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

 
Outdoor Recreation

Hunting Permits

This year in 2012, with the new MassFishHunt electronic license system there are big changes in obtaining game permits. If you wish to hunt the listed game species below, there are certain requirements to follow. If you still have questions, go to this FAQ link on permits and licenses.

Veteran hunters, be advised that you no longer mail in (or drop off) applications, permits and remittances are not mailed out, and permits get printed by you or a license vendor at the time you purchase your license or buy a permit for bear and turkey. A new 2-step process is in place for antlerless deer permits.

Antlerless Deer - Applications must be made by July 16. This year in 2012, there are 2 steps hunters must take to apply and see if they were selected for an antlerless deer permit. You must go online to the MassFishHunt system, or go to a license vendor to apply for this permit. Please click on the link above for step-by-step detailed instructions for either option.

Black Bear and Turkey Permits - You can purchase and print out your permits when you buy your license or you can go online later in the year and purchase turkey and bear permits and print them out immediately. You no longer will mail in applications and and do not need to wonder if your applications or permits were lost in the mail! There is no longer a deadline of any kind for these permits.

Migratory Game Birds (Woodcock, ducks and geese)- All woodcock, waterfowl and other migratory game bird hunters are required to complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) Survey. The survey provides harvest information on migratory birds and is a critical component of data gathering. The HIP survey will be available only on the MassFishHunt system; the traditional telephone survey will no longer be offered.

  • If you hunt waterfowl, either solely or in addition to any other migratory game bird, you will automatically complete the HIP Survey when you purchase your Massachusetts Waterfowl stamp. Waterfowl hunters SHOULD NOT complete the HIP Survey that is an option on the main menu of the MassFishHunt website.
  • If you ONLY hunt woodcock, rail, snipe, and/or coot (but not waterfowl) then you must complete the HIP Survey that is located as an option on the main menu of the MassFishHunt website.

If you purchase your license at a licensing agent location, be sure to tell the agent that you need to answer the HIP Survey questions. If you hunt waterfowl the agent will be prompted to ask you the HIP Survey questions when you purchase your waterfowl stamp.

Once you have completed the HIP Survey online (usually when you are buying your license and/or MA waterfowl stamp) a "HIP Survey completed" notation will be printed on your hunting/sporting license. This is all you need to show proof that you have completed the survey. You will no longer be assigned a HIP number.

  • 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.