Massachusetts Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the smallest states in the United States, but it is also one of the top hunting states. Deer, bears, and other small games are popular throughout the state. The state also has a number of mini-games.

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game also sells hunting licenses and tags online to both citizens and non-residents. This makes it quite simple for individuals to obtain permissions for the games they want to play.

Regulations for Hunting in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game has different hunting regulations, statutes, and standards that all resident and out-of-state hunters must follow. The following are some of the hunting rules in Massachusetts:

Prohibitions on hunting in Massachusetts

The following illegal hunting activities are prohibited in Massachusetts:

It is illegal to employ airbows, arrow weapons, or any other type of hunting firearm that requires project arrows, bolts, compressed air, or gun powders in any form. Flexing and bowstring releases are permitted exceptions.
It is illegal to use poisoned or chemically coated arrows, arrows with explosive tips, arrows with firearm cartridges that explode or discharge when they hit a target, and bows shot with mechanical aids unless permitted by Massachusetts hunting laws.
It is illegal to use any sort of artificial light when hunting wildlife or game animals. Exceptions are made for games such as opossum and raccoon.
It is illegal to set bait for game animals such as deer, turkeys, bears, or migratory game birds less than 10 days before the start of the game animal’s hunting season.
It is illegal to use weapons irresponsibly or negligently in the guise of hunting.
In Massachusetts, it is illegal to set traps or nets to hunt game animals or birds.
It is illegal in Massachusetts to discharge weapons or deploy an archery device across public roadways and highways. Within a roadway, the legal distance for hunting is 150 feet.
It is illegal to possess a loaded firearm, shoot, or hunt any game animal on private land or within 500 feet of any human-occupied building. An exemption is made for individuals who obtain permission from private landowners before hunting on their property.
It is illegal in Massachusetts to employ electronic calls to attract migratory birds, deer, or turkeys.
It is illegal to hunt game with a ferret unless you have a valid Massachusetts hunting permit.
It is illegal to have rifles and pistols in Wildlife Management Areas with quail and pheasant while hunting during the quail or pheasant shooting seasons.
It is illegal to hunt on grounds with hunting posts unless you acquire permission from the management in charge.
Sunday hunting is prohibited in Massachusetts.
It is illegal to hunt, own firearms, practice target shooting, release arrows, or use any other form of hunting weapon while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance.
It is illegal to transport loaded rifles or shotguns in recreational RVs or any other vehicle. This includes boats and planes.
In Massachusetts, it is illegal to use firearms such as machine guns, automatic weapons, or inflammable ammunition while hunting.
It is illegal to take game animals and birds using motor vehicles, including snowmobiles, airplanes, or off-road vehicles.
It is illegal to possess game animals that have been designated as endangered by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. Hunters should understand that it makes no difference whether the game is alive or dead. Exceptions are made for those who have permission.
It is illegal to utilize firearms such as handguns, rifles, or hunting dogs during shotgun seasons. In coastal waterways, however, hunting dogs may be used to capture waterfowl.
It is illegal to use hunting dogs to hunt animals such as bobcats, turkeys, bears, and deer.
It is illegal to use powerboats or sailboats to take birds until the boat has been powered off and is sailing. There is, however, an exception for using boats to rescue injured birds.
It is illegal to remove game mammals from their holes, grounds, logs, or any other location where they live.
It is illegal to use rifles designed to accept ammunition larger than.22 calibers, as well as pistols and revolvers designed to take ammunition larger than.38 calibers, between 30 minutes after dark and 30 minutes before sunrise.
It is illegal to sell game animals and birds, with the exception of heads and hides to approved fur purchasers and the sale of deer hooves and shin bones to anyone.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

Except while bow hunting, you may carry a firearm when hunting.

The possession of firearms while deer hunting in Massachusetts is prohibited.

To protect hunting activities, the state has hunter harassment statutes.

Among them are the following:

Nobody shall disrupt or interfere with any hunting activity in the state, nor shall anyone hinder the lawful taking of wild animals in an area allowed for such activity.
No one shall disrupt wildlife or fish in order to obstruct authorized hunting.
Nobody may harass, annoy, or obstruct someone who holds a license to hunt in wildlife areas or fish in aquatic regions.
Nobody shall use any kind of stimulation to affect animals in the wild or fish in such a way that it impacts hunting activities or prevents the animals from being taken.
Nobody shall install a barrier in an area designated for legitimate hunting activities in order to prevent hunting movements.
Nobody shall put himself or herself in harm’s way to impede the lawful capture of an animal in the wild.
Nobody shall tamper with the settings of a private or public property used to hunt wildlife.
Nobody shall trespass on public or private land used for hunting without the owner’s or those in charge of the property’s consent.

