You must pre-register for the deer hunt by October 1. You must pre-register for the turkey hunt by April 1.
- This page, Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program, is offered by
- Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program
Camp Edwards, located in Sandwich and Bourne, allows deer and turkey hunting. If you’re interested in hunting on this property, you need to pre-register and follow guidelines for the hunt.
Contact for Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program
MassWildlife
The Details of Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program
What you need for Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program
Each year, sections of Camp Edwards on Joint Base Cape Cod are open to deer hunting in the fall and turkey hunting in the spring. About 11,000 acres of this active military training area are open to hunting. However, access is strictly controlled. You must pre-register to participate in the hunt. You will only hear back if you are denied access for the hunt. You'll need to check in daily to show your credentials and receive a daily permit when hunting on the base.
2023 controlled hunt dates:
- Youth Turkey Hunt: April 22, 2023
- Spring Turkey Hunt: May 1-6, 2023
- Youth Deer Scouting: Sept. 29, 2023 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m., check in/out at Range Control)
- Youth Deer Hunt: Sept. 30, 2023
- Fall Turkey Hunt: Oct 17-18, 2023
- Paraplegic Deer Hunt: Nov. 2-4, 2023
- Archery Deer Scouting: Nov. 13-14, 2023 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m., check in/out at Range Control)
- Archery Deer Hunt: Nov. 16 – 18, 2023
(Archery Hunters will be permitted to take turkeys on the base during this time, however only archery equipment will be permitted) - Military/First Responders Deer Hunt: Dec 1, 2023
(This hunt is open to active duty/retired military personnel and active duty/retired first responders: police, fire and EMS personnel) (NOTE: All hunters must possess a valid/current/not expired ID card to show proof of eligibility) - Shotgun Deer Hunt: Dec. 4-9, 2023
- Muzzleloader Deer Hunt: Dec. 19-20, 2023
Hunters will be issued one-time use daily paper passes for each day that they participate in the hunt and must return to the check-in building to check out at the end of the hunting day (you cannot turn in someone else's pass, you must do it in person).
Liability Release Required
Liability Release Form. This form must be filled out to participate in the hunt. To save time at check-in, please print out the document and fill it out and bring with you on the first day you go to check in for the hunt.
Eligibility
To hunt on the base, you must have a Massachusetts hunting license and complete a pre-registration form every year. You’ll be subject to a background check. Permission to hunt is determined by the base commander.
You must have a firearms identification card or license to carry if you'll be hunting with shotguns or primitive firearms. You must provide a photo ID if you'll be using archery equipment.
How to register Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program
If you want to participate in both the turkey and deer hunts, you only need to complete 1 pre-registration form. You must pre-register annually.
You can complete the form to register for the Camp Edwards hunt online.
- You must pre-register for the turkey hunt by April 1.
- You much pre-register for the deer hunt by October 1.
Mail or deliver completed Camp Edwards hunt registration forms to:
MassWildlife Southeast District Office
Camp Edwards Controlled Hunt
195 Bournedale Road
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Next steps for Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program
On the day of the hunt
Liability Release Form. This form must be filled out to participate in the hunt. To save time at check-in, please print out the document and fill it out and bring with you on the first day you go to check in for the hunt.
- There is a limit of 500 hunters allowed on the base at any time. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Hunters must comply with state hunting laws and regulations, including the blaze orange requirement for firearms deer seasons.
- The hunter check-in station opens at 5 a.m. for deer hunts and 4:30 a.m. for turkey hunts.
- You must enter the base from the Route 28 (General MacArthur Boulevard) rotary. Follow signs on Connery Avenue to access the check-in station.
- During check-in, your identification, licenses, stamps, and FID or LTC cards (if applicable) will be checked. You will also be asked to complete a liability form.
- You’ll also receive information about hunting on the base during check-in.
- After successfully completing the check-in process, you’ll be given a 1 day hunting permit and vehicle access permit.
- You must return these permits no later than ½ hour after the end of legal hunting hours.
- Successful hunters must report their harvest at the check-in station.
- Failure to comply with all rules and regulations will result in the loss of hunting privileges.
Downloads for Participate in the Camp Edwards controlled hunting program
Open PDF file, 494.21 KB,
Camp Edwards controlled hunt pre-registration form 2023
(English, PDF 494.21 KB)