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Wildlife Management Area rules for dogs and other domesticated animals

Regulations for dogs, horses, and other domesticated animals on WMAs.

The new regulations apply only to Wildlife Management Areas (WMA).

  • Dogs and other domestic animals on WMAs must be leashed/tethered.
  • Dogs may be off-leash only when hunting or hunt training with licensed hunters or at permitted field trials.
  • Dog feces in WMA parking areas and within 100 feet of the parking area must be picked up by all dog handlers and disposed of off the WMA. 
  • Dog feces on other parts of the WMA must be picked up by dog handlers and disposed of offsite. Licensed hunters are exempt from this requirement.

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has a long tradition of welcoming dogs to WMAs and dogs are still welcome on these lands.

Why was this change needed?

WMAs are managed primarily for wildlife to thrive and for wildlife-related recreation such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and watching wildlife. At the same time, MassWildlife strives to provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors.  

  • Leashing dogs decreases dog fights and bites to both pets and people, resulting in safe and positive experiences for everyone.
  • Removing dog waste reduces nuisance and health risks for other dogs, people and wildlife.

Background

Due to repeated complaints from WMA users regarding increased negative and unsafe encounters with dogs and dog waste, a review of the issues was undertaken by MassWildlife and presented to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.  A public hearing was publicized and held February 2018 by the Board to gather oral and written comments followed by an additional 14-day public written comment period. Nearly 150 people were in attendance at the hearing and over 220 comments were provided by the public. Based on comments received, staff recommended a few changes to the regulations to the Board. The Fisheries and Wildlife Board deliberated at their March 2018 meeting and unanimously voted to approve the new regulations.

Full regulation

321 CMR 3.01:(1)(r)

Rules of Conduct on Wildlife Management Areas for Dogs, Horses and Other Domesticated Animals

(i) No person may cause or permit any dog, horse, or other domesticated animal listed in 321 CMR 9.02(3) to be unattended or to roam or be at large on any wildlife management area. No person may cause or permit any dog, horse, or other domesticated animal listed in 321 CMR 9.02(3) owned by him or her or in his or her custody or under his or her control to be on any wildlife management area unless such animal is restrained within a cage, or is bridled, or is restrained on a physical tether or leash by the animal’s owner or handler.

(ii) In addition to the requirements in 321 CMR 3.01(1)(r)(i), any dog feces shall be collected immediately by the person who has custody or control of the dog(s) and disposed of properly by that person outside of the boundaries of the wildlife management area.

(iii) The provisions of 321 CMR 3.01(1)(r)(i) and (ii) shall not apply to persons using dogs on any wildlife management area while in the act of hunting in accordance with the Division’s regulations, or training dogs for hunting, including hunt tests and field trials by persons holding a valid Massachusetts hunting or sporting license or by persons participating in a Retriever or Bird Dog Trial event permitted by the Division pursuant to 321 CMR 2.01. For the purposes of 321 CMR 3.01(1)(r)(iii), the training of dogs for the above purposes shall include, but not be limited to, obedience training, pointing, retrieving, water handling, quartering, casting, marking and trailing. Those persons using dogs pursuant to this subsection shall immediately collect feces deposited by their dog within a designated parking area, or within 100 feet of a designated parking area, and dispose of it properly outside the boundaries of the wildlife management area.

(iv) Division personnel, an environmental police officer or other law enforcement officer may direct that any dog, horse, or other domesticated animal listed in 321 CMR 9.02(3) be removed from a wildlife management area by the animal’s owner or handler for failure to comply with 321 CMR 3.01(1)(r).

(v) If the Director deems it necessary to fulfill the purpose of a wildlife management area as described in 321 CMR 3.01(1), he or she may, by posting notice on the wildlife management area or on the Division’s website, prohibit from or restrict the access of any dog, horse, or other domesticated animal listed in 321 CMR 9.02(3) to any portion of a wildlife management area or for a particular time period.

Contact   for Wildlife Management Area rules for dogs and other domesticated animals

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