Submitted by pitamandan t3_y95jhe in massachusetts
Hey all, pretty straight-forward, I’ve been invited to go bow hunting in MA, but I don’t have a hunting license OR firearms license for MA.
I hear the hunting license is easy, but the firearms license is harder. Trying to understand if I need a firearms license to bow hunt with a friend.
Thanks!
Is there somewhere that states it clearly? I didn’t see that reading through this. What stood out to me was “hunter must comply with all hunting requirements”
"All bows (recurve, long, and compound), except permitted crossbows, used for hunting deer, bear, and turkey must have a draw weight of at least 40 lbs. at 28 inches or at peak draw. Mechanical releases are permitted. Arrows used on deer, bear, or turkey must have well-sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding broadheads are legal for deer, bear, and turkey. Archers may hunt deer with a bow and arrow during the shotgun and primitive firearms deer seasons, but must comply with all regulations of those seasons, including blaze orange and stamp requirements. Crossbows may be used by certain permanently disabled persons by permit only. For regulations and an application, visit www.mass.gov/masswildlife or contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300. A firearms license (FID or LTC) is not required for bowhunting."
Clear as day. Sorry I missed it, thank you!
If you're going to be the one shooting or even carrying a bow you will need a hunting license and an archery stamp - if you're just along for the ride as a spotter you don't need any tags or special license.
and if you get caught it’s bad news, so if there’s any chance you’re holding the bow get the license and the stamp… they’re not too expensive and are less expensive than being busted for poaching
Edit to add- this is what I’ve been told, I always get the permit and the stamp because I don’t want “poaching” on my record. I’ve also never bagged anything other than a buck and that was with a rifle (.308 and 75 yards total drop and it was like 25 years ago and I still brag about it) Double edit-we ate nearly every part of that majestic boy for like 6 months and my ex took the blanket with his hide in the divorce… yeah I’m a little bit of a prick but that blanket was awesome… only like 8 points on the rack so I kept some of it as a trophy but my family, my neighbors and some homeless people got to be not hungry from that hit
You don't need a firearms license but you will need a hunting license, and possibly a stamp depending on what you're hunting. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hunting-licenses-permits-and-stamps
I think you both need one, although it doesn’t explicitly have that situation listed here
Oh he has one, hunting and firearms, I’m just along for the ride. Just being sure I do what’s required before I go.
I’d assume you also need one. Maybe call local police or wildlife and ask, they might have better handle on those situations. Have fun out there!
Wildlife goes straight to VM last two days. :/( hence what feels like a dumb question on Reddit.
Damn that’s rough! Not a dumb question, better to be safe than sorry. I’d personally be cautious and just get the hunting license, assuming it’s not crazy expensive
Yeah hunting license is easy, that’s part f the plan. I’ve heard the firearms license is a bit more difficult.
I tried to get a conceal carry license in 2015 and got denied for whatever reason, they never told me. Actually had to wait like almost a year for the decision too. Haven’t tried again since
that’s a different thing though… same with “primitive arms hunting”… CCW is up to your Police Department… they are required to give you a summary of their decision though
Yeah its different. I was honestly kind of pissed when t happened so I didn’t even try to fight it
you didn’t request a reason? I would be pissed (I’ve had my CCW for decades now…) but if I got refused I’d want to know their reasons.
Edit to add- I don’t carry very often but I got mine from a Chief of police who was known as being very much against issuing them in the 90’s.
They can no longer deny you unless you're a prohibited person
LegisLAYshun t1_it3o0ny wrote
A firearms license (FID or LTC) is not required for bowhunting.