FISHERIES Have any questions regarding saltwater fishing regulations? Call the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries information hotline at (617) 626- 1520, visit mass.gov/marinefisheries, or email: marine.fish@mass.gov mass.gov/massfishhunt or wherever hunt- ing licenses are sold. This stamp is elec- tronic, there are no physical stamps. Stamp purchase includes mandatory Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration. FEDERAL DUCK STAMP: ($25.00, plus federal regulatory processing fee) Required of all waterfowl hunters 16 years or older. Federal stamps are valid July 1 – June 30 of the following year. Federal eDuck Stamps are available for purchase online through MassFishHunt (mass.gov/ massfishhunt) or wherever hunting licenses are sold. The Federal eDuck Stamp is a temporary stamp expiring 45 days from the date of purchase. Before the eDuck Stamp expires, a physical Federal Duck Stamp will be sent to custom- ers via U.S. mail. Upon receipt of the physi- cal Federal Duck Stamp, it must be signed across the face in ink and carried while waterfowl hunting. If a physical Duck Stamp does not arrive after a few weeks, contact Amplex at duckstamp@amplex.com or (800) 852-4897. If you experience diffi- culty purchasing the Federal eDuck Stamp through the MassFishHunt system, call (844) 595-2930. Physical federal waterfowl stamps are also available at all National Wildlife Refuges and select post offices. Photo by Troy Gipps/MassWildlife 8 WHERE TO BUY: Most licenses, permits, and stamps can be bought online using MassFishHunt (mass.gov/massfishhunt) with a computer, tablet, or smartphone. To purchase in-person, use mass. gov/fishhuntlicensemap to find a license vendor near you. UNDERSTANDING YOUR BILL: All funds from freshwater fish- ing, hunting, and trapping licenses go directly into the Inland Fish and Game Fund, which can only be used to support MassWildlife’s programs and services. Depending on where you buy your license, additional fees may apply that are not collected by MassWildlife. Administrative and convenience fees are collected by Kalkomey Enterprises, the company that operates the online MassFishHunt licensing system. Agent fees are collected by license vendors, such as sporting goods stores or town offices. • If you buy online, an administrative fee of $1.45 per license will be charged, plus a 2% convenience fee on the total transaction. • If you buy at a license vendor, such as a sporting goods store or bait and tackle shop, an administrative fee of $1.45 per license will be charged, plus an agent fee of up to $1.50. • If you buy at a city or town clerk office, an administrative fee of $1.45 per license will be charged, plus an agent fee of $1.00. • There are no additional fees charged for licenses purchased at offices of MassWildlife or the Division of Marine Fisheries, where only cash or checks are accepted. LICENSE PRICE CHANGES: Beginning in 2022, the fees for some licenses, permits, and stamps will gradually increase over the next 5 years. After 26 years without a fee increase, these changes were approved to help fund MassWildlife's programs and services. To learn more about how MassWildlife is funded and view the 5-year fee schedule, please visit mass.gov/masswildlife-funding. 2022 LICENSE, STAMP & PERMIT FEES GENERAL L ICENSES 8961 Number Three Road Lowville, NY 13367 LOWLANDS WHITETAILSHunting Ranch Maybe your dream is to have a 200–Class B&C buck hanging on your wall... or is your dream to watch your child take a trophy buck you can both be proud of... Please call us with your dream and let us make it a reality! We have big-bodied bucks ranging up to and over 250 B&C! Muzzleloader, Riﬂ e or Archery · No License Required Lodging is Free While You Hunt 315-286-5528 | 315-286-2861 | 315-376-2190 LowlandsWhitetails.com Email lowlandswhitetails@yahoo.com LICENSES FEE Resident Fishing1 26.00 Resident Minor Fishing (Citizen, Age 15–17)1 FREE Resident Fishing (Citizen, Age 65–69)1 13.00 Resident Fishing (Citizen, Age 70 or over) Or paraplegic, blind, intellectually disabled2 FREE Non-resident Fishing1 36.00 Non-resident Minor Fishing (Age 15–17)1 6.80 Resident Fishing (3-day)1 10.00 Non-resident Fishing (3-day)1 20.90 Quabbin 1-day Fishing 5.00 Resident Hunting1 26.00 Resident Minor Hunting (Citizen, Age 15–17)1 6.50 Resident Hunting (Citizen, Age 65–69)1 13.00 Resident/Non-resident Hunting, Paraplegic2 FREE Non-resident (adult/minor) Hunting, Big Game1 98.00 Non-resident (adult/minor) Hunting, Small Game1 64.00 Resident Sporting1 47.00 Resident Sporting (Citizen, Age 65–69)1 23.50 Resident Sporting (Citizen, Age 70 or over, includes trapping)FREE Resident/Non-resident Sporting, Paraplegic2 FREE Resident Trapping1 32.00 Resident Minor Trapping (Citizen, Age 12–17)1 6.50 Resident Trapping (Citizen, Age 65–69)1 16.00 Resident Commercial Shooting Preserve (1-day)1 6.00 Non-resident Commercial Shooting Preserve (1-day)1 8.00 STAMPS & PERMITS FEE Wildlands Stamp, Resident 5.00 Wildlands Stamp, Non-resident 5.00 Antlerless Deer Permit (when issued), Resident 10.00 Antlerless Deer Permit (when issued), Non-resident 10.00 Archery Deer Season Stamp, Resident 10.00 Archery Deer Season Stamp, Non-resident 10.00 Primitive Firearms Deer Season Stamp, Resident 10.00 Primitive Firearms Deer Season Stamp, Non-resident 10.00 Bear Permit, Resident 10.00 Bear Permit, Non-resident 10.00 Pheasant/Quail Permit, Resident 4.00 Pheasant/Quail Permit, Non-resident 6.00 Turkey Permit, Resident 10.00 Turkey Permit, Non-resident 10.00 Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp, Resident 10.00 Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp, Non-resident 10.00 Trap Registration2 8.00 Non-resident Trapping Permit2 203.00 Resident Fur Buyer Permit2 33.00 Non-resident Fur Buyer Permit2 93.00 1 Price does not include the $5.00 Wildlands Conservation Stamp that is added to the first resident license and all non-resident licenses purchased. 2 Requires pre-approval for first-time applicants or cannot be purchased online; contact MassWildlife for instructions at (508) 389-6300. 9M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E D IRECTOR'S MESSAGE GE NERAL (Director's Message: continued from page 2) MassWildlife offers educational programs like Project WILD and Junior Duck Stamp to help our youth understand, appreciate, and forge connections with the natural world around them. We also manage over 226,000 acres of wildlife lands for everyone to enjoy, and offer detailed maps and online tools to show visitors how to access these properties and enhance their experiences while they are there. By fielding inquiries and offering a variety of fact sheets on common wildlife in Massachusetts, our staff provides advice and detailed information to homeowners and municipalities so they can understand and “make good neighbors” of the wildlife in their communities. In addition to common wildlife, we protect and manage over 430 rare animals and plants and their habitats. Providing and enriching op- portunities for the public to enjoy nature through wildlife-based recreation of every type is an integral part of our mission. So how as a society can we continue to meet and fund our collective conservation goals? Unfortunately, for the first time in 26 years, MassWildlife had to increase its license fees in order to maintain the current level of programs and services that you have all come to enjoy and appreciate. But as I said earlier, the current license-fee model is just not a sustainable, long-term model for funding all our wildlife conservation needs and challenges, especially in the face of the ever-increasing threats of habitat fragmentation and loss, inva- sive species, and climate change. This challenge of funding wildlife conservation in the 21st century is by no means unique to Massachusetts. Like Massachusetts, most states are heavily dependent on license sales and Federal Aid to fund their conservation programs. State fish and wildlife agencies across the country are facing similar long-term declines in license sales and the growing challenges to funding wildlife conservation. As a result, several states, including Missouri, Virginia, Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas, have implemented solutions to provide dedicated agency funding beyond just revenue from the sale of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. The Commonwealth’s economy and quality of life depend on healthy landscapes, sustainable fish and wildlife populations, and access to nature for all people. If we work together, Massachusetts, too, can meet the challenge of shifting to a more equitable and sustainable funding model for the future of wildlife conservation in the Commonwealth. —Director Mark S. Tisa, Ph.D., M.B.A. Making outdoor memories just got easier Log into MassFishHunt to: • Buy a license• Apply for permits• Report a harvest• Sign up for a class New official MassFishHunt licensing system launches December 2021. Features: • Linked family accounts • Auto-renew and buy-it-again for quick checkout • Secure system keeps your information safe Get started at Mass.gov/NewMassFishHunt MassFishHunt Official licensing site of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Log InSign Up Welcome to the new MassFishHunt Buy a license, report a harvest, and manage your account Welcome to the new MassFishHunt Buy a license, report a harvest, and manage your account Get Started Who needs a license?License types & fees Where to fish & hunt Learn to fish & hunt M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E10 SPECIES OPEN SEASON (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) DAILY CREEL LIMIT MINIMUM LENGTH1 Trout 2 Lakes, ponds, major rivers 3, 5, 6 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 3 — Housatonic River 4 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 20" All other rivers and brooks Apr. 1 – Sept. 10 Sept. 11 – Mar. 31, 2023 8 3 — Lake Trout Wachusett Reservoir 6 (see note 6)3 — Quabbin 6 (see note 6)2 18" Landlocked Salmon 6 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 2 15" American Shad 7 (Connecticut and Merrimack rivers only, including their tributaries.)Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 3 — Chain Pickerel Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 15" Black Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth, singly or combined):Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 12" Northern Pike Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 28" Tiger Muskellunge Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 28" Walleye Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 14" Smelt 8 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 May 16 – Dec. 31 —— All Other Freshwater Species 9 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 —— Striped Bass and Herring: For season, size, and possession limits call the Division of Marine Fisheries at (617) 626-1520, or visit mass.gov/marinefisheries. Possession of: Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Long- nose Sucker, and Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! If caught, release immediately. This means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water immedi- ately — do not pose for photographs, place on a stringer, hold in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of these rare fish to the water! 1 Minimum length is measured as the straight line (not curved over the body) from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The tips of any forked tail may be squeezed together for the final measurement. 2 Trout applies to Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Tiger Trout (a cross between a female Brown and a male Brook Trout). From Apr. 1 to Sept. 10, no more than 8 trout (as defined) may be taken daily, and only 3 of those trout may be from lakes, ponds, or major rivers. From Sept. 11 to Mar. 31, no more than 3 trout (as defined) may be taken daily. 3 Major Rivers: Childs, Coonamessett, Deerfield, Farmington, Green (Colrain), Green (Great Barrington), Ipswich, Jones, Mashpee, Millers, Nissitissit, North (Colrain), North (West Branch), Parker, Quaboag, Quinapoxet, Quinebaug, Seven Mile, Santuit, Scorton Creek, Shawsheen, Squannacook, Stillwater (Sterling, Princeton), Swift (East Branch), Swift (Winsor Dam to Ware River, except as posted), Tully (East and West Branches), Ware, Ware (East Branch), Westfield (all branches). 4 Mainstem Housatonic only, from the confluence of the East and West Branches to the MA–CT line, exclusive of the catch-and- release areas where no trout may be kept. 5 Special Brown Trout water: South Pond (Quacumquasit), Brookfield. Total daily creel is 3 trout but only 1 may be a Brown Trout and it must be at least 15". 6 Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs: Opening and closing dates are set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Season generally opens on the third Saturday of April and runs through the third Saturday in October, but these dates may be adjusted due to weather and other factors. Quabbin Reservoir and its tributary streams within the Quabbin Reservation are closed to all fishing except during the open season as set by DCR. The Quabbin Fishing Guide is available at: mass. gov/dcr/quabbinfish or by calling (413) 323-7221. The Wachusett/Sudbury/West Waushacum fishing season normally opens the first Saturday in April and closes November 30, but the DCR/DWSP may alter those dates depending on ice conditions. At Wachusett Reservoir, shoreline fishing only is allowed from Gate 6 on Route 70 to Gate 36 on Route 110. A Wachusett and Sudbury Reservoir Fishing Guide is available at: mass.gov/dcr/wachusettfish or by calling (508) 792-7806. 7 American Shad are Catch-and-Release ONLY on all waters except the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, including their tributaries. 8 Smelt may be taken by hook and line only. 9 Excluding the state- and federally-listed species listed after the "Possession of:" heading in the bottom row of the table shown above. F I S H I N G S E A S O N S A N D L I M I T S ICE FISHING All anglers are allowed up to five hooks through the ice at one time. A hook is de- fined as an angling device attached to the line of a tip-up or jig stick that is designed to take one fish at a time. This includes plain hooks, treble hooks, spinners, spoons, bait harnesses, jigs, or plugs. The device in question is not restricted to a single hook – lures with multiple treble hooks count as one hook in the water. Hooks can be on any combination of tip-ups or jig sticks, but no more than five hooks total. All anglers must be able to tend their own hooks (tip-ups or jig sticks). Adults may assist minors with cutting holes or removing hooks, but minors must be capable of tending tip-ups or jig sticks on their own. See ice strength and safety tips on page 14. FISHING SEASONS AND LIMITS 11M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E BAIT It is unlawful to take baitfish for the purpose of sale from the inland waters of the Com- monwealth. Individuals trapping fish for per- sonal use as baitfish may use only one trap. BAITFISH may be taken by licensed anglers at any time for personal use by all lawful methods, including a rectangular net not exceeding 36 square feet of net area or by a hoop or circular net not exceeding 6 feet in diameter or with a fish trap with openings not exceeding one inch. Nets designed to gill fish are prohibited. Only the fish species listed below may be taken for personal use as bait, live or dead, by licensed anglers. Banded Killifish Fallfish Fathead Minnow Golden Shiner Mummichog Pumpkinseed Rainbow Smelt* Yellow Perch White Sucker * SMELT may be taken only by hook and line. Using smelt as bait in inland waters outside of the smelt season is prohibited. HERRING: For regulations on herring con- tact the Division of Marine Fisheries, (617) 626-1520 or mass.gov/marinefisheries. SPECIES OPEN SEASON DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT SIZE LIMIT For Personal Consumption Bullfrog, Green Frog July 16 – Sept. 30 12 24 none Snapping Turtle Jan. 1 – Apr. 30 July 17 – Dec. 31 2 2 12 in.* For Bait Bullfrog, Green Frog, Pickerel Frog, Wood Frog Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 10 10 less than 2½ in.** *Straight line carapace (shell) length **Snout to vent length No reptile or amphibian may be taken from the wild in Massachusetts for purposes of sale. No reptile or amphibian may be taken with a firearm. Fishing license required. For Personal Consumption: Snapping turtles may be taken by hand, hand-held dip net, or gaff. For Bait: Bullfrogs, green frogs, wood frogs, and pickerel frogs may be taken by hand or hand-held dip net. REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS FREE FISHING WEEKEND June 4–5, 2022 No freshwater license needed! FISHING B AIT & REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS ST P THE SPREAD of Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Animals Boaters, anglers, and other lake and river users are reminded that many unwanted, invasive species can be transported and inadvertently introduced to new waters by hitchhiking undetected on your boat, trailer, motor, waders, diving equipment, and other fishing gear. Please clean and decontaminate your boat, motor, trailer, ropes, and gear; drain your boat, motor, and live well(s); and make sure your equipment is thoroughly dry before entering any body of water. For more information contact Massachusetts DCR Lakes and Ponds Program at (617) 626-1250 or mass.gov/ lakesandponds. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY Photo courtesy MassWildlife/SFAP M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E12 CATCH AND RELEASE AREAS Artificial lures only. No bait in possession. Go to mass.gov/dfw/cr-areas for maps of catch and release areas. HOUSATONIC RIVER: From the Rte. 20 bridge in Lee downstream to Willow Mill Dam AND from Glendale Dam downstream to the RR bridge in Great Barrington. No fishing from June 15 – Aug. 31 inclusive within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries: Beartown Brook; Goose Pond Brook; Hop Brook; and Mohawk Brook. RED BROOK: From the outlet of White Island Pond to the inlet of Buttermilk Bay. NISSITISSIT RIVER: From the New Hampshire border to the Prescott St. Bridge. FLY FISHING ONLY (year-round). SWIFT RIVER: Winsor Dam to Rte. 9, catch- and-release FLY FISHING ONLY (year-round). Rte. 9 to Cady Lane, catch-and-release, arti- ficial lures only (July 1 – Dec. 31); fish harvest and bait allowed (Jan. 1 – June 30). DEERFIELD RIVER: Fife Brook Dam to Hoo- sac Tunnel, and the section extending from Pelham Brook to the Mohawk Campground. QUASHNET RIVER: From the outlet of John’s Pond to the sign 0.1 mile below Rte. 28. WESTFIELD RIVER, EAST BRANCH: Immediately below the Chesterfield Gorge parking lot in Chesterfield to the gate north of the Corps of Engineers parking lot at Knightville in Huntington. MILLERS RIVER: Templeton/Athol RR bridge to the first dam in Athol and from Wendell Rd. bridge in Orange to the breached dam in Erving center. FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES The Mass. Dept. of Public Health (MDPH) has issued a statewide advisory for preg- nant women, nursing mothers, women who may become pregnant, and children under 12 to refrain from consuming fish caught in freshwater due to elevated levels of mercury in fish. MDPH has also issued fish consumption advisories for the general public on selected bodies of water. For more information or a list of waters with fish consumption advisories, contact MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health, at (617) 624-5757 or mass.gov/dph. INTERSTATE POND LICENSE REGULATIONS WALLUM LAKE, DOUGLAS: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Mas- sachusetts or Rhode Island. Rhode Island regulations apply. LAKE MONOMONAC AND ROBBINS POND, WINCHENDON; LONG POND, TYNGSBORO AND DRACUT; BENT POND, WARWICK; TUXBURY POND, AMESBURY: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or New Hamp- shire. New Hampshire regulations apply. COLEBROOK RESERVOIR, TOLLAND; PERRY POND, DUDLEY; MUDDY POND, SOUTHBRIDGE; BREAKNECK POND, STURBRIDGE; CONGAMOND LAKE, SOUTHWICK; HAMILTON RES - ERVOIR, HOLLAND: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or Connecticut. Connecticut regulations apply to Colebrook Reservoir, Breakneck Pond, Perry Pond and Muddy Pond. Mass- achusetts regulations apply to Congamond Lake and Hamilton Reservoir. SHERMAN RESERVOIR, ROWE: Massa- chusetts regulations apply and MA license required in MA. Vermont regulations apply and VT license required in VT. F I S H I N G P R O H I B I T I O N S • More than two hooks for fishing open water or more than five hooks when ice fishing. A hook is defined as an angling device attached to a fishing line that is designed to take one fish at a time but is not limited to devices commonly called spinners, spoons, bait harnesses, jigs, or plugs. • The taking of any fish from the inland waters of the Commonwealth for the purposes of sale. • Lead Sinkers, Lead Weights, and Lead Jigs Weighing Less Than an Ounce. Any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohib- ited for use in all inland waters of the Commonwealth. The term lead sinker shall not include any other sinkers, weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle including, but not limited to, artificial lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead- core or other weighted fishing lines. • Possession of Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Longnose Sucker, and Northern Redbel- ly Dace is illegal! If caught, release im- mediately. This means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water imme- diately — do not pose for photographs, place on a stringer, hold in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of the fish to the water. • Releasing fish or spawn into inland waters, except by permit. • Transporting live fish (except bait for personal use) without a permit. • Jug, toggle, or trot line fishing. • Snagging • Poisons, explosives • Littering in inland waters. SPEARS, BOW AND ARROWS May be used to take White Suck- ers and Carp only. Fishing license required. FISHING FISHING PROHIBITIONS Photo courtesy MassWildlife SFAP 13 FISHING F RESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARDS PROGRAM F R E S H WAT E R S P O R T F I S H I N G AWA R D S P R O G R A M SPECIES CATCH AND KEEP (WEIGHT)CATCH AND RELEASE LENGTH (INCHES)ADULT YOUTH Bowfin 6 lb. 0 oz.4 lb. 0 oz.26 Brook Trout 2 lb. 0 oz.1 lb. 0 oz.16 Brown Trout 4 lb. 0 oz.2 lb. 0 oz.22 Bullhead 2 lb. 0 oz.1 lb. 0 oz.15 Carp 15 lb. 0 oz.10 lb. 0 oz.31 Chain Pickerel 4 lb. 8 oz.3 lb. 0 oz.25 Channel Catfish 6 lb. 0 oz.5 lb. 0 oz.25 Crappie 1 lb. 8 oz.1 lb. 0 oz.14 Lake Trout 7 lb. 0 oz.5 lb. 0 oz.30 Landlocked Salmon1 4 lb. 0 oz.3 lb. 0 oz.22 Largemouth Bass 7 lb. 0 oz.4 lb. 0 oz.21 Northern Pike 15 lb. 0 oz.10 lb. 0 oz.36 Rainbow Trout 3 lb. 0 oz.2 