Wareham Authorities Seek Info After Incident of Hunter Harassment

The Wareham Department of Natural Resources and Wareham Police are looking for more information about an incident earlier this week in which a hunter was harassed by another individual.

According to a post on the Wareham DNR Facebook page, the incident took place on Tuesday, September 13 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Horseshoe Mill Pond off of Station Street in West Wareham.

The DNR stated that an unidentified person approached the hunter while he was “harvesting permissible waterfowl.” The department stated the hunter was licensed and within legal rights to do so.

“It is reported that the verbal harassment continued on and off for a period of time and the hunter did not engage the individual. Eventually the harassment stopped and the hunter continued his harvest within the guidelines allowed,” the DNR wrote. “Upon the return to his vehicle the hunter found that his vehicle had been illegally entered and rummaged through, in addition the tires were maliciously slashed.”

Anyone with information of the incident is asked to notify Wareham Police or the Wareham DNR.

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The post also reminded citizens that the harassment of a hunter is a violation of Massachusetts General Law, which states that “no person shall obstruct, interfere with or otherwise prevent the lawful taking of fish or wildlife by another. Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to, blocking, following, impeding, or otherwise harassing another engaged in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife.”

Violating that law could lead to a fine of up to $500 and/or 14 days in jail, with the hunter allowed to also seek punitive damages in civil court.

“If someone has a concern with an individual hunting, just simply contact the proper authorities if you feel there is a violation and do not take actions into your own hands,” the DNR posted, followed by phone numbers for the Massachusetts Environmental Police (800-632-8075), Wareham Police (508-295-1212) and the Wareham DNR (508-291-3100 x3180).

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