Fall trout stocking
MassWildlife will stock approximately 73,750 trout starting in late September. About 27,000 rainbow trout over 14 inches, just over 40,200 rainbow trout over 12 inches, and about 6,500 brown trout over 12 inches will be stocked across Massachusetts this fall. These fish, along with the 455,000 trout that were stocked in the spring, will provide for some great fall fishing! Fall stocking season will begin around the last full week in September depending on water temperatures and will conclude in mid-October. Once stocking begins, visit mass.gov/Trout for a stocking report that is updated daily.
As the weather cools down, the fishing heats up! With fewer crowds, fall is the perfect time to get on the water. Check out our best fall fishing tips, including how to target bass and trout.
Antlerless Deer Permit announcement
If you applied for an Antlerless Deer Permit by July 16, log into MassFishHunt to see if you were awarded a permit.
Surplus permits are available starting Sept. 24. Permits for zones 10, 11, 13, & 14 have no purchase limit. Limited permits for zones 3, 7, 8, 9, & 12 will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to get full details.
Tracking terrapins in the Buzzards Bay estuary
This summer, MassWildlife launched an exciting new project in partnership with Zoo New England to study diamond-backed terrapins in the unique ecosystem of Buzzards Bay. Northern diamond-backed terrapins are medium-sized turtles that have a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern on their shell. They are native to southeast Massachusetts and depend on salt marshes for finding food, laying their eggs, and overwintering. They are listed as threatened under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
The number of terrapins has been decreasing in recent years, so an important first step in bolstering conservation efforts is to assess the current status of terrapins in the Buzzards Bay estuary. Biologists from MassWildlife and Zoo New England used a variety of techniques to find turtles and estimate their numbers. Researchers conduct visual surveys by paddling kayaks along a pre-mapped route while scanning the water and shoreline for swimming and basking terrapins. When a single terrapin or group is spotted, the biologist navigates to the terrapin’s location, records GPS coordinates, and notes the terrapin’s activity. These visual surveys will help provide a better understanding of terrapin distribution and how that distribution changes over their active season (April–October).
MassWildlife biologist conducting a boat survey for terrapins. Photo: MassWildlife
To estimate population and movement patterns of terrapins, biologists use a method called mark-recapture. Some turtles are captured, marked, and released; later, another group is caught and the marked ones are counted. Terrapins are caught either by hand, dipnet, or trap. For trapping, three different sites within the study area were chosen that had high numbers of terrapins. During a “trap run,” a mix of small and large hoop nets are baited and deployed throughout the marsh. To eliminate the possibility of drowning, traps are secured to the marsh and kept afloat using buoyant polyethylene “pool noodles.” Traps are set for four consecutive nights and checked every 24 hours.
During this project, terrapin movement is also being monitored using acoustic telemetry equipment. Currently, there are 25 acoustic receivers moored underwater in terrapin habitat, and 30 sexually mature females have been tagged with transmitters. When a tagged female swims within range of an acoustic receiver, the receiver detects the pulse emitted by the transmitter on the terrapin. Data from the receivers will provide valuable insight on the movement patterns, behavior, habitat use, and possible nesting areas of female terrapins.
The first season of terrapin tracking was a success! Between April 25 and August 13, the team caught 915 diamond-backed terrapins. Biologists will now start to analyze the wealth of data that was collected this year. The next steps in this project are to establish a framework for long-term terrapin monitoring in Buzzards Bay and to identify and prioritize conservation needs in Massachusetts and regionally.
Northern diamond-backed terrapin caught during a boat survey. Photo: MassWildlife
Northern diamond-backed terrapin fast facts:
Common name: Northern diamond-backed terrapin
Scientific name: Malaclemys terrapin
Size: Females: 6–9 inches long. Males 4–6 inches long.
Range: Along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts south to Florida, along the Gulf coast from the Carolinas to Texas.
MA Conservation status: Threatened
Federal conservation status: Not listed
Fun facts:
- Diamond-backed terrapins are the brackish water turtle species in Massachusetts, but they are still sometimes confused for sea turtles.
- A single female may lay 1-3 nests per year, with each nest having approximately 12 eggs.
