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H 941

An Act authorizing the use of bow and arrows for Sunday hunting

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill authorizes Sunday bow and arrow hunting, extending archery season by one day weekly to increase hunting opportunities and manage wildlife populations.

Accompanied a study order, see H5149
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Bill Summary · H 941

Legislative bill overview

H 941 permits the use of bow and arrows for hunting on Sundays in Massachusetts, relaxing current restrictions on Sunday hunting methods. The bill specifically authorizes archery as a permitted hunting tool during what is traditionally a restricted day for hunting activities.

Why is this important

Massachusetts currently prohibits or restricts Sunday hunting to reduce conflicts between hunters and other recreational users of public lands. This bill would expand hunting opportunities by allowing archers to hunt one additional day per week, potentially increasing hunting participation and wildlife management flexibility while potentially creating new conflicts with non-hunting recreation.

Potential points of contention

  • Sunday recreation conflict: Allowing hunting on Sundays—traditionally a day for family outings, hiking, and non-hunting recreation—may increase encounters and safety concerns between hunters and other outdoor users
  • Wildlife management philosophy: Disagreement over whether expanded hunting seasons are necessary for population control versus concerns about sufficient existing hunting opportunities
  • Selective method authorization: The bill permits only bow and arrows (quieter, less visible) but not firearms on Sundays, raising questions about why some methods are safer than others or whether this creates inconsistent policy

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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