For a passionate hunter like you this place with all essential information about Massachusetts hunting seasons. Learn about all available games such as bear, deer, turkey and many other species
The state of Massachusetts may be a small one, but for hunters, this is one of the perfect spots in the whole of US. Not only that you'll be able to enjoy hunting but some of the most iconic places of American history as well. Here, you can go hunting for deer, wild turkey or bear. Of course, there are many more small game species as well such as rabbit, grey squirrel, snowshoe hare and many other.
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Massachusetts Hunting Seasons and All Available Games
#1. Massachusetts Deer Seasons
Types | Seasons | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
Shotgun | November 26 – December 8 | Annual limit – 2 antlered deer + antlerless deer by permit |
Archery | *October 1 – November 24 | |
Primitive Firearms | December 10 – 31 | |
Paraplegic Hunt | November 1 – 3 | |
Youth Hunt | September 29 | Annual limit – 1 antlered deer or 1 antlerless deer in the ZONE specified by the permit during season |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone.
#2. Massachusetts Wild Turkey Season
Types | Seasons | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
Spring General Season | April 30 – May 26 | Annual limit – 2 wild turkeys total, only one may be harvested per day. |
Spring Youth Hunt | April 28 | |
Fall General Season | October 22 – November 3 |
#3. Massachusetts Bear Seasons
Types | Seasons | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
General Season | September 4 – 22 | Annual limit – 1 bear |
#4. Massachusetts Small Game Seasons
Types | Seasons |
|---|---|
Snowshoe Hare | *October 14 – February 28 |
Cottontail Rabbit | October 14 – February 28 |
Grey Squirrel | *September 10 – January 2 |
Crow | January 1 – April 9 |
Pheasant | October 13 – November 24 |
Quail | |
Ruffled Grouse |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone.
License Requirements
Who needs a license in Massachusetts? By state law, if you want to hunt or trap, you will need an adequate license. Everyone who is 15 or older will need a hunting license.
Is there an age limit for hunting? Yes, you can hunt in Massachusetts if you are at least 12 years old. Persons from 12 to 14 must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is older than 18. One minor per adult is allowed, and minors share their bag and firearm with the adult hunter.
Are there any other additional requirements except the license? Depending on what and where you wish to hunt, you may need additional permits or stamps.
You can buy your license if you have previously passed a Basic Hunter Education Course. To be able to pass this course you need to be 18 or older. Youth hunters are not required to pass the hunter education course but need to complete the Youth Hunter Program for various species.
Night Hunting in Massachusetts
Night hunting is allowed, but there are some exceptions. There is no hunting on Sunday, and at night you can hunt opossums, racoons, coyotes, and foxes, but only with the shotgun.
The use of artificial lights is prohibited, however, night vision is allowed. Night hunting is not allowed during the shotgun season for deer hunting. In that period hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset.
To be well prepared for your next hunt, always first check the regulations and season dates on the website of Massachusetts Government.
Where to Hunt in Massachusetts?
It can take a lot of time to find your perfect spot for hunting, but before every hunt always learn about regulations and check all your options, and you will without a doubt find the right hunting spot.
Which lands are open for hunting in Massachusetts?
Wildlife Management Areas are owned by the state of Massachusetts and are open for hunting, trapping, and fishing.
Wildlife Conservation Easements are lands that are privately owned but are open fo all hunting and other outdoor recreation.
Access Areas are small parcels of land that provide public access to water bodies, other properties, or other conservation lands that is owned by a third party.
All these areas are closed to any motorized vehicles, and for easier exploring these lands, and finding your hunting spot, you can use MassWildlife Lands Viewer.