lb. 0 oz.20 Shad 5 lb. 0 oz.3 lb. 0 oz.22 Smallmouth Bass 4 lb. 8 oz.3 lb. 0 oz.20 Sunfish2 0 lb. 12 oz.0 lb. 8 oz.10 Tiger Muskellunge 10 lb. 0 oz.7 lb. 0 oz.34 Tiger Trout 2 lb. 0 oz.1 lb. 0 oz.16 Walleye 4 lb. 0 oz.2 lb. 0 oz.24 White Catfish 4 lb. 0 oz.2 lb. 0 oz.19 White Perch 1 lb. 8 oz.1 lb. 0 oz.14 Yellow Perch 1 lb. 8 oz.1 lb. 0 oz.14 1 Landlocked Salmon are recognized only from Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs. 2 Sunfish category includes Redbreast Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Rock Bass. MINIMUM WEIGHTS AND LENGTHS CATCH AND RELEASE ANGLERS: TIPS FOR MINIMIZING FISH STRESS • If using bait, the use of circle hooks dramatically reduces the likelihood of gut-hooking a fish. • Be attentive and set the hook immediately to prevent the fish from swallowing the hook (setting the hook is not nec- essary with circle hooks). • Reduce the fight time. The longer the fish fights, the higher the stress level for the fish. This is particularly important when fishing for trout in periods of warmer water tempera- tures. If it takes you a long time to land a fish, your drag may be set too loosely or your gear may be too light for the fish you are catching. • Use a fine-mesh landing net to reduce the amount of time required to land a fish. • If the hook is swallowed, do not forcefully remove it. Cut the line as close to the mouth as possible and then release the fish. • Wet your hands before touching the fish so you don’t dam- age the protective mucous layer on the outside of the fish. • Don’t use the gills or eyes as a handhold. Support the belly of larger fish. Bass can be safely handled by holding the lower jaw, thumb in the mouth and forefinger under the chin. • Quickly return fish to the water. Revive a fatigued fish by supporting it in a swimming position in the water; gently move it back and forth until it can swim off. FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARDS Catch and Release Anglers: Remember to take a picture before releasing the fish at the site of capture. This photograph shows the proper method for measuring and photographing a Catch and Release awards entry. Awards for freshwater fish are offered in 22 categories. Each qualified entry re- ceives a bronze pin. The largest fish in each category each year also receives a gold pin and plaque. There are also Youth (17 and under) and Adult "Angler of the Year" awards given to anglers who have taken the greatest variety of "pinfish" during the calendar year. Fish must meet minimum weight or length requirements. All entries must be submitted within 30 days of the date of the catch. SUBMIT ENTIRIES ONLINE! Save time and a stamp by submitting your Sportfishing Awards Program entry us- ing the online affidavit. Find the form at mass.gov/dfw/sportfishing-awards. It’s easy—just enter information about you and your catch, upload a photo of your fish, and submit! Online forms are processed faster than paper forms, allowing us to award pins and update the leader board more quickly. Catch and Keep entries must be weighed on a scale certified by the State. Go to mass.gov/dfw/sportfishing-awards for a list of weigh stations and to download an affidavit. This information is also available at MassWildlife offices. M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E14 FISHING ICE STRENGTH AND SAFETY ICE THICKNESS AND STRENGTH ICE THICKNESS (INCHES) PERMISSIBLE LOAD (ON NEW* CLEAR/BLUE** ICE ON LAKES OR PONDS) 2" or less STAY OFF! 4"Ice fishing or other activities on foot 5"Snowmobile or ATV 8"–12"Car or small pickup truck 12"–15"Medium truck * New ice is stronger than older ice. ** White ice or “snow ice” is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Double the above thickness guidelines when traveling on white ice. I C E S T R E N G T H A N D S A F E T Y T I P S This ice strength and safety information is presented for the benefit of ice anglers and other winter sports people recreating on iced-over bodies of water. The figures in the table to the right are for clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds. Reduce strength values 15% for clear blue, river ice. Slush or snow (white) ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice and can be very treacherous. “Honeycombed” ice, which occurs in the spring or during major winter thaws as the ice is melting, is the most dangerous type of ice and is best avoided unless the angler is certain there is a safe layer of solid ice beneath the hon- eycombed surface. Anglers should also be aware that many lakes and ponds contain spring holes and other areas of current that may create deceptively dangerous thin spots in areas that are otherwise safe. Always use cau- tion, and don’t venture out onto unfa- miliar waters without checking ice thick- ness frequently. HOW CAN YOU TELL IF ICE IS SAFE? There are no guarantees. Always consider ice potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condi- tion. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uni- form all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don’t venture onto ice-bound rivers or streams as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. For other ice safety tips and winter weath- er preparedness, visit mass.gov/mema. IF YOU, A COMPANION, OR PET FALLS THROUGH THE ICE As with any emergency, don’t panic! Call for help if there are people nearby. While it doesn’t take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, you have more time than you might think; typically 2–5 minutes and perhaps longer if you are in good, physical condition. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using “ice pins” that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice, don’t waste precious time, you need to warm up and dry out. If you are in a remote area, this means getting to or starting a campfire. If you are in a more urban setting get to a car or house. Once there, get out of wet clothes, change into dry clothes to get warmed up and seek advice from your physician on medical attention. You need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase “Reach-Throw-Go.” If you are unable to reach your friend from shore, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately. When walking on or near ice, keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well-meaning pet owners can too easily become rescue victims when trying to assist their pets. Outdoor recreation activities on the ice are safe pursuits. By using a little common sense, these activities will stay that way.Photo by Nicole McSweeney/MassWildlife M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 15 M A SSACHUSET T S B OATI N G L AWS : A SUM M A RY BOAT REGISTRATION: Registration and numbering of all motorized boats is required. This includes electric motors. MINIMUM AGE RESTRICTIONS: No person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat, unless accompanied on-board and directly supervised by a competent per- son 18 years of age or older. Personal water- craft (PWC) users must be at least 16 years of age in order to operate. BOAT SAFETY EDUCATION CERTIFI - CATION: Youth between 12 and 15 years of age must complete an approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Upon successful completion of such a course, students are is- sued a state "boating safety certificate" which must be in the possession of the certified op- erator when underway. Prospective personal watercraft users 16 or 17 years of age must also complete an approved boating course. SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Personal Flota- tion Devices (life jackets) are required to be worn by: (1) youth under 12 years of age, (2) personal watercraft users, (3) Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) users, (4) water-skiers, and (5) canoeists/kayakers from September 15 – May 15 (including waterfowl hunters). A boat owner or a boat operator is responsible to ensure that all passengers on-board wear or have access to life jackets. When not in a bathing, swimming, or surf zone, all SUP us- ers on inland lakes, rivers or coastal waters, are required by law to have a Type I, II, or III life jacket aboard. All motorboats (with the exception of personal watercraft) must be equipped with an anchor, manual bailer, and line. A paddle or an oar is required on boats less than 16 feet in length. Motorboats towing water-skiers must be equipped with a boarding ladder. BOATING PROHIBITIONS The following types of operation are ex- tremely unsafe and are prohibited. • Operating any vessel under the influ- ence of alcohol (BAC of .08 or greater) or drugs. • Operating a motorboat within 150 feet of swimming areas. • Operating in inland waters at a speed greater than 45 mph or operating at an excessive speed without regard for weather conditions, boat traffic, and other hazards. • Operating a motorboat without prop- erly working lights. • Operating a motorboat during the nighttime while towing water-skiers, tubers, or others. • Operating at greater than headway speed (6 mph or less) within 150 feet of a swimmer, water-skier, mooring area, marina, boat launch, or when the op- erator's vision is obscured in any way. • Operating an overloaded vessel (carry- ing total weight that exceeds capacity plate recommendations or is excessive due to water conditions). • Operating with passengers on the bow, gunwales, or any other place from which a person could fall overboard. PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (JET SKI) OPERATION By law, personal watercraft (PWC) operators are considered motorboat operators and must comply with all boating laws and naviga- tion rules. In addition, PWC users must: • Wear an approved life jacket at all times (operator and passengers). • Attach the safety lanyard to the opera- tor and the cutoff/kill switch. • Always operate at slow, no-wake speed (6 mph or less) within 150 feet of swim- mers, shorelines, water-skiers, boat launches, rafts or floats, and moored or docked boats. PWC Operation is prohibited: • By any person under age 16 • Between the hours of sunset and sun- rise (i.e. night time) • At high speed in congested areas • On waterbodies under 75 acres • Towing (water-skiers, tubers, boats, or others) is illegal. ACCIDENT REPORTING: The operator of any motorboat involved in an accident which results in personal injury, death, or property damage (over $500) must immediately notify the Massachusetts Environmental Police and file the appropriate accident report within 5 days for most boating accidents, within 2 days for boating incidents involving fatalities. For further information on boating laws, boating education, or to obtain accident report forms contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police Boat & Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau at (508) 564-4961 or visit mass.gov/ole. GOT LIFE JACKETS? Boat Smart From the Start — Wear Your Life Jacket! From September 15 to May 15 all canoe or kayak occupants MUST WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO GO FISHING OR BOATING? Public Access to the Waters of Massachusetts is a 146-page map book- let that provides information about current fishing and boating access sites. Send $8.00 payable to the Commonwealth of MA by check to: Office of Fishing & Boating Access Department of Fish & Game 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 389-7810 To view fishing and boating access locations online, visit mass.gov/fba. BO ATING LAWS F ISHING 16 M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E16 FISHING FISHING MAP, COLDWATER STREAMS, TROUT STOCKING GO FISH MA! WITH ONLINE FISHING MAP Plan your next fishing trip using MassWild- life’s online fishing map. Find boat ramps, trout stocked waters, pond and lake summaries, and digital depth information. The fishing map also highlights over 100 featured fishing sites that offer easy access to great fishing in all areas of the state. Once you’re at your fishing spot, use your mobile device and the My Location feature on the map to see depth information in real time. Go to mass.gov/go-fish-ma to start exploring. COLDWATER STREAMS A Coldwater Fish Resource (CFR) is a water- body that contains at least one coldwater fish species (i.e., Slimy Sculpin, Longnose Sucker, Lake Chub, American Brook Lam- prey, Burbot, Rainbow Smelt, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, and Lake, Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout) that reproduced in that waterbody, or a connected tributary, and use such waters to meet one or more of their life history requirements. Protection of coldwater habitats is critical for maintaining the overall health of coldwater fish species, which are ecologically, and in many cases, recreationally important fishes throughout Massachusetts. Once designated as a CFR, waterbodies are then afforded a greater degree of protection from potential human- caused alterations to their health. A map and list of currently designated CFRs can be found at mass.gov/dfw/cfr. TROUT STOCKING REPORT Massachusetts anglers can go to mass. gov/trout to view a list or a map displaying trout stocking information. The report is udated daily during the spring and fall trout stocking seasons. Anglers seeking stocking reports for a particular waterbody or town should use the table to locate information. Type the name of the waterbody or town into the search window to find stocking reports for that location. The table also allows users to sort by town, waterbody, stocking date, type of fish, or district. The map component of the stocking report al- lows users to discover new destinations for fishing! Zoom and pan to various regions of the state. The default map view shows trout-stocked waters for the entire state. Zoom to the area you would like to explore and then click on any thumbtack icon to view the dates and types of trout that have been stocked at that location. Stock- ing locations on streams are accurate, but fish swim, so be sure to investigate other reaches of the streams. NOTE: The stocking report is subject to change depending on staffing, equipment, and weather conditions. Don’t forget your fishing license — avail- able online at mass.gov/massfishhunt at MassWildlife offices, or at license vendors. VISIT MASS.GOV/TROUT FOR STOCKING LOCATIONS AND DAILY REPORTS Lead-free pure tin lures TINMANLURES Shad Darts Floaters Teasers Hair Jigs Bucktails Deer Tails TINMANLURES Call 610-304-1236 or go to stores.ebay.com/TINMANLURES M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 17 Ph o t o s c o u r t e s y M a s s W i l d l i f e / F r e s h w a t e r S p o r t f i s h i n g A w a r d s P r o g r a m M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E18 G E N E R A L H U N T I N G R E G U L AT I O N S Report all violations to the Massachusetts Environmental Police (800) 632-8075. ACCIDENTS: All hunting-related injuries or deaths must be reported to the Environ- mental Police and state or local police. ARCHERY: All bows (recurve, long, and compound), except permitted crossbows, used for hunting deer, bear, and turkey must have a draw weight of at least 40 lbs. at 28 inches or at peak draw. Mechanical releases are permitted. Arrows used on deer, bear, or turkey must have well-sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding broadheads are legal for deer, bear, and turkey. Archers may hunt deer with a bow and arrow during the shotgun and primitive firearms deer sea- sons, but must comply with all regulations of those seasons, including blaze orange and stamp requirements. Crossbows may be used only by duly permitted hunters. with certain permanent disabilities. For regula- tions and an application, visit www.mass. gov/masswildlife or contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300. A firearms license (FID or LTC) is not re- quired for bowhunting. BLAZE ORANGE: During the pheas- ant or quail season on WMAs where pheas- ant or quail are stocked, all hunters must wear a blaze orange hat. EXCEPTION: No orange hat required while hunting water- fowl from a blind or boat or night-hunting for raccoons or opossums. (see page 21, Wildlife Management Area Regulations) During the Youth Deer Hunt Day and the Shotgun Season for deer, all hunters must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange on chest, back, and head. During these seasons waterfowl hunters on coastal waters and salt marshes must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange (hat and vest) while hunting or in transit to their blind or boat during these periods. The orange may be removed once the waterfowl hunter is in a blind or boat. During the Primitive Firearms Season, all deer hunters must comply with the 500 square inch blaze orange requirement. DOGS: During the shotgun deer season and Youth Deer Hunt Day, dogs may be used for waterfowl hunting only on coastal waters and salt marshes. Hunting dogs may be trained at any time (except during the shotgun season for deer) provided that only pistols or revolvers and blank cartridges are used or possessed. A sporting or hunting license is required to train hunting dogs off- leash on Wildlife Management Areas. HARVEST REPORTING -- Upon harvest- ing a deer, bear, or turkey, hunters must immediately fill out and attach the paper tag from the permit or license to the car- cass. The game must remain intact (other than field dressing), with the harvest tag attached, until it is reported. Hunters who harvest a deer, bear, coyote, fox, or turkey must report or check their game within 48 hours of killing the animal. Hunters may report their harvested game online or bring their game to an official check station. For information on Online Game Reporting, or a list of official check stations visit the Game Check Station page at mass.gov/dfw/ checkstation. All deer harvested during the first week of the shotgun deer season must be brought to an official check sta- tion for biological data collection. OPEN AND CLOSED HUNTING SEA - SONS: The following species may be taken year round (except during shotgun deer season) by licensed hunters with no daily or seasonal bag limit: English sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, weasel, and woodchuck. During shotgun deer season all game hunt- ing seasons are closed statewide except for deer, bear, coyote, and waterfowl. TREE STANDS: Written permission of the landowner (on either public or private lands) is required to construct or use any tree stand which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners that intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or that is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days. This includes hang-on tree stands. FEDERAL WILDLIFE LAW INFORMATION Please note that fishing and hunting laws on federal parks, refuges, and reserva- tions, such as those controlled by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or the National Park Service, may differ from state regu- lations. Contact the agency in question. YOUTH DEER HUNT DAY RESTRIC - TIONS: When hunting other game animals on the Youth Deer Hunt Day, (Oct. 1, 2022) additional requirements apply: • Rifles and handguns are prohibited for hunting any game. • Dogs may only be used for waterfowl hunting (ducks and geese) on coastal waters and salt marshes. • All game hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of blaze orange on their chest, back, and head; waterfowl hunters are required to wear blaze orange in transit to and from their blind or boat. WANTON WASTE: It is unlawful for hunters to intentionally or knowingly leave a wounded or dead game animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it. Each animal must be retained until processed or used for food, pelt, feathers, or taxidermy. This does not apply to animals un- fit for consumption or use—animals and their parts that are damaged, destroyed, decayed, rotting, diseased, or infected. OFF-ROAD RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (ATVS, OHVS, DIRT BIKES) It is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle on any WMA or other property owned or controlled by MassWildlife; and on most state park and state forest lands. It is il- legal to operate these vehicles on private lands without the written permission of the landowner. Age restrictions apply; opera- tors under the age of 18 must take a safety course. For more information, contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075, or go to mass.gov/ole. A portion of the revenue from vehicle registra- tion is used to support legal riding opportuni- ties; to find a list of State Parks and Forests that allow OHV operation visit: mass.gov/dcr/orv. HUNTING GENERAL REGULATIONS SPECIAL HUNTS • Quabbin, Wachusett, and Sudbury Reservoirs, and Blue Hills Con- trolled Deer Hunts. See page 29 • Paraplegic Hunters Deer Hunt, see page 29 • Youth Pheasant Hunt, see page 24 • Youth Turkey Hunt, see page 24 • Youth Deer Hunt Day, see page 25 • Youth Waterfowl Hunt Dates, see page 25 • Special Pheasant and Quail Hunt, see page 34 19 HUNTING G ENERAL REGULATIONS NON-RESIDENT HUNTERS: • N EW: Must obtain the same stamps and permits as residents. Permit and stamp costs for non-resident hunt- ers may differ from resident hunters. See page 8. • All non-resident hunters ages 15 and older must possess a valid Non-Resident Hunting License (Big Game or Small Game) to hunt. See page 8. To purchase a license, you must have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course from any jurisdiction in any year or held a hunting/sporting license from any jurisdiction prior to 2007. • No Massachusetts gun license is needed to possess or transport long guns. • Should keep firearms unloaded and locked in a case while traveling into or through Massachusetts. • May not purchase firearms, ammuni- tion, or ammunition components in Massachusetts. • Must have a temporary non-resident handgun permit (LTC) for hunting with a handgun. Contact MA Fire- arms Support Services at (617) 660- 4780 for permit requirements. • Non-resident migratory game bird hunters must complete a Massachu- setts H.I.P. survey to hunt. LANDOWNER LIABILITY Landowners permitting use of their property for recreation without charging a fee are not liable for injuries to recreational users of the property except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by the owner. (MGL Ch. 21 § 17C) ASK THE LANDOWNER Hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted on private land that is not posted against trespass; however, some towns have bylaws that require written permis- sion. As a courtesy, ask the landowner for permission in advance. If you plan to use wildlife/trail cameras on private land, seek permission for that activity as well. Landowners with posted land may provide (written) permission for individuals to access their property. Written landowner permission is required to trap on posted land. Hunters should check for relevant town bylaws pertaining to any written permission requirements and restrictions on discharge of firearms. WWW.YANKEECUSTOMTRUCK.COM Bring this ad into any Yankee Custom store and receive a FREE TRAILSEAL® Tailgate Gasket with the purchase of an ACCESS® Roll-Up Cover! 