News  Public Hearing: 2025–2026 Migratory Game Bird Regulations

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 29 at 1 p.m. via Zoom webinar.  Click here to join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device with Passcode: 879978. Or join by phone: (929) 205-6099 with Webinar ID: 859 1099 8891 and Passcode: 879978. The hearing will establish rules and regulations relative to the 2025–2026 migratory game bird hunting seasons.

Due to the migratory game bird season filing requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote to finalize and approve the 2025–2026 migratory bird seasons at the close of the hearing. Therefore, please note: There will be no written comment period after this public hearing. Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing via an online comment form. Written comments may also be submitted by mail, to MassWildlife, Attn: Susan Sacco, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Written public comments will be accepted until Monday, April 28, 2025, 4 p.m.

Click here for full text of proposed rules and regulations. Interested persons can review the proposed changes and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the hearing. Here is a summary of the proposed changes: 

• Woodcock Season: October 2 – November 22 
• Youth Waterfowl Hunts: September 20 and October 4
• Veteran’s Waterfowl Hunts: September 20 and October 4
• Early Goose Season (statewide): September 1 – September 19 
• Regular Goose Season 
  • Berkshire Zone: October 13 – November 15
  • Central Zone: October 11 – November 28 and December 15 – January 3
  • Coastal Zone: October 11 – October 18 and November 28 – January 28
• Late Goose Season
  • Berkshire Zone: December 15 – February 14
  • Central Zone: January 17 – February 14
  • North Coastal Zone: January 29 – February 14   
• Duck Season  
  • Berkshire Zone: October 13 – November 28 and December 13 – January 3
  • Central Zone: October 11 – November 28 and December 15 – January 3
  • Coastal Zone: October 11 – October 18 and November 28 – January 28
• Falconry Season: October 18 – February 19