Vineyarders Weigh-in on Possibility of Lifting Sunday Hunting Ban

State is currently evaluating possible changes to hunting regulations in order to increase the annual harvest.
Ray Ewing

Gwyn Skiles
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – 10:55am
The Vineyard Gazette – Martha’s Vineyard News | Vineyarders Weigh-in on Possibility of Lifting Sunday Hunting Ban

As the books close on another deer hunting season, discussions continue on how best to address the proliferation of deer on the Island and around the state.

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) recently held public listening sessions along with a written comment period to gauge the public’s reaction on whether it should lift the longstanding Sunday hunting ban and potentially ease restrictions on setback distances and crossbow use.

Thousands of responders around the state took part, along with nearly a hundred Vineyarders who also weighed-in on this year’s extended season, which led to the Island’s second highest deer harvest on record.

The debate comes at a time when the Vineyard’s deer density is among the highest in the state and fueling the spread of tick-borne illnesses.

“We need to do everything we can to stop tick borne illnesses,” said Tisbury resident Paget Bahr. “Getting rid of the deer is a positive step.”

The ban on Sunday hunting dates back to the colonial era, and any changes to the law would require approval from the state legislature and Gov. Maura Healey.

While the idea drew a lot of support from Vineyarders, it also raised concerns. Several Vineyarders said Sundays are the only day they feel safe walking the trails around the Island.

MassWildlife says hunting accidents among hunters are extremely rare, and accidents involving non-hunters are even more so, but worries remain.

“[Sunday] is the only day I can get out on all the trails from my house without fearing for my life,” wrote Edgartown resident Megan Landeck.

Astrid Tilton, the gleaning manager for Island Grown Initiative, wrote that she feels hunters are managing just fine on Saturdays and weekdays. She argued that public access to the outdoors is “extremely limited by hunting” and lifting the ban could lead to pushback in the community.

“I believe hunting on Sundays would negatively impact the public’s relationship to hunters and hunting — a relationship that will be important in order to encourage deer hunting long term,” Ms. Tilton wrote.

Others added that non-hunters outnumber hunters by a large factor, and so lifting the Sunday ban would adversely affect a greater portion of the population.

“The state should respect and honor the rights and interests of the larger population and retain the ban on hunting,” wrote West Tisbury resident David Foster.

Those in favor of lifting the ban countered that opening Sundays to hunting would be in the best interest of everyone, not just hunters.

Jeff Levy, CEO of Martha’s Vineyard Medical and a leader in the new Tick Free MV organization, wrote that the amount of ticks on-Island is a health crisis and he supports lifting the Sunday hunting ban to help fight it. Over the past summer, he wrote that 19 per cent of his total patients had tick related needs.

“From a public health perspective, effective deer population management is a critical component of a comprehensive tick control strategy,” Mr. Levy wrote.

Brian Athearn, founder of MV Hunt Club, said that lifting the ban would not affect his hunting habits, but for others it could be a boon.

“I enjoy the day off of hunting to process my take, but most people on the Vineyard have to work six or seven days a week,” he wrote. “Add some bad weather days and the season is gone.”

Some residents also advocated for easing setback limits — which currently prohibits hunting within 500 feet of a dwelling or building, and within 150 feet of a road.

“In a small, dense community, limited setbacks make it difficult for hunters,” wrote West Tisbury resident Sarah Toste. “Increasing the setback for legal, regulated hunting will help increase the culling of deer.”

Easing setbacks, however, raised additional concerns.

“Given the Island’s development boom and increased population since Covid, I believe decreasing setback distance could create a safety issue,” wrote Edgartown resident Mary Jane Rogers.

Commenters were also of two minds regarding changes to crossbow legislation. Crossbows operate by pulling a hand-crank lever and which many said is easier and more effective than a traditional compound bow. Currently, the use of a crossbow requires a special state permit with documented proof of a permanent disability.

“Archery hunting is my favorite, but I know I’d have more luck with a crossbow,” wrote West Tisbury hunter Gabriel Bellebuono. “It’d also be beneficial in helping those who struggle pulling back a normal bow to get into hunting.”

Others cited safety worries.

“[I] would be concerned about the regulations regarding crossbow and the necessary training inclined for licensure,” wrote Edgartown resident Pamela Lindgren.

Residents also offered possible compromises, such as keeping the Sunday ban in place only for public land. West Tisbury resident Prudy Burt, suggested a shift in days, allowing Sunday hunting to accommodate hunters who have to work during the week, but then placing a ban on a weekday so hikers would not lose a day in nature.

“I strongly urge you to think outside the box…” Ms. Burt wrote.

The next step will be for MassWildlife to make its recommendations to the state, but the organization did not give a timeline for this.

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