- Temperature determines if hatchlings are male or female. Eggs will develop into males if temperatures are below 82º F and will develop into females if temperatures are above 86 º F. When temperatures range between 82 and 86 º F, there will be a mixture of males and females.
- Terrapins forage in the water and feed on crabs, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, fish, and carrion.
- Diamond-backed terrapins get their name from the diamond patterns on their shells. They pattern and colors are highly variable and no two terrapins look exactly the same.
A transmitter attached to the shell of a Northern diamond-backed terrapin. Photo: A. Jones, MassWildlife
Northern diamond-backed terrapin. Photo: A. Jones, MassWildlife
Habitat management grant now open
Private and municipal landowners of conserved lands can apply for grant funding to support active habitat management projects that benefit wildlife and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) provides financial assistance for projects that:
- improve habitat for game species (species that are hunted, fished, and trapped),
- manage for State Wildlife Action Plan species (Species of Greatest Conservation Need), with an emphasis on State Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species, and
- enhance habitat in ecological communities disproportionally susceptible to climate change.
Although MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition in Massachusetts, acquisition alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of biological diversity. Investment in habitat restoration and management is urgently needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, MassWildlife and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have substantially increased their investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and are committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on conserved lands across the state. Over the past 9 years, the MHMGP has awarded over $3.25M in funding to 42 different organizations and individuals for 112 habitat improvement projects.
Grant applications will be accepted starting September 2, 2024 and are due by October 17, 2024. Visit the MHMGP webpage time to learn more about the application process and to see examples of funded projects. For general questions about the grant program, contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator.
Tips for non-hunters this fall
The return of cooler weather means many Massachusetts sportsmen and women will head into the woods for the fall 2024 hunting season. Massachusetts residents may be wondering where and when hunting will be taking place this fall. Early Canada goose hunting began on September 2, black bear hunting season opened statewide on September 3, while pheasant hunting season opens October 19. Archery deer and turkey hunting seasons begin statewide on October 7. Click here to review a summary of all hunting seasons and migratory game bird hunting seasons. Hunting on Sunday is not permitted in Massachusetts. Many public lands are open to hunting including Wildlife Management Areas, most state parks, and many town-owned lands. Research the property you plan to visit to learn if hunting is allowed.
Hunting is a safe activity and non-hunters should feel comfortable using the woods at any time of year. Although hunting accidents are extremely rare, wearing blaze orange will help minimize your chances of being mistaken for game animals during the hunting season. While hunters are required to wear blaze orange during certain seasons, all outdoor users who are in the woods during hunting seasons should wear a blaze orange hat or vest as a precaution.
Safety tips for non-hunters
- Be safe, be seen. A brightly colored orange vest or hat will help you stay visible. Avoid wearing any earth-toned or animal-colored clothing. The use of blaze orange has dramatically reduced the number of hunting-related accidents in the field. Watch a short video on the Effectiveness of Blaze Orange. Remember, hunters are often active during the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim.
- Keep pets leashed and visible. Place a blaze orange vest or bandana on your pet to keep it visible.
- Know when and where hunting is allowed. Review hunting regulations and season dates. Sunday hunting is not permitted in Massachusetts. Wildlife Management Areas, Wildlife Conservation Easements, and Access Areas are open to hunting. Most state parks and forests are open to hunting, and many towns allow hunting on municipal lands. Learn about lands open to hunting in Massachusetts. Research the property you plan to visit to learn if hunting is allowed. If being in the woods during hunting season makes you uneasy, find a location where hunting is not allowed or plan your outing for a Sunday or another day outside of hunting season.
- Make your presence known. Talk loudly or whistle to identify yourself as a person. You may also consider wearing a bell. If you see someone hunting or hear shots, call out to them to identify your location.
- Be courteous. Once you've made your presence known, don't make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife or hunting. Hunter harassment is against state law. Avoid confrontations with hunters. If you think you've witnessed a fish or wildlife violation, report it to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.
Forest management projects planned
MassWildlife is planning forest management projects to benefit common and rare wildlife. Learn more about this important work and share your feedback.