321 CMR, § 3.01(3) - Hunting with Bows and Arrows

(a) No person shall use or have in his possession or under his control while hunting any poisoned arrow or arrow with explosive tips.

(b) No person shall use or have in his possession or under his control while hunting any arrow gun or any firearm or other device which projects or propels an arrow, dart or bolt by gunpowder, compressed air, or by any other means except by the flexing and release of a bow string.

(c) No person shall use or have in his possession or under his control while hunting any bow drawn or held by mechanical means, except as provided in 321 CMR 3.01(3). Hand-held, hand-operated bow string releases are permitted.

(d) A crossbow may be used for hunting by a person who is permanently disabled such that the person cannot operate a conventional bow and arrow, as certified by a licensed physician. Any costs associated with obtaining the medical documentation, re-evaluation of the information or a second medical opinion are the responsibility of the applicant. A person who wishes to use a crossbow for hunting in accordance with 321 CMR 3.01(3)(d) shall obtain a permit to do so from the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and such permit shall be valid for life. Nothing in 321 CMR 3.01(3) shall be construed to permit the use of a crossbow by any other person, except on a skeet, trap, or target range.

(e) Arrows used for hunting deer, bear or wild turkey shall have well-sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than 7/8 of an inch in width.

(f) No person shall hunt deer, bear or wild turkey with a bow having a pull of less than 40 lbs. at 28" draw provided that compound bows and recurved bows shall have a minimum pull of 40 lbs. at peak draw.

(g) No person while hunting shall release an arrow from a bow upon or within 150 feet of any State or hard surfaced highway or within 500 feet of any dwelling in use, except as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof.

(h) Any person found guilty of any violation of 321 CMR 3.01 shall be punished as provided in M.G.L. c. 131, § 90.

Notes

321 CMR, § 3.01(3)

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1288, eff. 6/5/2015. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1320, eff. 8/26/2016. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1382, eff. 1/11/2019. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1486, eff. 1/6/2023.

Regulatory Authority: M.G.L. c. 131, § 69. Last Revised: 8/15/03.