News  Extended archery deer season proposed

Rescheduled — Due to the forecasted storm, the March 7 public hearing to extend the archery deer season in eastern Massachusetts has been rescheduled for April 10 at 7 p.m. at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA. Read more.

The proposal is to open the archery deer season two weeks early in eastern Massachusetts (Wildlife Management Zones 10–14). Click here to find more information about the public hearing, learn how to provide a public comment, and read proposed regulatory language.

The current archery deer season opens across the state six weeks before Thanksgiving and closes the Saturday after the holiday. The proposed change opens the archery deer season in WMZs 10–14 eight weeks before Thanksgiving. In WMZs 1–9, the archery deer season would remain the same, opening six weeks before Thanksgiving. The proposed season change will increase hunting opportunities in a region where deer numbers are above management range goals. No changes were recommended for WMZs 1–9; deer numbers in those zones are within management range goals. Click here to learn more about deer management.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will accept written public comment on the proposal at any time prior to the public hearing and for an additional two weeks after the hearing. Written and oral comments are accepted at the public hearing. Comments (both oral and written) must focus on the proposed regulation. Written comments can be mailed to:

Chairman, Fisheries and Wildlife Board, c/o MassWildlife Director
Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581

Public comments by e-mail may be sent to Susan.Sacco@mass.gov, Attn: Fisheries & Wildlife Board.