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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  Hunting licenses, permits, and stamps 

More Information

Related Services

Additional Resources

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