477 Westbrook St., S. 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G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E20 HUNTING PROHIBITIONS H U N T I N G P R O H I B I T I O N S Report all violations to the Massachusetts Environmental Police (800) 632-8075. • Hunting, trapping or fishing for any birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or am- phibians not listed within this Guide or in the Massachusetts Migratory Game Bird Regulations • Airbows, arrow guns or any firearms or other devices which project or propel an arrow, dart or bolt by gunpowder, com- pressed air, or by any other means except by the flexing and release of a bow string. • NEW – The use of air/pellet guns are prohibited for the purposes of taking/ harvesting deer, bear, turkey, crow, and migratory game birds. Air/pellet guns are also prohibited for the purposes of taking/harvesting ANY species on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail DURING the pheasant/quail season. (For a list of pheasant and quail stocked WMAs, please see 321 CMR 3.01(1)(n)). Air/pellet guns may be used for all other species during their respective legal open seasons. • Poisoned arrows, or explosive tips, including firearms cartridges affixed to the end of arrows in such a way as they discharge upon impact with the target, or bows drawn by mechanical means, except for permitted crossbows. • Artificial lights for hunting any bird or mammal except raccoon and opossum. • Baiting migratory game birds, wild turkey, bear, or deer during or within 10 days of the start of their specific hunt- ing seasons. See game species hunting pages for more details. • Careless or negligent use of firearms. • Choke traps, leghold traps, or nets for taking any bird or mammal. • Discharge of any firearm or release of any arrow upon or across any state or hard-surfaced highway, or within 150 feet of any such highway. • Possession of a loaded firearm, dis- charge of a firearm, or hunting on the land of another within 500 feet of any dwelling or building in use, unless per- mitted by the owner or occupant. See page 21 for additional gun laws. • Electronic calls for hunting migratory game birds, wild turkey, or deer. • Hunting with a ferret or possessing a non-vaccinated/unneutered ferrets/ fitches without a permit. • Furbearer Contests where participants are awarded prizes for harvesting coy- ote, bobcat, red fox, gray fox, weasels, mink, skunk, river otter, muskrat, bea- ver, fisher, raccoon, and opossum. • Possession of rifles and handguns on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant and quail season. • Hunter harassment is illegal. • Hunting on posted land without permission. • Hunting on Sunday. • Importation, transportation, liberation or possession of any live wild verte- brate protected under MGL Ch. 131 without a permit. • Hunting, target shooting, or possession of a firearm, bow and arrow or other weapon when under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. • Loaded shotgun or rifle in or on any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle (in- cluding snowmobiles), aircraft or motor boat, except as stated in the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. • Machine guns, fully-automatic firearms, any tracer or incendiary ammunition. • Motor vehicles, off-highway vehicles (including snowmobiles), and/or aircraft for hunting any bird or mammal. • Possession of any Massachusetts Endangered Species Act-listed and/or wildlife, dead or alive, except by permit. • During the shotgun deer season, pos- session of rifles, handguns, or dogs in any woodland or field, or use of same on any game, is prohibited. The use of dogs is lawful for hunting waterfowl on coastal waters. • Hunting bear, deer, bobcat, or tur- key with dogs, or training dogs on those species. • Power or sailboats for hunting birds except when beached or tied to a blind or for retrieving injured birds. • Removal of any mammal from walls, or holes in trees, ground, or logs. • Rifles chambered to take ammunition larger than .22 caliber long rifle, and pistols and revolvers chambered to take ammunition larger than .38 caliber, be- tween the hours of 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise. • Sale of all species of mammals and birds or parts thereof, except unprocessed heads & hides to a licensed fur buyer or taxidermist, and shinbones & hooves of deer to anyone. • No species other than deer, coyote, and waterfowl/coot may be hunted with shot larger than #1 birdshot (.16” pellet diam- eter). • No possession of a shotgun shell loaded with a slug, sabot, single ball, buck- shot (any size), except during the open seasons when deer may be hunted with a shotgun, or on a skeet, trap, or target range between sunrise and sunset. • Lettered bird shot may only be used for coyote hunting (.17 to .23” pellet diameter) and waterfowl/coot hunting (.17 to .19” pellet diameter); otherwise any lettered bird shot may only be possessed on a skeet, trap, or target range between sunrise and sunset. See migratory game bird and coy- ote hunting pages (40–42), for details. • Swivel or pivot guns for hunting any bird. • Taking nests, destroying, or disturbing eggs or nests of birds. • Target shooting on Sunday except on one’s own property or on a recognized shooting range. • Traps for taking birds except under permit. All traps except cage or box traps and common mouse or rat traps are unlawful for the taking of fur-bearing mammals. • Vandalism or damage to property or livestock. PENALTIES: License revoked for one year in addition to other penalties; fines of up to $1,000, restitutions, and/or 1 year in jail. Care- less and negligent use of firearms; fines of up to $500 and/or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license for 5 years. M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 21 HUNTING G UN LAWS MASSACHUSETTS GUN LAWS POSSESSION: For hunting, resident citi- zens ages 15 and over must have a Firearms Identification Card (FID) to possess a low- capacity rifle or shotgun. A License To Carry (LTC) (age 21 and over) is needed to possess large capacity rifles and shotguns and all handguns. These gun licenses are issued by local Police Departments. Nonresidents with a valid Massachusetts nonresident hunting license do not need an LTC or FID to possess or carry a rifle or shotgun, but must carry their firearms unloaded and in a case while traveling in their vehicles. Non-residents may not purchase guns or ammunition in Massachusetts. To obtain a temporary License to Carry (for handguns), contact the CHSB (Criminal History Systems Board), Firearms Support Services (see below). No firearms license is needed by bow hunters, nor by minors 12–14 years old hunting with a duly licensed adult, nor for the possession of primitive rifles or primitive shotguns as defined in MGL Ch. 140, Section 121, or their ammunition. However, an LTC or FID is re- quired to purchase all ammunition including black powder and Pyrodex. NOTE: Massachusetts public safety laws define primitive firearms differently from the laws and regulations of MassWildlife. TRAVEL: Rifles, shotguns, and muzzleload - ers may not be carried on public ways unless the person is lawfully engaged in hunting. When transported in a motor vehicle, rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders should be unloaded and in an enclosed case. A large capacity firearm should be carried unloaded and contained within a locked trunk or in a locked case or other secure container. STORAGE: State law requires that whenever a gun is not under your direct control, it must be kept in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock. Muzzle- loaders are exempt from this requirement. For more gun law information, contact the Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau, 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150, (617) 660-4780 , or mass.gov/cjis. FOLLOW SAFE GUN HANDLING RULES • Treat every gun as if it were loaded. • Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. • Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. • Before shooting, correctly identify your game and know what is behind it. BEAR SPRAY AND SELF-DEFENSE SPRAY Laws pertaining to self-defense sprays are outlined in M.G.L. c. 140 § 122D. For information about carrying and using self-defense spray as a bear deterrent go to mass.gov/bears and search for the term "bear spray." WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGUL ATIONS MassWildlife's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are open to hunting, fishing, and trapping. Maps are available for many of these properties on the MassWildlife web- site and at all MassWildlife offices. • No person shall possess any alcoholic beverage except under permit, or dump or discard any can, bottle, or rubbish. • No person shall remove vegetation, soil, or stones from any WMA except under permit. • No person shall use excessive speed in driving a vehicle. • No person, unless under permit, shall drive or possess any motor vehicle except on roads or trails maintained for public vehicular traffic. • No person shall deface or tamper with any sign, building, or equipment. • No person shall build or maintain a fire without written permission from the Director or designee. • No person shall camp within any WMA without written permission from the Director or designee. • No person shall engage in target prac- tice without written permission from the Director or designee. • No person shall use any means other than shotgun or bow and arrow during the pheasant and quail season on areas stocked with pheasant or quail except for hunting raccoons and opossums be- tween 9pm and 3am, or for the shoot- ing of captured fur-bearing mammals by a licensed trapper. • No person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset on any WMA where pheas- ant or quail are stocked during the open season on pheasant or quail, except for the hunting of raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am. • No person shall hunt during the pheas- ant or quail season on WMAs where pheasant or quail are stocked without wearing a ”blaze orange“ cap or hat except while night hunting for raccoons or opossums or while hunting water- fowl from within a blind or boat. • No person, except under permit, shall dig or disturb any artifact or archaeo - logical remains. • The Director may make special regu- lations to handle special situations peculiar to any WMA. Controlled hunts are in effect at certain times on Delaney and Ludlow WMAs. Contact District Manager for details. • Dogs on WMAs must be leashed. Dogs may be off-leash only when hunting or hunt training with licensed hunters or involved with permitted field trials. Dog feces in WMA parking areas and within 100 feet of the parking area must be picked up by all dog handlers and dis- posed of off the WMA. Dog feces in other parts of the WMA must be picked up by non-licensed dog handlers and disposed of offsite. Licensed hunters are exempt from this requirement. Report all violations to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, (800) 632-8075. M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E22 HUNTING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ZONES ZONE 1: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly by the New York border; southerly by a line running along Rt. 20 to the junction with Rt. 7 in Pittsfield, north on Rt. 7 to Rt. 9, and east on Rt. 9 to the junction with Rt. 8, and easterly by a line running from the Vermont border south along Route 8 to Rt. 9 in Pittsfield. ZONE 2: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly by Zone 01 and 03; southerly by the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) from the intersection with the Housatonic River in Lee east to the intersection with Algerie Road in Otis; and easterly by a line running from the Vermont border south along Rt. 112 to Rt. 143 in Worthington, along Rt. 143 west to the intersection with the Middle Branch of the Westfield River, then south along the Middle Branch of the Westfield River (also known as Trout Brook), to the intersection with the East Branch of the Westfield River, south along the East Branch of the Westfield River to Rt. 20 in Huntington, west along Rt. 20 to Bonny Rigg Hill Road in Becket, south on Bonny Rigg Hill Road to the intersection with Algerie Road, then south on Algerie Road to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). ZONE 3: Northerly by Zone 01; westerly by the New York border; southerly by the New York and Connecticut bor- der; and easterly by a line running south along Elm Street from the junction with Rt. 9 in Pittsfield to the Housaton- ic River, south along the Housatonic River to the junction with the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) in Lee, east along I-90 to the junction with Rt. 8 in West Becket, and south along Rt. 8 to the Connecticut border. ZONE 4 NORTH: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly by Zones 02; southerly by a line running north from the confluence of the Middle Branch and the East Branch of the Westfield River in Huntington along the East Branch of the Westfield River to the intersection with Route 66, along Rt. 66 to the intersection with Rt. 9 in Northampton, easterly along Rt. 9 to the intersection with the Connecticut River at the Northampton/Hadley town line; and easterly by the Connecticut River. ZONE 4 SOUTH: Northerly by Zones 2 and 4N; westerly by Zone 3; southerly by the Connecticut Border; and easterly by the Connecticut River. ZONE 5: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; westerly by the Connecticut River; southerly by a line running from the intersection of the Connecticut River and Rte. 9 at the Northampton/Hadley line east along Rte. 9 to Rte. 116 in Hadley, north along Rte. 116 to Rte. 63 in North Amherst, east along Rte. 63 and Pine Street to State Street, northeast along State Street and East Leverett Road to Cushman Road, along Cushman Road to Shutesbury Road in East Leverett, east on Shutesbury Road and Leverett Road to Wendell Road in Shutesbury Center, north along Wendell Road to Locks Pond Road, north on Locks Pond Road to Lake View Road, northeast on Lake View Road to Locks Village Road, north along Locks Village Road to Depot Road in Wendell, north on Depot Road to Rte. 2A in Orange, east on Rte. 2A to Rte. 32 in Athol, south on Rte. 32 to Rte. 62 in Barre, and east on Rte. 62 to the intersection with Rte. 31 in Princeton; and easterly by a line running north on Rte. 31 to the New Hampshire border. ZONE 6: Northerly by Zone 05; westerly by Zone 05; southerly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. 9 and Rt. 116 in Hadley east along Rt. 9 to the intersection with Rt. 32 in Ware; and easterly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. 32 and Rt. 62 in Barre, south along Rt. 32 to the intersection with Rt.9 in Ware. ZONE 7: Northerly by Zones 5 and 6; westerly by Zone 4S; southerly by the Connecticut border; and easterly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. 9 and Rt. 32 in Ware east along Rt. 9 to the intersection with Rt. 67, southwest along Rt. 67 to the intersection with Rt. 19 in Warren, and south along Rt. 19 to the Connecti- cut border. ZONE 8: Northerly by Zone 05; westerly by Zones 06 and 07; southerly by the Connecticut and Rhode Island bor- ders; and easterly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. 62 and Rt. 31 in Princeton south on Rt. 31 to Rt. 56 in Paxton, south on Rt. 56 to Rt. 9 in Leicester, east on Rt. 9 to Cambridge Street in Worcester, east on Cambridge Street to Rt. 146, and southeast on Rt. 146 to the Rhode Island border. ZONE 9: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; westerly by Zones 5 and 8; southerly by the Rhode Island border; and easterly by a line running from the New Hampshire border southeast on Rt. 3 to the intersection with Rt. I-495 in Chelmsford, south on Rt. I-495 to the intersection with Rt. 121 in Wrentham, and southwest on Rt. 121 to the Rhode Island border. W I L D L I F E M A N AG E M E N T Z O N E S M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 23 HUNTING W ILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ZONES ZONE 10: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; westerly by Zone 09; southerly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. I-495 and Rt. 121 in Wrentham, northeast along Rt. 121 to the intersection of Rt. 1A, northeast along Rt. 1A to the intersection with Rt. 128 in Dedham, east on Rt. 128 to the intersection with Rt. 3 in Braintree, east on Rt. 3 to the intersection with Rt. 228 in Rockland, and north on Rt. 228 to the Hull town line, including the Town of Hull. ZONE 11: Northerly by Zones 09 and 10; west- erly by the Rhode Island border; southerly by Buzzards Bay and the Cape Cod Canal; and easterly by the Atlantic Ocean. ZONE 12: Northerly by the Atlantic Ocean (Cape Cod Bay); westerly by Zone 11; southerly by the Atlantic Ocean (Vine- yard Sound); and easterly by the Atlantic Ocean. ZONE 13: Dukes County (i.e. Martha's Vineyard and Eliza- beth Islands). ZONE 14: Nantucket. For wildlife management purposes, Massachusetts is broken into 15 Wildlife Management Zones. Zones are delineated based on their capacity to support deer and other wildlife (e.g., differences in geography, vegetation, climate, soil, land use practices, landownership, and human density). Wildlife populations can be monitored so that informed management decisions can be made for each zone. Antlerless deer permits are allocated by Wildlife Manage- ment Zone. In regions of the state where there are high numbers of deer per square mile, a larger number of antler- less deer permits are made available. Conversely, in regions with relatively fewer deer, fewer antlerless deer permits are allocated for hunters. M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E24 HUNTING YOUTH HUNTERS YO U T H H U N T E R S YOUTH HUNTING REQUIREMENTS No one under the age of 12 may hunt in Massachusetts. LICENSES, STAMPS, PERMITS Youth Ages 12–14: Do not need a license or stamps or firearms license to hunt. May hunt only when accompanied by a licensed adult hunter (18 or older) Only one youth per adult. The adult and the youth share one firearm/bow, a single bag limit and any applicable permits/tags. The licensed adult must have: • A valid Massachusetts hunting or sport- ing license • Any required state or federal stamps or permits • Firearms license if a firearm is being used (issued by local police department). • All other hunting laws apply. Youth Ages 15–17: Massachusetts youths must have a minor hunting license; non-resident youths must have a non-resident big game or small game license. All licensed minors must pos- sess required permits and stamps. • If the youth does not have a govern- ment-issued Basic Hunter Education cer- tificate he or she must be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older. • If the youth has a government-issued Basic Hunter Education certificate from any jurisdiction he or she may legally hunt without adult supervision and must carry their Basic Hunter Educa- tion certificate while hunting. • If hunting with a shotgun or rifle Massa- chusetts youth must follow Massachusetts Firearms license laws and will need to ob- tain a Firearms Identification Card (FID). An FID is issued by local police departments. • All other hunting laws apply. See additional requirements for Youth Tur- key, Pheasant, Deer and Waterfowl Hunts. PURCHASING A MINOR HUNTING LICENSE A minor hunting license may be purchased online or in-person from available license vendors. A parent/legal guardian of a 15–17 year old must provide consent and state either that the minor will be accom- panied by an adult while hunting or the minor has a government-approved certifi- cate from a Basic Hunter Education Course from any jurisdiction. Online purchase process: • Visit mass.gov/hunting-info-for-minors for more information on minor licens- ing online. In-person purchase: Provide a consent letter to the license vendor that states the minor will be accompanied by an adult while hunting or that the minor has a gov- ernment-approved certificate from a Basic Hunter Education Course from any jurisdic- tion. A consent form for license vendors is available at mass.gov/minorlicense. Minors may need to obtain a Firearms Identifica- tion (FID) card to hunt with a gun. (see Gun Laws on page 21) YOUTH HUNT DAYS AND PROGRAMS Special hunt days and programs for youth hunters aged 12–17 years old. Hunter Education Youths can take the Basic Hunter Education course, with parent or guardian permission. (Recommended for anyone ages 12 and older.) The Basic Hunter Education course is a multi-session course offered year round in locations throughout the state. For more de- tails, visit the Basic Hunter Education Course schedule online or call the Hunter Education office at (508) 389-7820. To prepare for a Basic Hunter Education course, students have access to a free, online study guide at www.huntercourse.com/usa/massachusetts. Photo © Shannon Dowd 25M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E HUNTING Y OUTH HUNTERS Youth Pheasant Hunt Program For Hunter Education graduates 12–17 years of age and conducted by sporting clubs. Includes a seminar with instruction on firearms safety in the field, hunting ethics, regulations, game preparation, and supervised shooting practice. The program ends with a pheasant hunt under the guid- ance of an experienced adult hunter. Youth Pheasant Hunt dates: Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 8, 2022. Requirements: Youths 12–17 must com- plete a basic hunter education course and a youth pheasant hunting workshop at a participating sporting club. Check Mass- Wildlife website at mass.gov/dfw/yaph or call (508) 389-6305. Youth Turkey Hunt Program For Hunter Education graduates 12–17 years of age and conducted by sporting clubs with the support of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Includes a seminar with instruction on firearms safety in the field, hunting ethics, regulations, game prepara- tion and supervised shooting practice. The program ends with a turkey hunt under the guidance of an experienced adult hunter. Youth Turkey Hunt Day: April 23, 2022 Youth Turkey Hunt Day Hunting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 5:00pm. Requirements: (Youth ages 12–14) Youth Turkey Hunt Permit. Youth Turkey Permits for hunters ages 12–14 are valid for the youth day and the regular spring and fall turkey seasons. (Youth ages 15–17): Minor Hunting license, regular Turkey Permit and tags, Youth Tur- key Hunt Eligibility. To be eligible for the youth turkey hunt day, youth hunters (12–17 years old) must com- plete 1) a basic hunter education course and 2) a youth turkey hunting seminar. Upon completion the youth can obtain the required permit or eligibility through MassFishHunt. For details visit mass.gov/ dfw/yath. Youth Deer Hunt Day Youth Deer Hunt Day date: Oct. 1, 2022 Requirements: Youth Deer Permit Permits are free and available online in August at MassFishHunt (mass.gov/mass- fishhunt), at MassWildlife offices, and other license vendors. Youth Deer Hunt Permit and tag is valid only for the Youth Deer Hunt Day. Hunting Implements: Shotgun, muzzleload- er, or bow and arrow may be used. All other hunting laws apply. Bag Limit: One antlered deer statewide OR one antlerless deer in the Wildlife Manage- ment Zone(s) specified on the Permit. Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days: The two Youth Waterfowl Hunt days are not available until mid-May when they will be posted on the MassWildlife website. Requirements: All Youth Hunt Day hunters must be ac- companied by a licensed adult hunter (18 or older). Licensed adult must have a valid MA Wa- terfowl stamp and may not hunt. Licensed adult may carry firearm only when unloaded and cased. All other migratory game bird regulations and bag limits apply. LICENSE/STAMP REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENT* YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTERS MINOR HUNTING LICENSE STATE WATERFOWL STAMP FEDERAL DUCK STAMP Youths age 12-14 Youths age 15 X X Youths age 16-17 X X X * If a non-resident, the youth hunter must possess either a non-resident small game or non-resident big game license, a state waterfowl stamp, and a federal duck stamp. Quail Ridge Kennel and Preserve www.quailridgekennelandpreserve.com For over 30 years, our passion for training, hunting, competing, and most importantly, raising top quality German Shorthairs has continually grown. We o er pups from high quality bloodlines, occasionally started or nished dogs are available. Custom guided hunts on our exquisite shooting preserve guarantee a satisfying yield of pheasant & chukar partridge. Boarding and professional training services o ered. Contact Steve Hopko for more details at 860.684.2252 Quail Ridge Kennel and Preserve www.quailridgekennelandpreserve.com For over 30 years, our passion for training, hunting, competing, and most importantly, raising top quality German Shorthairs has continually grown. We o er pups from high quality bloodlines, occasionally started or nished dogs are available. Custom guided hunts on our exquisite shooting preserve guarantee a satisfying yield of pheasant & chukar partridge. Boarding and professional training services o ered. Contact Steve Hopko for more details at 860.684.2252 We o er German Shorthair pups from high quality bloodlines, occasionally started or nished dogs are available. Custom guided hunts on our exquisite shooting preserve guarantee a satisfying yield of pheasant and chukar partridge. Professional training for all sporting breeds. Grooming shop and all breed boarding. Quail Ridge Kennel & Preserve www.QuailRidgeKennelandPreserve.com Contact Steve Hopko for details 860.684.2252 Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council Serving Massachusetts’ Sportsmen Since 1929 www.masportsmen.org MADE IN THE USA (760) 789-2094 Catquiver Mini Shaggie Bowhunter Ghilli BLINDS • FIELD BLANKETS • BOAT BLINDS 100 5 1 6 CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME Email for Catalog jerry@ranchosafari.com M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E26 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Youth Deer Hunt Day: Oct. 1, 2022 Archery Season: Zones 10–14: Oct. 3 – Nov. 26, 2022 Zones 1–9: Oct. 17 – Nov. 26, 2022 Paraplegic Hunt: Nov. 3 – 5, 2022 Shotgun Season: Nov. 28 – Dec. 10, 2022 Primitive Firearms Season: Dec. 12 – Dec. 31, 2022 All dates inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. See Wildlife Management Zone map on pages 22–23. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. (Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunt- ing hours are sunrise to sunset.) REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS AND STAMPS To hunt white-tailed deer in Massachusetts you must have the appropriate license, permits, and stamps which you can buy or apply for through MassFishHunt, mass.gov/ massfishhunt, or a license vendor. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or Sporting License (Includes 2 antlered deer tags valid statewide) • Archery Stamp to hunt the Archery Season • Primitive Firearms Stamp to hunt the Primitive Firearms Season • No stamp required for the Shotgun Season • Antlerless Deer Permit – Required for hunting any deer without antlers or antlers less than 3 inches in length. (See Antlerless Deer Permit Information on page 28 for the application process) NON-RESIDENTS: • Non-Resident Big Game Hunting License (Includes 2 antlered deer tags, valid statewide) • Archery Stamp to hunt the Archery Season • Primitive Firearms Stamp to hunt the Primitive Firearms Season • No stamp required for the Shotgun Season • Antlerless Deer Permit – Required for hunting any deer without antlers or with antlers less than 3 inches in length. (See Antlerless Deer Permit information on page 28 for the application process) YOUTH DEER HUNT DAY • Minors (resident and non-resident) must have a Youth Deer Permit (valid only for this day) • 15–17 year old hunters required to have a Resident Minor Hunting license or Non-Resident Big Game License • 12–14 year old hunters do not need a hunting license but must be ac- companied by appropriately licensed adult hunter. See Youth Hunters (pages 24–25) for further requirements. BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS Bag Limit: • 2 Antlered deer annually (any deer with at least one antler 3 inches or longer) • Antlerless deer (any deer without antlers or antlers less than 3 inches in length) Hunters may take as many ant- lerless deer as they have valid antlerless deer permits for the specified permit- ted zones. (See page 28 Antlerless Deer Permit Information) • Youth Deer Hunt Day: 1 deer (antlered or antlerless) Possession Limit: In WMZs 1–12 deer hunters may take and possess up to 2 deer in a day before reporting/checking them. Once those deer are reported, the hunter may resume deer hunting on the same day. (EXAMPLE: A hunter harvests 2 deer in the morning. After reporting the deer online or at a check station, he or she may return to deer hunting that same day.) In WMZ 13 and 14, deer hunters may take and possess up to 4 deer in a day before reporting/checking them. Once those deer are reported, the hunter may then resume deer hunting on the same day. D E E R H U N T I N G HUNTING DEER HUNTING HUNTING IMPLEMENTS ALLOWED BY SEASON HUNTING IMPLEMENT ARCHERY SEASON*SHOTGUN SEASON PRIMITIVE FIREARMS SEASON* Shotgun X Archery X X X Muzzleloader X X *stamp required to hunt during these seasons NOTE: Handguns are not allowed for deer hunting and may not be in your possession while deer hunting. Find us in Massachusetts at these locations: Hodges Village Dam Knightville Dam Littleville Lake Tully Lake West Hill Dam Westville Lake Barre Falls Dam Birch Hill Dam Buffumville Lake Cape Cod Canal Conant Brook Dam East Brimfield Lake 倀䰀䔀䄀匀䔀嘀䤀匀䤀吀唀匀伀一匀伀䌀䤀䄀䰀䴀䔀䐀䤀䄀䀀吀䠀䔀䜀唀一倀䄀刀䰀伀刀㄀㜀　倀刀䔀匀䌀伀吀吀匀吀⸀圀伀刀䌀䔀匀吀䔀刀Ⰰ 䴀䄀　㄀㘀　㔀㔀　㠀⸀㤀㠀㈀⸀　㜀㈀㈀匀愀氀攀猀䀀吀栀攀䜀甀渀倀愀爀氀漀爀⸀挀漀洀眀眀眀⸀吀栀攀䜀甀渀倀愀爀氀漀爀刀愀渀最攀⸀挀漀洀眀眀眀⸀吀栀攀䜀甀渀倀愀爀氀漀爀⸀挀漀洀䘀䤀刀䔀䄀刀䴀匀簀䄀䴀䴀伀簀䄀䌀䌀䔀匀匀伀刀䤀䔀匀簀吀刀䄀䤀一䤀一䜀䤀一䐀伀伀刀刀䄀一䜀䔀簀䜀唀一匀䴀䤀吀䠀䤀一䜀刀䤀䘀䰀䔀Ⰰ 倀䤀匀吀伀䰀Ⰰ 匀䠀伀吀䜀唀一䘀唀䰀䰀䄀唀吀伀 M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E28 HUNTING DEER HUNTING HUNTING IMPLEMENTS ARCHERY: Archery equipment may be used during all deer hunting seasons. All bows, (recurve, long, and compound) except permitted crossbows, must have a draw weight of at least 40 lbs at 28 inches or at peak draw. Crossbows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Arrows must have well-sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding broadheads and mechanical releases are permitted. Poisoned arrows, explosive tips, airbows and bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. See page 18 for more archery information. SHOTGUN: No larger than 10 gauge. May only be used during the shotgun deer sea- son. Rifled barrel shotguns are legal. PROHIBITED: Possession or use of rifles and handguns in any woodland or field, or use on any game during the shotgun deer season, including the Youth Deer Hunt Day. PRIMITIVE FIREARMS: Shoulder-fired muzzleloaders .44 caliber to .775 caliber; barrel length 18 inches or more with only one barrel operational. Inline ignition sys- tems are permitted providing the firearm loads from the muzzle. Single projectile only (no buckshot). Sabot rounds, 209 primers, break/hinge-action muzzleloaders, and scopes are permitted. Powder limited to black powder or black powder substi- tutes. A muzzleloader is considered unload- ed when cap or pan powder is removed. ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT INFORMATION What is an Antlerless Deer? Legally, an antlerless deer is a female deer (doe) or young male (button buck) without antlers or a deer where both antlers are less than 3 inches long measured on a straight line from the center of the front base of the ant- ler burr to the tip. A WMZ-specific antlerless deer permit is required in order to hunt any antlerless deer during any deer season. ANTLERED DEER: Any deer (mostly bucks, but some does will grow antlers) with at least 1 antler 3 inches long mea- sured on a straight line from the center of the front base of the antler burr to the tip. Sporting, hunting, and non-resident big game licenses come with two antlered deer tags that can be used in any WMZ. It is legal to harvest a doe with antlers; it will need to be tagged with an antlered deer tag. ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT PROCESS Antlerless deer permits are allocated by Wildlife Management Zone. In regions of the state where there are high numbers of deer per square mile, a larger number of antler- less deer permits are made available in those zones. Conversely, in regions with relatively fewer deer, fewer antlerless deer permits by zone are allocated for deer hunters. An antlerless deer permit (ADP) is required to hunt antlerless deer during any deer season. Antlerless deer permits can only be used in the Wildlife Management Zone specified on the permit. The permit must be in the hunter’s possession while deer hunting and it is not transferable to other hunters. Each antlerless deer permit is valid for 1 antlerless deer. A hunter may possess antlerless deer permits for more than one zone (e.g., drawing a Zone 5 with Instant Award and purchasing an additional antler- less deer permit for an undersubscribed zone, such as Zone 14). Hunters must apply for an antlerless deer permit (ADP) online through the MassFish- Hunt system or at a license vendor by July 16. Hunters may only apply for one permit in a specific Wildlife Management Zone (see WMZ map on pages 22–23). PERMIT SELECTION: Hunters must return to the MassFishHunt system or to a license vendor during the Instant Award period (Aug. 1 – Dec. 31) and try to draw an ADP in the zone to which they applied. No- tice of whether the selection was successful or not will be instant. Selection is random. The odds of drawing a permit remain the same throughout the Instant Award period. Instant Award permit issuance is NOT first come-first-served. The odds of drawing a permit depend on the number of antler- less deer permits issued for a given zone and the number of hunters that applied for that zone. • ADP Purchase: Successful applicants will be assessed a $10.00 fee and may print the permit immediately after purchase or or at a later date. • Surplus ADP Sales: If there are any surplus permits (permits for under- subscribed zones) sale dates for those permits will be announced in August. BLAZE ORANGE All deer hunters, regardless of the hunting implement in use must wear blaze orange during the following seasons or Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): • Youth Deer Hunt Day: 500 square inches of blaze orange on the chest, back and head • Archery Season: A blaze orange hat is required when hunting on WMAs stocked with pheasant and/or quail dur- ing the pheasant and quail season (see WMA Regulations page 21). • Shotgun Deer Season: 500 square inches of blaze orange on the chest, back, and head. • Primitive Firearms Season: 500 square inches of blaze orange on the chest, back, and head NOTE: If using a blind during a season or on a WMA with a blaze orange requirement, all deer hunters must wear the required amount of orange while in the blind. Mass- Wildlife recommends that blaze orange be visible on the outside of the blind. 5-Day Guided Deer/Bear Combo 5-Day Guided Deer/Bear Combo $1150$1150 3-Day Turkey Special ~ $750/Person ~ Both Include Meals & Lodging! ~ ~ Both Include Meals & Lodging! ~315.360.7113315.360.7113 www.BigGameHuntingNY.com www.BigGameHuntingNY.com P.O. Box 1526P.O. Box 1526 Richfield Springs, NYRichfield Springs, NY BIG G A M E H U N T I N G N Y DEERDEER BEARBEAR SPRINGSPRING TURKEYTURKEY M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 29 HUNTING METHODS Legal: • Use of non-food related scents, deer antlers or replicas, or grunt tubes are permitted. • It is legal to drive (attempt to move deer in a coordinated effort) deer while hunting. Prohibited: • Rifles and handguns, electronic calls, dogs, and decoys are prohibited. • Baiting: Any natural or artificial sub- stance, including but not limited to corn, wheat or other grains, hay, silage, apples or other fruits or vegetables, and salt or other chemical compounds of a like food-related nature to at- tract or entice deer. Baiting is defined as the deliberate placing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of bait so as to constitute for deer a lure, attraction, or enticement to or on any area where hunters are attempting to take them. A baited area is any area where bait- ing has taken place. Such area shall be considered a baited area for the period from 10 days prior to the opening of the archery season to the day following the close of the primitive firearms season. NOTE: On the Youth Deer Hunt Day, it is prohibited to hunt deer in any area where baiting has occurred up to 10 days prior to the Youth Deer Hunt Day. TAGGING, TRANSPORTING, AND REPORTING • Tagging the Deer: Upon killing a deer, hunters must immediately fill out and attach the paper tag from the permit or license on the carcass. The deer must remain intact (other than field dress- ing), with the harvest tag attached until it is reported. • Transportation: When transporting the deer, some part of the deer must be visible until it has been reported. • Reporting: Deer must be reported online through MassFishHunt or at an official game check station within 48 hours of harvest. If reporting online, a confirmation number will be issued. The number must be written on the harvest tag and attached to the carcass. EXCEPTION: During the first week of the shotgun season, ALL harvested deer must be taken to an official check station for biologicial data collection. • Once reported, harvest tag with confir- mation number or the metal seal from the official game check station must remain attached to the carcass until pre- pared for food, taxidermy or other uses. • Prohibited: Importing certain parts of deer from other states and provinces where Chronic Wasting Disease has been detected. See the Chronic Wasting Disease information box. SPECIAL SEASONS AND HUNTS Youth Deer Hunt Day: See page 25. Paraplegic Hunters Deer Hunt: There is a special deer hunt for hunters with paraple- gia Nov. 3 – 5, 2022. Contact MassWildlife Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 for more information. DCR Controlled Deer Hunts: Visit the Depart- ment of Conservation and Recreation's web- site at mass.gov/dcr for application details on their controlled hunts (Quabbin, Wachusett, and Sudbury Reservoirs, and Blue Hills Reser- vation: Typically updated in August). HUNTING D EER HUNTING CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE Hunting Deer, Moose, Elk, or other cervids (wild or captive) outside of Massachusetts? It is illegal to import whole carcasses or high-risk parts of any member of the Cervi- dae family (wild or captive) includ- ing, but not limited to: white-tailed deer, mule deer, red deer, fallow deer, moose, caribou, or elk from any state, Canadian province, or other country where Chronic Wast- ing Disease (CWD) has been detected. It is legal to bring in deboned meat, cleaned skull caps, hides without the head, or a fixed taxidermy mount. CWD-positive jurisdictions (as of October 2021) include: U.S. States: • Arkansas • Colorado • Illinois • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • New Mexico • New York • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Virginia • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming Canada: • Alberta • Ontario • Quebec • Saskatchewan Other Countries: • Finland • Norway • South Korea • Sweden NEW CWD-POSITIVE JURISDICTIONS may be added following the publication of this document. It is the responsibility of the hunter to know the current CWD status of any jurisdiction that they plan to hunt in (updated list and information can be found on our website at www.mass.gov/dfw/cwd or at www.cwd-info.org) and any laws and regulations for carcass transport in each state or province traveled. States & provinces where CWD has been detected. TRANSPORT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE It is a violation of Federal Law to transport illegally taken fish or wildlife across state lines. For additional information contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, (617) 889-6616. M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E30 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES First season: Sept. 6 – Sept. 24, 2022 Second season: Nov. 7 – Nov. 26, 2022 Shotgun season: Nov. 28 – Dec. 10, 2022 All dates inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. (Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunt- ing hours are sunrise to sunset.) REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS You must have a license and permit to hunt bear which you can buy through MassFish- Hunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license • Bear permit NON-RESIDENTS: • Big game license • Bear permit BAG LIMIT 1 bear per calendar year HUNTING ZONES All Wildlife Management Zones statewide. HUNTING IMPLEMENTS (see table above) Rifle: Rifles .23 caliber or larger are allowed only during the first and second* bear seasons. Revolver: Legal for use only during the first bear season. Restricted to a .357 caliber Magnum revolver with .357 Magnum cartridges only, or a revolver .40 caliber or larger. Muzzleloader: Allowed during all 3 bear seasons. Must be .44 – .755 caliber, fired from the shoulder using a single projectile. Archery Equipment: Allowed during all 3 seasons. All bows must have a draw weight of at least 40 lbs at 28 inches or at peak draw. Arrows must have well-sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding broadheads and mechanical releases are legal. You may use a crossbow only if you have a crossbow per- mit. Airbows, poisoned arrows, explosive tips, and bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. (see Archery on page 18) Shotgun: Allowed only during the shotgun bear/deer season and includes shotguns with rifled bores. Must be no larger than 10 gauge. Slugs only. Buckshot is prohibited. BLAZE ORANGE • First Season: None • Second Season: A blaze orange hat is required on WMAs stocked with pheas- ant or quail during the pheasant or quail season. • Shotgun Season: You must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange on your head, chest, and back. HUNTING METHODS The use of dogs and bait is prohibited. Bait includes the use of lure, scents, or any other substance used for a bear attractant. TAGGING, TRANSPORTING, AND REPORTING Upon killing a bear, hunters must immedi- ately fill out and attach to the carcass the harvest tag found on the bear permit. The bear must remain intact (other than field dressing), with the harvest tag attached, B L AC K B E A R H U N T I N G HUNTING BLACK BEAR HUNTING HUNTING IMPLEMENTS ALLOWED BY SEASON HUNTING IMPLEMENT FIRST SEASON SECOND SEASON SHOTGUN SEASON Rifle*X X Revolver*X Muzzleloader*X X X Archery X X X Shotgun X * Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season. Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 31 until it is reported and prepared for food, taxidermy, or other purpose. Hunters must report their bear either online or at a check station within 48 hours of harvest. If reporting online, a confirmation number will be issued and must be written on the harvest tag, if reporting at a check station a metal seal will be attached to the carcass. Either the seal or the harvest tag must be attached to the bear until it is processed. When transporting the bear, some portion of the carcass must remain visible until it has been reported. HOW OLD IS THAT BEAR? MassWildlife collects bear teeth to deter- mine the age demographics of the harvest. Contribute to the scientific management of the Massachusetts Black Bear population! Follow the instructions below and you will receive a letter in June or July with the age of your harvested bear. 1. Remove either the left or right premolar (see photo), the small tooth just behind the canine. Using a small sharp knife, or a sharp 1/4 inch wood chisel, slide the blade down the side of the tooth and cut or separate the gum tissue where it sticks to the tooth. Using small needle- nose pliers or the pliers on your multi- tool, wiggle the tooth slightly until you can pull it out of the jawbone and the gum. The root is the most important part; go slow and be careful not to break this very small tooth. 