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Hunting Information
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Do you need information on hunting laws, licenses, permits or other publications?
Sign up for Outdoorswoman Workshop, June 1-3, 2012. Registration Information.
TURKEY HUNTING REMINDERS
Turkey Permits - In order to legally hunt turkeys, licensed hunters must obtain a turkey permit. With the new electronic MassFishHunt system, there is no longer a deadline to apply for a turkey permit, hunters may simply purchase and print out their permit with turkey tags via home computer (www.mass.gov/massfishhunt) or by visiting a license vendor or DFW office to obtain their permit. A hunting license is required when purchasing the permit.
Turkey Harvest Reporting - Successful turkey hunters must check their turkeys in at an official check station for the spring turkey hunting season. Because the MassFishHunt online harvest reporting system is still under construction, there will be no opportunity to report turkey harvest on line this spring. Check station list.
Information for Youth Turkey Hunters - NEW THIS YEAR: This year, minors 12 - 14 years of age who successfully completed the Youth Turkey Hunt Program will be issued a Youth Turkey Hunt permit with two tags. The permit and tags will be valid for both the Youth Turkey hunt date of April 28, 2012 and the regular spring turkey hunting season. The youth permit and tags are not valid for fall turkey hunting. As in the past, young turkey hunters aged 12-17 years-old who successfully completed the Youth Turkey Hunt Program in a previous year and plan to hunt on April 28, 2012 must obtain a Youth Turkey permit by completing the Past Participant Application. Applications may be mailed or dropped off at: Youth Turkey Permit, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive), Westborough, MA, 01581. To ensure the permit will be received before April 28, the application must be received or postmarked by April 13, 2012. Remember that the daily bag limit is 1 bird/day for both the Youth Turkey Hunt date and the duration of the spring turkey hunting season. All other turkey hunting regulations apply to young turkey hunters.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips - Finally, all turkey hunters are urged to hunt safely. Being completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot will reduce the chance of hunting accidents and the number of hens that are mistakenly killed during the spring season. Turkey hunting can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it has associated dangers that the hunter must keep in mind. The wild turkey has a keen sense of sight and can easily detect movement and colors that are out of place in the woods, making the use of complete camouflage or drab colored clothing almost a must. Camouflage not only reduces the turkey's chance of seeing the hunter, but also has the same effect on other hunters, increasing the chances for accidents. Hunters sneaking up on (stalking) other hunters who are calling and hunters who are wearing turkey colors (red, white, blue, and even black) are involved in a high percentage of reported accidents. Putting these following safe turkey hunting practices to use will help to ensure that turkey hunting will remain a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience.
•Don't stalk birds; sit or stand and call the turkeys to you.
•Don't wear red, white, blue or black anywhere on your body where
the colors might be exposed during your hunt.
•Don't hide in a place where your view is obstructed.
January 2012 -- The New Antlerless Deer Permit Process
A detailed explanation of the new 2- step process for applying and winning an antlerless deer permit. Share this information with your hunting buddies!
ATTENTION HUNTERS: 2012 Sporting Licenses Go All Electronic
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is announcing that all licenses and permits will be computer generated by either a home computer, participating license vendor, or from a DFW office. This means the elimination of handwritten licenses. Licenses, stamps, and permits for the 2012 calendar year will be available for purchase in early December as will hard copies of the 2012 Guides to Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping. The new system will also offer an option to check your 2012 game harvest online instead of at a traditional check station. More information on the new system.
Looking for harvest information on different game species?
Annual Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Guide - Contains important information on seasons, laws, directories, and other articles of interest to sportsmen and women.
Do you or other family members need to sign up for a Hunter Education courses? Do you know a youth (12-17) who wants to hunt pheasants or turkeys?