Skip navigation.

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

 
Outdoor Recreation

Hunting Permits

If you wish to hunt the listed game species below, there are permit, sticker or stamp requirements to follow. Applications, fees and deadlines for specific game species are found either on your hunting license or duplicate certificate. Permits are sent out in one mass mailing. If you buy your hunting or sporting license online, you can apply through the MassOutdoors system.

  • Antlerless Deer - Applications must be postmarked by July 16. If your license number is drawn for a permit, you will be notified and asked to send in the fee at that time. Application is located on your hunting/sporting license.
  • Black Bear - Applications must be postmarked by July 16. Fee must be included. The application is located on your hunting or sporting license. Permits will be mailed in August in one mass mailing.
  • Wild Turkey - Applications and fee should be mailed by March 15 for spring season. Required safety stickers are available from MassWildlife offices upon request only. Application is located on duplicate slip of hunting/sporting license.
  • Migratory Game Birds - Harvest Information Permit (HIP) number required by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This number is required of all hunters who wish to hunt woodcock, rail, snipe, coot as well as ducks and geese. You must have a hunting license in order to obtain a HIP number and write it on your hunting license after it is assigned to you. This free number may be obtained by calling 1-800-WETLAND and completing a brief survey. The survey provides harvest information on migratory birds and is a critical component of data gathering.
  • Crossbow Permit Application PDF icon - Only hunters with a permanent physical disability that prevents them from using conventional archery equipment are eligible for this permit. A physician's sign-off is also required.

 

Note: Files in PDF icon format will require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.