Licenses, permits, and tags in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a hunting license is issued based on the hunter’s residency, kind of game, and age. There are numerous Massachusetts hunting licenses, permits, and tags available, including the following:

Residents’ Hunting Permit

These are the hunting licenses available to Massachusetts residents. To be eligible for these licenses, you must have lived in the state for at least six months.

Adult Hunting and Fishing Permit

This license is accessible to adult Massachusetts citizens and permits them to participate in fishing and hunting activities. Adult hunting and fishing licenses are classified into two classes based on their validity. Annual licenses cost $38.75, while three-year licenses cost $97.

Junior Hunting and Fishing Permit

This license is accessible to Massachusetts teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17. It enables them to engage in fishing and hunting. In terms of validity, there are two sorts of junior hunting and fishing licenses. Annual licenses cost $19, while three-year licenses cost $49.

Senior Hunting Permit

This license is accessible to senior residents of Massachusetts aged 65 and up. It enables them to engage in fishing and hunting. In terms of validity, there are two sorts of senior fishing licenses. Annual licenses cost $13.75, while three-year licenses cost $33.5.

License for Sportsman’s Package

This license includes all of the benefits of a resident hunting license, as well as tags for game such as turkeys, wolves, mountain lions, elk, and bears. Holders of this license are permitted to use muzzleloader and archery firearms. It is $144.6.

Hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans

Residents of Massachusetts who are disabled and have a letter from the veteran certifying their disability percentage are eligible for this license. To apply for the license, they must be at least 40% disabled. It will set you back $5.57.

Non-resident hunting permit

This is an out-of-state hunting license for non-residents who want to hunt in Massachusetts.

Adult Hunting and Fishing Permit

Adult nonresidents can obtain this license, which allows them to engage in fishing and hunting activities. Adult hunting and fishing licenses are classified into two classes based on their validity. The annual license costs $264, while the three-year license costs $788.50.

Ordinary Adult Hunting License

Adult nonresidents can obtain this license, which allows them to engage in exclusive hunting activities. Adult hunting licenses are classified into two classes based on their validity. The one for three days costs $185, while the one for three years costs $551.5.

Small Game Hunting Permit

This license entitles the licensee to hunt migrating birds, upland games, cottontail rabbits, turkeys, furbearers, hares, and predators. The license, however, is ineligible for the first five days of the Massachusetts pheasant hunting season. For non-residents, there are two categories of small game hunting licenses dependent on their validity. One valid for five days costs $141.75, while one valid for three days costs $71.71.

Trapping Permit

This license allows nonresidents to trap games in Massachusetts. It is $331.75.

Junior Mentored Hunting Permit

Non-residents between the ages of 10 and 17 are eligible for this license. Non-residents with this license are not permitted to hunt alone. They will be accompanied by a licensed adult, who will be available for conversation throughout the quest. This license is available to junior non-residents who are 9 years old but will turn 10 before hunting season. The license also includes three days of fishing. In terms of validity, there are two types of this license. The one-year version costs $91.75. The three-year one costs $271.5.

Non-resident disabled veteran license

Nonresidents who are disabled and have a letter from the veteran certifying their disability percentage are eligible for this license. To apply for the license, they must be at least 40% disabled. The license costs $31.5 and includes three days of fishing.

Licenses, permits, and tags for fishing in Massachusetts

Massachusetts fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Residents’ Fishing Permit

These are the fishing licenses accessible to Massachusetts residents.

Adult Fishing Permit

This license is offered to Massachusetts residents who desire to fish in state waters. In Massachusetts, there are two categories of resident adult fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $30.5, while the one for three years costs $73.75.

Daily Fishing Permit

For residents of Massachusetts who desire to fish, this license is valid for one day. It costs $13.5 for the first day and $6 for each subsequent day.

Junior Fishing Permit

This license is valid for Massachusetts citizens between the ages of 14 and 17 who want to go fishing. In Massachusetts, there are two categories of junior fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $13.75, while the one for three years costs $73.75.

License for Military Hunting and Fishing

This is a combination of fishing and hunting licenses valid for Massachusetts citizens who are members of the United States military. It will set you back $20.5.

Non-resident fishing permit

Non-residents who want to fish in Massachusetts can utilize this license. Among them are the following:

Adult Fishing Permit

Nonresident adults who want to fish in Massachusetts water bodies can obtain this license. In Massachusetts, there are two categories of nonresident adult fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $98.25, while the one for three years costs $291.25.

Daily Fishing Permit

For nonresidents of Massachusetts who desire to fish, this license is valid for one day. It costs $15 for the first day and $7 for each subsequent day.

Junior Fishing Permit

This license is valid for nonresident teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 who want to go fishing. In Massachusetts, there are two categories of junior nonresident fishing licenses based on their validity. The one for a year costs $21.75, while the one for three years costs $61.75.

2020/21 Massachusetts Hunting Season

The hunting season in Massachusetts varies depending on the game. It is critical for hunters in the state to be aware of the hunting season for the game they choose to pursue.

