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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:

2011 FINAL DEER SEASON RESULTS


Deer Project Leader David Stainbrook reports a total of 11,154 white-tailed deer harvested by licensed hunters during the combined 2011 seasons. By season, the total breaks down to 8 deer taken during the special deer season for paraplegic sportsmen; 3,765 taken in the archery season; 5,349 taken during the shotgun season; 1,959 taken during the muzzleloading season; and 73 (corrected figure 7/11/12) deer harvested during the Quabbin Reservation hunt. Stainbrook noted that 2011 was the highest deer harvest on record for the archery season. "Archery is a vital management tool particularly in suburban areas where deer densities are higher due to limited hunting access." Deer populations are managed according to deer density goals established to maintain healthy deer populations in balance with the environment. Goals are set at levels that allow sustainable deer harvest and deer viewing opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers, and at levels which minimize impacts on property damage, public health issues, and safety.