Frequently asked questions about hunting in Massachusetts

MassWildlife is responsible for the conservation of freshwater fish and wildlife in the Commonwealth. One way the agency achieves this mission is through legal, regulated hunting. This page answers frequently asked questions about hunting in Massachusetts.

Why do people hunt?

There are a number of reasons people choose to hunt. 

Some of the top motivations include:

• Self-reliance: Hunting is an act of self-reliance that requires participants to master a set of skills and develop an in-depth understanding of wildlife behavior, the attainment of which provides many intrinsic rewards. 
• Food: Wild game has a low-fat content and aligns with the current trend of obtaining free-range, low carbon, local meat. 
• Nature: Hunters have a deep appreciation for the outdoors, and many say that a day spent scouting or hunting reconnects them with the natural world. Hunting creates opportunities for exciting wildlife encounters that cannot be experienced by engaging in other forms of outdoor recreation.
• Friendship and family bonds: Some people enjoy hunting with their family, friends, or colleagues to develop or strengthen relationships. 

Is it safe to enjoy the outdoors during hunting season?

Yes! It is safe for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at any time of year. 

• Non-hunters can safely visit the woods—even during hunting seasons. 
• Hunting accidents among hunters are extremely rare. Accidents involving non-hunters are even more rare.

If you plan to enjoy the outdoors during hunting season, practice the following:

Be safe, be seen.

• Brightly colored outerwear makes you visible to others. Avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing. The use of blaze orange dramatically increases visibility and reduces the chances of hunting-related accidents. Watch a video on the effectiveness of blaze orange. 
• Hunters often focus efforts during the early morning and late afternoon hours when game animals are most active. Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim.
• Keep pets leashed and visible with a blaze orange vest or bandana.
• If you observe someone hunting who does not appear to have noticed your presence, try to make eye contact, wave in their direction, or speak to them. 

Be courteous. 

• Once you've made your presence known to a hunter, don't make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife or the hunt in progress. Do not tamper with trail cameras, tree stands, ground blinds, or other personal property. These types of disturbances constitute hunter harassment which is against state law. 

Know when and where hunting is allowed.  

• The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) sets hunting seasons and publishes season dates and regulations annually. Click to view Massachusetts hunting season dates.
• In Massachusetts, hunting is prohibited on Sundays.
• MassWildlife properties are open to hunting. Most state parks and forests are also open to hunting. Many towns allow hunting on municipal lands and several land trusts permit hunting on their properties as well. Research the place you plan to visit to learn when hunting is allowed. Learn more about lands open to hunting.  
• Many privately owned properties are open to hunting in Massachusetts.
  • Landowners who allow the use of their property for recreation without charging a fee are NOT liable for injuries to recreational users of the property, except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by the owner.
  • Hunters must get permission to hunt on posted property. 

How is hunting regulated and how are the rules enforced?

Hunting is a very highly regulated activity, and the rules are strictly enforced. 

• Hunting regulations are set by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife).
• Hunters must obtain a license every year to hunt in Massachusetts. They must follow many rules related to hunting seasons, methods, and harvest limits. 
• Hunting rules are enforced by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. If you witness a fish or wildlife violation, report it by calling 1-800-632-8075 or complete this form.

What kind of training do hunters receive?

Successful completion of a Basic Hunter Education course is required for adults to purchase their first-ever hunting license. 

Learn more about hunter education requirements.

• Courses are 12+ hours long and teach proper firearms handling, safety, regulations, and ethics as they pertain to hunting.  

Does hunting negatively affect animal populations?

No, hunting is an important wildlife management tool that helps maintain healthy populations of game animals.  

• Only certain animals may be hunted. These animals are referred to as “game” animals. Regulated hunting does not cause populations of animals to become rare or endangered. 
• Limits on the number of animals that can be harvested by hunters are carefully set by biologists to keep wildlife populations healthy and balanced.
• For animals that migrate, like ducks and geese, MassWildlife works with state and federal partners to set hunting limits to ensure those populations thrive. 

How does hunting benefit the environment and people in Massachusetts?

Conservation dollars generated by hunting help conserve all wildlife species and their habitats. 

Learn more about the benefits of hunting.

• MassWildlife is responsible for the conservation of freshwater fish and wildlife in the Commonwealth, including endangered plants and animals. Revenue from hunting and fishing licenses and stamps is a large part of MassWildlife’s operating budget and contributes to MassWildlife’s programming, research, habitat management, and other conservation activities that support native wildlife.
• A portion of every hunting license sold each year contributes to the purchase of wildlife lands in Massachusetts. These lands are open to the public for fishing, hunting, trapping, and other activities like hiking, birding, paddling, wildlife photography, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Hunting helps manage healthy wildlife populations and habitats.

• Certain species of wildlife can become overabundant without regulated hunting. Overabundance can decrease wildlife health and increase habitat damage. For some species, such as white-tailed deer, hunting serves as the primary way the population can be managed at a healthy level.
• Managing wildlife populations at a healthy level can improve public safety by minimizing the risk of vehicle collisions and the potential for disease transmission. 

All Massachusetts residents and visitors benefit from MassWildlife’s work, which is financially supported by hunters, to conserve wildlife, protect open space, and preserve clean water and air.

• MassWildlife owns and manages over 230,000 acres of conserved lands and waters open to the public for fishing, hunting, trapping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and other forms of passive outdoor recreation. 
• Wildlife-related recreation in Massachusetts generates about $2 billion in retail sales annually and supports about 35,000 jobs. 
• Through science-based management and strong educational programs, MassWildlife ensures healthy fish and wildlife populations, abundant natural resources, and scenic landscapes that contribute to a strong outdoor economy and improve the quality of life for all citizens.