Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Chapter 4: Management Direction
Before hunting is allowed on the refuge, the Code of Federal Regulations
must be amended to authorize the hunting of upland game (ruffed grouse,
rabbit and squirrel), migratory birds (American woodcock) and big game
(white tailed deer and turkey) hunting on Assabet River NWR. There will
be a public comment period announced in the Federal Register. We
anticipate an early 2005 Federal Register notice. Refuge staff will prepare
a Hunt Plan before hunting is allowed. No additional
NEPA compliance is necessary.
Providing hunting and fishing opportunities addresses
the mandates of Executive Order 12996 and the Refuge
Improvement Act by providing the public with an
opportunity to engage in wildlife-dependent recreation.
Hunting and fishing are recognized by the Service as
traditional forms of wildlife dependent outdoor
recreation. We anticipate a low to moderate degree of
hunting and fishing pressure to occur as a result of
opening the refuge for these activities. The plan to
Water and pond lilies: Photo by Marijke Holtrop
permit hunting and fishing on the refuge will not
significantly affect the wildlife populations in Massachusetts, as the refuges
represent only a very small portion of the overall habitat available in
Eastern Massachusetts.
The refuge weighs a number of factors in opening an area to hunting or
fishing, including visitor safety considerations. The Refuge Manager may,
upon annual review of the hunting program, impose further restrictions on
hunting and fishing activity, recommend that the refuge be closed to
hunting or fishing, or further liberalize hunting or fishing regulations
within the limits of State law. Restrictions will occur if hunting or fishing
becomes inconsistent with other higher priority refuge programs or
endangers refuge resources or public safety.
Annual permits will be required for hunting on the refuge. The permits will
facilitate managing numbers of hunters and harvest. Fees charged for
these permits will offset costs associated with managing hunting programs.
For additional information on the fee program, see the section on fees
beginning on page 59.
Enforcement of federal and state hunting and fishing regulations will be
accomplished through patrols by refuge law enforcement officers.
Enforcement patrols may also be conducted by Massachusetts
Environmental Police Officers. The frequency of patrols will be
determined by hunter use, the level of compliance observed during patrols,
and information obtained from participants, visitors and other sources.
Assabet River NWR