An Act relative to outdoor heritage

This bill modifies Massachusetts hunting laws to allow bow and arrow hunting from elevated tree stands located at least 250 feet away from any occupied dwelling. It removes previous restrictions that prohibited the use of crossbows entirely, instead requiring all bows and crossbows to meet specific design and safety standards set by the state director. The legislation also permits deer hunting with bows and arrows on Sundays and legal holidays when the state director declares an open season, provided the season occurs within the last three months of the year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that carrying a bow and arrow for hunting purposes is not unlawful during these designated open seasons. These changes directly affect hunters in Massachusetts by expanding the locations, equipment, and timing allowed for bow hunting deer.