Attention hunters: Apply for ADP before July 16
The deadline for applying for an Antlerless Deer Permit is July 16. Click here to learn how to apply.
Chorus of cicadas
If you’re headed to the Cape to enjoy the warm weather, you may be greeted by the distinct hum of cicadas. Massachusetts is home to annual cicadas that emerge each summer, but this year, Cape Cod is experiencing the rare emergence of Brood XIV periodical cicadas, which surface only once every 17 years.
Life cycle
After mating, female cicadas cut small slits into tree branches to lay their eggs. About 6 to 7 weeks later, the eggs hatch and the tiny nymphs drop to the ground, where they quickly tunnel into the soil. Underground, they feed on plant roots and slowly develop over many years.
The Brood XIV cicadas appearing this summer first hatched in 2008. After 17 years underground as immature nymphs, they’ve emerged as mature adults. Once above ground, they molt (shed their old exoskeleton) for the last time, wait for their wings and bodies to harden, and then take flight in search of a mate. Adult cicadas will be emerging through July, and each individual only lives up to a couple of weeks. The next appearance of Brood XIV cicadas won’t be until 2042.
Sounds
Before you spot a cicada, you’ll likely hear them. Males produce their distinctive buzzing sound using structures on their abdomens called tymbals. They often synchronize their calls into a loud, rhythmic chorus to attract females to their location. Females then select their mate from among the performers.
Their constant buzzing can be very loud, and cicadas may end up in places people don’t want them, such as yards, gardens, houses, or vehicles. Rest assured that cicadas don’t bite or sting and pose no harm to people, pets, or plants. They will disperse from a specific location usually within a few days.
Feast for wildlife
Cicadas are a high-protein treat for many wild animals, providing a seasonal bounty during emergence years. Birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians all take advantage of this unexpected and abundant food source. Even fish benefit when cicadas fall into ponds and streams.
Their mass emergence is a survival strategy known as predator satiation. By appearing in overwhelming numbers — predators can only eat so many — plenty of cicadas survivive to reproduce the next generation.
Whether you find them fascinating or just noisy neighbors, Brood XIV cicadas are a rare spectacle worth appreciating while it lasts.
Restoring native grasslands
Grassland restoration offers a range of benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. These restored grasslands, rich with native grasses and wildflowers, provide essential breeding and foraging grounds for pollinators, ground-nesting birds, and other native wildlife. These restored habitats require less intensive management and help control invasive species naturally. Keep reading to find out how MassWildlife restored these habitats and how they contribute to healthier ecosystems across the state.
What are warm-season grasslands?
Warm-season grasslands are treeless or nearly treeless areas that are dominated by native perennial bunch grasses such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). They are often rich with wildflowers such as common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), butterfly-weed (Asclepias tuberosa), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), and countless others. Warm-season grasslands are best maintained by periodic fires, a practice that stimulates native plants and discourages many invasive species.
Why are agricultural fields being restored to warm-season grasslands?
These native grasslands provide important habitat for numerous plants and animals. Native grasses provide structure for nesting, rearing, and hunting. Sometimes they are called “bunch grasses” because they grow in distinct clumps with space between individuals and form an “umbrella” of the leaves above. The space of bare ground provides nesting areas for ground nesting bees, beetles, and other insects. Pollinators and other insects benefit greatly from the improved wildflower diversity found in warm-season grasslands.
One of the most important groups of species that benefit from the restoration efforts are grassland birds. Species such as grasshopper sparrow, upland sandpiper, bobolinks, American kestrel, and prairie warbler all depend on open grasslands for all or part of their lifecycle. For example, grasshopper sparrows eat, sleep, and nest on the ground, running between the clumps of grass while hunting for insects. It is also great wild turkey poult rearing habitat. The baby turkeys can hunt for insects moving between the clumps of grass with overhead cover, which keeps them out of sight of birds of prey. The improved cover provided by warm-season grasses is also preferred by pheasants. In the taller grasses, pheasants tend to stay on site, and hunters tend to prefer this experience.
