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

 
Outdoor Recreation

Licensing Information

Find information about freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses, permits, and stamps. Information on the new online license purchasing and game reporting system and license vendor locations.

Calendar 2012 Licenses Now on Sale!

MassFishHunt logo

Buy Sporting Licenses Online via the new system!

NEW FOR 2012!

ANNOUNCING NEW ALL-ELECTRONIC LICENSE, PERMIT & STAMP PURCHASE SYSTEM & ONLINE GAME CHECKING OPTIONS

In 2012, all hunters, anglers and trappers will be purchasing licenses, stamps, and permits electronically, through an online computer system called MassFishHunt first piloted in 2011. The new system will also offer an option to check your 2012 game harvest online instead of at a traditional check station. 2012 licenses, stamps, and permits will be available for purchase in early December at www.mass.gov/massfishhunt.

MassWildlife is working to make this transition as smooth as possible and 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.

Overview of the MassFishHunt System -- More information on the features and benefits of the MassFishHunt electronic license and game checking/reporting system for license buyers, DFW, and the Environmental Police.

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

Basic License Information

Licenses to hunt and fish in fresh water (inland waters) are required of anyone 15 years and over. Trapping licenses are required for anyone 12 years old and over.

Anyone under 15 who wants to fish in freshwater may do so, no license is required and the young angler must follow all other freshwater fishing laws.

The minimum age for hunting in Massachusetts is 12. 12-14 year olds may hunt only when accompanied by a licensed hunter 18 years or older, provided that a single bag limit is shared and a single firearm/bow is shared between the two people. Only one minor per adult is permitted. All other hunting laws and regulations must be followed. No license is required until age 15.

License Types and Fees -- A link to information on the different types of hunting, freshwater fishing, sporting and trapping licenses and the costs associated with purchase.

Application Form PDF icon for Residents eligible for a free licenses as Blind, Developmentally Disabled, or Paraplegic--Beginning in 2011, in order to qualify for these free licenses (and obtain them online) you must first submit an application AND a letter from your physician indicating your eligibility for specific licenses to the DFW Boston office.

This form is only for freshwater fishing, hunting and sporting licenses. You must be 15 years of age or older and be a resident citizen of the United States and Massachusetts. Qualifying criteria are spelled out on the form. Print the application PDF icon fill it out, and send it AND the physician's letter to the DFW Boston office.

Once your application has been approved for the appropriate license(s), your information will be entered into the electronic licensing system. Your license will be mailed to you. This is a one-time application process for anyone eligible for the free license. Once approved, you will be able to obtain and print your license online in future years on MassFishHunt without need for an application.

Saltwater Fishing Permits, 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. The Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permits (required for most saltwater recreational fishing) and certain other saltwater (marine) permits may be purchased online through the MassFishHunt site.

Motorboat, ATV & Snowmobile Registrations -- As in the past, registration for boats, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles may be purchased online through the MassOutdoors site. This is an external link to the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement (Environmental Police) which is in charge of registration and titling.

Hunting, Trapping & Freshwater Fishing Laws -- Information on hunting, trapping and freshwater fishing laws, seasons, bag and creel limits online OR pick up a copy of the Hunting and Fishing Guide at any MassWildlife office or license vendor location.