Chapter 135 – Hunting

Firearm Registration:

• As of October 28, 2026 all firearms possessed in the Commonwealth must be registered with the State of Massachusetts. Guidance from the State claims that non-residents do not have to comply with this mandate.

FID Card Holders:

 

• Semi-automatic Firearms: Massachusetts residents that hold an FID Card, regardless of age, are prohibited from possessing any type of semi-automatic handgun, rifle or shotgun, other than a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun that was previously owned prior to the passage of Chapter 135. An FID card holder 18 years or older may retain possession until their next license renewal upon which they must acquire a License to Carry Firearms or surrender the firearm.

 

Muzzle Loaders:

 

• Ammunition: Warning - The exemption for possession of black powder ammunition was repealed in Chapter 135. EOPPS guidance states that no FID or LTC is required to possess or carry black powder. This exemption does not appear in the law. An FID or LTC is required for purchase. The EOPPS guidance does not address black powder substitutes.

• Muzzle Loaders: Warning - Any muzzle loader that can be converted to fire rimfire or centerfire ammunition is a firearm (As in changing the barrel on a TC Encore or Contender).
• This requires anyone in possession of this type of muzzle loader to possess an FID Card or License to Carry.
• It does require that the firearm be registered and serialized.

 

Non-resident Hunters:

 

• Semi- Automatic Firearms: Warning - Non-residents must possess a Temporary License to Carry (Chapter 140, Section 131F) to possess semi-automatic firearms (including rifles and shotguns).
• Youth Hunting: Warning - Non-residents under the age of 18 are banned from hunting in Massachusetts unless under the direct supervision of an adult possessing a Massachusetts firearms license.

Chapter 140, Section 129C: (Nonresidents)

(i) A nonresident who is at least 18 years of age may possess rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semi-automatic and ammunition therefor if the nonresident has a permit, card or license issued from their state of residence which has substantially similar requirements to those of the commonwealth for a firearm identification card as determined by the colonel of the state police pursuant to subsection (l)
 (j) A nonresident who is at least 18 years of age may possess rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semi-automatic  and ammunition therefor: (i) to hunt during hunting season with a nonresident hunting license or a hunting license or permit lawfully issued from their state of residence, which has substantially similar requirements to those in section 11 of chapter 131, as determined by the colonel of the state police pursuant to subsection (l); (ii) while on a firing or shooting range; (iii) while traveling in or through the commonwealth; provided, that the rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semi-automatic shall be unloaded and in a locked container pursuant to sections 131C and 131L; or (iv) while at a firearm showing or display organized by a regularly existing gun collectors’ club or association.