How does MassWildlife restore a native grassland?
MassWildlife manages many former agricultural properties. Some may continue to be leased to farmers for hay or corn production, but for others, the leases are not renewed and MassWildlife staff maintains the open fields through regular mowing. Restoration of native species improves the habitat for native wildlife, while reducing the need for mowing. Some sites, like Katama Plains WMA or Montague Plains WMA, have already established native grasslands that only need fire to maintain and improve the composition, but they are the exception. Most sites dominated by non-native plants, and the restoration process typically begins with herbicide treatment to kill the invasive species, especially targeting the thick cool-season grasses. In recently farmed areas, herbicide may not be needed. Then, the site is burned to eliminate the thatch. Usually, the burned ground is harrowed next to create a seed bed. Then, the native seed is planted. Seed spreaders, or drills are used to plant the seed, however MassWildlife staff invented their own method using a sewer pipe and a backpack blower. Different seed mixes are used depending on the soil characteristics of the site. Some include wildflowers and a mix of grasses, while others are little bluestem alone. The seeds are always a local native genotype. Sometimes the seeds are purchased from a nursery, but other times they are harvested by MassWildlife staff using a specialized attachment on a tractor. The harvested seed is not only hyperlocal, but it also contains a diverse mix of seeds typical in native grasslands. After two or so years of growth, the site is ready to be burned again. Fire promotes growth of the native plants and helps discourage undesirable competition. During early restoration, sites are burned annually. Once well-established, they are burned every 1–3 years.
Where are grassland restoration projects taking place?
The largest grasslands at Frances Crane WMA (Falmouth) and Southwick WMA (Southwick) have been the targets of large-scale restoration for many years. Bolton Flats WMA (Bolton and Lancaster) is another larger grassland, but it seeded naturally in an abandoned gravel mine. These three large grasslands total around 750 acres. In the last four years or so, MassWildlife has begun the restoration process on many smaller grasslands as well. Currently, there is around 475 acres of grassland restoration projects across the state, including: Herman Covey WMA (Belchertown), William Forward WMA (Newbury), Winimusset WMA (Hardwick), Quaboag WMA (Brookfield and East Brookfield), Richardson WMA (Brookfield), Leyden WMA (Leyden), Montague Plains WMA (Montague), Noquochoke WMA (Dartmouth), Myles Standish SF (Plymouth), Fairfield Brook WMA (Richmond), and Flat Brook WMA (West Stockbridge).
Protect your poultry from predators
As backyard chicken farming has increased in popularity across the Bay State, conflict with wildlife has also greatly increased. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and the Environmental Police receive calls daily about predators taking chickens or breaking into coops. Any poultry that is unprotected, including free range chickens, are viewed as part of the natural food chain and will make an easy meal for predators like coyotes, black bears, foxes, fisher, birds of prey, and more. Read below for tips on how to protect your poultry from predators.
Fencing
- Poultry should be contained within predator-proof fencing. Remember, chicken wire is designed to keep birds in, but won’t always keep predators out. Use a sturdy fence that is at least six feet tall.
- Properly maintained electric fencing is the only way to protect chickens and other poultry from bears. Electric fencing is easy to set up and safe around people and pets. Basic electric fencing kits can range from $180 to $600. You can also read MassWildlife’s Electric Fencing Guide to Prevent Bear Damage to learn how to build your own electric fence.
- An outward overhang fence design or free spinning PVC pipe on a tight wire at the top of a fence can prevent some predators, like coyotes, from climbing over a fence.
- If you plan on moving your birds from one location to another, consider a portable electric fence design.
- For predators that can dig beneath fences, like foxes and coyotes, bury fencing at least 1 foot into the ground.
Enclosure Design
- Make sure your coop is sturdy and has doors and windows that can be closed tightly and securely.
- Protect poultry from aerial predators, like hawks and owls, by providing overhead cover. Crisscrossing overhead wires can also help to disrupt the flight patterns of raptors. Covering poultry runs with plastic netting or well-supported welded-wire fencing will reliably prevent attacks from above.
