Gents,
Slated to come to the Chicopee area this summer for military work. They didn't hear my request to go to a duck hunting mecca.
What laws does MA have in regards to blind laws, both floating and stationary? Free for all or well restricted with permits and set distances? I'm digging on the dgf site but any lessons learned articulated by a duck hunter are always more informative.
Any other military out there in the western part of the state that can speak to how they transitioned? Happy to take this to PMs if needed.
Welcome and thanks for your service. Pretty much a free for all. No blind permits or set rules regarding them. Public land is just that, but you can find some decent public areas that get less pressure. Private land is accessible but out of respect to the landowners, get permission. My best advice would be to brush up on our gun laws here before you get going. Good luck to you. There's a few of us on here from out that way, and a few vets as well. Enjoy.
I did have the impression that gun laws would be tighter possibly, so it's where I'll spend most of my time until I really understand.
Pressure down here is high, finding space between the blind laws is tough. Is Massachusetts a popular state for waterfowling or is seeing another hunter rare?
Blinds: First come first serve...have a back up plan if you plan to hunt a more popular area...Although it's tough to figure what's popular and what's not. I wouldn't say pressure up here is high, but being so densely populated, most huntable places do get hunted. You also need to check on specific town bylaws you plan to hunt in, as we have several that are strictly no discharge at all...crazy I know. But as far as the Western part of the state, I have a feeling you will be A-OK finding places to hunt that aren't swamped by others...
The gun laws are terrible, if you shoot anything else besides shotgun make sure you look into laws regarding pistols and rifles. If you have your eye on anything in particular pistol wise, buy it before moving in state to get it grandfathered in, as we can't buy new Glocks, Springfields, Kimbers and host of others from dealers, only private sales. You also cannot bring post ban high capacity magazines into this state under any circumstances. Theres a bunch of other stupid stuff, just have to read up on it.
There isn't a ton of big water in MA, so definitely invest in a kayak or canoe, especially being so far from the coast, no need for a large boat.
Seeing other hunters is pretty frequent, depends where you go... If you are on the CT river it is common to see other hunters. In my few years hunting the CT before the Duck Dynasty era I would see another hunter frequently but usually only one or two. The big advantage of being in Mass is that the whole state is littered with small pockets of water, finding the good ones is the tough part...
I think you can be safe to say that on weekends, holidays there are more guys out there... But I know a lot of duck hunters that get out a few times but archery Deer season takes precedence over shooting some ducks for a lot of guys in Massachusetts 6-8 weeks is a real short time to do it all.... think 6 saturdays for the average guy duck hunting...
You'll want to allow plenty of time to get your FID Card, if you will be a Mass resident. It can take longer than you think, depending on the town. Sometime it takes months to get an appointment with the person who processes them at the PD. Often they meet with people on certain days. One town I lived in, it took 2 months just to meet with the guy, then another month to get the card.
I believe your only option unless you change residency is a temporary LTC not an FID. If you become a MA Resident then go for the LTC Class A. The FID is a waste of time and money. The LTC-A is the same cost and process.
Start now though. If you dont youll be sitting during early season like I was this past year...
I know I can (and will) google this, but what is a FID card or a LTC/LTC-A? do I have to justify my gun ownership or something of the sort. Gotta love that freedom!
FID=Firearms Identification Only good for long guns that are not considered "large capacity" . You need to know what category your long guns are considered if you get this license.
LTC= License to Carry. Used to be an "A" or a "B", but I think that may have been changed to just "A". No matter what may have changed you want an LTC "A" as someone above suggested. This license is good for handguns and long guns, including large capacity long guns. This is the license that most people need if they have a variety of weapons.
Just as was stated above, get started with the process as soon as possible to avoid delays. Some towns are speedy, but evidently other towns are problems.
Consider joining G.O.A.L. (Gun Owners Action League). Check out their web site and give them a call with specific questions. You'll get better more accurate answers than from well meaning people on here (including me).
also, people from out of state are not allowed to purchase ammunition here. makes no sense but that is the way it is. i am not sure if there is an exception made for military ids. maybe somebody else knows the answer to that one.
wow, dont you feel like an arse welcoming an out of state hunter to MA? welcome to our state. thanks for your service. no, you cannot purchase ammo here.
OP if you have trouble buying ammo let me know and I will grab a few boxes for you. im sure someone on the forum that lives closer would do the same, but just in case let me know. :beer:
I usually order my shells by the case for ducks/geese....guess this is the fine print stuff at the bottom about checking your state laws. my mil id may help but man, does it sound goofy up front.
duckstopper, thanks for the heads up on GOAL.
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