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

 
Regulations

Laws and Regulations

When do the hunting seasons begin? Can I keep native fish in a tank at home? I just live trapped a squirrel in my attic, can I take it somewhere else and let it go? This area of the website addresses wildlife-related law questions.

Sportsmen and women can find all regulations pertaining to their activities, landowners can find out information about nuisance animals, developers and environmental firms may find links to the endangered species list and review process. Links to the Massachusetts Environmental Police (conservation officers) and a toll free number to report violations are also found here.

  • Plain Language Summaries - Your best source for clearly written, understandable language on various fish and wildlife laws and activities.
  • Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Migratory Game Bird Regulations - A link to the pamphlets (Abstracts) printed for hunters, anglers and trappers which provide the pertinent laws to hunting, fishing and trapping activities, licenses, seasons and bag limits.
  • Statutes - A link to the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), or statutes, that pertain to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. This provides the actual language of the statutes.
  • Code of Mass. Regulations - A link to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations, known as CMRs, that pertain to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. This is where to see the actual language of the regulations.
  • Endangered Species and Wetlands Review - A link to the laws and processes in place relating to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, Wetlands Protection Act and other related activities that involve development projects.
  • Permits - Information on both wildlife recreation related permits as well as other permits for wildlife propagation, rehabilitation, collection, research, problem wildlife control and more.
  • Public Meetings / Hearings - A link to information and a schedule of Public Meetings and Hearings which are part of the regulatory process. Check this area for any proposed regulation changes.
  • Related Regulations - Includes regulations for Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Keeping Captive / Exotic Wildlife, and Animal Damage as well as external links to saltwater/shellfish laws at the Division of Marine Fisheries and boating, ATV and snowmobile laws at the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement.
  • Reporting Fish, Wildlife & Other Environmental Violations - Need to report a hunting, fishing or trapping violation? Someone filling in a wetland or illegally dumping? Is there an alligator in your neighbor's house? Contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police Radio Room at 1-800-632-8075 at any hour of the day. The Environmental Police (game wardens) are the officers with the authority and expertise in fish and wildlife law as well as boating, ATV and other environmental laws.