2. Put the tooth in a small envelope or bag and mark it with your name, mail- ing address, customer ID number, and confirmation number (or seal number) of your bear. Enclose everything in a mailing envelope and send it to: Black Bear Aging, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough, MA 01581. ANIMALS TAGGED FOR RESEARCH Some bear, deer, coyotes, and other animals may have ear tags or radio collars. It is legal to harvest them. If you find or take one of these animals, contact MassWildlife's Field Headquar- ters (508) 389-6300 immediately. You will be asked for information that will help biologists deter- mine the source and status of these animals AND you will be asked to return the equipment to MassWildlife. Thank you for your cooperation. HUNTING B LACK BEAR HUNTING LOOKING FOR PLACES TO HUNT, FISH, OR TRAP? Wildlife lands, open to hunting, fishing, and trapping, can be viewed using the MassWild- life Lands Viewer, mass.gov/dfw/wildlife-lands This new tool shows land owned jointly by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and MassWildlife throughout the Commonwealth. Maps can be customized and printed using the Viewer. Users can search for land by town or by property name. These lands are protected primarily to provide habitat for wildlife and to give people a place to relax and explore the great outdoors. For the most part, wildlife lands are open to hunt- ing, fishing, trapping, birdwatching, and other wildlife related recreation. Users can explore unmarked paths or woods roads with simple, unpaved parking lots. Many of these properties are actively managed through mowing, cutting, prescribed burns, or other activities that benefit wildlife. Regulations govern the activities allowed on these lands and focus on passive recre- ation. Note that these maps are provided for recreational use and show approximate rather than legal descriptions of property boundaries. M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E32 HUNTING WILD TURKEY HUNTING 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Youth Turkey Hunt Day (see page 24): Zones 1–13: Apr. 23, 2022 Spring season: Zones 1–13: Apr. 25 – May 21, 2022 Fall season: Zones 10–13: Oct. 3 – Nov. 26, 2022 Zones 1–9: Oct. 17 – Nov. 26, 2022 All dates are inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. See Wildlife Management Zone map on pages 22–23. HUNTING HOURS Youth Day: Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end at 5:00 P.M. Spring turkey season: Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end at noon Fall turkey season: Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. When hunting turkeys on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunting hours are sunrise to sunset. REQUIRED LICENSES, PERMITS, AND SAFETY STICKER A license and permit is required to hunt turkey which you can buy through Mass- FishHunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS • Hunting or sporting license • Turkey permit • Safety sticker* NON-RESIDENTS: • Big game license • Turkey permit • Safety sticker* *Safety Sticker: Turkey hunters using a shotgun or muzzleloader must place an official safety sticker on their gun. The sticker must be visible when hunter is sighting down the barrel. Contact a MassWildlife office for a free sticker. BAG LIMITS Annual bag limit of 3 turkeys per calendar year as described below: Spring season: 2 bearded birds; Two birds may be harvested on the same day. Fall season: 1 turkey of either sex. HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Spring season: Shotgun: No larger than 10 gauge. No larger than #4 size shot. Muzzleloader: No larger than.775 caliber smoothbore muzzleloading shotgun. No larger than #4 shot. Photo by Troy Gipps/MassWildlife Archery Equipment: All bows must have a draw weight of at least 40 lbs at 28 inches or at peak draw. Arrows must have a well- sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding broadheads and mechanical releases are legal. Crossbows may be used only by hunt- ers with a crossbow permit. Airbows are prohibited. (see Archery on page 18) Fall season: In WMZs 1–13, hunters can use shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns, and archery equipment as described above from Oct. 17 – Oct. 29. During certain periods of the fall season ONLY ARCHERY EQUIPMENT is permit- ted (no shotguns or muzzleloading shot- guns). See Fall Season Hunting Implement table below. BLAZE ORANGE Spring turkey season: Blaze orange is not required. Fall turkey season: A blaze orange cap is required when hunting on a WMA stocked with pheasants or quail during the pheasant or quail season. HUNTING METHODS Use of electronic calls, dogs, bait and driving (attempt to move in a coordinated effort) turkeys are prohibited. A licensed turkey hunter may call turkeys for another hunter. The caller cannot carry a firearm or archery equipment if he or she has taken a season limit of turkeys. Caller must have a valid license and turkey permit in pos- session even if tags are no longer attached. W I L D T U R K E Y H U N T I N G FALL SEASON HUNTING IMPLEMENTS ZONE OCT. 3 – OCT. 15 OCT. 17 – OCT. 29 OCT. 31 – NOV. 26 WMZ 1–9 No Fall turkey hunting Shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, and archery Archery only WMZ 10–13 Archery only Shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, and archery Archery only 33M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E TAGGING, TRANSPORT - ING, AND REPORTING • You must report your game harvest within 48 hours. • Fill out and attached the paper tag from your permit on the carcass immediately after harvesting a turkey. • The game must remain intact (other than field dressing), with the tag at- tached, until reported and prepared for food or taxidermy purposes. • Report your harvest at an official check station or online. • If you report online, write your con- firmation number on the harvest tag attached to the carcass. IDENTIFYING HEN (FEMALE) AND TOM (MALE) WILD TURKEYS DURING THE SPRING HUNTING SEASON A small proportion of female turkeys may have a beard and can be legally harvested. Howev- er, their loss reduces the reproductive potential of the turkey population. To avoid misidenti- fication, use the following features below to accurately determine the turkey's sex. TOM FEATURE HEN Red, blue, or white colors with snood (fleshy mass over the beak)Head Blue-gray, no snood Dark, brown-black Body Light, rusty brown Long bristle/filament-like beard Beard Usually no beard Present Spurs Usually absent Gobble, drum Calls Yelps, clucks, cuts Strut with tail fanned and wings dropped Strut Do not strut or fan tail Larger than hen Size 1⁄2 to 2⁄3 size of tom Ph o t o s b y B i l l B y r n e / M a s s W i l d l i f e TURKEY HUNTING SAFETY TIPS • Sit or stand still to call turkeys to you. Don't stalk birds! • Avoid wearing red, white, blue or black where the colors might be seen by other hunters during your hunt. • Don’t hide in a place where your view is obstructed. • Be completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot. • Positively identify male vs. female tur- keys. Although bearded hens are legal to hunt during the spring season, their loss reduces the reproductive poten- tial of wild turkeys in your area. • If another hunter approaches your set- up, call out in a loud, clear voice. Make sure your presence is acknowledged before you move. Never wave to alert another hunter of your presence. • Never assume that you are alone in the woods — even if you are the only one on the land with permission to hunt. • Use hen calls. A gobbler call might attract other hunters. • For further protection, always sit with your back against a tree trunk, big log or a boulder that is wider than your body. • Avoid unnecessary movement. This alerts turkeys and could attract hunters. • When carrying harvested birds or decoys, use a blaze orange cover- ing or completely conceal them in a game bag. HUNTING W ILD TURKEY HUNTING McCoyHuntingRanch.comMcCoyHuntingRanch.comMcCoy Elk & Bison Ranch Elk Hunts COWS & TROPHY BULLS Starting at $1,800. No license required. September–March. Central Minnesota (866) 806-7973 3 Arrow Taxidermy Studio World and Regional Award-winning Taxidermy Vincent Kersey 66 Chapin St. Ludlow, MA 01056 (across from Elks Club) By Appointment 24/7413-262-6628 reeArrowTaxidermy.com M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E34 HUNTI NG PHEASANT/QUAIL HUNTING 20 22 HUNTING SEASON DATES Pheasant Youth Pheasant Hunt: Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1, 8, 2022. Oct. 15 – Nov. 26, 2022 (statewide) Quail Zones 11–14: Oct. 15 – Nov. 26, 2022 NEW — Hen pheasants can be hunted statewide. All dates inclusive. Hunting on Sundays is prohibited. See WMZ map on pages 22–23. PHEASANT/QUAIL STOCKED AREAS Every year, MassWildlife stocks about 40,000 ring-necked pheasants statewide. These birds are stocked on public and private lands open to hunting. For a list of pheas- ant stocked WMAs and other locations visit, mass.gov/pheasant. MassWildlife also stocks about 4,000 bobwhite quail at two locations; Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth and the Francis Crane WMA in Falmouth. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin at sunrise and end at sunset on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) stocked with pheasant or quail, otherwise hunting hours begin 1/2 hour be- fore sunrise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS • You must have a license and permit to hunt pheasant and quail which you can buy through MassFishHunt, mass.gov/ massfishhunt. • NEW — Pheasant/Quail Permit: Re- quired by all hunters aged 15 years or older (including falconers) to hunt, take or possess pheasants or bobwhite quail, except for those hunting or possessing pheasants or quail harvested on licensed commercial shooting preserves. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license • Pheasant/Quail Permit NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game or big game license • Pheasant/Quail Permit If you hunt on a licensed commercial shooting preserve, you need a resident or non-resident license, or a 1-day commercial shooting preserve license. BAG LIMITS Pheasant • 2 per day • 4 in possession Quail • 4 per day • 8 in possession NEW — No season limit for pheasant or quail HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Shotguns (including smoothbore muzzle- loaders): No larger than #1 birdshot. Archery: Archery equipment is legal. Cross- bows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Poisoned arrows, explo- sive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means, or any device that propels an arrow, dart, or bolt by gunpowder, compressed air, or by any other means except by the flexing and release of a bowstring are prohibited. Only shotguns and archery equipment may be used when hunting pheasant or quail on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail DUR- ING the pheasant or quail season. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. SPECIAL PHEASANT AND QUAIL HUNT Licensed hunters may submit an applica- tion to MassWildlife district offices for a free 1 day permit that allows the private purchase, liberation, and hunting of ring- necked pheasants and/or bobwhite quail on selected WMAs from Jan. 1 – March 31. WMAs include: • Frances A. Crane WMA and Erwin Wilder WMA (SE District) • Bolton Flats WMA and Winnimusset WMA (Central District) • Martin Burns WMA (NE District) • Herm Covey WMA (CT Valley District) • Housatonic Valley WMA (Western District) Permits are issued on a first-come, first- served basis. Only one party can hunt on each WMA per day. There are no stocking limits, or bag limits. You will need a separate importation permit from the MassWildlife Boston Office (617) 626-1575 to purchase birds from out of state. P H E A S A N T/Q UA I L H U N T I N G There are no tagging, transporting or reporting requirements for pheasant or quail. Photo © Dean Cerrati Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife 35 R U F F E D G R O U S E H U N T I N G 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Oct. 15 – Nov. 26, 2022 All dates are inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. (Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant/quail season hunting when hours are sunrise to sunset.) REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS You must have a license to hunt ruffed grouse which you can buy through Mass- FishHunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game or big game license BAG LIMITS • 3 per day • 6 in possession • 15 per season HUNTING RU FFED GROUSE HUNTING There are no tagging, transporting or reporting requirements for ruffed grouse. Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife HUNTING ZONES All Wildlife Management Zones statewide. HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Only shotguns and archery equipment may be used when hunting ruffed grouse on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail DUR- ING the pheasant or quail season. Shotguns (including smoothbore muzzle- loaders): No larger than #1 birdshot. Archery: Archery equipment is legal. Cross- bows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Poisoned arrows, explosive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means, or any device that propels an arrow, dart, or bolt by gunpowder, compressed air, or by any other means except by the flexing and release of a bowstring are prohibited. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. The MA Special Plate for Sportsmen The SPORTSMENS NATIONAL LAND TRUST has created the "HABITAT & HERITAGE" special MA license plate to support conservation of wildlife habitat and to guarantee hunting and fishing access specifically in Massachusetts. Get your HABITAT & HERITAGE plate online or at any Mass RMV Branch to join us in preserving land for all outdoorsmen.... and future generations to come. To find out more, visit www.SNLTMassachusetts.org How you can support our mission: • Donate Land for preservation • Watch for local land opportunities • Make a tax-deductible donation • Choose our special plate The Sportsmen’s Na0onal Land Trust, is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt dedicated to conserving and improving wildlife habitat for use by the public. The MA Special Plate for Sportsmen The SPORTSMENS NATIONAL LAND TRUST has created the "HABITAT & HERITAGE" special MA license plate to support conservation of wildlife habitat and to guarantee hunting and fishing access specifically in Massachusetts. Get your HABITAT & HERITAGE plate online or at any Mass RMV Branch to join us in preserving land for all outdoorsmen.... and future generations to come. To find out more, visit www.SNLTMassachusetts.org How you can support our mission: • Donate Land for preservation • Watch for local land opportunities • Make a tax-deductible donation • Choose our special plate The Sportsmen’s Na0onal Land Trust, is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt dedicated to conserving and improving wildlife habitat for use by the public. *NBHFTVCKFDUUPDIBOHF 36 HUNTING CROW HUNTING C R O W H U N T I N G 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Jan. 1 – April 9, 2022 July 1, 2022 – April 10, 2023 Crow hunting only on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Crow hunting season may coincide with the Youth Deer Hunt, special restrictions apply, see page 25. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. (Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunt- ing hours are sunrise to sunset.) REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS You must have a license to hunt crows, which you can buy through MassFish- Hunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. No permits are required. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game or big game license BAG LIMITS None HUNTING ZONES All Wildlife Management Zones statewide. HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Rifles and handguns. Shotguns (including smoothbore muzzle- loaders): No larger than #1 birdshot. Archery: All archery equipment is legal. Crossbows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Poisoned arrows, explosive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means, or any device that propels an arrow, dart, or bolt by gunpowder, compressed air, or by any other means except by the flexing and release of a bowstring are prohibited. Only shotguns and archery equipment may be used when hunting crow on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail DURING the pheasant or quail season. HUNTING METHODS Bait, electronic calls, and manual calls are legal. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. There are no tagging, transportation or reporting requirements for crow. Photo © 2021 Gino Ellison@21 Rte 1 Kittery, ME • 888-587-6246 • ktp.com MA21 Non-sale, in-stock items only. Not valid on gift cards, licenses,non-merchandise items, previous purchases, special orders or online. Excludes Asolo, Avet, Canada Goose, Carhartt, Chaco, Dansko, Dr. Martens, G. Loomis, Hoka One One, Hoyt, Life is Good, Mathews, Megabass, Merrell, Mountain Hardwear, New Balance, Patagonia, Pura Vida, Randall Made Knives, Redington, RIO, Sage, Shimano, St. Croix, Taos, The North Face, UGG, or Van Staal. No copies. One per customer. Can’t combine with another offer. No cash value. $25 FFPresent this coupon for your in-store purchase of $150 or more! Valid thru Dec 31, 2022 Distribution Date: Nov 22, 2021 Rte 1 Kittery, ME • 888-587-6246 USE when % OFF: Not valid on ammunition, firearms, bows, boats, SUPs, racks, bikes, electronics, trolling motors 37 M A S S W I L D L I F E B Y T H E N U M B E R S : F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 2 1 MassWildlife is committed to restore, protect, and manage land and waters for all wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy. In that spirit, staff carried on fish and wildlife conservation in the fields and forests, lakes, rivers and ponds, hatcheries, and at district and in-home of- fices. Staff were present in the virtual environment offering on-line programs on outdoor skills and fish and wildlife topics. Public informa- tion sessions, Board Meetings and hearings were also held online, with a noticeable and gratifying uptick in public participation. • 4,550 acres of critical fish and wildlife habitat protected. MassWildlife currently protects over 222,600 acres of property open to hunting, fishing, watching wildlife, and other nature- based recreation. • Over 474,000 trout stocked in the spring of 2021 in 175 lakes and ponds and 231 rivers and streams in 250 cities and towns. In fall 2020, over 64,700 trout were stocked in 98 ponds and lakes, and 6 rivers and streams in 86 communities across the state. • 75 private landowners given habitat management advice and/or financial assistance. MassWildlife offered technical advice to landowners for planning and/or financial assistance for habitat management actions that benefit rare or uncom- mon wildlife on private, protected lands. • 15th Edition of the Natural Heritage Atlas Released. Depicting habitat of rare plants and animals protected under the Mas- sachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) and the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), these maps are primarily used to deter- mine if proposed projects or activities in those areas require review for compliance with the MESA and the WPA. • 40,000 pheasants released for hunters on Wildlife Management Areas and other lands open to hunting. Go online for the revised pheasant stocking map launched in 2019 at mass.gov/pheasant • Over 2,700 acres of land-based habitat restoration on MassWildlife lands involving tree clearing, prescribed burns, invasive plant control, and mowing. These habitat practices benefit American woodcock and ruffed grouse and other less common or rare wildlife. • 55 peregrine falcon chicks banded at 19 sites across the Com- monwealth. The year 2021 marked the 35th year of successful wild peregrine falcon nesting in Massachusetts since their reintroduction. • Over 6 million MassWildlife website page views in FY21 – In addition, over 55,000 people follow MassWildlife on Facebook, 96,052 people receive MassWildlife’s monthly e-newsletter and 21,000 subscribe to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. (See page 50) NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT MassWildlife prohibits discrimina- tion on the basis of race, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orienta- tion, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, limited English proficiency, disability, veteran's status, or background. If you believe you have been discriminated against in a program or activity or need more information, contact Melixza G. Esenyie, ADA and Diversity Manager, Executive Office of Energy and En- vironmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston MA 02114 Melixza. Esenyie2@mass.gov (617) 872-3270. The gun dog partner you’ve been hunting for 265 N Society Rd, Canterbury, CT • 860-546-2116 • QKDogs.com Gun Dog training for retrievers, flushing dogs, and pointers. Pre-season tune-ups and fitness training, live bird work, hunt test and field trial preparation for spaniels, pointers and retrievers. Boot camp training program for gun dogs, all-breed obedience and behavior problems. Private lessons are available. FOR ALL YOUR TRAINING AND BOARDING NEEDS Enjoy your sport with an outstanding canine companion from out of the crate to bragging at the tailgate. B Y THE NUMBERS GE NERAL 38 HUNTING RABBIT AND HARE HUNTING 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Cottontail Rabbits Zones 1–12: Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2022 and Oct. 15, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 Zones 13–14: Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2022 and Nov. 15, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 Snowshoe Hare Zones 1–4: Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2022 and Oct. 15, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 Zones 5–12: Jan. 1 – Feb. 5, 2022 and Oct. 15, 2022 – Feb. 4, 2023 Zones 13–14: Jan. 1 – Feb. 5, 2022 and Nov. 15, 2022 – Feb. 4, 2023 All dates are inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. See Wildlife Management Zone map on pages 22–23. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and ends at midnight. (Exception: on any WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunt- ing hours are sunrise to sunset. See WMA Regulations page 21.) REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS You must have a license to hunt rabbit and hare, which you can buy through MassFish- Hunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. No permits are required. