Hunting Season is Here -- in Franklin, Too

According to Larry Allers of the Franklin Rod & Gun Club, hunting does occur in Franklin, so hunters and non hunters should be cautious during the state’s various hunting seasons.

The key reference point is the Town’s own rules and regs, namely:

§ 125-20 Discharge of firearms.

No person shall discharge a firearm of any kind, except one using blank ammunition such as that used in starting pistols or in ceremonial salutes, or hunt by bow or air rifle within the limits of any park, playground or any Town-owned property, except by vote of the Franklin Town Council, or controlling governmental body thereof. Nor shall any person discharge a firearm, except one using blank ammunition such as that used in starting pistols or in ceremonial salutes, or hunt by bow or air rifle on any private property, except with the written consent of the owner or legal occupant thereof.

But a big exception is private property, with the permission of the owner and on certain public lands. For example, the 843 acres Franklin State Forest allows hunting, according to the DCR web site. Similarly, the US Army Corps of Engineers flood control lands along Mine Brook known as the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is also nominally open to hunting. Under the management of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the property is theoretically huntable, but so close to roads and houses as to make that questionable.

However, hunting does happen, so all others beware.

With such situations in mind, DFG recently posted a seasonal advisory about the importance of wearing “blaze orange” when in potentially huntable areas.

DFG noted that the widespread use of blaze orange has helped dramatically reduce hunting-related firearms incidents in the field. “While hunters are required to wear blaze orange during certain seasons, all outdoor users who are in the woods during hunting seasons should wear blaze orange clothing as a precaution,” they note.

DFG also provides these notes for non-hunters:

• Know when and where hunting is allowed. Review the 2021 Massachusetts hunting season dates. Hunting on Sunday is not permitted in Massachusetts. MassWildlife lands, including Wildlife Management Areas and Wildlife Conservation Easements are open to hunting. Most state parks and forests are open to hunting, and many towns allow hunting on municipal lands. Learn about lands open to hunting in Massachusetts. Research the property you plan to visit beforehand to learn if hunting is allowed. If being in the woods during hunting season makes you uneasy, find a location where hunting is not allowed or plan your outing for a Sunday or another day outside of hunting season.
• Keep pets leashed and visible. Place a blaze orange vest or bandana on your pet to keep it visible.
• Make your presence known. Talk loudly or whistle to identify yourself as a person. You may also consider wearing a bell. If you see someone hunting or hear shots, call out to them to identify your location.
• Be courteous. Once you've made your presence known, don't make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife or hunting. Hunter harassment is against state law. Avoid confrontations with hunters. If you think you've witnessed a fish or wildlife violation, report it to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.