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Deer Hunting Information
Though
Massachusetts is the 3rd most densely populated state in the country,
it is a state where quality deer can be found anywhere.
There are 85,000 to 95,000 deer statewide. Densities range from about 10 per square mile in northwestern Massachusetts to 45 to 55 per square mile on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands.
Be aware that many Massachusetts communities, particularly in the eastern part of the state have bylaws the require landowner permission to discharge a gun. Contact the municipality in which you have an interest and ask for the bylaw in writing to be sure of the exact wording and meaning of the bylaw.
Deer Management Overview - A brief overview on how hunting is used as a management tool for deer in Massachusetts.
Antlerless Deer Permit Information - Hunters wishing to take an antlerless deer must have an antlerless deer permit to do so. The process is explained at this link.
Places To Hunt - If you are new to hunting or new to hunting in Massachusetts, consider first familiarizing yourself with the state lands open to hunting at this Places-To-Go link.
Other Hunting and Shooting Opportunities - Specific places to hunt beyond the Places to Go area of the website. These hunting opportunities may be controlled hunts or require some kind of registration or permit. Public hours on certain shooting ranges are also found here.
Deer
Harvest Information -- Tables from the past 5 years of deer harvest
by Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ) as well as a table of total harvest
since the 1960's.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) -- Includes information on New York deer meat processors for MA residents who are hunting in New York, a state where CWD is now found.
Hunting Season Dates for this Year
- Archery: October 15- November 24, 2007
- Shotgun: (WMZ 1-11, 13, 14)--Nov 26 - Dec 8; (WMZ 12) -- Nov 26 - Dec 1, 2007
- Muzzleloader: December 10 - December 31, 2007
Bag Limits: 2 antlered deer per year and as many antlerless deer as the hunter has valid antlerless deer permits. Antlerless deer permit application must be postmarked by July 16th. Additional antlerless deer permits may be available for $5.00 each at designated MassWildlife offices prior to the start of archery season. See antlerless deer permit information.