The initial confusion was caused by the fact that the matters to be discussed: Sunday Hunting, crossbow restrictions and setbacks, are Legislative matters over which MassWildlife has no control. The confusion and suspicion deepened upon reading the Governor’s press release where she said:

“Hunting has always been woven into Massachusetts’ history – supporting families, boosting local economies, and helping keep our deer populations healthy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Expanding opportunities for hunters will carry that tradition forward while protecting public health and ensuring we’re maintaining balance in our wildlife populations.”

Given the Governor’s…less than pleasant relationship with hunters and gun owners in the Commonwealth, it is curious that she would choose right before her reelection campaign kickoff to make this overture to hunters. Until you realize that this move is likely a way to increase the scope of archery hunting across the state in order to help curb the deer population, which has been exploding in some parts of the Commonwealth.

“While GOAL encourages every hunter to participate in providing feedback, it is not lost on us that the last listening tour conducted by the Commonwealth resulted in the worst attack on civil rights in modern U.S. history which Maura willingly signed into law,” said Jim Wallace Executive Director of GOAL. “The hunting community has been fighting for these, and other issues, for decades so what is it the Governor needs to hear?”

GOAL is encouraging the hunting community to take an active part, but also keep in mind that any potential changes in these three categories must go through the legislature.

See full release and details on hearings: bit.ly/HuntingFeedback

Prohibition against Sunday hunting: Massachusetts is one of only two states in the country with an outright ban on Sunday hunting. The Sunday hunting prohibition originated in the 19th century over 200 years ago.

Prohibition against crossbows for hunting: Currently, crossbows are prohibited for hunting by statute except for hunters with a permanent disability. Crossbows are generally more accessible than traditional and compound bows because they require less physical strength to use. Modern archery equipment, including crossbows, incorporate built-in safety features that enhance reliability and safe use in the field. In recent years, several states in New England have changed laws to allow crossbows for deer hunting.

Setback limits: Currently, Massachusetts statutes prohibit hunting within 500 feet of a dwelling/building in use or within 150 feet of a road. Other states in the Northeast have less restrictive setbacks for archery hunting than Massachusetts.

How to Provide Feedback:
MassWildlife welcomes the public to provide input on these hunting laws at upcoming listening sessions. The public may also provide feedback using this online form or by mail to Attn: Hunting Laws, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA, 01581 by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.

January 27 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Click here to register.

January 28 at 6 p.m. at MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough)

January 29 at 6 p.m. at Berkshire Community College (Robert Boland Theatre, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield)

February 2 at 6 p.m. at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Bourne)

February 3 at 1 p.m. on Zoom. Click here to register.

Following the listening sessions, MassWildlife will evaluate public input and anticipated wildlife management impacts to inform its recommendations. The upcoming listening sessions build on recent regulatory changes that expand deer hunting seasons on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket with a six-week primitive firearms and bowhunting season from January 1 through February 14. The Islands have the highest deer densities in Massachusetts, which can lead to the spread of tick-borne disease, increased deer/vehicle collisions, habitat damage, and coastal erosion. 

See full release and details on hearings: bit.ly/HuntingFeedback

Prohibition against Sunday hunting: Massachusetts is one of only two states in the country with an outright ban on Sunday hunting. The Sunday hunting prohibition originated in the 19th century over 200 years ago.

Prohibition against crossbows for hunting: Currently, crossbows are prohibited for hunting by statute except for hunters with a permanent disability. Crossbows are generally more accessible than traditional and compound bows because they require less physical strength to use. Modern archery equipment, including crossbows, incorporate built-in safety features that enhance reliability and safe use in the field. In recent years, several states in New England have changed laws to allow crossbows for deer hunting.

Setback limits: Currently, Massachusetts statutes prohibit hunting within 500 feet of a dwelling/building in use or within 150 feet of a road. Other states in the Northeast have less restrictive setbacks for archery hunting than Massachusetts.