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Hunting Rules and Licensing Information

Hunting Regulations

If you're planning to go hunting in Massachusetts, you need to know the rules.

These pages provide a summary of the regulations and statutes that relate to hunting and trapping in Massachusetts. Regulations are set annually by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. The first thing you’ll need is a hunting or sporting license.

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Top tasks

Buy your hunting license 
Game Animal Hunting Regulations  

All other tasks

2018 season date summary 
Answers to common hunting questions 
MassWildlife Lands Viewer 

What you need to know

Who needs a hunting license, permits and stamps? 
Guide to Massachusetts hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping regulations  
Learn about harvest reporting 
Wildlife Management Area regulations 
321 CMR 3.00: Hunting 

Related Services

Additional Resources

Massachusetts General Laws: Inland Fisheries and Game and other Natural Resources
Landowner liability
2017-2018 migratory game bird regulations
Apply for a crossbow permit
Wildlife management zone map (PDF 625.07 KB)
Image credits:  MassWildlife
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