Chapter 135 – Hunting

 

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.

 

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• Ammunition: Warning - The exemption for possession of black powder ammunition was repealed in Chapter 135.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.

• Modern Muzzle Loaders: Any muzzle loading firearm that does, or can take, modern ammunition components may be considered a modern firearm.
• This may now require anyone in possession of this type of muzzle loader to possess an FID Card or License to Carry.
• It may also require that the firearm be registered and serialized under the new mandates.

 

• This may also include any firearm that has been, or can be, converted to a muzzle loader. Any firearm that has a frame or receiver. Any firearm that can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.

 

Non-resident Hunters:

 

• Registration: Must register their firearms with the Commonwealth prior to entering the state. (EOPPS guidance contradicts the law in this matter.)
• Semi- Automatic Firearms: Warning - The possession of semi-automatic firearms (including rifles and shotguns) is likely prohibited.
• Youth Hunting: Warning - Non-residents under the age of 18 are banned from hunting in Massachusetts.

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.