Quabbin Reservation

2008 Deer Hunt

            2008 Deer Hunt Brochure  |   Lottery Results

Items of Note

• Hunters may apply in groups of up to six on one application.  There MUST be at least two hunters on each application.
  
  
• Each hunter MUST pay a $10.00 non-refundable fee payable by check or money order to the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts".
  
  
• No person’s name can appear on more than one form. Duplicate applicants will be eliminated from the lottery.
  
  
• Application deadline is August 15, 2008 – either hand-delivered by 4:00 PM to the Visitor Center or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service by that date.
  
  
• Do not staple or tape check to application.

Background

Since its creation in the 1930s, hunting had not been permitted on the Quabbin Reservation. Consequently, densities of several wildlife species exceeded those found in other parts of the state where hunting has historically been allowed. In particular, deer densities in some areas of the reservation were three to five times the statewide average.

In June of 1989, the former Division of Watershed Management of the Metropolitan District Commission, now the Office of Watershed Management of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, determined that the deer herd was negatively impacting its mandate to protect the natural resources and water of Quabbin. At that time it was also determined that the most workable and achievable solution to this situation was to reduce deer populations using a series of controlled public hunts.

Controlled hunts began in 1991 in the Pelham area and expanded to the four other management blocks (Prescott, New Salem, Hardwick and Petersham) during the next three years. As deer population densities have been lowered, yearly hunting effort has also been reduced so that by 1996 only one hunting segment was used in each hunt area. This is in keeping with DCR’s intent to scale back hunting effort as the program moves from the initial reduction phase to a population maintenance phase. The goal of this latter phase is to maintain deer densities at levels that allow for the continued establishment and development of forest regeneration. While hunter success has been lower during this phase than in earlier years, the exceptional scenery and habitat of Quabbin Reservation still makes for a quality hunting experience.

Organization of the Hunt

During 2008, hunting will occur in the following areas: New Salem between Gates 22 and 35; Pelham between Gates 3A and 16; Hardwick between Gates 41 and 50; and Petersham between Gates 35-40. Access will be restricted to designated gates. Hunters must check in and out by posted times on each day they hunt and obey all regulations and directions of DCR and law enforcement personnel.

Each of the four areas will have one, two-day segment as follows: Pelham and New Salem on Dec. 4 & 5, and Hardwick and Petersham on Dec. 11 and 12.

Hunters will be assigned to a specific access zone where they must check in and out each day. At the orientation session or through the mail, all hunters must purchase a Quabbin specific antlerless deer permit from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. To minimize vehicular traffic and increase efficiency, hunters may apply in groups of up to six with a MINIMUM of two.

Since 2007, hunters have been able to use muzzleloaders for the Quabbin Deer Hunt. However, all hunters must possess a valid FID Card in order to participate in the hunt.

Hunter Selection Process

Approximately 1,100 hunters will be randomly selected from applications submitted with the required fee. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF BEING SELECTED, CHECK AS MANY SEGMENTS AS POSSIBLE FOR WHICH EVERYONE WILL BE AVAILABLE. The drawing to select hunters will be based on the last digits of your hunting license numbers. All eligible license numbers listed on the application will be included in the lottery. Selected hunters will be required to attend an orientation session prior to the 2008 Quabbin deer hunt except for those who attended an orientation in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 or 2002. ANYONE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN ORIENTATION BUT FAILS TO WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE HUNT.

On the Application, there is a box asking individual hunters about their interest in hunting a second Quabbin segment. If the DCR does not have enough hunters to fill the final hunt segment, this provides an option for offering a second hunt segment for individual hunters who have expressed interest.

Instructions for Completing the Application Form:

1. Print all information clearly. We will not be responsible for applications we cannot read!
   
   
2. Do not skip anything! If you do not include everything we ask for, you may be disqualified.
   
   
3. You must possess a valid 2008 Massachusetts Hunting or Sporting License BEFORE you apply.
   
   
4. Circle your hunt area preferences 1-4; 1=highest preference; 4=lowest preference. Remember to circle ALL segments for which all applicants are available.
   
   
5. There must be at least TWO hunters on each application. Everyone’s license number is eligible for the drawing.
   
   
6. No name can appear on more than one application. Duplicate applicants will be eliminated from the drawing.
   
   
7. Double check the ENTIRE application form before you send it in. Make sure that your check or money order is payable to the "Commonwealth of  Massachusetts".
   
   
8. $10.00 must be sent for each person on the application. If there are six people on one form, the check must be for $60.00

Schedule

Hunt Dates

Deer Hunt Reports

2008 Quabbin Deerhunter Newsletter

2006 Quabbin Moose Survey

Quabbin Reservation White-Tailed Deer Impact Management Program: 5-Year (2000-2004) Review and New 5-Year Plan

Quabbin Reservation White-Tailed Deer Impact Management Program: Results from 2005

For additional information contact the DCR Division of Water Supply Protection at:

Quabbin Reservoir

Department of Conservation & Recreation
485 Ware Rd.
Belchertown, MA 01007
(413) 323-6921

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