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

 
Hunting Information

Deer Harvest Information

Below are links to tables relating to the annual deer harvest in Massachusetts:

2008 FINAL DEER SEASON RESULTS 6-8-09

A total of 11,217 white-tailed deer were harvested by licensed hunters during the combined 2008 seasons. By season, the total breaks down to 8 deer taken during the deer season by paraplegic hunters, 3,521 taken during the archery season, 5,793 taken during the shotgun season and 1,895 taken during the muzzleloader season. Additionally, 80 deer were harvested during the Quabbin Reservation hunt. The total statewide deer harvest including the Quabbin hunt figures is 11,297.

Christensen noted that 2008 was another record year for the archery season with nearly a 7% increase statewide, saying, "Archery is an important management tool in suburban areas where deer densities are higher and firearms discharge and other local bylaws are in place. In addition, the archery season was expanded from 3 weeks to 6 weeks in 1999 and 2002 for zones 9-14 and zones 1-8, respectively." She pointed out that there was a slight overall decrease from 2007 during the shotgun and muzzleloader seasons, most likely due to difficult hunting conditions resulting from the December ice storm in the central and western regions of the state. In addition, fewer antlerless deer permits were issued in 8 of the 15 Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ), because deer populations in many WMZs now meet MassWildlife's management goals for those zones.

"Quality deer can be found throughout the Commonwealth," says Christensen. "Hunters are reminded that they will need an antlerless deer permit to take antlerless deer in any season." The deadline for sending in an antlerless deer permits is July 16, 2009. Christensen also noted there will not be permits available for over the counter sales in most WMZs. Permit applications are attached to traditional hunting and sporting licenses and must be submitted prior to July 16. Hunters who purchased their license on line via www.mass.gov/massoutdoors must apply for an antlerless permit electronically.