Updating hunting laws
Following an extensive effort to collect public feedback, Governor Healey announced she will file legislation to allow Sunday hunting, expand the use of crossbows for hunting, and reduce setback distances for bowhunting. Learn more about this proposal and what it means for Massachusetts.
Trout stocking
Trout stocking has begun across Massachusetts. Get daily updates at mass.gov/trout.
Questions about stocking? Check out our FAQ page.
School is out, help stock trout!
The public is invited to help MassWildlife stock trout during school vacation week! Meet MassWildlife fisheries staff, view trout up close, and learn about places to fish near you. Join us at one of the following stocking events.
2026 Public trout stocking events:
- April 21: Cliff Pond, Brewster – Meet at 11 a.m. at the beach area off Flax Pond Road.
- April 21: Lake Wyola, Shutesbury –Meet at 11 a.m. at Lake Wyola State Park. (Please note: No restrooms available).
- April 22: Hampton Ponds, Westfield – Meet at 11 a.m. at Hampton Ponds State Park using the main entrance (not the boat ramp).
- April 22: Sunset Lake, Braintree –Meet at noon at Sunset Lake at 21 Safford Street.
- April 22: Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester – Meet at 11 a.m. at Regatta Point in Quinsigamond State Park at 10 Lake Avenue North.
- April 22: Onota Lake, Pittsfield – Meet at 12:30 p.m. at Burbank Park on Lakeway Drive.
- April 23: Long Pond, Plymouth –Meet at 11 a.m. at the Long Pond Boat Ramp off Clark Road.
- April 23: Chicopee Reservoir, Chicopee – Meet at 11 a.m. at Chicopee Reservoir on Johnny Cake Hollow Road.
- April 24: Colburn Pond, Leominster – Meet at 11 a.m. at Colburn Pond at Barrett Park, 40 Barrett Parkway.
Can't make one of these stocking events? You can still join in on the fun by planning a fishing trip with family or friends to take advantage of spring trout stocking. MassWildlife will stock hundreds of thousands of hatchery-raised brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout statewide this spring. Information about where trout have been stocked is updated daily at Mass.gov/Trout.
Take precautions: Black bears are active and searching for food
MassWildlife officials are reminding the public that March is when hungry bears emerge from their winter dens and seek out food. If you live in northern Middlesex County, Worcester County, western Massachusetts, or other areas where bears have been spotted, take these steps to prevent conflicts with black bears:
- Take down your bird feeders. Bears will often ignore seasonally available natural foods, like skunk cabbage, acorns, and nuts, in favor of an easy meal at a backyard bird feeder. Other species, including wild turkeys and coyotes, may also frequent bird feeders which can lead to more human-wildlife conflict. If you enjoy watching birds in your yard, MassWildlife suggests adding a water feature or growing native plants, shrubs, and trees to attract birds.
- Protect backyard chickens, hives, and other small livestock. Coops and chicken wire provide inadequate protection from black bears. Individuals should secure bee hives, chickens, and livestock with properly installed and maintained electric fencing.
- Secure other human-associated food sources on your property. Store garbage in closed containers in a garage or outbuilding and put it by the roadside the morning of pick up. Compost responsibly by not putting meat scraps, greasy, oily or sweet materials in your compost pile. Clean grills after each use and do not leave food scraps, grease containers, or spilled grease in your yard.
- Supervise your pets outdoors. The presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive. Check your yard for bears before letting your dog outside. Keep dogs leashed when they’re outside and never let dogs chase or interact with bears.
Black Bears in Massachusetts
There are at least 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts and their range is expanding eastward. Take action by educating yourself and your neighbors about proactive measures to avoid conflicts with bears. For more information about black bears in Massachusetts, visit mass.gov/bears.
Hunters Share the Harvest program reaches 100,000-meal milestone
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) announced hunters have donated more than 100,000 meals of venison to families facing food insecurity across the state. Since its launch in 2022, the Hunters Share the Harvest program has connected hunters with a growing network of food banks and other charitable organizations to deliver locally sourced protein to residents in need.
This major milestone comes after Governor Maura Healey’s announcement last month to file legislation to expand hunting across Massachusetts. The proposals will help build on the program’s growth, opening the door for more hunters to participate.
“For generations, hunters in Massachusetts have helped put food on the table for their families and neighbors while supporting local economies across our state,” said Governor Healey. “Reaching 100,000 donated meals is a remarkable milestone, and it shows the real impact of this program for communities across our state. That is why I am proposing legislation to expand access to hunting, including allowing Sunday hunting, so more people can participate in this tradition and help deliver healthy, local food to families in need.”
