The Wareham Department of Natural Resources and Wareham Police are seeking more information regarding 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 4 pm and 8 pm at Horseshoe Mill Pond on Station Street in West Wareham.
The DNR stated that an unidentified person approached the hunter while he was “hunting permitted waterfowl.” The department stated that the hunter was licensed and had the legal rights to do so.
“The verbal harassment is reported to have continued on and off for a period of time and the hunter did not confront the individual. Eventually, the harassment ceased and the hunter continued to harvest within permitted guidelines,” the DNR wrote. “Upon returning to his vehicle, the hunter discovered that his vehicle had been illegally entered and searched, and the tires had been maliciously slashed.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to notify Wareham Police or the Wareham DNR.
The post also reminded citizens that harassment of a hunter is a violation of Massachusetts General Law, which states that “no person shall obstruct, interfere with, or otherwise impede the lawful taking of fish or wildlife by another person. . Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to, blocking, following, impeding, or harassing another person involved in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife.”
Violation of that law could result in a fine of up to $500 and/or 14 days in jail, and the hunter can also seek punitive damages in civil court.
“If anyone has a concern with an individual hunt, simply contact the proper authorities if you believe there is a violation and do not take action 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 Wareham DNR (508-291-3100 x3180).