Deer hunting on Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket expanded to fight tick illnesses

State of play: New emergency regulations will allow a six-week winter hunting season for archery and muzzleloaders from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14.

• There will be an additional 10-day early fall season from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1, 2026.
• The state is also considering eliminating the Sunday hunting ban on the islands to cut down on the deer population, and in turn, the tick threat.
• Massachusetts is one of only two states that prohibit Sunday hunting.

By the numbers: Deer overpopulation is reaching a tipping point on both islands.

• There are over 100 deer per square mile in some closed areas, according to state data. The target number is between 12 to 18 deer per square mile.
• It'll take at least 5,000 hunted deer to reduce tick populations on the islands.
• Last year, hunters killed around 800 deer.

The big picture: In a statement, Gov. Maura Healey framed the hunting expansion as balancing tradition with public health.

• Tick biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds warned the threat is "driving away residents and visitors alike."

Tick bites can lead to alpha-gal syndrome — a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat, gelatins and other animal-derived products.

Between the lines: Local hunter Brian Athearn, who has alpha-gal, continues hunting despite being unable to eat meat.

• He says it's to feed the community through venison donation programs that benefit food banks.

What's next: Public listening sessions early next year will determine if expanded hunting seasons become permanent and if Sunday hunting will be allowed.