Massachusetts Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

In the state of Massachusetts, hunting is a popular pastime. Every year, hunters take to the woods in search of deer, bear, and other game animals.

Hunting in Massachusetts is regulated by Massachusetts Fishing & Hunting Department and there is some fantastic hunting to be had in the state, as well as a variety of beautiful sights.

Massachusetts Deer Seasons

Youth Deer Hunt Day	Oct. 1
Paraplegic Hunt	Nov. 3 – Nov. 5
Shotgun Deer Hunt	Nov. 28 – Dec. 10
Archery Deer Hunt Zones 10 – 14	Oct. 3 – Nov. 26
Archery Deer Hunt Zones 1 – 9	Oct. 17 – Nov. 26
Primitive Firearms	Dec. 12 – Dec. 31

*Massachusetts is home to a few different zones. Make sure to check the official Fishing and Hunting website to check for specific details if you are going to hunt in the area.

Bag limits for Deer are as follows:

• Antlered Deer (any deer with at least one antler 3” or longer) – 2/year
• Antlerless Deer – As many as a hunter has permits to claim.
• Youth Day – 1 of either sex

Massachusetts Black Bear Seasons

Black Bear Zones 1 – 14

Sep. 6 – Sep. 24, Nov. 7 – Nov. 26, Nov. 28 – Dec. 10

*Massachusetts is home to a few different zones. Make sure to check the official Fishing and Hunting website to check for specific details if you are going to hunt in the area.

Bag limits for Bear are as follows:

One per calendar year

Massachusetts Gamebird Seasons

Crow, Zones 1 – 14	Jan. 1 – Apr. 9, Jul. 1 – Apr. 10
Pheasant Youth Hunt	Sep. 3, 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1, 8
Pheasant Zones 1 – 14	Oct. 15 – Nov. 26
Quail Zones 11 – 14	Oct. 15 – Nov. 26
Ruffed Grouse Zones 1 – 14	Oct. 15 – Nov. 26
Wild Turkey Youth Hunt Zones 1 – 13	Apr. 23
Wild Turkey Fall Zones 1 – 9	Oct. 17 – Nov. 26
Wild Turkey Fall Zones 10 – 13	Oct. 3 – Nov. 26
Wild Turkey Spring Zones 1 – 13	Apr. 25 – May 21

*Massachusetts is home to a few different zones. Make sure to check the official Fishing and Hunting website to check for specific details if you are going to hunt in the area.

There is no hunting upland game birds when it is deer shotgun season. Migratory game birds have separate seasons.

Massachusetts Small Game

Cottontail Rabbit Zones 1 – 12	Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, Oct. 15 – Feb. 28
Cottontail Rabbit Zones 13 – 14	Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, Nov. 15 – Feb. 28
Snowshoe Hare Zones 1 – 4	Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, Oct. 15 – Feb. 28
Snowshoe Hare Zones 5 – 12	Jan. 1 – Feb. 5, Oct. 15 – Feb. 4
Snowshoe Hare Zones 13 and 14	Jan. 1 – Feb. 5, Oct. 15 – Feb. 4
Gray Squirrel Zones 1 – 9	Sep. 12 – Jan. 2
Gray Squirrel Zones 10 – 14	Oct. 15 – Jan. 2

*Massachusetts is home to a few different zones. Make sure to check the official Fishing and Hunting website to check for specific details if you are going to hunt in the area.

Small game season is closed when it is shotgun deer season.

Massachusetts Furbearer Seasons

Bobcat	Jan, 1 – Mar. 8
Coyote	Jan, 1 – Mar. 8
Fox (red or gray)	Jan, 1 – Feb. 28
Opossum	Jan, 1 – Jan. 31
Raccoon	Jan, 1 – Jan. 31

*Massachusetts is home to a few different zones. Make sure to check the official Fishing and Hunting website to check for specific details if you are going to hunt in the area.

Similar to the other species, you cannot hunt most furbearers when it is deer shotgun season.

Massachusetts Crossbow Regulations

As of 2013, it is only legal to hunt using a crossbow if the individual is disabled to the point that using a standard, vertical bow would be impossible. The individual must have certification from a licensed physician. Upon submission and review of the paperwork, only then will a crossbow permit be granted to the hunter for use.

If this pertains to you, the following should be kept in mind:

• Never fire an arrow less than 150 feet from a highway or less than 500 feet from a home or occupied dwelling.
• There are no regulations in reference to minimum draw weight, maximum draw weight, bow length, or arrow shaft length.
• Expandable broadheads are legal.
• Any broadhead, including expandable, must have a cutting diameter of 7/8” minimum.

Massachusetts Hunting License

All hunters over the age of 15 need a hunting license in the state of Massachusetts. For residents, the license costs $26. For nonresident adults, it costs $98 to hunt big game. For nonresident adults hunting small game, a license is $64.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Michigan.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Maryland.