Massachusetts sportsmen and women have a limited window to make their voices heard regarding proposed changes to state hunting laws.
Earlier this year, Governor Maura Healey filed legislation that would modernize several long-debated hunting regulations in the Commonwealth, including:
- Allowing Sunday hunting
- Expanding the legal use of crossbows
- Reducing setback distances for bowhunting and falconry
These proposals followed statewide listening sessions hosted by MassWildlife that generated significant public participation and thousands of public comments from hunters, landowners, conservationists, and outdoor recreation advocates.
As this legislation begins moving through the legislative process on Beacon Hill, now is the time for Massachusetts residents to communicate directly with their elected officials and respectfully share their opinions — whether in support, opposition, or somewhere in between.
Find and Contact Your Legislators
The Massachusetts Legislature provides a simple tool that allows residents to identify and contact their State Representative and State Senator based on their home address:
Find Your Legislators Here:
https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
Legislators pay attention when constituents reach out directly. Even a short email or phone call can help elected officials better understand how residents in their districts feel about proposed legislation.
Why Timing Matters
While the legislative process can take time, these proposals are actively under consideration and discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks and months. Once bills begin advancing through committees and hearings, public feedback often becomes increasingly important.
Hunters, anglers, conservationists, landowners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts all have a stake in how Massachusetts manages wildlife access, conservation policy, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Regardless of your position on these proposed hunting law changes, the time is now to make your voice heard through the legislative process.
Constructive, respectful communication helps ensure that policymakers hear from the people most directly affected by these decisions.
If you care about the future of hunting and wildlife management in Massachusetts, take a few minutes today to contact your legislators.