Hunting Seasons & Licensing · MA
Massachusetts Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonMassachusetts offers white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and upland hunting across a heavily developed landscape. Despite its urban character, the state maintains productive hunting — approximately 70,000 deer hunters participate annually. Massachusetts manages over 200,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas. The state's deer population has grown significantly, and liberal antlerless permits are available in many zones. Shotgun-only regulations apply for deer in most areas.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Oct 20 – Nov 29, 2025 | 1 antlered + antlerless permits | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Shotgun | Dec 1 – Dec 13, 2025 | 1 antlered + antlerless by zone | Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun |
| White-tailed Deer | Primitive Firearms | Dec 15 – Dec 31, 2025 | 1 deer | Muzzleloader, bow |
White-tailed Deer (Shotgun): Shotgun-only for deer. No rifles.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring (youth) | Last Saturday in April, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Last Monday in April – late May, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Late Oct – late Nov, 2025 | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Oct 18 – Nov 29, 2025 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 18 – Nov 29, 2025 | 3 daily | Shotgun |
| Woodcock | General | Oct 4 – Nov 17, 2025 | 3 daily / 9 possession | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on WMAs
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Oct 18 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Gray Squirrel | General | Oct 18 – Jan 3, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $27.50 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $65.50 | — |
| Resident Deer Permit (primitive) | $5.50 | — |
| Antlerless Deer Permit | Free (lottery) | Zone-specific by lottery |
| Turkey Permit | $5.50 | — |
| Youth (15–17) | Reduced fees | — |
| Youth (under 15) | Free with licensed adult | — |
| Senior (70+) | Free (resident) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Massachusetts hunting licenses are available over the counter. Antlerless deer permits are allocated by zone through a lottery. Applications are due in August. There is no preference point system. Turkey permits are available over the counter.
Harvest Reporting
Massachusetts requires mandatory check-in for all deer, turkey, and bear through the MassWildlife online system, check stations, or by phone. Deer and turkey must be reported within 24 hours.
Massachusetts Wildlife Resources
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Environmental Police Dispatch: 1-800-632-8075
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.