PITTSFIELD — Should Massachusetts loosen its hunting restrictions? Many hunters in the Berkshires are eager for legislative changes that would do just that.

Roughly 100 people, the majority of them local hunters, attended a Thursday listening session hosted at Berkshire Community College by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to gather feedback on current hunting regulations. The session was one of several held statewide —and virtually — at the request of the Healey-Driscoll administration to gauge interest in updating hunting laws.

Across dozens of speakers, many expressed support for loosening restrictions, including allowing Sunday hunting, expanding crossbow use and reducing the distance hunters must maintain from roads and dwellings.

The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, representing local hunting groups, endorsed changes to all three laws earlier this month. The group argued that easing restrictions would make hunting more accessible and appealing, potentially increasing state revenue.

MassWildlife moderates a listening session at Berkshire Community College intended to gather feedback on potential changes to hunting access laws.

Attendees came from both urban and rural areas of Berkshire County and beyond. They described hunting as an essential activity and a family-friendly sport. Many also raised concerns about declining opportunities to pass hunting skills to younger generations as youth participation drops.

Eve Schlüter, acting director of MassWildlife, emphasized hunting’s role in providing food and managing wildlife populations, particularly black bears, white-tail deer and wild turkey.

“Over the past few decades, MassWildlife has significantly expanded hunting opportunities in response to healthy and growing wildlife population,” she said. “While MassWildlife has been working to improve access and opportunity for hunting, there are several statutes or laws which limit access and would require legislative action to change.”

Two more listening sessions are scheduled, including a virtual Zoom session on Tuesday. Comments will also be accepted by mail or virtual submission through Friday.

Eve Schlüter, acting director of MassWildlife, introduces a listening session at Berkshire Community College intended to gather feedback on potential changes to hunting access laws.

Massachusetts is one of only two states, along with Maine, that prohibit Sunday hunting. Schlüter said the ban dates back more than 200 years.

Many hunters said it limits their ability to provide meat for their families. Carrie Decker, a hunter from Lenox Dale, said having a full-time job during the week makes hunting difficult.

“Saturdays are the only day we're able to get out for a full day of hunting, and I'd venture to guess this is the case for the majority of hunters here,” she said. “If bad weather occurs, it limits us even more. Sunday hunting would open a huge advantage.”

Supporters of the Sunday ban argue it preserves a day of peace for non-hunters. Tom Tyning, a Berkshire Community College professor, expressed concern that legalizing Sunday hunting could lead to conflicts with families enjoying outdoor activities.

“For the vast majority of people who do not have a chance to get out also on the weekends … it would be really good to still have a Sunday non-hunting day,” he said. “If you're looking for a compromise, pick another day of the week.”

John McDonald, an environmental science professor at Westfield State University, said he would “fully support” legalized Sunday hunting.

“I’ve lived in states with Sunday hunting and without,” he said. “I think the experience of the other 48 states is that hunters and non-hunters can safely share the woods together all days of the week.”

Dan Bosley, representing the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, said that expanded hunting access could mitigate the negative impact on wildlife on local farmers.

Currently, only hunters with permanent disabilities may use crossbows in Massachusetts, representing about 15 percent of registered hunters, according to MassWildlife.

Supporters of expanded access said crossbows make hunting easier and more inclusive for those who struggle with traditional archery.

“Allowing crossbows, you're getting kids into the sport and injured people that aren't permanently injured,” said Travis Clairmont, a state forest employee from Lanesborough.

Sheryl Magdycz, board member of the Massachusetts Bowhunters Association, added that crossbows broaden access.

“They create an entry point for those who may not be comfortable with firearms, or who have never had the chance to experience hunting,” she said. “I feel that they would not replace traditional archery hunting, but open a door to add more hunters into the community that we're so much trying to protect and preserve for our future.”

Roughly 100 people, many local hunters, filled the Robert Boland Theatre at Berkshire Community College on Thursday to share their thoughts on expanded hunting access with MassWildlife.

Hunters also advocated eliminating setbacks — the minimum distance required between hunters and occupied buildings or roads. Massachusetts currently requires hunters to stay 150 feet from roads and 500 feet from buildings without permission.

Supporters argue removing setbacks would open more land for hunting and allow better wildlife management. Certain types of hunters said the restrictions impede access.

“The minimum setbacks really weigh on duck hunters,” said Anthony Golembeski, a hunter from Huntington. “There is no room on most waterways because there's roads right next to them.”

Other Northeast states allow hunters to get closer to roads and buildings for archery hunting. Clairmont said he supports reducing setbacks only for archery, not firearms.

“I don't think 500 [feet] should be reduced for gun season,” he said. “Just archery.”