> Why is it illegal to hunt deer with a rifle larger than .22lr

Isn’t that only after dark? You shouldn’t be hunting deer with a 22 anyway…

There’s no way you can carry a sidearm while hunting in MA. Almost zero chance that’s allowed. You’re not likely to run into a situation like boar hunting.

Edit: apparently you can’t hunt with a rifle at all in MA. Well, shit. Rifled shotguns are okay tho.