Carrying a handgun in Mass while hunting can be a big problem, depending upon the season and species.
So what is the purpose of a non-Resident restricted Target shooting and Hunting LTC then? Only handgun hunting? Why would you need it for target shooting when MA law already states a non-resident can transport a handgun into the state (cased and locked and unloaded) for the purposes of target shooting and gun shows?
No handguns are allowed while deer hunting. Some species may be lawfully taken with a handgun, but many have caliber/chambering restrictions, or restrictions on types of handguns (e.g. only revolver for black bear). If a season has defined, allowed firearms, DON'T carry a backup that differs. Even during shotgun deer season, you can't have a sidearm.
What about with an unrestricted LTC? In PA with a carry permit, you can conceal carry doing any activity including deer hunting with a long gun. If you use your handgun to shoot a deer that is a game law violation (unless you are specifically handgun hunting with the appropriate pistol).
The NO LTC with hunting license exemption is only for long guns.
You don't need any LTC as a non-resident to bring a legal long gun into the state to hunt or shoot.
If you have a restricted LTC, I'd advise no concealed carry during transport. The restrictions are defined by the issuing authority - for Resident LTCs, the local PD spells out what's kosher, and what's not - the Commonwealth issues Non-Res, and they'd have to tell you.
It clearly states and while "traveling to and from" the range and hunting location etc. Not looking for legal advice just looking to understand.
Being in the woods during hunting season, with a firearm of any description can be construed as "hunting" as "hunting" is broadly defined in Mass. For instance, persons driving a deer (legal) have to have hunting licenses, even if they don't have a gun or bow.
Agree. But I have a valid non-resident hunting license, so I can be in the woods with a long gun.
Sounds fun! I would have the license if I was helping him because I do everything by the book, even though I have yet to encounter an EPO.I was helping a buddy that was a Falconer, by beating brush piles with a ski pole - that required a license (though the EPO I was discussing this with said, "We leave Falconers alone, because they're all crazy")
So the answer is "Maybe?"
IANAL