The following species will be hunted in Massachusetts during the 2020–21 hunting season:

Seasons for hunting deer in Massachusetts

General Hunting Season (October 10th to December 1st)
Seasons for hunting elk in Massachusetts
General Hunting Season (August 1st to December 31st)

The elk hunting season in Massachusetts varies according to the state’s varied hunting zones and methods. You can inquire about hunting zones with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game.

Seasons for hunting pronghorn in Massachusetts

Controlled Hunting Season (September 25th to December 31st)

Seasons for hunting black bears in Massachusetts

Seasons for general hunting (30th of August to 31st of October and 15th of April to 30th of April)

There is a seasonal restriction of one bear per season for bear hunting in Massachusetts. Trapping, capturing, or turkey hunting in Massachusetts is prohibited.

Season for Turkey Hunting in Massachusetts

General Fall Hunting Season (August 30th to January 31st)
Spring Youth Hunting Season (April 8th to April 14th)
Spring General Hunting Season (April 15th to May 25th)

Small Game Hunting Seasons in Massachusetts

Cottontail and hare hunting seasons (August 30th to March 31st)
Seasons for hunting quail (18th of September to 31st of January)
Chukar and Partridge Hunting Seasons (September 1st to January 31st)
Hunting Seasons for Male Pheasants (9th October to 31st December)
Season of Squirrel Hunting (30th of August to 31st of March)

The start and end dates of a game hunting season will fluctuate depending on the hunting zone in Massachusetts.

In addition, most big game in Massachusetts have limited hunting to reduce overpopulation. Permits are required to hunt these animals.

Wildlife, Games, and Fishing in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you can enjoy a variety of games and animals, including the following:

Hunting for deer in Massachusetts

Deer hunting is popular in Massachusetts. The whitetail deer is a species found in the Salmon River’s northern reaches. They are hunted more heavily in the fall than mule deer. Mule deer, on the other hand, are more abundant in southern Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is popular in Massachusetts, particularly around rivers. They are, however, more entrenched in the Weiser Payette and Snake Rivers. There are also excellent turkey hunting chances in places like the Craig Mountain WMA. Turkeys can be found on federal and state hunting properties, as well as on private sand timber lands throughout the state.

Hunting for fox in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, there are several fox species that are suitable for hunting. The red fox can be found in practically every part of the state. There are kit foxes, which are normally uncommon but live in the southern region of Massachusetts. Kit foxes are small, weighing about 3 to 6 pounds and measuring 18 to 21 inches in length. The gray fox is the state’s largest fox species.

Bear hunting in Massachusetts

Black bear hunting is popular in Massachusetts. They are usually tough to hunt because their habitat is bordered by extremely impenetrable terrain. They reside in regions with an abundance of food supplies, such as bushes and hard masts. Bears can also be found in deciduous forests, subalpine ridgetops, and wet meadows in Massachusetts.

Hunting for pronghorns in Massachusetts

Pronghorns are generally found in areas of the state with broad open spaces due to their nature. They prefer shrubby and grassland areas with vegetation no taller than 2 feet, which is where most pronghorn hunting in Massachusetts takes place. They live in the sagebrush of southern Massachusetts, especially during the winter, and receive the majority of their food from this area.

Quail hunting in Massachusetts

The California quail is the most common quail in Massachusetts, and it may be found in the state’s south-central region. They can be found around bodies of water such as streams and rivers.

Pheasant hunting in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, pheasant hunting is done in clearwater and Magic Valley locales. However, due to new farming methods and increased urbanization in the state, their populations have declined in recent years. However, there are still plenty of wild pheasants in Massachusetts.

Hunting for ducks in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, there are several species of ducks, and because they are waterfowl, the best places to see them are in wetland areas away from human settlements. Duck hunting is also practiced on wildlife refuges in Massachusetts. Ducks live in bodies of water such as ponds and lakes, and they prefer shallow areas.

Public Shooting Ranges in Massachusetts for Hunting Practice

Hunters should practice their gun skills whenever they have the opportunity. The following are some of the shooting ranges in Massachusetts that are open to the public:

Cape Ann Sportsmen’s Association
Association of Cape Cod Fish and Game
The Fall River Rod and Gun Club
Georgetown Fish and Game Club
Fox and Coon Club on High Hill
Lee Sportsmen’s Organization
Rod and Gun Club of Martha’s Vineyard
Sportsmen’s Club of Massapoag
Airgun from New England

Hunting Lands for Sale and Lease in Massachusetts

Massachusetts hunting lands for sale include the following:

95 acres in Heath, Massachusetts (Franklin County).
25 acres in Chester, Massachusetts (Hampden County).

The following hunting lands are available for lease in Massachusetts:

Pheasant and Chukar Packages on 130 Acres of Beautiful New England Cover on a Private Preserve in Worcester County