“Hunting plays an important role in managing wildlife, supporting local businesses, and now donating tens of thousands of meals to their neighbors,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Programs like this make sure those economic benefits reach the whole community, including families who are struggling to get by.”
Food insecurity is a serious and growing challenge. According to the Greater Boston Food Bank, more than 1 in 3 Massachusetts households struggle to put food on the table. Venison is a lean protein and deer harvested in Massachusetts provide the equivalent of more than 4.4 million meals each year. The Hunters Share the Harvest program ensures more of that food reaches families who need it most.
“Hunters are an important tool for managing deer populations. Through this program, the same harvest that manages deer overpopulation is also putting food on tables,” said Energy and Environmental Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This is one of many examples of delivering benefits for families, public safety, and wildlife management.”
“As a hunter myself, I know that hunting has always been about more than the sport. It is about tradition, community, and taking care of the people around you,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “That's the culture of hunting in Massachusetts: feeding your own family, your neighbor, and doing the same for someone in need. And that's what our Hunters Share the Harvest is all about. We could not do this without our hunters—thank you for making this possible.”
Venison donated through MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program is now distributed through more than 25 food programs, reaching families in over 250 municipalities across the state. Participating butcher shops and processors work alongside hunger relief organizations to ensure venison is handled safely and reaches people quickly. Since its inception, more than 750 deer have been donated through the program.
“This milestone reflects the generous spirit of our hunting community and the dedication of our processing and distribution partners,” said MassWildlife Acting Director Eve Schlüter. “Every donation makes a real difference for families across Massachusetts who may not otherwise have access to fresh, healthy protein.”
Overabundant deer populations damage forests, harm farms, increase vehicle collisions, and contribute to the spread of tick-borne illness. While the statewide goal for deer across Massachusetts is 12–18 deer per square mile, populations in some areas far exceed those levels. On Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, densities surpass 100 deer per square mile in areas where hunting is limited.
In response, Governor Healey expanded the deer hunting season on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, with a six-week winter primitive firearms and bowhunting season from January 1 through February 14, 2026. This past deer season, Nantucket Land Bank expanded local capacity by opening a new deer processing facility in partnership with Hunters Share the Harvest, increasing opportunities to donate venison and distribute it through Nourish Nantucket for the island community.
“By working with MassWildlife and the Nantucket Land Bank, we’re able to turn a healthy, local resource into nutritious meals for our neighbors,” said Executive Director of Nourish Nantucket Meg Browers. This kind of collaboration is exactly what Nourish Nantucket is all about, bringing partners together to strengthen the island’s food system. The new food hub at Boynton Lane will allow us to build on this work and expand the number of clients we and our partners at the Pantry can serve—in this instance using locally sourced food, which is truly a win-win.”
Donations are simple and can be made through participating processors statewide during deer hunting seasons. Click here for more information about Hunters Share the Harvest.
Turkey troubles: How to minimize aggressive turkey encounters this spring
March through May is breeding season for wild turkeys and, as a result, there is an increase in turkey activity across the Commonwealth. Some turkeys may act aggressively by pecking, following, or exhibiting other intimidating behavior towards people. Males puff out their feathers, fan their tails, and strut while gobbling and making other vocalizations. This behavior is common during the breeding season and other times of year when turkeys are establishing social dominance or status within the flock.
Wild turkeys live in flocks organized by pecking order. Each bird is dominant over or "pecks on" birds of lesser social status. Turkeys may attempt to dominate or attack people that they view as subordinates, and this behavior is observed most often during breeding season. They may also respond aggressively and peck shiny objects like windows or vehicles, interpreting their own reflection as an intruding turkey.
MassWildlife urges the public to never feed wild turkeys. Aggressive behavior towards people occurs when turkeys become overly comfortable in the presence of humans—usually over several months or even years, in areas where turkeys are fed. Never intentionally leave out food like bird seed or corn in attempts to help or view turkeys. Avoid using bird feeders, as fallen bird seed attracts turkeys and other wild animals which can ultimately lead to negative interactions with wildlife. For those who enjoy viewing songbirds, MassWildlife recommends landscaping with native plants or adding a water feature to attract birds.
“The most effective action people can take to prevent conflicts with turkeys is to stop feeding them,” says Dave Scarpitti, MassWildlife’s Turkey Biologist. “Providing food, whether intentional or not, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season. Once this behavior is established, it can be very difficult to change.”
People are encouraged to scare or threaten bold turkeys with loud noises or water sprayed from a hose. A leashed dog may also be an effective deterrent. Mylar tape, balloons, or pinwheels can be used in and around your property as a deterrent to turkeys. These techniques may not be as successful in areas where turkeys have become highly habituated to humans over months or years. Read more about preventing conflicts with wild turkeys.
