Massachusetts Lawmakers Again Push to End Sunday Hunting Ban

Several state lawmakers in southeastern Massachusetts have expressed support for lifting the centuries-old ban on Sunday hunting, but it appears the draconian law will remain in place.

"I support lifting the ban on Sunday hunting," said 11th Bristol District State Representative Christopher Hendricks, a Democrat whose district includes Acushnet and part of New Bedford.

Hendricks said the ban has "no clear relation to public safety."

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Rep. Alan Silvia, a Democrat who represents the 7th Bristol District in Fall River, also supports striking the more than 200-year-old blue law from the books.

"It would give greater flexibility for hunters who work during the week," Silvia said.

Public safety is also an issue for Rep. Silvia. "It's less crowded when hunters spread activity over two weekend days," he said.

Massachusetts One of Two States With Sunday Hunting Ban

Springfield-based WWLP-TV 22 reported, "Only Massachusetts and Maine still have outright Sunday hunting bans, and the idea of lifting here has been debated for at least 35 years without any change."

This year is no exception, as the station reported legislation to repeal the ban was "already scuttled by a legislative committee this year." The Healey Administration said it is willing to listen to those who favor lifting the ban.

Massachusetts Deer Population Driving Safety Concerns

Hendricks said "the growing deer population is a major safety concern" in the SouthCoast area. Deer are a major carrier of Lyme disease and are the most dangerous wild animal in North America in terms of collisions with cars and other motor vehicles.

"Lifting the ban would help bring the deer population to a safe, eco-balanced level," Hendricks said. "We should join the other 48 states that have no Sunday hunting ban."