News

News  Recreational Permitting System Modernized

1/11/2022
  • Division of Marine Fisheries
permit

MassFishHunt—the official recreational fishing, lobstering, and hunting permitting system for Massachusetts—has been upgraded! The new system went live on December 1, 2021. As always, anglers, hunters, and trappers will be able to buy licenses and permits, report a harvest, and access account information through the online system. Recreational saltwater fishing permits and MassWildlife licenses are also available online in the new system. The new MassFishHunt’s secure, modern platform offers new features designed with the customer in mind.

What’s changing? 
Setting up your account in the new MassFishHunt (https://massfishhunt.mass.gov) is simple. With just a few clicks, you will have access to new features, including: 

    • Upgraded log in with email and password to keep your account secure
    •Linked accounts for families and other groups
    • Auto-renew option to let you “set it and forget it” to keep your permits up to date
    • Buy-it-again option which saves your favorite products for quick checkout
    • Improved mobile experience
    • Sign up for angler education classes

What are the transaction fees in the new online system?
Overall, transaction fees for online purchases are staying the same or decreasing for most online customers in the new system. The previous online system charged an administrative fee of $1.34 per permit and a 3% convenience fee on the total transaction. The new online system charges an administrative fee of $1.45 per permit and a 2% convenience fee on the total transaction. So, if you bought a $10 recreational saltwater fishing permit online in 2021, the transaction fees were $1.68, and this will be the same in 2022.

Can customers still buy permits in-person? 
Yes. If you do not wish to purchase your recreational saltwater fishing permit online, you can still visit the Gloucester or New Bedford Division of Marine Fisheries offices, a MassWildlife office, or one of many authorized license vendor locations to buy in-person. There are no transaction fees if permits are purchased at DMF or MassWildlife offices. Please note, permits can no longer be purchased over the phone. 

As a reminder, all permit fees collected from the sale of recreational saltwater fishing permits are deposited in the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund. This Fund finances recreational fishing improvement programs administered by DMF. 

We hope you enjoy the improved customer interface and enhanced features of the new system. 

By Story Reed, Permitting & Statistics Program Manager


 

  • Division of Marine Fisheries 

    The Division of Marine Fisheries manages the state’s commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries and oversees other services that support the marine environment and fishing communities.
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