MassWildlife also reminds the public that the wild turkey is the state's official game bird and that the 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Season begins Monday, April 27 and continues through Saturday, May 23. Licensed hunters with a turkey permit can harvest up to two bearded birds in the spring. Learn more about spring turkey hunting.
2026 spring turkey hunting season
The days are growing longer, the fields are greening up, and the start of spring turkey hunting is just around the corner and runs from April 27–May 23. Whether you're a beginner hunter or a seasoned pro, you can find resources on this page to help you prepare for a safe and successful spring turkey season.
Regulations and harvest reporting
- Get your license and turkey permit. If you’re hunting wild turkeys in Massachusetts, you need a hunting or sporting license as well as a turkey permit. A turkey permit comes with 3 turkey tags. Hunters can take 2 bearded turkeys in the spring and 1 turkey of either sex in the fall. Buy online at MassFishHunt.mass.gov or at a license agent (click here for a map).
- Review turkey hunting regulations including hunting hours, bag limits, and allowable hunting implements.
Note: Significant changes were recently made to Massachusetts firearms laws and are now in effect. If you're planning to hunt with a firearm, please review updated guidance. - Successful hunters must report their turkeys within 48 hours of harvest. The easiest way to report a harvest is online. Click here to learn more about harvest reporting.
Hunting classes and learning resources
- Free turkey hunting skills classes are being offered this spring by MassWildlife and partners.
- The 2026 Youth Turkey Hunt is April 25. There is still time for Basic Hunter Education graduates to participate in the Youth Hunt. Learn about the Program and to register for an online or in-person seminar.
- Browse spring turkey hunting tips to learn more about pre-season scouting, using decoys, roosting birds, calls, and more.
- Make the most of your harvest with wild turkey meat preparation tips and recipes.
Turkey hunting safety
- Always follow the 10 basic rules of firearm safety.
- Be completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot. Always practice firearm safety.
- Don't stalk turkey sounds; it could be another hunter. Sit or stand and call the birds to you.
- Do not wear red, white, blue, or black; these colors are associated with male turkeys.
- Protect your back. Set up against a large tree or rock and make sure your view isn't obstructed. Don't hide in a place with an obstructed view.
- Do not place decoys too close to where you set up. Never carry an exposed decoy or tail fan while hunting; put them in a bag when carrying them in or out of hunting locations.
- Consider wearing hunter orange when entering or leaving your hunting area.
Fishing awards winners announced
MassWildlife’s Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish from Massachusetts waters that are open to the public. Anglers who catch fish that meet a minimum weight or length can submit proof of their catch and receive a bronze pin. Gold pins are awarded to anglers who catch the largest fish in each species category.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners
Angler of the Year awards are given to the person who catches the most species that meet the minimum weight or length requirements in each category.
Highlights from 2025:
- Cam Tucker of Gill is the Adult Catch and Keep Angler of the Year. He caught 12 of the 24 eligible species.
- Carter Flagg of Gill is the Youth Catch and Keep Angler of the Year. He caught 14 of the 24 eligible species.
- Andrew Langley of Peabody is the Adult Catch and Release Angler of the Year. He caught 21 of the 24 eligible species.
- There was a 4-way tie for Youth Catch and Release Angler of the Year: Kyler Leslie (Petersham), Ryker Leslie (Petersham), Jack Ostriker (Grafton), and Carter Polette (Natick) each caught 23 of the 24 eligible species.
- 2 new Catch and Release state records were set and 1 Catch and Release state record was tied
MassWildlife hosted an award ceremony to present gold pins and Angler of the Year awards to participants. Take a look at photos from this event.
Check out a complete list of the 2025 top catches by species.
Enter your catch and join the fun! There is plenty of time to get involved in 2026. Learn more about the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program and submit your catch at mass.gov/dfw/sportfishing-awards
Public Hearing: Freshwater Fishing Regulations
A public hearing will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. via a Zoom webinar. Click this link to register to attend the public hearing. You will receive an email with the instructions for how to join.
Written comments can also be submitted using this online feedback form, or by mail to: MassWildlife Re: Fishing Public Hearing, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. All written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The proposed changes are to 321 CMR 4.01 Taking of Certain Fish Regulations. Full proposed regulatory language is available on this webpage. A summary of the proposed changes are:
- Limits for American eel: Establish a daily bag limit of 25 American eels and a minimum size for harvest of 9 inches year-round. American eels live mostly in freshwater but return to the ocean to spawn. The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) manages the American eel in coastal rivers and MassWildlife manages eel in inland waters. Coastwide, eels are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). This regulatory proposal seeks to align the freshwater fishing limits with DMF regulations and the ASMFC requirements to protect American eel.
