On The Ridge: Weighing new gun law
Published: 10-09-2024 7:09 PM |
Just sitting in a tree-stand today thinking about many different things, and whether you agree with me or not on this topic, I think it’s only right to give the 700-plus volunteers, over 50 organizations, and another 50-plus Massachusetts businesses, a big shout out for the great effort they’ve made to stand up and be heard for what they believe in regarding the new gun laws that State Legislators signed off on in July, and that Governor Maura Healey eventually signed into law.
Whether you’re for or against this bill, you must respect the job that GOAL leader Jim Wallace, and the many teams of volunteers, have done while upholding the dignity and the standards of the role they took on and are now well within range of exceeding the 75,000 signatures needed in their efforts to be heard regarding these new gun laws in Massachusetts! These new laws touch on such a wide array of gun measures in this state including firearm dealer inspections, re-enactors and hobbyists, transporting of guns, definitions of assault-style firearms, new requirements for firearms identification, training for local licensing authorities, online training for dealer applicants, just to name a few of the many changes. And while I do agree, and support, some of these changes that make sense to me, many others make no sense to me at all, and are beyond confusing regarding what’s legal and what’s not, and could end up working against responsible, law-abiding gun owners in our state. Which I must believe was not the intention at the beginning yet was done in such a way that no matter how you read it, was simply flawed in the making. So, my hope is that the work which was done by so many to obtain these signatures will, at the very least, be enough to bring this issue back around for another attempt in finding common ground, while writing a gun bill that makes better sense for everyone concerned in Massachusetts.
Another topic on my mind today is autumn, which in New England is breeding season for white-tailed deer and moose! MassWildlife is reminding motorists to be aware of increased movement of moose during the month of October, especially through the early morning and evening hours. Moose are found in the central and western parts of Massachusetts in large numbers as the population continues to grow every year. The height of moose breeding season is right now thru the end of October, and white-tailed deer breed from late October into early December. So, it’s very important to remain watchful when traveling during all hours of the day, and night! Moose on the road are especially hard to see as their dark color, and height, makes them exceedingly difficult to see when traveling in low light; and moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are higher than headlight level. In addition, their long legs and heavy bodies make them extremely dangerous to motorists when struck. Also, moose are less likely to move off the road than deer, so stay alert and brake when you see one in or near the road.
Finally, hunting is in full swing now with many seasons open throughout the state. During this time, non-hunters are encouraged to wear hunter orange while hiking, biking, or just enjoying the outdoors. The practice of wearing blaze orange has helped dramatically to reduce hunting-related firearms incidents with hunters in the field. And while hunters are required to wear blaze orange during certain seasons, all outdoor users who are in the woods during hunting seasons should be encouraged to wear a blaze orange hat or vest, simply as a precaution. Here are a few other simple tips that might be helpful as together, we work our way through the hunting season:
It’s important that you know when certain hunting seasons are happening. Know when and where hunting is allowed. MassWildlife lands, including Wildlife Management Areas and Wildlife Conservation Easements are often open to hunting, as are most state parks and forests areas. Many towns allow hunting on municipal lands as well but remember that hunting on Sunday is not permitted anywhere in Massachusetts. So, if being in the woods during hunting season makes you uneasy, find an area where hunting is not allowed, or just plan your outing for a Sunday. Also, it’s a clever idea to keep your pets leashed and visible when walking with them. Using a blaze orange vest or bandana on your pet is always a smart idea and helps to make your presence known. And if you do encounter a hunter, be courteous. Remember, hunter harassment is against state law, but if you think you’ve witnessed a fish or wildlife violation, report it to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.
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 N.E. Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame. Joe is also on the Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Pro-Staff. He can be reached at jjontheridge@comcast.net