Bill
SD 90
Mass. Act strengthens hunter-harassment law: prevents actions that disrupt lawful harvests, blocks harassment of hunters, and enables penalties, injunctions, and civil suits.
Purpose and scope
- The bill amends Chapter 131 of the Massachusetts General Laws to strengthen protections for individuals lawfully harvesting fish and wildlife and to deter harassment, interference, and vandalism related to hunting and fishing.
- It targets conduct at places where hunting and fishing are lawful and establishes clear penalties, civil remedies, and enforcement mechanisms.
Key provisions
- Replaces current Section 5C with a broad set of prohibitions on actions intended to hinder lawful harvests. Prohibited conduct includes:
- Driving, disturbing, or otherwise interrupting wildlife with the intent to disrupt lawful taking.
- Blocking, following, impeding, or harassing someone engaged in lawful hunting or fishing.
- Using visual, auditory, olfactory, or physical stimuli to affect wildlife and hinder taking.
- Erecting barriers to deny access to areas where lawful hunting/fishing may occur.
- Interjecting into the line of fire.
- Altering the condition or placement of equipment used for the lawful harvest.
- Entering or remaining on public lands or private lands without permission with intent to violate the section.
- Verbal or physical harassment, threats, or intimidation of individuals harvesting.
- Using mechanical aerial devices to drive wildlife or to harass, film, or intimidate.
- Unauthorized posting of land as closed or restricted to lawful harvest is prohibited.
Penalties for violations
- Minor violations: Imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for up to 1 year or a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
- Destruction or vandalism of equipment used for lawful harvest (e.g., vehicles, blinds, stands, trail cams, gear, boats): Up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine up to $5,000, or both.
- Bodily injury resulting from harassment or vandalism: Up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine up to $10,000, or both.
Enforcement, remedies, and civil actions
- The Superior Court may issue injunctions to enjoin violations or conspiracies under this section.
- A person damaged by a violation can pursue civil action for punitive damages in addition to other penalties.
- Environmental protection officers and other law enforcement officers with arrest powers are authorized to enforce the provisions.
Property access and funding
- It is unlawful to post land as closed or restricted to lawful harvest without the property owner’s authorization; violations carry penalties (up to 1 year imprisonment or up to $1,000 fine, or both).
- Fines collected under this section are deposited into the Inland Fisheries and Game Fund and may be used to support the Hunter Education Program.
Affected parties
- Hunters and anglers exercising lawful harvest rights.
- Individuals or groups attempting to harass, intimidate, or disrupt lawful harvest activities.
- Landowners and property managers.
- Law enforcement and environmental officers, with authority to enforce the act.
Status and timing
- The document indicates a filed/docket process in early 2025 (Senate Docket No. 90, Senate No. 1202). The user notes an introduction date of November 29, 2025, though the official text provided reflects a 2025 filing. This is a proposed bill; no final status is provided here.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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