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

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Chapter 4: Management Direction
Table 4-1: 2004 Massachusetts Hunting Seasons
Season Start Date 1 End Date 1 Start Date 2 End Date 2
Deer (Archery) 10/11/2004 11/20/2004
Deer (Primitive
Firearms) 12/13/2004 12/31/2004
Deer (Shotgun) 11/29/2004 12/11/2004
Wild Turkey 4/26/2004 5/22/2004
Woodcock 10/14/2004 10/30/2004 11/1/2004 11/13/2004
Ruffed Grouse 10/16/2004 11/27/2004
Cottontail Rabbit 10/16/2004 2/28/2005
Gray Squirrel 10/16/2004 1/1/2005
Strategy 1: Provide opportunities for archery, shotgun and primitive
firearm big and upland game hunting on the refuge in accordance with
Massachusetts State regulations and requirements. Among other
restrictions, these regulations prohibit the discharge of any firearm or
arrow upon or across any state or hard-surfaced highway or within 150 feet
of any such highway, and hunting within 500 feet of any dwelling or
building in use, except as authorized by the owner of occupant thereof.
A limited special season will be provided for physically handicapped
hunters. Selected roads on the refuge will be open for vehicle traffic during
this season. We believe the physical configuration of trails and roads on the
refuge will allow us to provide handicapped accessible hunting
opportunities from several of these access routes.
Shotgun hunting of upland game (ruffed grouse, rabbit, and squirrel) and
big game (white-tailed deer and turkey (spring season only per current
state season restrictions)) will be allowed on the “North Section” of Assabet
River NWR. All state regulations and restrictions will apply and be
enforced, including the safety related restrictions discussed above. In
addition, the use of non-toxic shot (non-lead) will be required for all upland
game seasons (see Map 4-1).
On the “South Section” of Assabet River NWR, hunting will be allowed by
archery only for deer and turkey.
Strategy 2: Provide opportunities for migratory bird hunting on the
refuge. American woodcock hunting will be provided according to federal
regulations, north of Hudson Road only. Waterfowl hunting on the refuge
(or portions of the refuge) may be opened in the future, if the wildlife and
habitat inventories and plans previously discussed indicate such action will
not have detrimental effect on waterfowl habitat or use of such habitat by
migrating or overwintering populations. We are particularly concerned
since most of the waterfowl may be concentrated in areas that will be
difficult for hunters to access without impacting vegetation, including some
rare state-listed plant species. We will continue to gather information to
Assabet River NWR