News  Volunteers help deer hunters statewide

MassWildlife’s 2023 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Deer Hunt, Deer Hunt for Paraplegic Hunters, and Youth Deer Hunt Day have concluded. Congratulations to all hunters who participated and thank you to the many volunteers and mentors who made these programs successful! Read more about each of the hunting opportunities below.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman mentored deer hunt 

MassWildlife’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Program offers shooting skills workshops, hunting seminars, and other outdoor skills classes and activities designed for adult women. This fall, MassWildlife offered a deer hunting seminar and a mentored hunt for women who are new to deer hunting. During the seminars, students learned about the lives and habits of white-tailed deer, deer hunting regulations, equipment, and safety, and practiced new skills like shooting, scouting, and recovery. Eighteen women participated in the mentored deer hunt at the Fort Devens Military Area in Lancaster on opening day of shotgun deer season, and 3 women harvested deer.

When asked what they liked most about the deer hunt, participants responded: “Camaraderie, instructor knowledge, and a safe, encouraging place to learn;” “I enjoyed the in-person seminar and hands on training, and really enjoyed the mentored hunt;” “I loved tracking and seeing so many deer.”

MassWildlife is grateful for the many volunteers and mentors who make the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program possible. Learn more about BOW and sign up to be notified of future workshops.

Deer hunt for paraplegic hunters

Each year, volunteers come together to help paraplegic deer hunters during a special 3-day season. This year’s hunt was held November 2–4. The 2023 hunt was a success with 18 hunters, including four hunters who were new to the program, participating. Hunts took place in the northern and southern Berkshires sites, at the Quabbin Reservoir, at Fort Devens, and at Joint Base Cape Cod. All hunters saw deer and 10 deer were harvested. This is the highest number of deer harvested during the para hunt since 1995 when a total of 13 deer were taken.

As always, this hunt would not be possible without support from a group of dedicated volunteers. This year, the hunt was supported by: 12 MassWildlife staff, 5 MA Environmental Police officers, 7 staff from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, 7 private landowners, 4 military personnel, and 30 other volunteers. Learn more about the deer hunt for paraplegic hunters.

Youth Deer Hunt Day

MassWildlife created this special hunt day to allow young hunters ages 12–14 to hunt using their own permit while afield with a licensed adult. Young adults 15–17 with a hunting license can also participate on this special day with a free youth deer permit. The Youth Deer Hunt Day is held on the fourth Saturday following Labor Day, prior to the opening of other Massachusetts deer seasons. This year’s hunt took place on September 30. Though some data is still coming in, the preliminary harvest total for the 2023 hunt is 144.

Next year’s Youth Deer Hunt Day will be held on September 28, 2024. Learn about rules and licensing requirements for the hunt.