As the title of this column indicates, another proposal for Sunday hunting in Massachusetts is “coming around again!” Accompanied by two other familiar but important proposals which will soon be considered by state wildlife officials, and which could really shift the landscape of hunting in the commonwealth. As usual, the topic has brought spirited responses during weeks of listening sessions held by MassWildlife, and included many western Massachusetts residents and hunters, advocating for, and against, Sunday hunting. So, let’s pause here, and take a very “easy to understand” look at these three potential changes before going any further:
1. Allowing Sunday hunting in Massachusetts.
2. Crossbow use open to all. (no longer requiring a doctor’s slip)
3. Relaxed set-back rules
Simple, right? Or maybe, not so much! As I write this, state officials are working through all the information compiled at these listening sessions while actively considering legislation on the proposed changes. All of this will eventually culminate into rules, regulations, and laws that may, or may not include Sunday hunting, what specific implements may, or may not, be used when hunting, who can, or cannot, use a crossbow, and possibly liberal changes in the set-back rules. Anyone of these changes on its own would be a big deal in the Bay State. But all three at the same time would be astonishing to say the least!
Sunday hunting in Massachusetts has always been, and will remain to be, no matter the outcome, a hot topic in this state! Same as other Sunday activities that were viewed as illegal but have long since been repealed including opening a store, drinking alcohol, and tilling your fields on Sunday. However, Sunday hunting restrictions remain firmly entrenched in Massachusetts. But lately, I’ve started to sense a change in temperament of sorts, regarding the state’s view on Sunday hunting, which also adds to even more debate between groups who share a love for the outdoors, but have very diversified ideas about how the outdoors should be shared!
Having said that, other states where Sunday hunting is legal use it as a tool to help keep deer populations down, and by all reports, Massachusetts has an exploding deer population with state officials estimating well over 150,000 in the Bay State, and almost two-thirds of the state supporting large populations. Proponents have always said that prohibiting Sunday hunting is unfair and outdated. Many believe Sunday hunting is a key component for controlling the herd size and providing the public, particularly youths, opportunities to engage in the sport which ultimately leads to more hunters. This also would result in substantial increases for funding through license and permit sales that would greatly assist MassWildlife agencies for years to come.
But opponents say, “nature lovers plan outings on Sunday so they can avoid meeting up with an archer’s arrow or seeing an injured animal or blood trail. They go on to say, “It’s not all just fear for public safety, people simply don’t want to encounter hunters, or hunting, in general!” They believe at least one day a week should be left for people to hike, birdwatch, and engage in outdoor activities in the woods. Environmental advocates also fear they will lose the only day they have to enjoy the autumn woods free of hunters.
Hmmm, as a bow hunter for nearly 40 years, I can honestly say that the number of people I’ve encountered in the woods while bow-hunting could be counted on one hand! Mainly because I’m in places where people seldom venture! Reality dictates this. And yet, the concerns are still there with little evidence to support them, especially about encountering an archer’s arrow! Most archery hunters I know are seriously tuned into their surroundings having trained themselves in this art for years. Sitting in tree stands for sometimes six to eight hours, waiting for a deer to pass by, or moving slowly, and quietly through the woods, is not as easy as it sounds. However, it does illustrate that archery hunting is a much more personal, quiet, environmentally sensitive, and passive sport, then hunting with a modern firearm. And hunting accidents with hikers, bird watchers, or other hunters are extremely uncommon.
Opponents also claim that allowing Sunday hunting would harm game populations; however, none of the states that now enjoy Sunday hunting have seen these claims heavily substantiated. And as already alluded to, in 2026, there are areas in the commonwealth where deer numbers now top 60 deer per square mile. Think of that, 60 plus deer per square mile in certain areas of the state. Many of these places are urban areas, and of course, the islands, which are now saturated with whitetail deer! And we all know what this can lead to, tick-borne diseases, serious crop damage, and vehicle accidents that have been increasing on a yearly basis. Yet, the questions remain. How can we enable both hunters, hikers, bird watchers, and others to comfortably enjoy the outdoors without fear or anger, if hunting on Sunday is allowed? Well, remember this while you’re waiting for the answer!
Hunters themselves are not completely united on the subject. Many believe even more private lands will be lost throughout the state, and what the added effect of Sunday hunting might have on wildlife in other areas of the state. Others are concerned about the consequences from a public perspective, which may result in a loss of the “small amount” of support we now have for hunting. Yet, everyone must be heard on this subject, and have the right to pursue their passions and enjoy our great New England outdoors in whatever way they choose. So, can the best minds we have on this subject find a compromise for everyone? Only time will eventually answer this, as the question of Sunday hunting in Massachusetts comes around again!
Joe Judd is a lifelong hunter and sportsman. He is an outdoor writer, seminar speaker, member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, and a 2019 inductee into the New England Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame. Joe is also a member of the Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro/Cabela’s Pro Staff.