- Limits for trout: Change the trout limit to allow a 6 trout daily bag limit of which no more than 3 can be brook, brown, or tiger trout in any combination in all waters year-round. Currently, trout limits vary based on the time of year, as well as the type of waterbody; this regulatory proposal seeks to increase fishing opportunity, enhance protection of wild trout resources, and simplify the trout regulations by creating one regulation for all waterbodies year-round.
- Atlantic salmon regulations: Remove broodstock salmon limit and amend the list of locations where Atlantic salmon harvest will be allowed in Massachusetts. There are no longer broodstock salmon in Massachusetts waters, so this regulatory proposal seeks to update outdated language.
- Fish possession definition: Amend the definition of possession to include language allowing the temporary possession of a fish in excess of the legal bag limit if that fish is to be immediately released. Currently, if an angler hits their daily bag limit, they need to stop fishing. This regulatory proposal allows anglers the ability continue to fish catch and release after reaching their daily bag limit.
MassWildlife is committed to providing equitable access to information, public processes, resources, and programs to ensure all have the opportunity to meaningfully engage with our work and all voices are heard. Every effort will be made to provide live interpretation in 中文, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Português, Español, and Tiếng Việt. American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioning will also be provided. To request additional languages, please contact Susan Sacco at susan.sacco@mass.gov.
Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available upon request. To submit a request for an accommodation, please email eeadiversity@mass.gov or call 617-626-1282; an ADA Coordinator will receive your request. Please include a description of the request in as much detail as possible and a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please allow at least 2 weeks’ (14 days) advance notice. Last-minute requests will be accepted but we may be unable to fulfill the request.
Habitat Management Grant Announcements
This MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program provides crucial financial assistance to improve habitat for wildlife, steward biodiversity, enhance climate resiliency, and promote outdoor recreation. Since 2015, the program has funded 125 projects that have restored over 4,900 acres of wildlife habitat.
The Habitat Grant Program supports municipal and private landowners of conserved land to conduct habitat restoration and management activities that:
- Improve habitat(s) for Species of Greatest Conservation Need, as identified in the 2025 Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), with emphasis on MESA-listed species.
- Enhance habitat in ecological communities that are disproportionally susceptible to climate change.
- Contribute to improving habitat in a landscape that is high priority for biodiversity conservation.
- Promote access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, birding, fishing, hunting, and trapping.
Learn about the grant at an informational webinar: April 30
MassWildlife will host an informational webinar at 12 p.m. on Thursday April 30, 2026. Learn about eligibility, the types of projects the program supports, allowable costs and activities, and the application and review process. Examples of successful projects will be highlighted and there will be time for questions. The webinar will be hosted by Nicole Keleher, Habitat Program Manager, and Emily Myron, Assistant Director for Land and Habitat Conservation. A recording of the webinar will be posted online. Click here to register.
Coming soon: FY27 grant application period
Keep an eye out for the Habitat Grant Program application announcement—the grant application submission period will open later this spring. Visit MassWildlife's Habitat Management Grant Program webpage to learn more about the application process and to see examples of funded projects.
Join the 2026 City Nature Challenge!
Following an extensive effort to collect public feedback, Governor Healey announced she will file legislation to allow Sunday hunting, expand the use of crossbows for hunting, and reduce setback distances for bowhunting. Learn more about this proposal and what it means for Massachusetts.
Join the 2026 City Nature Challenge, April 24–27, and help document the plants and wildlife in your community. Be part of this global effort to support biodiversity research while exploring the nature right outside your door.
How to participate: It’s as simple as getting outside, observing nature, snapping a photo, and uploading to iNaturalist! It’s fun, it’s free, and a great way to connect with nature. You can participate on your own or join a targeted effort within your community. Find an event near you: Boston Area, Worcester, Springfield, Connecticut River Valley, and Western Massachusetts.
Want to do more? Put your naturalist skills to good usefrom April 28–May 10to help identify observations that City Nature Challenge participants recorded on iNaturalist. By validating other participants’ identifications, you can help ensure data can be used in research.
You can also support MassWildlife’s ongoing iNaturalist projects year-round:
- Massachusetts Biodiversity Survey: Join this long-term, strategic effort to track our state’s irreplaceable biodiversity and contribute to conservation and research. This includes several projects, including a reptile survey, carnivore/large mammal survey, freshwater mollusks, ecological indicators, and conifers.
- Wildlife Management Area Biodiversity Project: We need your help tracking biodiversity in 15 Wildlife Management Areas.
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| Date published: | April 3, 2025 |
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