Massachusetts turkey hunter loses privileges for 5 years after shooting another hunter

A Massachusetts turkey hunter was punished this week after shooting a fellow hunter earlier this year.

On Saturday, April 30, the Massachusetts Environmental Police were notified of a turkey hunter who had been shot in Barre.

At approximately 5:45 a.m., the shooter stated he observed movement within the wood line and fired a single round. The shooter then heard, “you shot me,” and rushed to render first aid. The shooter then transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim was struck with 12-14 pellets of bird shot, suffering injuries to the right side of his upper torso and head.

The ensuing investigation found the shooter was hunting illegally on posted property and was subsequently charged with negligent use of a firearm while hunting resulting in personal injury and hunting on posted property; the firearm was also seized.

On Thursday, October 27, the shooter pleaded guilty to all charges. The shooter was ordered to pay a monetary fine and lost hunting privileges for five years, this loss will extend into 48 additional states next month when the Commonwealth formally joins the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. The firearm was ordered to be destroyed and the shooter’s firearms license is being reviewed.

Massachusetts Environmental Police did not release the name of the shooter.

The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact is a multi-state agreement that recognizes suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in all Compact member states. The Compact was created to promote compliance with the laws, regulations, ordinances, resolutions, and administrative rules that relate to the management of wildlife resources in the respective member states.