The Archery Deer Hunting Season Extension: Massachusetts BHA's Call for Change
In the heart of Massachusetts, an important discussion has emerged surrounding the proposed extension of the archery deer hunting season in Wildlife Management Zones 1–9. The Massachusetts Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) have been at the forefront of this conversation, advocating for this change as a step towards conservation and streamlined regulation.
At the recent Public Hearing to Extend Archery Deer Hunting Season held at MassWildlife headquarters, Aaron Townsley, a Chapter Board Member of BHA, presented the organization's support for the extension. Alongside him, other BHA members also provided personal testimonies endorsing the regulatory adjustment.
The Rationale Behind the Endorsement
BHA's backing of the archery deer season extension rests on two key factors. First, it provides hunters with twelve additional days for hunting, including two extra Saturdays. This extension proves advantageous in a state without Sunday hunting, giving enthusiasts more opportunities to engage in their activities.
Secondly, the proposal to implement a unified start date across the state simplifies the complex hunting regulations, especially in areas divided by current Wildlife Management Zone boundaries. This adjustment aims to make hunting rules more comprehensible and navigable, benefiting individuals and groups invested in responsible hunting practices.
The draft text of the proposed regulatory amendment can be found here:
Take Action
Written comments for the mentioned Public Hearing to Extend Archery Deer Hunting Season will be accepted until Tuesday August 29, 2023 at 5 p.m. To submit written comments, email [email protected] to the attention of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, or mail comments to Chair, Fisheries and Wildlife Board, c/o Director of MassWildlife, Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.
NEBHA has been calling for this change for some time. For additional background on this proposal, watch our virtual event with Martin Feehan, MassWildlife's deer and moose project leader. Recorded last September, details of this proposal are discussed at around the 31 minute mark.
About New England BHA Chapter
New England BHA is a voice for the sporting community in New England that values solitude, silence, clean and free flowing rivers, and habitat for large, wide-ranging wildlife.