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Who needs a fishing or hunting license?

Different rules apply depending on whether you are hunting, fishing in fresh water, or fishing in salt water.
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Freshwater fishing

If you're 15 or older, you need a license to fish in fresh water. Those under 15 can fish in fresh water for free without a license. Learn more.

Freshwater fishing licenses for people with disabilities.

Saltwater fishing

If you're 16 or older, you need a permit to fish in salt water. You do not need a permit if you have a valid saltwater fishing permit from CT, NH, or RI, or if you are fishing on a permitted for-hire vessels. Those under 16 can fish in salt water for free without a license.

Learn more about recreational saltwater permits.

Hunting

If you’re 15 or older, you need a hunting license. Those under age 12 may not hunt.

Learn more about hunting license, permits, and stamps.

Learn more about special regulations and purchasing rules for hunters aged 12-17.

Hunting licenses for people with disabilities.

Contact

Online

email Email MassWildlife at Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov
websites MassWildlife Homepage 
MassWildlife Facebook 
MassWildlife Instagram 

Phone

Call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300

Open M–F, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Online

Email Email Division of Marine Fisheries at marine.fish@mass.gov
DMF Staff Directory 
Subscribe to DMF's advisory updates 

Phone

Main Call Division of Marine Fisheries, Main at (617) 626-1520

Fax

(617) 626-1509

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