Become Part of the Hunt in Hopkinton

There are endless ways in which people enjoy nature and the woods.

Some enjoy day hikes. Others fancy mountain biking. Winter snow brings snowshoeing and ski-touring.

Other folks prefer to hunt and fish. Hunting and fishing is as natural for humans as walking on two feet.

But over the centuries hunting and fishing has evolved from a necessity for survival to a leisure activity for most.

The Hopkinton Sportsmen's Association has been part of the Hopkinton community for 80 years and is an excellent resource for people who wish to escape from the office or house to lose themselves in the woods in the hunt, if just for an afternoon.

But for the Hopkinton Sportsmen's Association, it’s much more than just about hunting.

Skeet and trap shooting, indoor and outdoor rifle and pistol target shooting, fishing and archery are available on their property. The club's purpose is to promote the protection and preservation of fish and game while providing instruction in the safe, proper and sporting handling of firearms for its 450 members.

“As a hunter, you will see life as it is in the wild if you spend enough time there. There are predators and prey, and there is much beauty," club Vice President Eric Mason said.

"There is no cruelty involved. You just step out of your 9-to-5 role and step into a predator's role," he said. "It's nature's way, and as a hunter, you are part of it.” 

Interested in going hunting for the first time?

The club runs safety courses that are required by the Commonwealth for people applying for gun permits. But hunting on the club’s land is only available to its members. Annual membership fees are $130.

“In Massachusetts, land that is not posted ‘No Trespassing’ is open to hunting as long as there are no other town restrictions," Mason said.

"Remember to stay 150-feet away from roads and 500 feet from occupied buildings. Don't shoot over roads or toward buildings. Be safe,” Madson said.

Deer hunting season is over. But if you’re interested in participating next season, now is the time brush up on your target skills.

And what better a place to learn both how to safely use a gun and gain the needed skills than with the Hopkinton Sportsmen's Association.

To learn more about hunting and fishing licenses and regulations in Massachusetts, check out the Department of Fish and Game Web site.

The Hopkinton Sportsmen's Association is located at 95 Lumber St. Visit its Web site or call (508) 435-3838 for more information.