A sweeping anti-gun measure signed into law by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on July 25 will not only have devastating effects on gun owners in the commonwealth, but it will also infringe on the rights of hunters.
According to the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), the 116-page anti-gun measure—Bill H. 4885—is one of the most extreme gun control bills in the country.
Among other sportsmen-backed groups opposing the new law, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) noted how Massachusetts lawmakers pushed the measure through both chambers very quickly and on the same day—intentionally making it difficult for interested parties to study the language or lobby against the measure.
Impact on Hunters
Hunting and wildlife conservation groups are now working to make Massachusetts hunters aware of several points in the new law that could affect the upcoming hunting seasons. One key issue is the requirement for residents to obtain a Firearm Identification Card, a process that involves taking a live-fire course under the supervision of an instructor approved by the Colonel of State Police. With shooting ranges already difficult to access, this places an additional burden on those looking to hunt.
Another major concern is the restriction placed on nonresident hunters. Under the new law, nonresidents cannot possess a firearm in Massachusetts unless their home state has similar laws—most do not, effectively banning nonresident hunting in the state.
This means nonresidents not only face difficulties hunting in Massachusetts, but the state will also lose the revenue they bring. Nonresident hunters contribute significantly to the economy through the purchase of hunting licenses, travel, meals, and lodging. The loss of these funds will also impact the state’s conservation efforts, which are partially funded by these license fees.
Additional Restrictions on Firearms
Besides the restrictions on hunters, the new law introduces several other limitations that affect both hunters and non-hunters. A ban on standard-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, unless manufactured before September 13, 1994, is one such restriction—an almost impossible standard to meet or prove.
The law also raises the age requirement for owning semi-automatic rifles or shotguns to 21, expands definitions for firearm modifications, and increases the list of places where carrying a firearm is prohibited, including government buildings, polling places, and schools.
The NRA-ILA has vowed to challenge the new law in court, with Kozuch stating:
About the Author
Freelance writer and editor Mark Chesnut is the owner/editorial director at Red Setter Communications LLC in Jenks, Okla. An avid hunter, shooter, and field-trialer, he has been covering Second Amendment issues and politics on a near-daily basis for nearly 25 years.