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game license or big game license BAG LIMITS • Cottontail rabbit: 5 per day, 10 in pos- session, no annual bag limit • Snowshoe hare: 2 per day, 4 in posses- sion, no annual bag limit HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Only shotguns and archery equipment may be used when hunting cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail DURING the pheasant or quail season. Shotguns (including smoothbore muzzle- loaders): No larger than #1 birdshot. Archery: Archery equipment is legal. You must use a device that works by flexing and releasing a bowstring. You may not use poi- soned arrows, explosive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means, or any device that propels an arrow, dart, or bolt by gunpow- der, compressed air, or any other means. Crossbows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Rifles and handguns (including rifled muz- zleloaders): Rifles and handguns are legal except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife There are no tagging, transportation or reporting requirements for rabbit and hare. R A B B I T A N D H A R E H U N T I N G LaBLUE’S TAXIDERMY Over 40 Years Experience Rick and Phyllis LaBlue // 413.743.5668 121 Alger Street // Adams, MA 01220LaBluesTaxidermy.com Specializingin DeerHeads Archery Pro Shop • 3D Course Hand-tied ﬂies • Live Bait • St.Croix, TFO rods Hunting and Fishing Supplies • Ammo New/Used Guns • Clothing/Boots Deer and Turkey Weigh Station Morse Sporting Goods 603-464-3444 9–6 Monday–Saturday • 9–noon Sunday www.morsesportinggoods.com Sporting Goods 85 Contoocook Falls Road Hillsboro, NH 03244 Largest Inventory of New & Used Guns in the Greater Keene Area! John Corliss, Proprietor (603) 239-4032 Rte. 10, Winchester, NH 03470 Mike Farnham 802-249-1585 www.morewildlife.net morewildlife@hotmail.com Seed & Fertilizer SalesFood Plot Supplies • Trail Cams Mike Farnham802-249-1585 www.morewildlife.netmorewildlife@hotmail.com Food plot consultation, over 15 years experience Building and maintaining wildlife food plots Hunters Rendezvous Rte. 119 (South Road) • Pepperell, MA • 01463 www.huntersrendezvous.com(978) 433-9458 Muzzle Loading Firearms Traditional Archery Equipment Maritime Ski Boats • Malibu Fishing Kayaks Fresh & Saltwater Fly Fishing Equipment Private hunting land for lease in MA.www.hullforest.com Private hunting land for lease in MA. www.hullforest.com 39 G R AY S Q U I R R E L H U N T I N G 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Zones 1–9: Sept. 12, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023 Zones 10–14: Oct. 15, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023 See Wildlife Management Zone map on pages 22–23. All dates are inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Gray squirrel hunting season may coincide with the Youth Deer Hunt Day, when special restrictions apply. (see page 25) HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. (Excep- tion: on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunting hours are sunrise to sunset. See WMA Regulations, page 21.) REQUIRED LICENSES You must have a license to hunt squirrels, which you can buy through MassFishHunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game or big game license BAG LIMITS • 5 per day • 10 in possession • No annual bag limit HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Only shotguns and archery equipment may be used when hunting gray squirrel on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail DUR- ING the pheasant or quail season. Shotguns (including muzzleloaders): No larger than #1 birdshot. Archery: Archery equipment is legal. You must use a device that works by flexing and releasing a bowstring. You may not use poisoned arrows, explosive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means, or any device that propels an arrow, dart, or bolt by gunpow- der, compressed air, or any other means. Crossbows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Rifles and handguns (including rifled muzzleloaders): Lawful to use in Wildlife Management Zones 1–9 except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season. Use of rifles and handguns is prohibited in Wildlife Management Zones 10–14. Trapping or netting is prohibited. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. HUNTING GR AY SQUIRREL HUNTING There are no tagging, transportation or reporting requirements for squirrels. Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife For advertising inquiries, please call (413) 884-1001 Showcaseyour business! M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E40 M I G R AT O R Y G A M E B I R D H U N T I N G 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Season dates and bag limits are set annu- ally in the spring and will be posted on the MassWildlife website by mid-May. Printed regulations will be available in August. Active Military and Veterans Waterfowl Hunt Two statewide Veterans Waterfowl Hunt season dates are open for waterfowl hunting by members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty (other than for training), and vet- erans. The term “veteran,” is defined, per section 101 of title 38, United States Code, as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released there - from under conditions other than dishon - orable. Proof of eligibility is required and must be carried on person while hunting. All regular season waterfowl hunting regulations and bag limits apply. Youth Waterfowl Hunt Runs concurrently with the Active Military and Veterans Waterfowl Hunt (see page 25). HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end at sunset in most situations. Exceptions: 1) Hunting on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season; hunting hours are sunrise to sunset. 2) Early Goose Season: 1/2 half hour before sunrise – 1/2 hour after sunset. See page 51 for sunrise-sunset table. REQUIRED LICENSES, STAMPS, & H � I � P� Licenses, stamps and HIP registration are required and can be obtained through www.mass.gov/massfishhunt. HIP Registration: Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration required an - nually by taking the HIP survey. Woodcock, snipe, coot, rail hunters MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS • Hunting or sporting license • Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration through MassFishHunt NON-RESIDENTS • Big game license OR small game license • Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration through MassFishHunt Waterfowl hunters (ducks, geese, sea ducks) MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS • Hunting or sporting license • MA Waterfowl resident stamp and HIP (purchase registers you with HIP) • Federal duck stamp* (for hunting ducks, geese, or brant) for hunters 16 years and older; $25, plus federal regulatory processing fee. NON-RESIDENTS • Big game license or small game license • MA Waterfowl non-resident stamp and HIP (purchase registers you with HIP) • Federal duck stamp* (for hunting ducks, geese, or brant) for hunters 16 years and older; $25, plus federal regulatory processing fee. *The Federal Duck Stamp is available through MassFishHunt or wherever MA hunting licenses are sold. The Federal eDuck Stamp is a temporary stamp expir- ing 45 days from the date of purchase. Be- fore the eDuck expires, a physical Federal Duck Stamp will be sent to customers via U.S. mail. Upon receipt of the physical Fed- eral Duck Stamp, it must be signed across the face in ink and carried while waterfowl hunting. If a physical Duck Stamp does not arrive after a few weeks, contact Amplex at duckstamp@amplex.com or (800) 852- 4897. Physical federal waterfowl stamps are also available at all National Wildlife Refuges and select post offices. NOTE: Unlike state licenses and stamps which are valid from January 1 – December 31, the Federal Duck Stamp is valid July 1 – June 30 of the following year. (see page 7) YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTERS (12–17 years old) Dates and Requirements (see page 25) HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Shotgun: Shotguns no larger than 10 gauge, fired from the shoulder. Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells must be plugged with a one piece filler which cannot be re- moved without disassembling the gun, limit- ing the gun's total capacity to 3 shells. Non-toxic shot: Required for all waterfowl and coot hunting. No lead shot in possession. Waterfowl and coot hunters must use non- toxic shot up to and including BBB shot while hunting waterfowl. Non-toxic shot is lawful for hunting woodcock, snipe, or rails. Archery Equipment: Expanding broadheads are legal. Crossbows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Airbows, poisoned arrows, explosive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. HUNTING METHODS Dogs: Dogs may be used to hunt migratory game birds. NOTE: During the shotgun seasons for deer (including Youth Deer Hunt Day) dogs can be used for waterfowl and falconry hunting only on coastal waters and salt marshes. Falconry: Ducks and coot may be hunted by licensed and permitted falconers from Oct. 2, 2021 – Feb. 3, 2022. No geese. Sea ducks: May only be hunted in coastal waters and rivers and streams seaward of the first upstream bridge. Wanton waste: A reasonable effort is re- quired to retrieve all migratory birds killed or wounded. Wounded waterfowl should be killed immediately, and must be retained by the hunter as part of the daily bag. HUNTING PROHIBITIONS Baiting: No baiting (placing corn or any other food to constitute a lure or enticement) or hunting over a baited area. An area is consid- ered baited for 10 days after bait removal. It is not necessary for the hunter to know that the area is baited to be in violation. REPORT ALL BANDED BIRDS: Hunters recovering banded waterfowl are en- couraged to report bird band information to www.reportband.gov HUNTING MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING 41 Motorized vehicles & boats: No hunting migratory game birds from or with the aid of a motor vehicle or other motor driven land conveyance or aircraft. No hunting from or by means of any motor boat or sailboat unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or sails furled and all progress has ceased. A hunter may pick up or retrieve dead or injured birds from a craft under power and may shoot injured birds from powered craft in coastal waters seaward of the first upstream bridge. Exception: Para- plegics may take game birds from a station- ary motor vehicle or other land conveyance. Driving: Hunters cannot drive (herd) mi- gratory game birds from or with the aid of a motor vehicle or other motor driven land conveyance or aircraft, or use any kind of motor or sailboat for self or others. Electric calls: NO pre-recorded calls, sounds or any electronic imitations of calls. Other prohibited devices: Rifle, pistol, air gun, swivel gun, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, trap, snare, net, fish hook, sinkbox, poison, drug, explosive or stupefying substance. Live decoys: No use of live decoys (birds) or any domesticated fowl. These birds HUNTING M IGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING must be removed for 10 consecutive days prior to hunting and confined in an enclosure to reduce the audibility of their calls and conceal them from the sight of migratory game birds. BLAZE ORANGE/PFD No requirement to wear hunter orange except: 1) An orange hat must be worn while hunting in WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant and quail season; 2) During the Shotgun Deer Season and the Youth Deer Hunt Day waterfowl hunters must wear a blaze orange hat and vest (500 sq. inches) in transit to their blind or boat- it may be removed once in the blind or boat. Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Anyone in a canoe or kayak from Sept. 15 – May 15 must wear a life jacket or vest. Importation: No person shall import migra- tory game birds killed in any other country except Canada unless such birds are dressed and the head and feet removed. One fully feathered wing must remain on each bird transported between port of entry and the hunter's home or preservation facility. No one may import birds belonging to another. CONSUMPTION ADVISORY A Waterfowl Consumption Advisory is in effect for the Housatonic River due to PCBs. For more information call the Mass. Department of Public Health at (617) 624-5757 or visit mass.gov/dph . TAGGING, TRANSPORTING, AND REPORTING No reporting requirement. No one may possess another hunter's mi- gratory game birds unless the birds are properly tagged. Birds must be tagged with the hunter’s signature, address, to - tal number of birds by species, and dates birds were killed. Field Dressing: The head and one fully- feathered wing must remain attached to each migratory game bird while it is transported to the hunter’s home, pres - ervation facility or port of entry. Shipment: Any package containing migra- tory game birds must be marked on the outside with the name and address of the sender and recipient and number of birds, by species, contained inside. Powderhorn Outfitters 210 Barnstable Rd Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 775-8975 Fax (508) 771-8856 Mark Cohen, Proprietor www.powderhornoutfitters.com • FISHING BAIT & TACKLE • GUNS & AMMO • ANTIQUE WEAPONS • RELOADING EQUIPMENT • ARCHERY SUPPLIES • LAW ENFORCEMENTFULL FORGE GEAR.COMFULL FORGE GEAR.COM HURRICANE BACKPACK 500 DENIER POLYESTER FABRIC 10-GAUGE NYLON ZIPPER LARGE INTERNAL HYDRATION POCKET WATER-RESISTANT REINFORCED NYLON STRAPS CUSTOMIZABLE VELCRO PATCH 2 EXTERIOR POUCHES 2 LARGE INTERIOR POCKETS HYDRATION RESERVOIR REINFORCED CARRY HANDLE PADDED SHOULDER STRAS HURRICANE BACKPACK 500 DENIER POLYESTER FABRIC 10-GAUGE NYLON ZIPPER LARGE INTERNAL HYDRATION POCKET WATER-RESISTANT REINFORCED NYLON STRAPS CUSTOMIZABLE VELCRO PATCH 2 EXTERIOR POUCHES 2 LARGE INTERIOR POCKETS HYDRATION RESERVOIR REINFORCED CARRY HANDLE PADDED SHOULDER STRAS 42 M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E HUNTING C OYOTE HUNTING Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Jan. 1 – March 8, 2022 Oct. 15, 2022 – Mar. 8, 2023 All dates inclusive. Hunting on Sundays is prohibited. Coyote hunting is open during the deer shotgun season. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end at midnight. There are two exceptions: • Hunting hours start at sunrise and end at sunset on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season. • Hunting hours start 1/2 hour before sunrise and end 1/2 hour after sunset during shotgun deer season. REQUIRED LICENSES You must have a license to hunt coyote, which you can buy through MassFishHunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game or big game license BAG LIMITS • None HUNTING ZONES All Wildlife Management Zones statewide. HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Shotguns: Shot sizes up to and including FF. Slugs, single balls, and buckshot may only be used during the shotgun deer season. Archery: Archery equipment is legal. Cross- bows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Poisoned arrows, explo- sive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. Rifles and handguns: • Daytime hunting: During the period from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, there are no restrictions on size or caliber of rifles or handguns. • Nighttime hunting: During the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to midnight rifles are restricted to those chambered not larger than .22 long rifle and hand- guns are restricted to those chambered not larger than .38 caliber. • Prohibited on Wildlife Management Areas stocked with pheasant or quail, during the pheasant and quail seasons. • Prohibited during the shotgun deer season. Muzzleloader: Smooth bore muzzleloaders: Only shot sizes up to and including FF. Slugs, single balls, and buckshot may only be used during the shotgun deer season. Rifled bore muzzleloaders: no restrictions on caliber size. HUNTING METHODS Decoys and bait are legal. Electronic and manual calls, and the use of dogs are legal, but prohibited during the shotgun deer season. Artificial lights are prohibited. BLAZE ORANGE During the shotgun season for deer, 500 square inches on chest, head and back is required. When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. TAGGING, TRANSPORTING, AND REPORTING You must report your coyote harvest within 48 hours of harvest. Report at an official check station or online. If you report your harvest online, write the confirmation number on a tag and attach the tag to the carcass or pelt. Confirmation numbers must stay attached to the pelt or carcass until that pelt or car- cass is prepared for sale, taxidermy, tanning or other use. C OYO T E H U N T I N G M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 43 HUNTING F OX AND BOBCAT HUNTING 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2022 Nov. 1, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 All dates inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end at midnight. (Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.) REQUIRED LICENSES You must have a license to hunt fox, which you can buy through MassFishHunt, mass. gov/massfishhunt. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game or big game license BAG LIMITS • None HUNTING ZONES All Wildlife Management Zones statewide. HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Shotguns: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot. Archery: Archery equipment is legal. Cross- bows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Poisoned arrows, explo- sive tips, bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. Rifles and handguns: • Daytime hunting: During the period from 1/2 hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, there are no restrictions on size or caliber of rifles or handguns. • Nighttime hunting: During the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to midnight rifles are restricted to those chambered not larger than .22 long rifle and hand- guns are restricted to those chambered not larger than .38 caliber. • Rifles or handguns of any kind are pro- hibited on Wildlife Management Areas stocked with pheasant or quail, during the pheasant and quail seasons. Muzzleloaders: Smooth bore muzzleload- ers: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot can be used. Rifled bore muzzleloaders: no restric- tions on caliber size. HUNTING METHODS Electronic and manual calls, decoys, bait, and the use of dogs are legal. Artificial lights are prohibited. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. TAGGING, TRANSPORT - ING, AND REPORTING You must report your fox harvest within 48 hours of harvest. Report at an official check station or online. If you report your harvest online, write the confirmation number on a tag and attach the tag to the carcass or pelt. These confirmation numbers must stay at- tached to the pelt or carcass until that pelt or carcass is prepared for sale, taxidermy, tanning or other use. F OX H U N T I N G 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Zones 1–8: Jan. 1 – March 8, 2022 and Dec. 20, 2022 – March 8, 2023 All dates inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. See WMZ map on pages 22–23. HUNTING HOURS Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sun- rise and end 1/2 hour after sunset. REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS You must have a license to hunt bobcat, which you can buy through MassFishHunt, mass. gov/massfishhunt. No permits are required. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS • Small game or big game license BAG LIMITS None HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Shotguns: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot can be used. Archery: Archery equipment is legal, with no minimum pull. Crossbows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Poisoned arrows, explosive tips, and bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. Rifles and handguns: No restrictions on caliber size for rifles or handguns. Muzzleloaders: Smooth bore muzzleload- ers: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot can be used. Rifled bore muzzleloaders: no restric- tions on caliber size. HUNTING METHODS Electronic and manual calls, decoys, and bait are legal. Use of dogs is prohibited. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. TAGGING, TRANSPORTING, AND REPORTING Bobcat cannot be reported online. You must take your bobcat to an official furbearer check station at MassWildlife facilities only (see page 46), where you will be issued a federally-required seal. You must report your bobcat harvest within 4 working days of the end of the season. Seals must remain attached to the pelt/ carcass until the pelt/carcass is prepared for sale, taxidermy, tanning or other use. B O B C AT H U N T I N G 44 HUNTING RACCOON AND OPOSSUM HUNTING 2022 HUNTING SEASON DATES Jan. 1 – Jan 31, 2022 Oct. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 All dates are inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Raccoon and opossum hunting seasons may coincide with the Youth Deer Hunt Day, when special restrictions apply, see page 25. HUNTING HOURS Raccoon and opossum may be hunted 24 hours per day. Exception: WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheas- ant or quail season, the hunting hours for raccoon and opossum are from 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. REQUIRED LICENSES You must have a license to hunt raccoon and opossum, which you can buy through MassFishHunt, mass.gov/massfishhunt. MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: • Hunting or sporting license NON-RESIDENTS: • Small game or big game license BAG LIMITS Raccoon: • Individual bag limit — 3 raccoons (Be- tween sunset of one day and sunset of the following day.) • Group bag limit (2 or more hunters) — 6 raccoons (Between sunset of one day and sunset of the following day.) Opossum: No bag limit. HUNTING ZONES: All Wildlife Management Zones statewide. HUNTING IMPLEMENTS Shotguns: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot. Archery: Archery equipment is legal, with no minimum pull. Crossbows may be used only by hunters with a crossbow permit. Poisoned arrows, explosive tips, and bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. Rifles and handguns: • Daytime hunting: During the period from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset there are no restrictions on size or caliber of rifles or handguns. • Nighttime hunting: During the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, rifles are restricted to those chambered not larger than .22 long rifle and handguns are restricted to those chambered not larger than .38 caliber. • Prohibited on Wildlife Management Areas stocked with pheasant or quail, during the pheasant and quail seasons except from 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. Muzzleloaders: Smooth bore muzzleload- ers: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot. Rifled bore muzzleloaders: no restrictions on caliber size. HUNTING METHODS Electronic and manual calls and artificial lights are legal. Use of dogs is permitted. BLAZE ORANGE When hunting on a pheasant or quail stocked WMA during the pheasant/quail season, a blaze orange cap is required. R AC C O O N A N D O P O S S U M H U N T I N G There are no tagging, transportation or reporting requirements for raccoon or opossum. Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife “We have hundreds of acres of the best hunting area in the east” Experience is the Difference! Year Round Hunting 7 Days A Week, No License Required (570) 835-5341 www.TiogaBoarHunting.com 1552 Mann Hill Road | Tioga, PA 16946 | tiogaboarranch@gmail.com of the best hunting area in the east”of the best hunting area in the east” Year Round Hunting 7 Days A Week, No License Required www.TiogaBoarHunting.com 1552 Mann Hill Road Year Round Hunting 7 Days A Week, No License Required Win a $100 Gift Card! Take the monthly And be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to your sporting good retailer of choice. Your anonymous participation advances fish and wildlife conservation, helps protect your right to hunt, fish and shoot, and guides companies in developing better outdoor products. The MASSACHUSETTS OUTDOOR HERITAGE FOUNDATION, INC. (MOHF)THANKS TO ALL THOSE THAT PROVIDED FUNDS, GIFTS, ASSETS, and other DONATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE SPECIAL OUTDOOR PROJECT NEEDS in the Commonwealth; you can be proud! Visit the MOHF website www.massoutdoorheritage.org and see what you have accomplished during the past 15 years. We are grateful for your help. Mother nature is reaching out to you again; she cannot do it alone. In the spirit of your Legacy please consider a tax-deductible donation to help ensure a healthy outdoors in Massachusetts for all living things to be enjoyed for generations to come. It is a beautiful State, we need your help to keep it that way.The MOHF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 04-3556375. How does this work? However you wish to contribute, the dollar value is recognized by the Foundation, and at year end, we will provide you with a voucher that is recognized by the IRS as a tax-deductible contribution. In addition to the donation of dollars in any form, we accept vehicles, firearms, fishing gear, real estate, securities, bequest, charitable remainder trust, or designated funds for special projects of interest, or other forms of your gift. Large or small, all gifts will become part of your LEGACY in the investment of the Massachusetts outdoor heritage. The MOHF’S is one of the most proactive organizations that support outdoor heritage needs. It is easy to donate:Write a check made out to the MOHF, Inc. and mail to: Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation P. O. Box 47, Westboro, MA 01581 OR go online and donate via the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation website www.massoutdoorheritage.org. Be sure to write 2022A on the memo line. In addition to the other assets outlined above, you can also donate by directing a funeral home that the recognition of a lost loved one or friend “IN LIEU OF FLOWERS” donation can be made to the MOHF address below.Please visit our website for more information. Please contact us at: Phone: (413) 230-4945 Email: ralph@massoutdoorheritage.org Website: www.massoutdoorheritage.org Mail: Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation P. O. Box 47 Westboro, MA 01581 The MASSACHUSETTS OUTDOOR HERITAGE FOUNDATION, INC. (MOHF) TO ALL THOSE THAT PROVIDED FUNDS, GIFTS, ASSETS, and other DONATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE SPECIAL OUTDOOR PROJECT NEEDS in the Commonwealth; YOU CAN BE PROUD! Visit the MOHF website www.massoutdoorheritage.org and see what you have accomplished during the past 2200 years. We are grateful for your help. Mother nature is reaching out to you again; she cannot do it alone. In the spirit of your Legacy please consider a tax-deductible donation to help ensure a healthy outdoors in Massachusetts for all living things to be en- joyed for generations to come. It is a beautiful State, we need your help to keep it that way. The MOHF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 04- 3556375. How does this work? However you wish to contribute, the dollar value is recognized by the Foundation, and when you donate you will be provided an Acknowledgement letter. In addition to the donation of dollars in any form, we accept real estate, securities, bequest, charitable remainder trusts, or designated funds for special projects of interest, or other forms of your gift. Large or small, all gifts will become part of your Legacy in the investment of the Massachusetts outdoor heritage. The MOHF is one of the most proactive organizations that support outdoor heritage needs. It is easy to donate: Write a check made out to the MOHF, Inc. and mail to: Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation P. O. Box 47, Westboro, MA 01581 OR go online and donate via the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation website www.massoutdoorheritage.org. Be sure to write 2022A on the memo line. In addition to the other assets outlined above, you can also donate by directing a funeral home that the recognition of a lost loved one or friend “IN LIEU OF FLOWERS” donation can be made to the MOHF address below. Please visit our website for more information. Thank You! Phone: (413) 230-4945 Email: ralph@massoutdoorheritage.org Website: www.massoutdoorheritage.org Mail: Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation P. O. Box 47 Westboro, MA 01581 Please contact us at: Add fishing picture Mass Wildlife publ No 4 2020 Add fishing picture Mass Wildlife publ No 4 2020 Add fishing picture Mass Wildlife publ No 4 2020 Add fishing picture Mass Wildlife publ No 4 2020 M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E46 H A RVEST RE PORTING (PELT CHECKING) Coyote and fox must be reported within 48 hours of harvest. Fisher, beaver, bobcat, river otter, and mink must be reported within 4 working days of the end of their respec-tive seasons. Bobcat and river otter can-not be reported online. Take all bobcat and river otter to an official furbearer check station, which are located at Mass-Wildlife facilities only (see Furbearer Check Stations below), within 4 working days of the end of the season. You will be issued a federally-required seal for bobcat and river otter. For detailed information on Online Game Check, visit the Game Check Station page on mass.gov/dfw/checkstat on; visit the MassFishHunt Sys-tem online at mass.gov/ massf shhunt to report your harvest online. Once issued a harvest confirmation number, write it on a tag of your own making and attach it to the pelt/carcass. Confirmation numbers must remain attached to all pelts/carcass-es until the pelt/carcass is is prepared for sale, taxidermy or other use. SALE OF PELTS EXPOR TING R AW F URS: When ship- ping raw fur pelts by any carrier, the contents of the package and the shipper’s hunting or trapping license number must be listed on the outside of the pack- age. The destruction or removal of any identifying tag or label that is attached to a container in which skins are shipped is unlawful. OPEN SEASON (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) Beaver1 Jan. 1 – April 15, 2022 Nov. 1, 2022 – April 15, 2023 Bobcat1,2, Coyote1, Fox1, Weasel Nov. 1 – Nov. 30, 2022 Fisher1 Nov. 1 – Nov. 22, 2022 Mink1, River Otter1 Nov. 1 – Dec. 15, 2022 Muskrat, Opossum, Raccoon, Skunk Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2022 Nov. 1, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 1 – Pelt checking/reporting required; see below. 2 – Bobcats may only be trapped or salvaged in Wildlife Management Zones 1–8. See WMZ map on pages 22–23. tion. The Bailey-Hancock certificate must be in possession when using such traps. To obtain a special permit to use bodygrip traps (e.g., Conibear™ traps) addressing certain types of wildlife damage, contact your local MassWildlife District office. PROHIBITED: Use of steel-jaw foothold traps, padded jaw traps, body-gripping (Conibear) traps, snares, deadfalls, and any traps other than those specified in this Guide are prohibited. Such traps may not be set, tended, used, or possessed in the field. STAKING is not a recognized practice and conveys no special trapping privileges. STOLEN TRAPS: A trapper must report the loss or theft of a trap in writing to the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) within 48 hours of the loss or theft, or remain responsible for its use. See MEP contact informaton on page 5. LICENSING A trapping license is required for all per- sons age 12 years of age and older. TRAP REGISTRATION All traps used on the land of another must have a valid Trap Registration Number em- bedded or cut into the trap. The trap must also have attached a metal tag bearing the owner’s name, town and registration num- ber. Letters and figures must be legible and no less than 1/8-inch high. The registra- tion number must be renewed every two years. To trap on another's land, a trapper must maintain a current certification of that registration number. To obtain regis- tration numbers, contact MassWildlife at (508)389-6300 or mass.wildlife@mass.gov. MANDATORY TRAPPER EDUCATION Trapper Education is mandatory for first- time trappers and Problem Animal Control (PAC) agents in order to apply for a trap registration certificate. Government issued Trapper Education certificates from any U.S. state are accepted to apply. Included in the Massachusetts Trapper Education course is the mandatory training required to use Bailey or Hancock traps. Both a Trapper Education Certificate and a Bailey- Hancock Certificate are issued to students who successfully complete this course. TRAPPING IMPLEMENTS Only cage or box type traps may be used for the taking of fur-bearing mammals. Common rat traps may only be used for the taking of weasels. Bailey and Hancock traps may only be used for the taking of beaver by trappers with a Bailey-Hancock certificate of comple- F U R B E A R E R T R A P P I N G S E A S O N S TRAPPING TRAPPING SEASONS FURBEARER CHECK STATIONS Check stations are open Monday–Friday (excluding holidays). Call check stations prior to bringing pelts in for sealing. Most deer check stations also check coyotes; visit our website at mass.gov/dfw/checkstation or call MassWildlife Field Headquar- ters for further information. •Western District: Dalton (413) 684-1646 • Connecticut Valley District: Belchertown (413) 323-7632 • Central District: West Boylston (508) 835-3607 •Northeast District: Ayer (978) 772-2145 • Southeast District: Buzzards Bay (508) 759-3406 • Sunderland Hatchery: Sunderland (413) 665-4680 • Bitzer Fish Hatchery: Montague (413) 367-2477 • Field Headquarters: Westborough (508) 389-6300 M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 47 • Fail to visit all traps staked out, set, used, tended, placed, or maintained, and remove all animals trapped at least once in each calendar day between the hours of 4:00am and 10:00pm. • Destroy, mutilate, spring, or remove the trap of another. • Take any fur-bearing mammal from the trap of another unless he has on his person a specific written authorization to do so, signed by the owner of such trap. The owner of traps may give such authorization to any person licensed to trap for a period not to exceed one week from the day the traps were last tended, provided that notice of the giv- ing of such authorization including the name and trapping license number of the person so authorized shall be given to the regional Environmental Police Of- ficer and to the Director within 24 hours of the giving of such authorization. • Set, use, place, locate, tend, or main- tain a trap not bearing on a metal tag the name, town of residence, and trap registration number of the person or persons using the same in a manner as to be legible at all times. Said regis- tration number shall be permanently embedded in or marked on the traps with letters and figures not less than 1⁄8 inches high in such a manner as to be legible at all times. • Possess any road-killed furbearers during the closed season, or possess road-killed furbearers during the open season without a valid hunting or trapping license as appropriate to that species and season. • Alter, tamper with, or reapply a furbear- er tag or seal, or possess any altered or resealed tag, or possess any pelt bear- ing an altered or resealed tag or seal. IT IS ILLEGAL TO: • Trap fur-bearing mammals with any trap other than a cage or box type trap, or a common rat trap for weasels. • Intentionally or knowingly drown wildlife. • Trap before 6:00am on opening day of any trapping season. • Possess or have under control a trap on land of another in any place where fur- bearing mammals might be found be- tween April 16 of any year and 6:00am on the following November 1. • Possess the green pelt of any fur-bear- ing mammal or any part of such pelt except during the open season for such mammal and for ten days thereafter. • Possess or have under control an unreg- istered trap on land of another. • Possess or have under control the reg- istered trap of another, unless he or she has entered into a trapping partnership through the Boston Office. • Trap on posted land of another without the written permission of the owner or tenant of such land. • Trap in a public way, cart road, path or other way commonly used as a passage- way for people or domestic animals. • Tear open, disturb, or destroy a musk- rat lodge, beaver lodge or beaver dam, except as provided in 321 CMR 2.08. • Use poison or trap with a trap designed to take more than one mammal at a time. • Trap on land with a Bailey or Hancock beaver trap or other trap of similar design, except when set upon a beaver dam or beaver lodge, snag, stump, rock, or other above-water protrusion entirely or substantially surrounded by water, or, when the pan of such trap is not completely submerged. • Trap with a Bailey or Hancock beaver trap or other trap of similar design without having completed a training session and having been issued a certificate of com- pletion, or to fail to carry such certificate on one's person when using such traps. RABIES Rabies in wild mammals has been confirmed in all counties in Massachusetts except Dukes and Nantucket. Wear rubber gloves when skinning furbearers. If you believe you have been exposed to a rabid animal, scrub the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately. If possible, isolate and preserve the dead animal by refrigeration as soon as possible. Contact your local Board of Health. INCIDENTAL CATCH — EMERGENCY PERMIT Catch of any species other than beaver or muskrat while trapping with a 10 day emergency permit must be turned over to MassWildlife. PROBLEM ANIMAL CONTROL AGENTS Problem Animal Control (PAC) agents are private individuals licensed by the Divi- sion of Fisheries and Wildlife to assist the public in situations involving sick animals or animals causing property damage. If you are experiencing wildlife damage and wish to contract with a PAC agent, a listing can be found on mass.gov/masswildlife. Individuals interested in becoming a PAC agent can obtain information on the per- mitting process from this same website, or call MassWildlife Field Headquarters at (508) 389-6300. TRAPPING TR APPING PROHIBITIONS T R A P P I N G P R O H I B I T I O N S Photo by Bill Byrne/MassWildlife M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E48 EDUCATION OU TDOOR SKILLS PROGRAMS L EARN TO HUNT PROGRAMS Hunters with little or no experience can learn skills and techniques used to hunt different game animals. Courses are geared toward recent Basic Hunter Education graduates and include classroom learning and outdoor skills exercises. Taught by vol- unteers, the courses utilize the experience and knowledge of seasoned sportsmen and -women. Courses range from one-day condensed classes to three-day, in-depth courses. To learn more, to be notified about upcoming courses, or to volunteer as an in- structor, visit mass.gov/dfw/learn-to-hunt. EXPLORE ARCHERY AND BOWHUNTING These programs are designed to help instructors, program leaders, and educators teach outdoor skills to people of all ages. EXPLORE ARCHERY is an international style target shooting program that was created to promote the lifelong interest and participation in the sport of archery to participants of all ages. EXPLORE BOWHUNTING is an educa- tional program designed to teach students ages 11 and up the basic skills of bowhunt- ing through 23 innovative lesson plans. Through these hands-on experiences stu- dents gain confidence interacting with the natural environment and strengthen their appreciation for wildlife and the woods. For more information about these pro- grams, call (508) 389-6305. ANGLER EDUCATION PROGRAM The Angler Education Program introduces people of all ages to fishing, educates them about the state’s aquatic wildlife and habi- tats through fishing, and promotes Massa- chusetts’ abundant waterways and freshwa- ter fishing opportunities. Program elements include one-day family fishing festivals and short fishing clinics offered by volunteers and MassWildlife staff across the state. A Fishing Gear Loaner Program is available for groups and organizations that already have an event organized, but need equipment. Occasional specialty classes such as fly tying or ice fishing are also scheduled. For more information call 508-389-6309. BECOMING AN OUTDOORS-WOMAN Designed primarily for adult women, BOW is an opportunity to learn new skills. Past workshops have included basic fishing, beginning shotgun, kayaking, map and compass, wildlife tracking, archery, nature photography, fly tying, game cooking, and edible plants. Workshop notices are posted at mass.gov/dfw/bow. For more informa- tion, call (508) 389-6305. HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM Provides courses in the safe handling of fire- arms, and other outdoor activities related to hunting and firearm use. Designed for novices, courses in Basic Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education, and others are offered statewide throughout the year. Certificates in certain courses satisfy hunting license requirements for Massachusetts as well as other states and Canadian provinces. For more information, call (508) 389-7820. MASSACHUSETTS JUNIOR CONSERVATION CAMP This two-week overnight program, held in August for boys and girls ages 13–17, provides a solid grounding in outdoor skills. Participants learn about fisheries, wildlife, forestry, and camping, and become profi- cient in the use of shotgun, rifle, archery equipment, map and compass, and other outdoor activities.Basic Hunter Education and Boat Safety programs are included. For more information, call (508) 389-6300, or go to juniorconservationcamp.org. YOUTH HUNT DAYS AND PROGRAMS Special hunt days and programs are de- signed for young hunters. Details can be found on pages 24–25. DEVELOP OUTDOOR SKILL S WITH MA SSWILDLIFE Photo by Troy Gipps/MassWildlife M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 49 ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS The National Archery in the Schools Program in Massachusetts is an archery program developed for educators to provide students in grades 4–12 with an exposure to a fun, al- ternative sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Taught primarily by physical education teachers, the program also includes social studies, mathematics, and physics. This program is a partnership be- tween MassWildlife, National Archery in the Schools, the Archery Trade Association, and local sporting groups. Training is provided by MassWildlife to educators. Schools may borrow archery kits for two weeks free of charge. Funding may be available for schools to buy a kit of their own. For more informa- tion, call (508) 389-6305. PROJECT WILD IN MASSACHUSETTS An international program of wildlife educa- tion workshops designed for educators of a wide range of ages, from pre-school to high school. Hours spent may be used toward pro- fessional development or other continuing education credit. Co-sponsored by the Mas- sachusetts Sportsmen's Council. For informa- tion on attending or hosting a workshop, email pam.landry@mass.gov. • G ROWING UP WILD : Exploring Nature With Young Children (Ages 3–7 years). This workshop is designed for early childhood educators with ac- tivities that build on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Educators experience a wide range of activities that provide a foundation for developing a child’s posi- tive impression about nature. • P ROJECT WILD AND AQUATIC WILD workshops are interdisciplinary, hands-on learning opportunities for ed- ucators of K–12 level students focusing on terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. The curriculums encourage problem-solving and decision-making skills concerning the environment. Scout leaders, youth group leaders, homeschoolers, and both formal and non-formal educators find the materials and workshops valuable. MASSACHUSETTS ENVIROTHON The Envirothon is Massachusetts’ leading natural resource education program for high school students, emphasizing hands- on, team-oriented problem solving and community involvement that prepares young people for environmental careers and active citizenship. For over three decades, the Massachusetts Envirothon has engaged young people in hands-on exploration of soil, water, wildlife, and forest resources, and investigation of the important environmental issues affecting themselves, their families, and their communities. For more information, email massenvirothon@gmail.com or go to https://massenvirothon.org. NORTH AMERICAN CONSERVATION EDUCATION STRATEGY RESOURCES An array of tools and resources developed by state fish and wildlife agencies support conservation educators who offer fish and wildlife-based programs that guide students in grades K–12 on their way to becoming involved, responsible, conservation minded citizens. The strategy resources deliver unified, research-based Core Concepts and messages about fish and wildlife conserva- tion, translated into K–12 academic standards to shape students’ environmental literacy, stewardship, and outdoor skills. Resources in the tool kit include: landscape investigation, schoolyard biodiversity, field investigation, fostering outdoor observation skills, applying systems thinking, and much more. Download these free resources at fishwildlife.org/afwa- informs/ce-strategy. JUNIOR DUCK STAMP The Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Conservation and Design Program; Connecting Youth with Nature Through Science and Art is a dynamic arts and science cur- riculum for educators designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conser- vation to students in K–12. Using scientific and wildlife observation principles, the program helps students to visually communicate what they have learned by creating an entry to the state's JDS contest. Guidelines and curriculum for stu- dents, educators, homeschool, and non-formal groups designed to spark youth interest in habitat conservation through science, art, math, and technology can be downloaded at www.fws.gov/juniorduck. Co-sponsored by the USFWS with support from the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council. For more information, go to mass.gov/dfw/jds or email pam.landry@mass.gov. The acrylic painting of American Black Ducks by Caleb Clemons won Best of Show and repre- sented Massachusetts in the 2021 National Junior Duck Stamp Competition. EDUCATION PROGR AMS Photo courtesy Massachusetts Envirothon EDU CATION PROGRAMS E DUCATION M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E50 PRINTED MATERIALS PRICE QUANTITY BioMap 2 Report*$2.50 Critters of Massachusetts $5.00 Field Guide to Animals of Vernal Pools $12.00 Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Massachusetts $10.00 Field Guide to MA Reptiles $3.00 Guide to Invasive Plants in MA $5.00 Massachusetts Homeowner’s Guide to Bats*$2.50 Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas 15th Edition, Individual Town Map $25.00 Town