Hunting in Massachusetts

Big Game

Massachusetts offers big game hunting primarily for White-tailed deer, Black bear and Wild turkey. Resident hunters have a single hunting license that covers small game and allows purchase of big game permits, whereas non-residents must specifically buy a Big Game license for Deer plus a respective permit for Bear/Turkey.

Hunting license comes with 2 antlered Deer tags for bucks valid statewide, however, hunters must apply for an Antlerless Deer Permit (by lottery) to take antlerless deer.

Archery and primitive weapon stamps are required for the respective seasons.

Bearand Turkey hunting requires additional permits to resident standard or non-resident Big Game licenses.

All licenses and permits are sold over-the-counter to residents and non-residents (except for the antlerless deer permit lottery).

Small Game

Small game in Massachusetts (squirrel, upland birds, waterfowl) is covered by the standard hunting license sold over the counter. However, certain species require additional stamps or permits.

Waterfowl hunters must obtain a Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp and the federal Duck Stamp.

Woodcock or other migratory bird hunters must complete a free HIP registration.

Upland game like Pheasant and Quail require a separate permit as well (the Pheasant/Quail permit).

Small game permits are generally available over the counter and are not quota-limited.

Documents Needed

• Massachusetts Hunting License
• Antlerless Deer Permit – Required to harvest antlerless deer
• Bear and Turkey Permits for respective species.
• Archery and Primitive Firearms Stamps, if applicable
• Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp, Pheasant/Quail permit
• Hunter Education Certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

The minimum age to hunt in Massachusetts is 12. Youth ages 12–14 may hunt without a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult mentor. At age 15, youths are eligible to pass hunter education and obtain the respective certificate.

More Information

• mass.gov - MassWildlife – Hunting Regulations