Assabet River NWR Final CCP - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Appendix C: Responses to Substantive Comments
ends on the west side of the Concord River in the town of Carlisle. This is the area
at the northern end of the O’Rourke property. The area along the Concord River in
Billerica has been removed from consideration for waterfowl hunting. The entire
river in that area is within the 500 foot safety zone required by state hunting
regulations. Hunting on the river in that area is illegal.
o We understand the concern regarding hunting on the Greenough property. We
will ensure that the boundary is clearly marked. The deer hunting opportunities
on the property will be limited to archery only.
o The area adjacent to private and conservation property in the vicinity of Dudley
Road in Bedford is proposed as archery only for deer hunting.
o In the Sudbury Division of the refuge, the proposed waterfowl hunting area south
to Route 20 has been reduced. The waterfowl hunting opportunities adjacent to
refuge lands out to the center line of the Sudbury River south of Route 20 have
been reduced from 193 acres to 77. Additionally, no waterfowl hunting will be
allowed between Route 20 and the Wayland School Complex. Waterfowl hunting
will be allowed in a limited area upstream of the school along the Sudbury River
south of Heard Pond. The revised hunting area will be a minimum of 1,000 feet
from the school playing fields. Please see the maps in the Great Meadows NWR
CCP for a depiction of this area.
o In the South section of the Assabet River NWR, we have changed the designation
to Archery Only.
o Based upon the comments that we received regarding Hudson Road and Stearns
Lane, we made a revision to the hunting areas on the North section of the Assabet
River NWR. The area outside of the entire Patrol Road has been designated
Archery Only.
Hunting – Various Species
Commentors indicated that it was necessary for the Service to conduct detailed surveys of
wildlife populations before implementing a hunt program.
The hunting of migratory bird species is managed from a national point of view. The
Service monitors the population status of all migratory bird game species and works with
the States to set season lengths and harvest limits. Hunting is managed in a way that does
not contribute to a decline in waterfowl and other migratory game bird populations.
The hunting of resident species, such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels, falls within the
responsibility of state fish and wildlife agencies, which also monitor and manage
populations to ensure healthy ecosystems, sustainable populations, and a certain level of
hunter success. We work in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife and rely on their knowledge and expertise to determine the appropriateness of
hunting seasons. Any decisions we make to limit or prevent the harvest of resident species
on any refuge is based on other management concerns and not on a concern about the
Comprehencive Conservation Plan - 161 -