Skip navigation.

The Official Website of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

 
Hunting Information

Game Check Stations

The Quick Links box at the right will direct you to game check stations for animals that must be tagged or sealed. At the bottom of this page there is also a link to fish weigh stations for anglers who are participating in the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program.

Game Check Station Requirements for Hunters

Deer Check StationHunters who successfully harvest a deer, turkey, coyote or bear, are required to bring the animal to an official game check station within 48 hours of killing the animal. At the check station, information about the animal will be recorded, and a seal or tag will be affixed to the animal. The hunter who took the animal must be present at the check station and have his or her license and any pertinent permits with them.

Not all game species can be checked at all check stations. Be sure to check the list for the game you need to bring to an official checking station. For example, some, but not all, deer check stations will check coyotes during the deer hunting seasons.

Furbearer Checking Requirements for Trappers

Trappers must check certain furbearers they have trapped for proper sealing at official furbearer check stations.

Fox, coyote, fisher, mink, river otter and beaver pelts must be sealed within four working days from the end of the season for each species.

Bobcat pelts must be tagged within four working days from the date harvested.

Pelt sealing is not required for weasel, raccoon, opossum, skunk or muskrat.

Fish Weigh Stations

Anglers who want to weigh their fish for the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program can visit the fish weigh station page for participating weigh station locations.

Anglers who believe they have broken a state record must present their fish in its entirety (whole) to qualified fisheries personnel at MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough or at any of the five MassWildlife District offices.