Massachusetts 2025-2026 Hunting Guide – Regulations, Zones & Key Dates
Planning your outdoor adventures in the Bay State? This comprehensive guide covers all the essential details for Massachusetts wildlife management areas, providing hunters with up-to-date information on dates, regulations, and zone-specific requirements for the 2025-2026 period. Whether you’re pursuing whitetails in the Berkshires or waterfowl along the coast, we’ve got you covered with official dates, bag limits, and zone information.
From archery enthusiasts to firearm users, this resource breaks down every opportunity available across all 14 wildlife zones. You’ll find everything from big game schedules to small game opportunities, plus crucial details about special youth programs and veteran benefits.
Massachusetts Hunting Quick Reference: Key Species & Dates
| Species | Opening Day | Closing Day | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Oct 6 | Nov 29 | Bow/Crossbow |
| Deer (Shotgun) | Dec 1 | Dec 13 | Shotgun/Slug |
| Black Bear | Sep 2 | Sep 20 | Various |
| Wild Turkey (Spring) | Apr 28 | May 24 | Shotgun/Bow |
| Pheasant | Oct 18 | Dec 31 | Shotgun/Bow |
| Waterfowl (Regular) | Oct 11-13* | Jan 28* | Shotgun |
*Zone-dependent dates
Big Game: Archery & Rifle Opportunities 🦌
Whitetail Deer
The cornerstone of Massachusetts outdoor recreation offers multiple opportunities throughout fall and winter:
• Youth Day: September 27 (special permits required) • Archery Period: Oct 6 – Nov 29 (all zones 1-14) • Paraplegic Access: Oct 30 – Nov 1 • Shotgun Period: Dec 1 – Dec 13 • Primitive Firearms: Dec 15 – Dec 31
Each period requires appropriate licenses and stamps. Zone maps are available through MassWildlife, with specific regulations varying by area.
Black Bear 🐻
Three distinct periods provide excellent opportunities: • Early Period: Sep 2 – Sep 20 • Mid Period: Nov 3 – Nov 22
• Late Period: Dec 1 – Dec 13
Annual bag limit is one bear, with mandatory registration within 48 hours. All zones 1-14 are open during these periods.
Turkey Opportunities: Spring, Fall & Youth 🦃
Spring Gobbler Action
The premier turkey experience runs April 28 – May 24 across zones 1-13. Youth participants get early access on April 26 (completion of Youth Turkey Hunt program required).
Fall Mixed Bag
October 6 through November 29 offers both archery and firearm opportunities. Special firearms periods include shotgun and muzzleloader access from October 20 – November 1.
Furbearer Opportunities
The Bay State provides excellent furbearer potential with varied schedules:
• Coyote: Jan 1 – Mar 8, 2025 and Oct 18, 2025 – Mar 7, 2026 (zones 1-14) • Fox (red/gray): Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2025 and Nov 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 • Bobcat: Jan 1 – Mar 8, 2025 and Dec 20, 2025 – Mar 7, 2026 (zones 1-8 only) • Raccoon & Opossum: Jan 1 – Jan 31, 2025 and Oct 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Note: Most furbearer activities close during shotgun deer period, except coyote with special restrictions.
Upland Birds 🐦
Ringneck Pheasant
Youth get priority access on September 6, 13, 20 and October 4, 11. Regular opportunities run October 18 – December 31 statewide.
Ruffed Grouse
Classic New England upland action from October 18 – November 29 across all zones.
Bobwhite Quail
Limited to zones 11-14, running October 18 – December 31.
American Crow
Extended periods: January 1 – April 10, 2025 and July 1, 2025 – April 10, 2026 (Monday, Friday, Saturday only).
Upland Animals & Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2025; Sep 2, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 1-14 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2025; Oct 18, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 1-14 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2025; Oct 18, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 1-14 |
All small game closes during shotgun deer period
Year-round opportunities exist for English sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, weasel, and woodchuck (except during shotgun deer dates).