- Raising coop enclosures off the ground can prevent predators from sneaking in beneath the enclosure.
Additional Tips
- Store feed in a lockable and secure area. Use tight-fitting galvanized trash containers that will reduce attractive odors for wildlife like bears. Clean up any leftover food that may attract pests and predators.
- Provide adequate lighting and remove brush and large bushes from around the pen area perimeter.
- Noise making devices can scare off predators or alert you that something is in the area.
For more advice on how to prevent or address damage from wildlife, please contact your nearest MassWildlife District Office.
Summer fishing guide
Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler looking to share your passion with the next generation, Massachusetts offers plenty of ways to make a splash this summer. From peaceful ponds to lively lakes teeming with bass, the Bay State is home to countless freshwater fishing spots—many just a short drive away.
Grab your tackle box and sunscreen and use the resources on this page to plan your next fishing adventure. Don't forget your freshwater fishing license.
Find your next fishing spot
Visit the Go Fish MA! digital fishing map to view hundreds of fishable lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, and rivers across Massachusetts. Access waterbody summaries, find a place to launch your boat or kayak, view water depth information, or find a bait shop.
Fishing is for everyone! This list of accessible fishing areas highlights fishing piers and platforms designed to be usable by anglers of all abilities.
Learn to fish for free
MassWildlife's Angler Education Program is offering classes across the state. Learn to set up your rod, tie knots, cast, and identify fish. Events are free, family friendly, and open to all skill levels. No fishing license is required. Bring your own fishing equipment or borrow ours. Click here to find a class near you and register today!
Tips for fishing with kids
The only thing better than catching a fish yourself is watching your child reel in their very first one! But keeping young anglers engaged takes more than just a rod and reel. From choosing the right gear to picking the perfect spot and keeping things fun (and safe), these 10 expert tips will help you plan a smooth, successful family fishing trip they’ll remember for years to come.
Summer strategies for trout and bass
.Ready to level up your freshwater game? For intermediate or experienced anglers, summer offers unique challenges—and big rewards. Whether you're chasing trout in the cool depths or hunting for largemouth bass lurking in the weeds, a smart strategy can make all the difference.
Targeting trout: As water temperatures rise in the summer, coldwater fish like trout become harder to find. Find out how to use depth maps to target trout in cool layers of lakes.
Bring on the bass: To catch more bass, it helps to learn about the habitats and behavior of largemouth and smallmouth. Get bass fishing tips for when and where to fish, how to select a spot on the water, and what equipment to use.
State Wildlife Action Plan
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is announcing the Draft 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) for Massachusetts is ready for public review and comment. An approved State Wildlife Action Plan is required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to be eligible for State Wildlife Grants, a key federal funding source for states to conserve plants and animals of greatest conservation need and the habitats on which they rely. Plans must be revised every ten years to evaluate the health of rare, declining, and vulnerable species and to identify opportunities to conserve these species and their habitats.
Participation by conservation partners and the public is critical to updating the SWAP and putting its recommendations into practice to proactively conserve vulnerable species and their habitats. MassWildlife is hosting an information session on Thursday, July 17 at 3 p.m. on Zoom to provide an overview of its revisions to the SWAP, demonstrate how the public can review its major components, and explain how to provide feedback. Click here to register for the information session, which will be recorded and posted on MassWildlife’s website following the event.
What’s new for 2025?
MassWildlife developed its first State Wildlife Action Plan in 2005 and updated it in 2015. We are now sharing our draft revisions to the 2025 SWAP with some exciting new highlights. The 2025 Massachusetts SWAP:
- Is available entirely online;
- Builds off of BioMap, which is an online tool that guides the strategic protection and stewardship of lands and waters that are most important for biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts;
- Features 619 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) with an updated dashboard and fact sheets;
- Describes 35 habitat categories containing 106 natural communities that are essential for conserving SGCN in Massachusetts; and,
- Identifies key actions needed to help conserve and restore SGCN.
