December Newsletter
Wareham Department of Natural Resources
December 2019 Newsletter
Seasons Greetings! December is here and there are some things that are still going on in Town!
Mooring/HSP Holders: Pursuant to the Waterways Regulations, all moorings not in use must have a winter stick attached by December 1st - Officers will be out surveying the mooring fields in the first week of December. Moorings holders not in compliance may be subjected to a citation if the issue is not resolved. Please call our office at (508) 291-3100 ext 3180 for information regarding winter sticks. Winter stick installation is the responsibility of the HSP holder, if you hire an inspector to place your winter stick make sure you confirm with them that the service has been completed.
Shellfishing: CHECK THE MAPS PRIOR TO YOUR HARVEST EVERYTIME! The shellfishing maps may change periodically and it is imperative that you check the map each time prior to your harvest. Please note that RECREATIONAL SHELLFISHING is prohibited when the air temperature is 32 degrees or less. COMMERCIAL SHELLFISHING is prohibited when air temparture is 32 degrees or less unless in 2' or more of water, and prohibited entirely when under 28 degrees.
Beach & Transfer Station Stickers and Shellfish Permits: The 2020 Beach & Transfer Station Stickers and the 2020 Shellfish permits will be available for purchase on December 18th 2019. Please remember to bring your vehicle registration and proof of residency and a photo ID (required for purchase of stickers and shellfishing permits)
Dog Licenses: Please make sure your dog was/is licensed for 2019! You can do so by calling the Town Clerk at (508) 291-3100. Think we dont know you own a dog? Wrong. Your veterinarian sends us the rabies certificate by law. License your dog, it is the law! Citations will be sent out the first week of January for ANY and ALL dogs unlicensed in calendar year 2019.
Hunting: The archery-only deer hunting season was over as of 11/30/2019. The shotgun deer season opens on Monday December 2nd 2019 and ends on Saturday December 14th 2019. The primitive firearms season starts on Monday December 16th and ends Tuesday December 31st 2019. Persons who use the woods to walk dogs should wear bright colored clothing in order to be visible in the woods. The most common complaint we hear is that "why should I have to wear orange to be safe in the woods, hunters should be cautious" Well, hunters are cautious however please read the following example as to WHY you should wear bright-colored clothing in the woods during the hunting season.
- EXAMPLE - You are walking in the woods with your dog, the scrub is dense and the trees are too. A hunter is ground hunting (meaning they are not in a tree stand they are just on the ground) The hunter locks in on a target. The hunter checks the backstop (behind the target) to make sure it is safe. The hunter checks the surrounding area to make sure it is clear before they take the shot. You are walking behind the target at a distance but the hunter can not see you because your clothing is not bright colored and the hunter believes it is safe to discharge the firearm. The hunter discharges the firearm, the majority of the buckshot projectiles hit target but there are a few that are stray. You are hit. This is no fault of the hunter, it is an accident. Had you been wearing an bright colored clothing the hunter wouldnt have discharge his firearm in your path. The hunter would have waited until you left the area.
To the hunters....
Natural Resources Officers will be on patrol, please make sure you are carrying the required documentation for hunting on your person. If you are on posted private property, please have the written permission on your person. The most common violations we encounter is tagging of deer and motor vehicle trespassing. Please familiarize yourself with the tagging requirements set forth in MGL Chapter 131 and 321 CMR 3.00. If you are on posted private property, make sure to carry it with you. Hunters can expect to be inspected this season. Officers are on patrol during the day and into the evening and overnight hours.
THIS DEPARTMENT HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HUNTER HARRASSMENT. PERSONS WHO VIOLATE MGL CHAPTER 131 SECTION 5C ARE SUBJECT TO ARREST OR CRIMINAL COMPLAINT/SUMMONS. Hunters who believe they are subject of such violation shall immediately call WPD at 508-295-1212 and ask for a Natural Resources Officer to be dispatched to the location or in an emergency situation, 9-1-1.
Report Suspected Violations to:
Wareham DNR Law Enforcement Admin Office (Mon-Fri 830a-430p) - 508-291-3100 ext 3180
Wareham Police Communications Division (after hours & weekends) - 508-295-1212
Mass Environmental Police - 800-632-8075
Thank you for your continued support! See you around!
Wareham Department of Natural Resources
Division of Law Enforcement
48 Marion Road Wareham, MA 02571
Admin Office (508) 291-3100 ext 3180