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

 
Outdoor Recreation

2012 MassFishHunt Electronic License & Game Reporting System

MassFishHunt logo

In 2012, all hunters, anglers and trappers will be purchasing licenses, stamps, and permits electronically, through an online computer system called MassFishHunt. License buyers will still be able to purchase a license at a license vendor or DFW office if they don't have a computer. The major difference will be that the license is computer generated, eliminating the traditional handwritten licenses. 2012 licenses will be available for purchase in early December at www.mass.gov/massfishhunt.

The new system will also offer an option to check game online instead of at a traditional check station. Those license buyers already familiar with using the MassFishHunt system will find many similarities to the previous electronic licensing system.

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is working to make this transition as smooth as possible to provide the benefits the new system offers to all sportsmen and women.

What Major Changes Can Sportsmen and Women Expect?

  • Buying 2012 fishing, sporting, hunting, trapping license, and stamps.
  • Applying for and buying 2012 turkey, bear and antlerless deer permits.
  • Completing Harvest Information Program (HIP) surveys by migratory game bird hunters.
  • Tagging, checking/reporting harvested game online or at traditional check stations.

Benefits of the MassFishHunt System To Sportsmen & Women

  • One-stop, online purchase of licenses, permits, and stamps
  • No waiting for a license in the mail or need for mailing permit applications
  • Easy reprinting in case of damaged or loss of licenses, tags, permits, and stamps
  • More permit sales options

License buyers with a computer, printer, and access to the internet will experience additional benefits:

  • Purchase and print licenses, permits, or stamps any time of day or night.
  • Report your harvest online instead of travelling to traditional check stations
  • Receive important updates and messages from DFW via email.
  • Participate in sportsmens surveys conducted by DFW

Benefits of MassFishHunt to DFW and Law Enforcement

  • Real-time data access for law enforcement checks by the Environmental Police
  • Convenient data format for DFW biologists to more quickly compile, analyze, and release game harvest data
  • Improved ability for DFW to communicate with hunters, anglers, and trappers

We expect a period of adjustment as during this transition to new ways of doing things. The DFW will monitor how well the system is running and make necessary improvements over time. We appreciate your support during this time of change, and look forward to improving our service to you while continuing to provide sound stewardship of our state's fish and wildlife populations and the habitats on which they depend.

Online Licensing and Game Harvest Reporting PDF icon -- An article with a more detailed explanation of the reasons and benefits for the shift to the MassFishHunt system. This is also printed in the 2012 Hunting, Freshwater Fishing, and Trapping Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions on 2012 MassFishHunt System -- This link will help you find out more details about purchasing your 2012 licenses and reporting your game online in 2012!