Public comments on the Draft 2025 SWAP will be accepted from Thursday, July 17 through Monday, August 18 online via a feedback form or in writing by mail to: MassWildlife Re: SWAP Public Comment, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.
American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioning, as well as live interpretation, including in Español, Português, 中文, Kreyòl Ayisyen, and Tiếng Việt, will be provided automatically for attendees who wish to use it at the SWAP Information Session on July 17, 2025. MassWildlife will also make every effort to provide other languages as requested to ensure equitable access. Please contact Susan Sacco at susan.sacco@mass.gov to request interpretation in another language by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Report fish kills
Seeing dead or dying fish can cause distress and prompt concerns about pollution, but the vast majority of summer fish kills are natural events. As warm weather arrives, lakes and ponds heat up, and natural fish kills may occur. To ensure there is not a pollution problem, please report all fish kills by calling the Environmental Police Radio Room at 1 (800) 632-8075.
Natural fish kills are most often caused by low oxygen levels, fish diseases, or spawning stress. Depletion of dissolved oxygen is also a common cause. Water holds less dissolved oxygen at higher temperatures, and in shallower or weedier ponds, levels can drop further as plants consume oxygen at night. Fish spawning, including sunfish and bass spawning, occurs in late spring and early summer in shallow waters near shorelines. These densely-crowded areas can grow more susceptible to disease outbreaks as water temperatures rise. The result is an unavoidable natural fish kill, often consisting of only one or two species of fish.
When a fish kill report comes in, MassWildlife fisheries biologists determine if it is natural or potentially caused by pollution. Because pollution impacts all aquatic life, the most important evidence biologists look for is the number and variety of fish associated with the incident. When pollution is suspected, MassWildlife notifies the Department of Environmental Protection, who then conducts a formal investigation of the water and the affected fish to determine the source of pollution.
Archery classes and range access
Whether you're new to archery or preparing for the upcoming bowhunting season, MassWildlife has free opportunities to help you sharpen your skills this summer. Join us at one of our Archery 101 events to learn the basics in a relaxed, supportive setting—perfect for beginners, with equipment available to borrow. For bowhunters, our Sighting-in and Shooting Techniques sessions offer a chance to fine-tune your aim with guidance from experienced instructors. Plus, public archery ranges are now open across the state for individual practice—just bring your gear and sign up for a free pass.
Archery 101
Join MassWildlife for a free event to learn all about archery! Experienced MassWildlife staff will introduce you to archery basics and help you practice on the range. You can bring your own equipment or borrow ours. These events are geared towards new archers.
- Tuesday, July 29, 5–7 p.m. in Westborough, Click here to register.
- Thursday, July 31, 5–7 p.m. in Taunton, Click here to register.
- Tuesday, August 5, 5–7 p.m. in Lenox, Click here to register.
Sighting-in and shoot techniques for bowhunters
Join MassWildlife and partners for a free event to help you practice and sight in your bow for bowhunting! Instructors will help you practice on the range, and will be able to help you adjust your sights if needed. You must bring your own archery equipment for these events.
- Wednesday, August 13, 5–7 p.m. in Ayer, Click here to register.
- Tuesday, August 26, 5–7 p.m. in Southampton, Click here to register.
- Tuesday, September 2, 5–7 p.m. in Taunton, Click here to register.
Public ranges now open
If you have your own archery equipment but don't have a great place to practice, try out one of MassWildlife’s free ranges this summer. Six archery ranges will be set up at different dates on Wildlife Management Areas:
- Ayer Game Farm, Ayer (June 13 – October 24)
- Erwin Wilder WMA, Norton/Taunton (June 13 – October 24)
- George L. Darey Housatonic Valley WMA, Lenox (June 13 – September 28)
- High Ridge WMA, Westminster (June 13 – September 28)
- Southampton WMA, Southampton (June 13 – September 28)
- Wayne F. MacCallum WMA, Westborough (June 13 – September 28)