State officials plan to hold a series of public listening sessions over the next few weeks to receive input on various matters that could permanently affect hunting on Martha’s Vineyard.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) scheduled five sessions, two of which can be attended on Zoom, either on Jan. 27 at 7 pm or Feb. 3 at 1 pm. The rest are off-Island.
A press release from MassWildlife said that the sessions include discussion on opportunities to expand hunting access across the state, such as Sunday hunting, hunting with crossbows, and minimum setback distances for hunting. The sessions expand upon regulatory changes that expanded the hunting season on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket late last year.
“Hunting has always been woven into Massachusetts’ history — supporting families, boosting local economies, and helping keep our deer populations healthy,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release. “Expanding opportunities for hunters will carry that tradition forward while protecting public health and ensuring we’re maintaining balance in our wildlife populations.”
In light of reports that the islands host the highest deer densities in Massachusetts, state officials came to the Island in December to discuss the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne conditions, such as Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome, on Martha’s Vineyard. In a press release after the meeting, the state announced its decision to extend the winter bowhunting and primitive firearm hunting season by two weeks, following a monthlong extension, in an effort to make a dent in the deer population and subsequently the tick population. The season is running from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14, and an additional hunting season for primitive firearms and archery was added for next fall, from Sept. 21 through Oct. 1.
High densities of deer can also contribute to increased deer and vehicle collisions, habitat damage, and coastal erosion.
There are several statutory limitations on hunting equipment, times, and locations, all of which would need legislative action to change. Prohibition on Sunday hunting, for example, began more than 200 years ago; Massachusetts is one of only two states that ban it.
The use of crossbows, which is currently limited only to hunters with a permanent disability, is also up for discussion, as well as reducing the setback limit that is regulated at 500 feet from a dwelling or building, and 150 feet from a road. Other states in New England have less restrictive setback limits, and also changed laws on crossbows.
“We encourage the public to take part in these upcoming listening sessions and share their perspectives about Sunday hunting, hunting with a crossbow, and opening additional areas,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea in the press release. “By expanding access, we can ensure that people have more opportunities to participate in this tradition, connect with the outdoors and each other, and put food on the table.”
The public can either attend one of the sessions below or provide feedback through an online form or by mail to Attn: Hunting Laws, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581 by 5 pm on Friday, Feb. 6.
- Jan. 27 at 6 pm on Zoom. Go to bit.ly/MA_Listening1_27 to register.
- Jan. 28 at 6 pm at MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough)
- Jan. 29 at 6 pm at Berkshire Community College (Robert Boland Theatre, 1350 West St., Pittsfield)
- Feb. 2 at 6 pm at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Bourne)
- Feb. 3 at 1 pm on Zoom. Go to bit.ly/MA_Listening2_3 to register.
