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Outdoor Recreation
Wildlife
recreation information, from hunting
and fishing,
to wildlife
viewing, launching boats or taking a hike can be found in this area
of the website.
Wildlife enthusiasts can take to the field in the Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state. Birders, naturalists, hikers and other outdoors people can pursue their interests on those lands and waters with public access. Healthy game populations throughout the state provide sportsmen and women with a wide variety of enjoyable fishing and hunting experiences. Links to fishing and hunting laws, seasons and other regulations are provided as well.
REMINDER: Sunday Hunting is Prohibited in Massachusetts
SPRING TURKEY HUNTING
Spring turkey hunting season opens in Zones 1-13 April 29, 2013 and ends on May 25, 2013.
Youth Turkey Hunting Date - April 27, 2013 -- Only youths 12-17 years of age who successfully completed the Youth Turkey Hunt Program may hunt on the special Youth Hunt Day. The daily bag limit for this hunt is 1 bird/day. All other turkey hunting regulations apply to young turkey hunters. More information on the Youth Turkey Hunt.
Hunting Hours--Hunting hours for turkey begins one half hour before sunrise and end at NOON.
NEW THIS YEAR -- For the first time, turkey hunters may check their birds online using the MassFishHunt system. Turkey hunters still have the option of bringing their birds to a traditional check station. More information on this new option and other turkey hunting information
2013 LICENSES ON SALE
Buy your 2013 hunting, sporting, fishing, and trapping licenses online at www.mass.gov/massfishhunt or at any license vendor locations.
EFFECTIVENESS OF BLAZE ORANGE
This short (5-minute) safety video from Kalkomey provides tips and about how wearing the right amount and kind of blaze orange can keep you safe in the field. It's useful for any outdoor user who is in the woods during hunting seasons.
NEW REGULATIONS ON TURKEY HUNTING & UNCHECKED DEER POSSESSION LIMITS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 2012
January 1, 2012 -- New Law Prohibiting Certain Lead Jigs and Sinkers in Fresh Water
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) reminds all freshwater anglers that as of January 1, 2012, the use of any lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce is now prohibited in all inland waters (freshwater) of the Commonwealth. In terms of this regulation, "lead sinker" or "lead weight" is defined as any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce. A "lead jig" is defined as any lead-weighted hook weighing less than 1 ounce. More information and flyer for posting.