Name: Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine (4 issues)**$6.00 Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine (8 issues)**$10.00 Animal Tracks Pocket Guide*$2.50 CDS, DVDS An Introduction to the Threatened Turtles of Massachusetts: Why They Need our Help (DVD)$5.00 Vascular Plants of Massachusetts: A County Checklist, First Revision (CD)$5.00 POSTERS Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts poster/brochure (folded or unfolded)$2.50 AB2022 TOTAL $ SHIPPING ADDRESS Name: �� Address: �� City: �� State: ��Zip Code: �� Phone Number: �� We can only accept checks at this time. Please make checks payable to: Comm. of MA – MassWildlife. Mail this order form and payment to: Publications Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581 NOTE: Some items are available at a discount if purchased in bulk or if you are an educator. * Free of charge if picked up at a MassWildlife office. Please call (508) 389-6300 to ensure availability and for special bulk/educator pricing. Allow 7–10 days for delivery. ** Also available for purchase using a credit card through the MassFishHunt licensing system, mass.gov/massfishhunt. MA SSWILDLIFE PUBLICATION ORDER FORM GENERAL PUBLICATIONS M A S S . G O V/ M A S S W I L D L I F E 51 2 0 2 2 S U N R I S E - S U N S E T TA B L E Table shows Eastern Standard Time and daylight savings time — seen in bold. Data shown above is for Worcester, Massachusetts. BOSTON subtract 3 minutes; SPRINGFIELD add 3 minutes; PITTSFIELD add 7 minutes. DAY JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM 1 7:16 4:26 7:01 5:02 6:22 5:37 6:30 7:13 5:43 7:47 5:13 8:17 5:14 8:28 5:40 8:06 6:12 7:21 6:44 6:29 7:20 5:41 6:56 4:16 2 7:16 4:27 6:59 5:03 6:21 5:38 6:28 7:14 5:41 7:48 5:13 8:18 5:15 8:27 5:41 8:05 6:14 7:19 6:45 6:27 7:22 5:39 6:58 4:16 3 7:16 4:27 6:58 5:04 6:19 5:40 6:26 7:15 5:40 7:49 5:12 8:19 5:16 8:27 5:42 8:04 6:15 7:18 6:46 6:25 7:23 5:38 6:59 4:15 4 7:16 4:28 6:57 5:05 6:18 5:41 6:25 7:16 5:39 7:50 5:12 8:19 5:16 8:27 5:43 8:03 6:16 7:16 6:48 6:23 7:24 5:37 7:00 4:15 5 7:16 4:29 6:56 5:07 6:16 5:42 6:23 7:18 5:37 7:51 5:12 8:20 5:17 8:27 5:44 8:02 6:17 7:14 6:49 6:22 7:25 5:36 7:01 4:15 6 7:16 4:30 6:55 5:08 6:14 5:43 6:21 7:19 5:36 7:52 5:11 8:21 5:17 8:26 5:45 8:00 6:18 7:13 6:50 6:20 6:27 4:34 7:02 4:15 7 7:16 4:31 6:54 5:09 6:13 5:44 6:19 7:20 5:35 7:53 5:11 8:21 5:18 8:26 5:46 7:59 6:19 7:11 6:51 6:18 6:28 4:33 7:02 4:15 8 7:16 4:32 6:53 5:11 6:11 5:46 6:18 7:21 5:34 7:54 5:11 8:22 5:19 8:26 5:47 7:58 6:20 7:09 6:52 6:17 6:29 4:32 7:03 4:15 9 7:16 4:33 6:51 5:12 6:09 5:47 6:16 7:22 5:32 7:55 5:11 8:23 5:19 8:25 5:48 7:56 6:21 7:07 6:53 6:15 6:30 4:31 7:04 4:15 10 7:15 4:34 6:50 5:13 6:08 5:48 6:14 7:23 5:31 7:57 5:10 8:23 5:20 8:25 5:49 7:55 6:22 7:06 6:54 6:13 6:32 4:30 7:05 4:15 11 7:15 4:36 6:49 5:15 6:06 5:49 6:13 7:24 5:30 7:58 5:10 8:24 5:21 8:24 5:50 7:54 6:23 7:04 6:55 6:12 6:33 4:29 7:06 4:15 12 7:15 4:37 6:48 5:16 6:04 5:50 6:11 7:25 5:29 7:59 5:10 8:24 5:22 8:24 5:51 7:52 6:24 7:02 6:57 6:10 6:34 4:28 7:07 4:15 13 7:14 4:38 6:46 5:17 7:02 6:51 6:10 7:27 5:28 8:00 5:10 8:25 5:22 8:23 5:52 7:51 6:25 7:00 6:58 6:08 6:35 4:27 7:08 4:15 14 7:14 4:39 6:45 5:18 7:01 6:53 6:08 7:28 5:27 8:01 5:10 8:25 5:23 8:23 5:53 7:49 6:26 6:59 6:59 6:07 6:37 4:26 7:08 4:15 15 7:13 4:40 6:43 5:20 6:59 6:54 6:06 7:29 5:26 8:02 5:10 8:26 5:24 8:22 5:55 7:48 6:27 6:57 7:00 6:05 6:38 4:25 7:09 4:16 16 7:13 4:41 6:42 5:21 6:57 6:55 6:05 7:30 5:25 8:03 5:10 8:26 5:25 8:21 5:56 7:47 6:28 6:55 7:01 6:04 6:39 4:24 7:10 4:16 17 7:12 4:43 6:41 5:22 6:56 6:56 6:03 7:31 5:24 8:04 5:10 8:26 5:26 8:21 5:57 7:45 6:29 6:53 7:02 6:02 6:40 4:24 7:10 4:16 18 7:12 4:44 6:39 5:24 6:54 6:57 6:02 7:32 5:23 8:05 5:10 8:27 5:27 8:20 5:58 7:44 6:30 6:51 7:03 6:00 6:41 4:23 7:11 4:17 19 7:11 4:45 6:38 5:25 6:52 6:58 6:00 7:33 5:22 8:06 5:10 8:27 5:27 8:19 5:59 7:42 6:31 6:50 7:05 5:59 6:43 4:22 7:12 4:17 20 7:11 4:46 6:36 5:26 6:50 6:59 5:58 7:34 5:21 8:07 5:11 8:27 5:28 8:18 6:00 7:40 6:32 6:48 7:06 5:57 6:44 4:21 7:12 4:17 21 7:10 4:47 6:35 5:27 6:49 7:01 5:57 7:35 5:20 8:08 5:11 8:27 5:29 8:17 6:01 7:39 6:34 6:46 7:07 5:56 6:45 4:21 7:13 4:18 22 7:09 4:49 6:33 5:29 6:47 7:02 5:55 7:37 5:20 8:09 5:11 8:27 5:30 8:17 6:02 7:37 6:35 6:44 7:08 5:54 6:46 4:20 7:13 4:18 23 7:09 4:50 6:32 5:30 6:45 7:03 5:54 7:38 5:19 8:10 5:11 8:28 5:31 8:16 6:03 7:36 6:36 6:43 7:09 5:53 6:47 4:19 7:14 4:19 24 7:08 4:51 6:30 5:31 6:43 7:04 5:52 7:39 5:18 8:11 5:12 8:28 5:32 8:15 6:04 7:34 6:37 6:41 7:11 5:51 6:49 4:19 7:14 4:20 25 7:07 4:52 6:29 5:32 6:42 7:05 5:51 7:40 5:17 8:11 5:12 8:28 5:33 8:14 6:05 7:33 6:38 6:39 7:12 5:50 6:50 4:18 7:15 4:20 26 7:06 4:54 6:27 5:33 6:40 7:06 5:50 7:41 5:17 8:12 5:12 8:28 5:34 8:13 6:06 7:31 6:39 6:37 7:13 5:49 6:51 4:18 7:15 4:21 27 7:05 4:55 6:26 5:35 6:38 7:07 5:48 7:42 5:16 8:13 5:13 8:28 5:35 8:12 6:07 7:29 6:40 6:36 7:14 5:47 6:52 4:17 7:15 4:22 28 7:04 4:56 6:24 5:36 6:37 7:09 5:47 7:43 5:15 8:14 5:13 8:28 5:36 8:11 6:08 7:28 6:41 6:34 7:15 5:46 6:53 4:17 7:15 4:22 29 7:04 4:58 6:35 7:10 5:45 7:44 5:15 8:15 5:13 8:28 5:37 8:10 6:09 7:26 6:42 6:32 7:17 5:44 6:54 4:16 7:16 4:23 30 7:03 4:59 6:33 7:11 5:44 7:46 5:14 8:16 5:14 8:28 5:38 8:09 6:10 7:24 6:43 6:30 7:18 5:43 6:55 4:16 7:16 4:24 31 7:02 5:00 6:31 7:12 5:14 8:17 5:39 8:08 6:11 7:23 7:19 5:42 7:16 4:25 HUNTING HOURS Generally, hunting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset on each day of open season. There are exceptions: • Rabbit, hare, fox, and coyote hunting hours close at midnight. • During the shotgun deer/coyote season when hunting closes 1/2 hour after sunset. (see species hunting pages) • Spring turkey hunting (see page 32). • Raccoon and opossum hunting (see page 45) • Youth Turkey Hunt Day: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 5:00 pm (see page 24). • Wildlife Management Areas (page 21): Hours are from sunrise to sunset on WMAs where pheasant or quail are stocked dur- ing the pheasant or quail season. Exception: Hunting raccoons and opossums in these WMAs is legal between 9:00pm and 3:00am. • Migratory game bird hunting: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sun- set. Exception: Early Canada Goose season hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset (see pages 40–41). S UNRISE - SUNSET GENERAL 52 HUNTING SEASON DATE SUMMARY OPEN SEASON (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) DEER SEE PAGE 26 FOR BAG LIMITS Deer (Big Game) Youth Deer Hunt Day Oct. 1 Archery Zones 10–14: Oct. 3 – Nov. 26 Zones 1–9: Oct. 17 – Nov. 26 Paraplegic Nov. 3 – Nov. 5 Shotgun Nov. 28 – Dec. 10 Primitive Firearms Dec. 12 – Dec. 31 BLACK BEAR SEE PAGE 30 FOR BAG LIMITS Black Bear (Big Game)Zones 1–14 Sept. 6 – Sept. 24 Nov. 7 – Nov. 26 Nov. 28 – Dec. 10 UPLAND GAME BIRDS* SEE PAGE 32–36 FOR BAG LIMITS Crow Zones 1–14 Jan. 1 – Apr. 9 July 1 – Apr. 10, 2023 (M, F, Sat only) Pheasant Youth Hunt Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8 Zones 1–14 Oct. 15 – Nov. 26 Quail Zones 11–14 Oct. 15 – Nov. 26 Ruffed Grouse Zones 1–14 Oct. 15 – Nov. 26 Wild Turkey (Big Game) Youth Hunt: Zones 1–13 April 23 (special restrictions apply**) Spring: Zones 1–13 April 25 – May 21 Fall: Zones 10–13***Oct. 3 – Nov. 26 Fall: Zones 1–9***Oct. 17 – Nov. 26 * Crow hunting is closed during shotgun deer season. Migratory game birds (includes waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails): Seasons and bag limits set annually. For Migratory Game Bird Regulations see pages 40–41 and visit mass.gov/migratory-game-bird. ** Must have completed the Youth Turkey Hunt program (page 24). *** Shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, and archery from Oct. 17 – 29, 2022. RABBIT, HARE & SQUIRREL* SEE PAGE 38–39 FOR BAG LIMITS Cottontail Rabbit Zones 1–12 Jan 1. – Feb. 28; Oct. 15 – Feb. 28, 2023 Zones 13 and 14 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28; Nov. 15 – Feb. 28, 2023 Snowshoe Hare Zones 1–4 Jan. 1 – Feb 28; Oct. 15 – Feb. 28, 2023 Zones 5–12 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5; Oct. 15 – Feb. 4, 2023 Zones 13 and 14 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5; Nov. 15 – Feb. 4, 2023 Gray Squirrel Zones 1–9 Sept. 12 – Jan. 2, 2023 Zones 10–14 Oct. 15 – Jan. 2, 2023 * Rabbit, hare, and squirrel hunting are closed during shotgun deer season. FURBEARERS* SEE PAGE 42-44 FOR BAG LIMITS Bobcat Zones 1–8 Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Dec. 20 – Mar. 8, 2023 Coyote Zones 1–14 Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Oct. 15 – Mar. 8, 2023 Fox (red or gray)Zones 1–14 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2023 Opossum Zones 1–14 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2023 Raccoon Zones 1–14 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2023 * All furbearer hunting seasons are closed during shotgun deer season, except for coyotes (Special restrictions apply. See page 42). The following species may be taken year-round (except during shotgun deer season) by licensed hunters with no daily or seasonal bag limit: English sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, weasel, woodchuck. Falconers may hunt pheasant, bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, and gray squirrel from the respective opening day through March 15th. S U M M A R Y O F H U N T I N G S E A S O N DAT E S No hunting on Sunday. For further information regarding bag limits and seasons please visit the pages noted below. Black Ghost Outfitters Guided Archery & Rifle Hunting Spring Quebec bear hunts, fall Maine bear hunts, deer, moose in most zones Rabbit hunts with beagles. Come join the fun! blackghostoutfitters@yahoo.com 207-837-7847 www.BlackGhostOutfitters.com SPECIALIZING IN: AbilityExcavationVT@gmail.com 802.681.6610 Serving Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts Complete Site Work Septic/Sewer Land Clearing/Mulching/ Grinding/Maintenance Driveway Installation & Maintenance Underground Utilities Making Hunting & Fishing Dreams Come True for YoungsTers, 21 & unDer, with LiFe-THreaTening iLLnesses Toll Free: 866-345-4455 www.HuntofaLifetime.org Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on motorcycle insurance. Simply visit geico.com/cycle to get started. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO 21_ 550729928 geico.com/cycle | 1-800-442-9253 | Local Office COYOTE-CREEK-OUTFITTERS.COM / COYOTE-CREEK-ARCHERY.COM 603-332-3270 / 603-335-2222(EXIT 15 OFF THE SPAULDING TURNPIKE/ROUTE 11) 22 FARMINGTON ROAD, ROCHESTER, NH / 26 FARMINGTON ROAD, ROCHESTER, NH 4t4#1-� @ UHfl � �UIET�v:_� __ ,nrm " � QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR OUTDOORSMEN AND WOMEN OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE, AT COMPETITIVE PRICES T: 617.556.0007 F: 617.654.1735 101 Arch Street, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 1 To: Chris Miller, Director Department of Natural Resources Cc: Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator Fr: Gregg J. Corbo, Esq. Da: June 15, 2022 Re: Regulation of Hunting As you are aware, Town Meeting recently voted to approve an amendment to the Town’s General Bylaws to prohibit hunting on the Town-owned land known as the Punkhorn Parklandss, except during a three week period in December when bow and arrow hunting only will be allowed. As you prepare for the upcoming hunting season, you have asked several questions about how the bylaw may be implemented and how it affects the authority of the Town with respect to the subject-matter of the bylaw. I will respond to each of your questions below. Please be advised, however, that the bylaw amendment is still subject to review and approval by the Office of the Attorney General and that it does not take effect until after such approval and publication by the Town Clerk as set forth in G.L. c. 40, §32. 1. I would like to have town counsel opine if the care/custody could further restrict hunting (such as include a buffer from marked hiking trails). Right now state law says “…within 150 feet of any State or hard surfaced highway or within 500 feet of any dwelling in use…”, so do the various named dirt roads in the Punkhorn apply . . . (from question 2) And what does “dwelling in use” really mean; I’m assuming a seasonal cottage may not apply in December, but need guidance Although the newly enacted bylaw allows hunting within the Punkhorn Parklandss during a certain time of year, the bylaw must be interpreted so that it is consistent with State law. Fafard v. Conservation Commission of Barnstable, 432 Mass. 194, 200 (2000). In this regard, G.L. c. 131, §58 states that: A person shall not discharge any firearm or release any arrow upon or across any state or hard surfaced highway, or within one hundred and fifty feet, of any such highway, or possess a loaded firearm or hunt by any means on the land of another within five hundred feet of any dwelling in use, except as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof. T: 617.556.0007 F: 617.654.1735 101 Arch Street, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 2 State law prohibits the discharge of arrows in certain specified areas throughout the Commonwealth, whether on public or private property. Although the Town has the authority to allow hunting on property owned or controlled by the Town, see, G.L. c. 131, §59, it is my further opinion that the Town cannot allow hunting in areas where it is prohibited by State law. Therefore, it is my opinion that the buffer zones set forth in G.L. c. 131, §58 will continue to apply after the bylaw takes effect. The Statute Does not Apply on or Around the Dirt Roads and Paths That being said, it is also my opinion that the statutory buffer zone across and around highways does not apply to the dirt roads and paths within the property. On its face, the statute only applies to “state or hard surfaced highways”. In my opinion, the term “hard surfaced highway” does not include dirt trails or roads that are not intended for public travel from one place to another. Thus, in Clark v. Inhabitants of Waltham, 128 Mass. 567 (1880), the Supreme Judicial Court held that footpaths and walks in a public park were not considered highways. In contrast, in Opinion of the Justices to the Senate, 370 Mass. 895 (1976), the Court subsequently found that bike paths and bike lanes may be considered part of a highway when they are connected to or intended to be used as part thereof. In this matter, it is my understanding that the trails and roadways within the Punkhorn Parklands are not paved and are intended to be used for passive and active recreation rather than for purposes of travelling from one place to another. They are not part of or adjacent to any public roadways. Therefore, it is my opinion that the prohibition on the discharge of arrows across or within one hundred and fifty feet of hard surfaced highways does not apply to the dirt roads and paths within the Punkhorn Parklands. The Statute Applies to Most Dwellings In addition to creating buffer zones across and around certain highways, the statute also prohibits “hunt[ing] by any means on the land of another within five hundred feet of any dwelling in use, except as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof.” G.L. c. 131, §58. You have indicated that there are certain dwellings located within five hundred feet of the Punkhorn Parklands, but some of those dwellings may not be in use during the hunting season of the first three weeks in December. The statute does not define what is meant by “dwelling in use” and it is not a phrase that is used elsewhere in the General Laws. When the meaning of a statute is not clear, it is interpreted “according to the intent of the Legislature ascertained from all its words construed by the ordinary and approved usage of the language, considered in connection with the cause of its enactment, the mischief or imperfection to be remedied and the main object to be accomplished, to the end that the purpose of its framers may be effectuated.” Jinks v. Credico (USA) LLC, 488 Mass. 691, 699 (2021). In attempting to ascertain the meaning of a statute, a literal interpretation T: 617.556.0007 F: 617.654.1735 101 Arch Street, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 3 of the words used should not be applied if such a meaning would defeat the intent of the Legislature. Ciani v. MacGrath, 481 Mass. 174, 178 (2019). A literal interpretation of the statute would mean that hunting is only prohibited when someone is actually inside or using a dwelling at the time. In my opinion, this is not a reasonable interpretation of the statute. A person engaged in the act of hunting may or may not be able to ascertain whether or not a dwelling is in use at the time. Likewise, a dwelling intended for use only during the summer season may be kept open for brief visits during the winter. For these reasons, the statute would likely be considered invalid if interpreted as only applying when a person is actually in a dwelling because such a reading would not give individuals sufficient notice of what is or is not allowed. Commonwealth v. McGhee, 427 Mass. 405, 414 (2015). The apparent purpose of the statute is to protect public safety by prohibiting hunting in an area where people are likely to congregate. Brown v. Town of Carlisle, 338 Mass. 147 (1957) (prohibition of hunting in certain places is a reasonable method of preserving peace of good order). Given this public purpose, I recommend that the term “dwelling in use” be interpreted broadly to include most dwellings. Therefore, it is my opinion that a dwelling should be considered “in use” if it is capable of being used at the time. As such, I recommend that dwellings only be considered not “in use” if: (a) occupancy is prohibited by law; (b) the dwelling is boarded to prevent entry; or (c) there is other objective proof that the dwelling has been abandoned. 2. So the other question for counsel, if the bylaw just authorizes a three week hunt, can we limit the areas hunted or do we have to allow hunting unless otherwise restricted by buffers for homes/hard surfaced highway? It is my opinion that the board or officer in possession or control of the property has the authority to regulate hunting in a manner that is more stringent than State law or the recently enacted bylaw, as long as the measures do not have the effect of prohibiting hunting on the property altogether. In fact, in Brown v. Town of Carlisle, 338 Mass. 147 (1957), specifically upheld the authority of municipalities to prohibit hunting in areas not restricted pursuant to G.L. c. 131, §58 or other state laws. Therefore, in my opinion, the board or officer in possession or control of the property has the authority to restrict hunting in areas in which it may otherwise be allowed. For example, although I have opined that the buffer zone across and around highways does not apply to the unpaved roads and trails in the Punkhorn Parklands, it is my opinion that the Town has the authority to create its own buffer zones around such areas. Pursuant to G.L. c. 131, §59, hunting is prohibited on Town-owned land unless that the board or officer permits it “with such limitations as they deem advisable.” Despite this broad grant of authority, Town Meeting has voted to allow hunting on the Punkhorn Parklands during certain times of the year. As previously discussed, statutes and bylaws should be interpreted so that they can both be effectively carried out without being inconsistent with each other. In this T: 617.556.0007 F: 617.654.1735 101 Arch Street, 12th Floor, Boston, MA 4 regard, it is my opinion that a reasonable interpretation of the statute and the bylaw would allow Town officials to impose reasonable restrictions on hunting on the Punkhorn Property as long as those restrictions do not have the effect of prohibiting hunting altogether. 3. Once we’ve identified what the bylaw means, we can determine how we manage it; do we post signs in December indicating hunting may be occurring? Mark out buffers? Pull down the no hunting signs we’ve put up? This is not necessarily a legal question. However, I recommend that signage and other markers be placed so that individuals have a clear understanding of where hunting is and is not allowed. 4. Our other bylaw on use of guns requiring written permission led to the town hunting permit. It is about guns, not archery. Do we amend that bylaw to include archery, which then allows us to provide maps of town land where hunting is allowed (and where it is not)? I agree that the current bylaw does not apply to bow hunting or the discharge of arrows. It is my opinion that an amendment to the bylaw to encompass the discharge of arrows in certain locations would likely be considered consistent with State law. See, Brown v. Town of Carlisle, 338 Mass. 147 (1957). However, whether or not you amend the bylaw to be more expansive is a question of policy. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions in this regard. HARWICH ELBOW POND WALKER'S POND UPPER MILL POND SEYMOUR POND WELL SITE SLOUGH POND ARCHIESCTWY BLACK DUCK CTW Y WESTGATERD EAGLEPOINT CTWY RED MAPLE RD LOWER MILL POND CANOE POND PUNKHORN RD EASTGATERD DEEP PU NK HORNPATH CRA NVIEWRD SQUANTOSPATH Structure Off Roads Road Marked Hiking Trail Parcel Boundaries 500' Residence Buffer Board of Water Commissioners Select Board Conservation Commission Í 0 2,000 4,0001,000 Feet Hunting Setbacks in the Punkhorn ParklandsBREWSTER C O N S E R V A T I O N C O M M I S S I O N N DAJAUG / 2022 HARWICH ELBOW POND WALKER'S POND UPPER MILL POND SEYMOUR POND WELL SITE SLOUGH POND ARCHIESCTWY BLACK DUCK CTW Y WESTGATERD EAGLEPOINT CTWY RED MAPLE RD LOWER MILL POND CANOE POND PUNKHORN RD EASTGATERD DEEP PU NK HORNPATH CRA NVIEWRD SQUANTOSPATH Structure Off Roads Road Marked Hiking Trail Parcel Boundaries 150' Roads Buffer 500' Residence Buffer Board of Water Commissioners Select Board Conservation Commission Í 0 2,000 4,0001,000 Feet Hunting Setbacks in the Punkhorn ParklandsBREWSTER C O N S E R V A T I O N C O M M I S S I O N N DAJAUG / 2022 HARWICH ELBOW POND WALKER'S POND UPPER MILL POND SEYMOUR PONDSLOUGH POND ARCHIESCTWY BLACK DUCK CTW Y WESTGATERD EAGLEPOINT CTWY RED MAPLE RD LOWER MILL POND CANOE POND PUNKHORN RD EASTGATERD DEEP PU NK HORNPATH CRA NVIEWRD SQUANTOSPATH PROPOSED HUNTING AREA`200 ACRES Proposed Hunting Area Structure Road Off Roads Marked Hiking Trail Parcel Boundaries 150' Roads Buffer 150' Marked Trail Buffer 150' "Off" Roads Buffer 500' Residence Buffer Public Land Í 0 2,000 4,0001,000 Feet Hunting Setbacks in the Punkhorn ParklandsBREWSTER C O N S E R V A T I O N C O M M I S S I O N N DAJAUG / 2022 HARWICH ELBOW POND WALKER'S POND UPPER MILL POND SEYMOUR PONDSLOUGH POND ARCHIESCTWY BLACK DUCK CTW Y WESTGATERD EAGLEPOINT CTWY RED MAPLE RD LOWER MILL POND CANOE POND PUNKHORN RD CRA NVIEWRD SQUANTOS PATH PROPOSED HUNTING AREA`200 ACRES Road Proposed Hunting Area Hunting Prohibited 0 2,000 4,0001,000 Feet Proposed Hunting Area in thePunkhorn ParklandsBREWSTER C O N S E R V A T I O N C O M M I S S I O N MassGIS N DAJNOV / 2022 Í