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Big Game

Hunting Black Bear in Massachusetts

Find regulations related to licenses, permits, and reporting as well as black bear harvest data and tips for hunters.

There are an estimated 4,500+ black bears in Massachusetts. MassWildlife authorizes 3 statewide hunting seasons for black bear. Use the pages below to learn about regulations related to licensing, permits, and reporting. In addition, you will find bear harvest data and tips for hunters.

What would you like to do?

Top tasks

View black bear hunting regulations 
Buy your hunting license 

All other tasks

Report your black bear harvest 

What you need to know

Black bear harvest data 
Massachusetts Guide to Hunting, Freshwater Fishing, and Trapping Laws 
Who needs a hunting license, permits and stamps? 

Related Services

Additional Resources

Massachusetts General Laws: Inland Fisheries and Game
Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR)
Image credits:  MassWildlife
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