Migratory Birds 🦆
Duck Opportunities by Zone
Berkshire Zone: Oct 13 – Nov 28 and Dec 13 – Jan 3 Central Zone: Oct 11 – Nov 28 and Dec 15 – Jan 3
Coastal Zone: Oct 11 – Oct 18 and Nov 28 – Jan 28
Scaup, Mergansers & Sea Ducks
Specific dates follow federal frameworks and are announced annually through MassWildlife’s migratory bird regulations.
Geese Opportunities
Early Statewide: Sep 1 – Sep 19
Regular Period by Zone: • Berkshire: Oct 13 – Nov 15 • Central: Oct 11 – Nov 28 and Dec 15 – Jan 3 • Coastal: Oct 11 – Oct 18 and Nov 28 – Jan 28
Waterfowl Specialties 🦢
Youth & Veteran Access
Special opportunities on September 20 and October 4 provide excellent mentorship possibilities for new waterfowlers.
Woodcock Action
American Woodcock offers classic upland excitement from October 2 – November 22 statewide.
Late Goose Periods
Extended opportunities by zone: • Berkshire: Dec 15 – Feb 14 • Central: Jan 17 – Feb 14
• North Coastal: Jan 29 – Feb 14
Additional Game Opportunities
Falconry Privileges
Licensed falconers enjoy extended access to pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, hare, and squirrel through March 14, plus crow during regular crow periods. Waterfowl falconry runs October 18 – February 19.
Trapping Opportunities
Furbearer trapping provides winter income potential: • Beaver: Nov 1, 2025 – Apr 15, 2026 • Fisher: Nov 1 – Nov 22, 2025 • Mink/River Otter: Nov 1 – Dec 15, 2025 • Bobcat/Coyote/Fox/Weasel: Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2025
🎟️ License and Permit Information
Before heading afield, ensure you have the appropriate licenses and permits:
- Resident Licenses: Available for various categories including basic hunting, sporting (combination), and specialty permits
- Non-Resident Options: Short-term and seasonal licenses for visitors
- Youth Licenses: Special reduced fees and opportunities for participants under 18
- Specialized Permits: Required for deer (antlerless), turkey, bear, and certain other species
All licenses and permits can be purchased through MassFishHunt online portal or at authorized license vendors throughout the state. Remember that all participants born after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a Massachusetts hunting license.
🗺️ Wildlife Management Zones
Massachusetts is divided into 14 wildlife management zones, each with specific regulations based on habitat conditions and wildlife populations. For detailed maps of these zones, visit the Massachusetts Wildlife Management Zone Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sunday hunts permitted in Massachusetts?
No, hunting on Sundays is prohibited throughout Massachusetts.
What special opportunities exist for young sportspeople?
Massachusetts offers dedicated youth days for deer (September 28, 2024) and turkey (April 27, 2024), plus youth pheasant hunts on specific dates in September and October.
Where can I find information about public lands open to hunting?
The MassWildlife Lands Viewer provides interactive maps of Wildlife Management Areas and other public lands available for recreation. Visit mass.gov/masswildlife-lands for details.
Is trapping allowed in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts has specific seasons for trapping various furbearers including beaver (November 1, 2024 – April 15, 2025), fisher (November 1-22, 2024), and others. Pelt checking/reporting is required for certain species.
What are the requirements for fluorescent orange?
Orange requirements vary by season and method. During shotgun deer season, 500 square inches of orange visible from all directions is required for most pursuits.
Related Resources
- New Hampshire Hunting Seasons
- Connecticut Hunting Seasons
- Rhode Island Hunting Seasons
Final Thoughts on the Massachusetts Outdoor Calendar
As you plan your field adventures in the Bay State this year, remember that regulations can change, and it’s always wise to verify the most current information before heading out. Massachusetts offers remarkable diversity for outdoor enthusiasts across its varied landscapes, from the Berkshire highlands to the coastal plains.
Always practice ethical sportsmanship, respect private property boundaries, and consider joining a local conservation organization to support wildlife habitat. The complete Massachusetts Guide to Hunting, Freshwater Fishing, and Trapping is available online at www.mass.gov/masswildlife or at license vendors statewide.
Happy and safe adventures in Massachusetts’s wonderful natural areas!
