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

 
Outdoor Recreation

Recreation Publications

Here you'll find information about wildlife-related recreation publications from MassWildlife. Some publications are free; others have a cost. For ordering information, contact the MassWildlife Field Headquarters at (508)389-6300.

Regulations and Laws

  • Massachusetts Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Guide PDF icon (1.7MB) - Information about hunting seasons, bag and creel limits and other hunting and fishing laws. MassWildlife office locations, education programs and other useful information are also found here. Also available free of cost at all MassWildlife offices and license vendor locations.
  • Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations PDF icon - This 2-page document which contains the hunting seasons for migratory birds (ducks, geese, woodcock and other birds). These regulations do not get set by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board until late August and are posted within a day or so after the Board meeting. License vendors are mailed this publication by mid-September.
  • Trapping and Furbearer Regulations PDF icon - All regulations and laws pertaining to trapping during the furbearer seasons are in this document. This 2-page document is usually made available at MassWildlife offices in October.
  • Marine (Saltwater) Fishing and Shellfish Regulations - An external link to the Division of Marine Fisheries, the agency in charge of recreational saltwater fishing and shellfishing regulations.
  • Shooting Restrictions in Some Massachusetts Communities - This document lists communities with various bylaws regarding discharge of firearms or hunting. Be advised that this list is not complete nor up-to-date; there is no requirement that municipalities advise MassWildlife of their bylaws. It is best to contact the town directly and ask for the bylaw in writing so that it is clear exactly what is prohibited. Available free at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters or send a self addressed stamped envelope requesting this document.

Recreation Maps

  • Outdoor Recreation Map PDF icon (3.1 MB) - This map, available for free at MassWildlife offices, lists state wildlife management areas, state forests and parks, boat ramp locations and wildlife viewing sites.
  • Pond Maps - Bathymetric pond maps open to the public for fishing, boating and other waterbased recreation. Popular with anglers and boaters of all kinds. You can find a pond map by either pond name or town in which it is located.
  • Wildlife Management Area Maps - State wildlife management areas (WMA) are open to hunting, fishing, trapping and other suitable outdoor recreation. There are few developed or marked trails in these areas as these lands are managed primarily for wildlife. Some WMA's contain lakes, ponds, streams and rivers.

Guides on Places to Go

  • Massachusetts Wildlife Viewing Guide - This guide suggests 67 different places to view wildlife. Some viewing sites are located at state parks or wildlife areas, others are operated by conservation organizations, municipal or federal agencies. $5.00. Make a check out to: Comm of Mass./DFW (Sorry we can't handle credit cards.)Also available for sale at some book stores.) Available at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters.
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries - This booklet contains information about 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries owned and managed by MassWildlife. Available for pick-up at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in West Boylston. Call (508)389-6300 for mailing fee.
  • Public Access to The Waters of Massachusetts - This full-color publication includes 90 individual site maps and descriptions of more than 200 access points to state waterways. The 150-page guide also includes information about sportfishing piers, fishing in fresh and marine waters, boating law, rights of access, and information about boating and fishing programs in the Department of Fish and Game. Available ONLY through the Office of Fishing and Boating Access.

Other publications and guides relating to fish and wildlife can be found in the main Publications page.