As noted in a recent American Hunter article, Massachusetts Hunters Face Anti-Gun Law This Fall, there are new legal risks for those looking to hunt in the Bay State.
Massachusetts HB 4885, “An Act Modernizing Gun Laws,” that went into effect August 1st, includes a slew of new restrictions for hunters, including but not limited to: restrictions on the type of firearms and magazines allowed, requirements for all hunters to obtain a firearm identification card (FID), and age requirements.
Additionally, HB 4885 prohibits nonresidents from hunting in Massachusetts unless they possess an identification card/permit that is substantially similar to the FIDs issued in Massachusetts. This requirement creates an enormous hurdle for nonresident hunters, as Massachusetts' burdensome permitting process is unique to the state, leaving nonresident hunters vulnerable to violating state law.
HB 4885 goes beyond traditional centerfire hunting rifles and creates new rules and requirements for antique firearms and muzzleloaders. As noted by Gun Owners' Action League (GOAL), “possession of black powder (or substitutes), priming caps, musket balls, mini-balls, etc. would require an LTC or FID to purchase and possess. It appears that a non-licensed individual can own the gun, but not anything that would make it fire.”
Before you load up your truck for the Bay State this hunting season, double-check to make sure you will not be ensnared by Governor Maura Healey's radical gun control law. For a complete analysis of the new law, click HERE.
More updates on this law are forthcoming. Please stay tuned to the NRA-ILA and GOAL websites for updates as this situation progresses.
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