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H 1074

An Act relative to certain hunting zones

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Allows the Director, with Board approval, to establish rifle or handgun deer seasons in designated zones, overriding rules and based on population density.

Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
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Bill Summary · H 1074

Summary: H.1074 An Act relative to certain hunting zones

Purpose and intent

H.1074, titled An Act relative to certain hunting zones, proposes to modify deer hunting regulations in Massachusetts by authorizing the use of rifles, revolvers, or pistols for deer seasons in certain zones. The measure is framed to allow the Director, with the approval of the board, to establish such rifle- or hand-gun-based deer seasons in zones deemed appropriate based on specified considerations.

Key provisions

  • Section 70 of Chapter 131 of the General Laws would be amended by inserting a new paragraph after the last paragraph. The core change allows the Director, with Board approval, to establish a deer season that permits the use of a rifle, revolver, or pistol for hunting deer.
  • The designated seasons would be limited to “appropriate deer hunting zones,” determined by the Director after assessing factors including, but not limited to, human population density and housing densities.
  • The language emphasizes that this authority would operate notwithstanding any other provision of Section 70 or other sections under Chapter 131, effectively granting a broad override to permit such seasons where deemed appropriate.

Who would be affected

  • Deer hunters who participate under rifle or hand-gun seasons in designated zones.
  • The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (the Director) and the applicable hunting-governance board, which would evaluate zones and approve seasons.
  • Communities and local law enforcement in zones designated for rifle/revolver/pistol deer seasons.
  • Related stakeholders such as hunting outfitters, conservation groups, and residents in or near potential hunting zones.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative action:
    • Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (February 27, 2025).
    • Senate concurred on February 27, 2025 (as listed in the bill’s actions).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-1.
  • Related/replace status: The bill is listed as House Docket No. 3515, which is indicated as replacing or related to HD 3515.

Additional notes

  • The bill’s framework centers on a selective, authority-based expansion of permissible hunting equipment for deer, contingent on zone-specific determinations and official approval.
  • No specific calendar dates for the new seasons or geographic zones are provided in the text; those details would be determined by the Director and Board if the bill advances.

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

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