New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“At the end of the 2021 bear season, Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers were notified of two tree stands that were set over bait.
Prior to the start of the 2022 bear season, Officers checked the area and found that it had been baited five days prior to the season opening. Over the course of several days, Officers surveilled the area.
On Saturday, September 10, 2022, Officers observed two individuals in the stands, one with a rifle, over the baited area. Officers further observed that the bait had been replenished, to include sunflower seeds, popcorn, marshmallows, and peanut butter spread on trees.
The individual admitted to hunting bear, and was subsequently charged with hunting bear over bait. The rifle was seized and the area has been closed for bear hunting until the day following the close of the November portion of bear season and all days inclusive.” -Massachusetts Environmental Police.
Illegal hunting methods:
• It is illegal to use dogs during bear hunting
• Using bait for bear hunting is illegal, including use of lure, scents or any substance that may attract a bear.
• Wanton waste: It is unlawful to intentionally leave a wounded or dead animal in the field or forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it. However, this does not apply to animals unfit for consumption use (animals that parts are damaged, destroyed, decayed, rotting, diseased, or infected.)
