Confused on where to hunt in MA

[B A Booracus]

I have heard that you can hunt any land in Massachusetts so long as it 150 yards from houses and roads, and where there is no posted signs saying "No hunting" or "No trespassing".

Can anyone confirm?

I have been all over the Massachusetts Wildlife official website and can't find a clear answer.

I know they post where you can hunt in state forests and WMAs, but I would like to steer clear of these areas and find a nice, private, low pressure area.

Any ideas?

[JoeA]

I spoke with an MA outfitter last year, Reilly McCue. He may have some information for you. Also, talk to a game warden. They should be able to help you.

From what I understand. must of the best MA turkey hunting is in the western end of the state. Ever thought about NH? I've heard there's decent numbers of birds there with little hunting pressure.

[B A Booracus]

Thanks! I'll look him up and try to talk with a few game wardens.

I'm actually going to be getting my hunter safety course through NH (Im a hunting newbie, but am already in love with it even before harvesting any game). I'll definately take advantage of NH season as the bow season extends a week after MA does.

[GED]

Chapter 131: Section 58. Shooting upon or across highway; hunting near dwelling


Section 58. A person shall not discharge any firearm or release any arrow upon or across any state or hard surfaced highway, or within one hundred and fifty feet, of any such highway, or possess a loaded firearm or hunt by any means on the land of another within five hundred feet of any dwelling in use, except as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof.


You may read this differently than the MA Environmental Police Officer. The MassWildlife site list many legal public places to hunt.

[tkmcnam]

I live in MA and the requirement is that you cannot discharge a firearm within 500 feet of an inhabited building and within 150 feet of a road. You can hunt on private property that is not posted however I recommend requesting permission before hand since that is the common practice and many people tear down posted signs on property that is not open to hunting.