The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is proposing regulatory amendments to the rules for Retriever or Bird Dog Trials. Interested purebred dog enthusiasts who participate in field events in Massachusetts are encouraged to review the proposed changes and share comments or concerns with DFW.
The proposal would:
- Allow field trials to occur on any wildlife management area (WMA) with prior authorization from MassWildlife’s Director or their agent. Current regulations restrict which WMAs field trials may occur on.
- Allow field trials to be conducted on the Herman J. Covey WMA and High Ridge WMA with the Director’s permission. Currently, outdated language in the regulations prohibit field trials on both. The changes also allow overnight camping at Herman Covey WMA.
- Clarify language regarding field trial license fees.
Click here to view the full proposal.
Click here to view MassWildlife’s public hearing alert.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
A public hearing will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 11AM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581).
Interested persons may provide in-person comments at the October 22 hearing, or may provide emailed comments to susan.sacco@mass.gov until November 3, 2022, at 5PM. Written comments should be addressed to the attention of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Written comments may also be mailed to:
Chairman, Fisheries and Wildlife Board
C/o Director of MassWildlife
Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
For more information, contact the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department at doglaw@akc.org.