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Shotgun Deer Season Open – Warning to CCW Gun Owners!!

 

Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL) is warning all gun owners in Massachusetts of an obscure law that outlaws the “…possession or under his control in any wood or field, a rifle, revolver or pistol, or a dog” during the open shotgun season for deer. The 2022 open shotgun season is from November 28 – December 10.

According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 131 Section 70 it is unlawful to carry a firearm for any purpose in any woods or fields. This includes private property. A violation of this law carries a punishment of imprisonment of up to 60 days. Reminder – any violations that carry potential jail time are permanent disqualifiers under Massachusetts gun licensing laws!

On September 1st of this year, GOAL sent a letter to the Environmental Police explaining that this, and other, laws were no longer enforceable in light of the recent US Supreme Court’s decision (Bruen). After several months, GOAL received a phone call from the State Government informing us that the laws were valid. They also informed us that Bruen was only a decision that validated licensing and had nothing to do with where one could carry a firearm.

GOAL is very concerned that lawful gun owners could face prosecution if they violate this obscure law. If anyone experiences an enforcement of this law, please contact GOAL immediately as it will likely take a court action to nullify these laws!

 

References:

MGL Ch. 131 § 70 – Fish & Wildlife

Section 70. A person shall not, during the open season when deer may be hunted lawfully with a shotgun, hunt a bird or mammal with a rifle, revolver or pistol or by the aid of a dog, or have in his possession or under his control in any wood or field, a rifle, revolver or pistol, or a dog. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the use of dogs to hunt waterfowl in coastal waters and salt marshes during the open season on migratory waterfowl.

 

Initial Letter to Environmental Police: https://www.goal.org/resources/Documents/Gun%20Owners'%20Action.pdf

Link to Mass Law: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIX/Chapter131/Section70

Penalty Clause: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIX/Chapter131/Section90

Mass Deer Season Info: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/deer-hunting-regulations

Prior Article: https://www.goal.org/Baker-Admin-Says-No-to-Bruen

Initial Letter to Environmental Police: https://www.goal.org/resources/Documents/Gun%20Owners'%20Action.pdf

 


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