Leave Lawful MA Hunters, Trappers, and Fishermen Alone

Massachusetts Environmental Police put out a reminder this week that is worth repeating before fall really kicks in.

Hunting, trapping, and fishing happen year round in this state. A lot of people do it the right way. MEP is saying it is illegal to harass someone who is lawfully hunting, trapping, or fishing.

That is not a suggestion. It is state law. Under M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 5C, you cannot obstruct or interfere with the lawful taking of fish or wildlife. That includes blocking someone, following them, scaring wildlife on purpose, putting up barriers, messing with their gear, walking into a line of fire, or going onto land with the intent to stop them.

If you do it, you can face an injunction, civil damages, a citation, criminal charges, or arrest. Environmental Police and other officers with arrest powers can enforce it.

This is not a hunters versus hikers thing. MEP’s point is simple. People use the same woods and water for different reasons. Birdwatchers, hikers, hunters, and anglers can all be out there at the same time. The rule is you do not get to shut down someone who is following the law.

If you see it or you are on the receiving end of it, call Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.

That is the whole message. Stay in your lane, let people hunt and fish legally, and call it in if somebody will not.