Bill
S 635
Extends Massachusetts deer season with primitive firearms to run from the third Monday after Thanksgiving through January 1, increasing hunting days.
Status (as provided)
- Introduced: February 19, 2025
- Current status line shown: REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
- Primary sponsor (in bill text): Senator Paul W. Mark (petition also lists Rep. David F. DeCoste)
- Note: the procedural history and sponsor metadata provided contain inconsistencies (see “Procedural history and notes” below).
Purpose and intent
- To change the statutory dates for Massachusetts’ deer open hunting season when using a “primitive firearm,” extending the season later into the year. The stated effect is to permit deer hunting with primitive firearms beginning the third Monday after Thanksgiving and continuing through January 1 (inclusive).
Key provision (text change)
- Amends Section 5 of Chapter 131 of the General Laws by adding language that:
- Defines the allowable time period for “deer open hunting season by means of a primitive firearm” (as defined in the chapter or under 321 CMR 3.00(4)(b)4) to run from the third Monday after Thanksgiving through January 1 of the following year, all days inclusive.
Who and what would be affected
- Hunters: Persons hunting deer with a “primitive firearm” (as defined in statute/administrative code) would have a longer season.
- Wildlife management: The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (and its harvest/management programs) would need to account for altered harvest timing and possible changes in hunter effort.
- Public safety and landowners: Extended season dates may affect safety planning, posted land agreements, and recreational use of lands during late-December.
- Businesses: Hunting-related retail and service businesses (firearms, ammunition, lodging, guides) could see seasonal demand shifts.
- Enforcement agencies: Conservation officers and local police may see changes in enforcement/monitoring responsibilities during the extended period.
Procedural history and notes
- Bill text and docket indicate introduction and sponsorship by MA legislators (Paul W. Mark; petition lists David F. DeCoste).
- Provided legislative actions (by date) include referral to committees, hearings, and committee reports; however, dates and committee names listed are inconsistent (e.g., references to Veterans’ Affairs, Environment and Natural Resources, Investigations and Government Operations, and duplicated referrals).
- A hearing and committee actions are noted (hearings held 5/21/2025; committee ordered reported with an amendment 7/30/2025). A later hearing date (10/21/2025) and study order accompaniment (S2687 on 11/03/2025) are also listed.
Considerations and likely impacts
- Wildlife population impact depends on current population status, harvest rates, and whether the change concentrates or disperses hunting effort.
- Safety and land-use concerns increase when seasons overlap holidays and other recreational uses.
- Administrative steps: the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife may need to update regulations, season notices, and outreach if the law is enacted.
- Implementation would hinge on final committee action, any amendments, and passage by the Legislature and governor.
If you’d like, I can:
- Extract the exact statutory language for the amended Section 5 for use in rulemaking or public notices, or
- Compare current deer-season dates and recent harvest data to estimate potential population and harvest impacts.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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