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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.
2009 Deer Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits
Archery Deer Season:
Oct. 12 - Nov. 21, 2009
Deer
Hunting Season for Paraplegic Sportsmen and Women:
Oct. 29- Oct. 31, 2009
Shotgun Deer Season:
Wildlife Management
Zones 1-11, 13, 14 -- Nov. 30 - Dec. 12, 2009
Wildlife Management
Zone 12 -- Nov. 30.- Dec. 5, 2009
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.Important Notice for Archers in 2009
Archers hunting deer in Massachusetts are reminded that the closing date for the 2009 archery season is Saturday, November 21, 2009. This year, Thanksgiving falls on a "late" date and the usual six week archery deer season, which began on October 12, 2009, ends on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Archers may not hunt deer during Thanksgiving week this year (November 23 - 28, 2009). Hunting Seasons and Regulations.
On June 22, 2009, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to revise the dates of the archery deer season (beginning in 2010) so it will begin on the 6th Monday prior to Thanksgiving, and end on the 1st Saturday after Thanksgiving. This will retain the 6-week archery season while consistently including the Thanksgiving holiday period in the open season. This change will take effect in 2010. Remember, the 2009 archery deer season dates are October 12 - November 21.
2009 Quabbin Deer Hunt Information
Applications for the 2009 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt are now available on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) web page. Water Supply Division staff reminds prospective applicants that regardless of the type of firearm used, all applicants must have a valid FID card to be eligible to apply for this hunting opportunity.
All applications must be postmarked by August 15th or hand delivered to the Quabbin Visitor's Center by 4:00 PM on that date to qualify for the permit selection process. Hunters may obtain hard copy applications at DCR administrative and field offices at the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs and their Boston office at 251 Causeway Street. Applications are also available at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Boston, Westborough, and District Offices.
Obtain applications through the mail by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business sized envelope to: Quabbin Visitor Center, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA, 01007.
The Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt will occur during the statewide deer shotgun season in four areas of the Quabbin Reservation: Pelham and Prescott on December 3rd and 4th , and Hardwick and Petersham on December 10th and 11th.
Approximately 1,100 permits will be drawn based upon hunters' license numbers on September 9th. Successful applicants will receive written notification from the DCR by early October. For further information, contact the Quabbin Visitor's Center at (413) 323-7221.
Notice for Shotgun Season Deer Hunters in Zone 12
On June 22, 2009, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to change the shotgun deer season in Zone 12 (Cape Cod) from one to two weeks, consistent with the remainder of the state. This change will take effect in 2010. Remember, the 2009 shotgun deer season dates in Zone 12 are November 30 - December 5.
Town & Municipal Bylaws Relating to Discharge of Firearms and Hunting
Hunters need to 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 clerk in the municipality in which you have an interest and ask for relevant bylaws in writing to be sure of the exact wording and meaning of the bylaws.
Deer Management Overview - A brief overview on how hunting is used as a management tool for deer in Massachusetts.
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.