State Guide

Massachusetts Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Massachusetts hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Massachusetts Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $27.5 Non-res: $65.5

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Oct 2	Nov 25
Shotgun	Nov 27	Dec 9
Muzzleloader	Dec 11	Dec 31

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2-3 depending on zone

No centerfire rifles. Shotgun slugs and muzzleloaders only. High deer densities on islands and suburban areas.

Turkey

Res: $27.5 Non-res: $65.5

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 24	May 20
Archery	Oct 16	Nov 25

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 spring, 1 fall)

Spring bearded turkey. Fall archery season. Excellent turkey populations statewide. Youth hunt weekend.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $27.5 Non-res: $65.5

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 10	Jan 1

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal and state waterfowl stamps required. Atlantic Flyway. Coastal waterfowl and sea duck hunting.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Massachusetts Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Massachusetts?

Yes. All hunters in Massachusetts must hold a valid hunting license from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $27.5, non-resident $65.5. Turkey: resident $27.5, non-resident $65.5.

When is deer season in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts deer seasons: Archery: Oct 2 - Nov 25, Shotgun: Nov 27 - Dec 9, Muzzleloader: Dec 11 - Dec 31.

Does Massachusetts require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Massachusetts requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Massachusetts. Their website (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.