Bill > S576

This bill proposes several modifications to hunting and wildlife regulations in Massachusetts. It allows deer hunting by bow and arrow on Sundays during officially declared open seasons, which must be at least 7 consecutive days if occurring in the last 3 months of the year. The bill establishes new protections for hunters by creating legal penalties for individuals who harass, obstruct, or interfere with lawful hunting activities, with potential fines and imprisonment for offenses ranging from blocking hunters to damaging hunting equipment. The legislation also updates regulations around firearms and ammunition, including modifying rules about carrying firearms on snow vehicles during deer season (requiring them to be unloaded), and granting the director of wildlife more authority to set regulations about hunting ammunition and bow/crossbow specifications. Additionally, the bill removes some existing restrictions on hunting methods and removes certain previous legal provisions related to hunting, such as repealing section 73 of Chapter 131 and eliminating a specific subsection in another chapter. The overall intent appears to be modernizing hunting regulations, protecting hunters' rights, and providing more flexible guidelines for hunting activities in the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S576