News  Public Hearing: 2026–2027 Migratory Game Bird Regulations

A public hearing will be held on Monday, April 13 at 6 p.m. via Zoom webinar. The hearing will establish rules and regulations relative to the 2026–2027 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Click this link to register to attend the public hearing. You will receive an email with the instructions for how to join. 

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 2026–2027 migratory bird seasons as soon as possible after 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: Public Hearing Comments, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Written public comments will be accepted until Thursday, April 9, 2026, 5 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 1 – November 21
• Youth Waterfowl Hunts: September 26 and October 3
• Veteran’s Waterfowl Hunts: September 26 and October 3
• Early Goose Season (statewide): September 1 – September 25
• Regular Goose Season
  • Berkshire Zone: October 12 – November 28
  • Central Zone: October 10 – November 28 and December 15 – January 2
  • Coastal Zone: October 10 – October 17 and November 27 – January 27
• Late Goose Season
  • Berkshire Zone: December 15 – February 13
  • Central Zone: January 16 – February 13
  • North Coastal Zone: January 28 – February 13   
• Duck Season
  • Berkshire Zone: October 12 – November 28 and December 14 – January 2
  • Central Zone: October 10 – November 28 and December 15 – January 2
  • Coastal Zone: October 10 – October 17 and November 27 – January 27
• Falconry Season: October 12 – February 12