Hunting on MDAR Agricultural Lands

MDAR grants permission on a case-by-case basis to licensed hunters to pursue game on select state-owned agricultural properties.

The Department permits these activities to address significant crop damage experienced by agricultural tenants.

No MDAR properties are seeking hunters at this time. We will start taking requests for the next season in late summer 2025. Reach out to the land licensing program with additional questions.

MDAR Controlled Hunt Regulations

During the 2024 Hunting Season, MDAR is offering a controlled hunt at ONLY the Middleborough and Lakeville state-owned agricultural properties in an effort to reduce pest pressure for our tenants and local farming communities. Hunting is permitted when adhering to the following procedures:

1. Hunters must hold a valid hunter’s license, all necessary permits, and adhere to all state and local hunting regulations. Hunting licenses will need to be shown to MDAR before a landowner permission card is issued.
2. Hunters must obtain a department permission card from the designated MDAR land licensing coordinator for the identified property. For the Middleborough and Lakeville properties, please contact Ryan Burke at 617-960-6606 or [e-mail]. 
3. Any additional stipulations communicated by the agency during this process must be adhered to.
4. Hunters will not interfere with farmers/farming operations occurring at the property. Hunters will keep a safe distance from farming tenants on the property when pursuing game. Hunters must be respectful and considerate of farmer tenants while on the property. Vehicles cannot block access to the property or impede with farm operations.
5. No permanent tree stands allowed on the property. All temporary stands must be removed before the end of the season. Any shells, game, or other materials must be removed from the site each day.
6. Any violations to Massachusetts or local hunting regulations or any of the aforementioned controlled hunt regulations will result in the revocation of permission to hunt at MDAR properties.

Preference will be given to white-tailed deer hunters looking to hunt outside of the conventional agricultural season of May-November. Do not hesitate to reach out to the department for information.