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

 
Outdoor Recreation

Licensing Information

Here's where you can find information about fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses, permits, and stamps, as well as sales outlets including online and license vendor locations.

Online Licenses buttonLicenses to hunt and fish are required of anyone 15 years and over. Trapping licenses are required for anyone 12 years old and over.

All fishing, hunting and trapping licenses are valid from January 1 - December 31 of the same calendar year. Anyone under 15 who wants to fish may do so, no license is required. All other fishing laws and regulations apply.

The minimum age for hunting in Massachusetts is 12. 12-14 year olds may hunt when accompanied by a licensed hunter 18 years or older, provided that a single bag limit will be shared and a single firearm/bow is possessed by the two. Only one minor per adult is permitted. All other hunting laws and regulations apply.

For more information on licenses, seasons, bag and creel limits, pick up a copy of the Hunting and Fishing Abstracts at any MassWildlife office or license vendor location.

Lobster and Shellfish Licenses - An external link to the Division of Marine Fisheries, the agency in charge of commercial fishing, shellfish permits and recreational saltwater fishing. Some saltwater permits may be purchased online through the MassOutdoors site.

Motorboat, ATV & Snowmobile Registrations - An external link to the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement which is in charge of registration and titling. Some registrations may be purchased online through the MassOutdoors site.