As a concerned resident of Massachusetts, I feel deeply troubled by recent efforts to expand hunting in our state. The notion that hunting and conservation are one and the same is misleading, and a false paradigm held up for many years. Hunting is not an appropriate means to manage wildlife. Alleged conflicts with wildlife are often exaggerated, non-existent, or crafted to serve the interests of a small segment of the population that wishes to hunt. It is essential that we challenge the idea that these practices are necessary or beneficial. 

In addition, to the extent that overpopulation exists, as quoted in Wildlife Ecology and Management by William Robinson, "The general theory of harvesting animals is based on the premise that when animals are not harvested at all, growth and recruitment are balanced by natural mortality and that the average growth rate of a population at its carrying capacity is zero. Harvesting reduces the population size, but the reduction results in an increase in the growth rate of the population. This increase in growth rate is brought about because of higher birth rates and lower death rates resulting from decreased competition for resources. This increased growth rate provides a surplus of individuals above the number required to replace the population, and this surplus can be harvested." 

In addition, the vast majority of residents wish to enjoy nature on at least 1 weekend day, Sunday, free from the scourge of hunters killing innocent animals in front of our eyes, and within earshot.

Our state, with its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, deserves a more thoughtful approach to wildlife management. It's alarming to see that the voices influencing these expansion efforts do not adequately represent the spectrum of perspectives on our natural world. MassWildlife, the agency responsible for managing and conserving our wildlife, lacks sufficient representation of non-hunting or non-fishing advocates. This imbalance needs addressing to ensure diverse and comprehensive viewpoints are considered when shaping policies that affect all residents.

Massachusetts is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Expanding hunting contradicts this ethos, and is step backwards in the realm of decency to animals and the right of 99% of our residents to enjoy the woods in peace just one day a week.  Scientific studies have shown that hunting is not always the most effective way to control wildlife populations. It is deeply troubling in this day and age that any need to "manage" wildlife does not include non-lethal means, such as contraception, or allowing nature to take her own course, which she has done for millennia independent of human interventions. The notion that we need to "manage" wildlife is a self-serving pretext for hunting and fishing, and it is very unfortunate that this myth continues at a governmental level. Instead, employing methods that focus on habitat preservation and natural predators can maintain and restore ecological equilibrium.

We support NONE of the proposed expansions, including the most recent push to conceal hunted prey and not log it in the usual system. At the very least, if people are going to hunt animals in our state, it should be visible and apparent to others just what they are doing.  Anything short of that is deceptive given that hunting is a regulated activity. We also firmly disagree with any kind of youth hunting engagement or advancement. There is no need to extend lethal and cruel activities to future generations.

This petition urges Governor Healey to change her stance on hunting expansion, and hold firm against any and all bills that seek to increase hunting opportunities in Massachusetts. We will not support any elected officials, now or in the future, who support expansion of an existing violent trade which is not well-supported by science, and for which few if any other humane means of managing issues have ever been explored or vetted. Unlike many other Massachusetts institutions, the current methodology of wildlife extermination has not been adequately challenged with humane solutions on any practical level.

Your support in signing this petition is critical. Together, we can advocate for a future where our wildlife is conserved with integrity and foresight, ensuring that both current and future generations can enjoy the natural beauty and diversity our state has to offer. Please join me in urging Governor Healey to stop advocating for hunting expansion, and reject all bills that expand hunting in Massachusetts.