DCR Watershed Hunting

The Quabbin Reservoir, Ware River, Wachusett Reservoir, and Sudbury Reservoir watersheds provide drinking water to 2.7 million people. The goal of DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection (DWSP) deer hunt programs is to reduce the impacts of deer browsing in these four watersheds in order to have a healthy, resilient, diverse forest that continuously protects water quality in the drinking water supply for 53 communities.

Hunting permits are required for hunting on DWSP’s properties. Applications and details for each watershed are available on the links below. There is NO fee for this permit. Hunters must apply for a permit online and provide a valid email address. In addition, hunters must possess a current, valid Massachusetts Hunting License.

Please click on the blue buttons below for for detailed information on these topics:

DCR Watershed Hunting and Trapping Information: hunting or trapping on all DWSP Watershed lands.

Quabbin Reservoir Watershed Hunting/Trapping: hunting/trapping specifically in the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed.

DCR DWSP Hunting and Trapping Access Permits: DWSP Access Permits for hunting and trapping.

DCR DWSP Interactive Hunting Map: an interactive map with detailed information about where and when you can hunt and trap on DWSP lands.

DCR DWSP Deer Harvest Reporting: Report your deer! Harvest data is important to understand the deer populations on DWSP lands. Information collected about the deer harvest helps DCR with the management and logistics of the hunts.

DCR DWSP Deer Hunt Reports and Surveys: DWSP’s Deer Harvest Summaries and Hunter Surveys.