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Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MASSWILDLIFE)

MassWildlife is responsible for the conservation of freshwater fish and wildlife in the Commonwealth, including endangered plants and animals. MassWildlife restores, protects, and manages land for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy.

New hunting and fishing license fees proposed

For the first time since 1996, MassWildlife is proposing changes to hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping license fees. Over the past 25 years, MassWildlife has been able to maintain its high-quality services and programs through responsible fiscal management without raising fees. But with inflation up nearly 67% since 1996, declining license sales, increased agency responsibilities, and steadily increasing state-mandated costs such as payroll taxes and health insurance, revenue has not been meeting expenses for several years. License fees provide critical support for conservation, including scientific management of fish and wildlife, trout and pheasant stocking, habitat management, and educational programs. The proposed fees address MassWildlife’s current revenue shortfall, are necessary to fund MassWildlife's core operations, and are comparable to the other New England states. 

View the proposed fees, read FAQs, and learn how to provide feedback 

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Contact Us

Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Address

MassWildlife Field Headquarters
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
Directions 

Phone

Main (508) 389-6300

Building is currently closed to the public; please call for assistance.

Fax 508-389-7890

Online

Email Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program 
Log into MassFishHunt 

Who we serve

Through the effective management of wildlife and habitat, MassWildlife ensures quality outdoor recreational opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the impressive variety of plants, fish, and wildlife found in Massachusetts. Outdoor skills clinics, wildlife education workshops, presentations, and online resources provide all residents with a greater understanding and appreciation for wildlife conservation. Keep in touch with us  – sign up to receive monthly e-newsletters.

What would you like to do?

Top actions & services

Wildlife in winter  Freshwater Fishing Information  2021 Massachusetts Fishing and Hunting Guide 

More actions & services

Learn about Wildlife  Hunting Migratory Game Birds in Massachusetts  Outdoor Recreation Safety Tips  Get Involved in Conservation  Working for Wildlife: MassWildlife's Habitat Programs  Conservation Resources for Educators 
See all actions & services 

Recent news & announcements

News

Thank You 

12/31/2020 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Hunters and anglers support MassWildlife’s efforts to keep fish and wildlife populations healthy, conserve habitat, and protect land for outdoor recreation. Read some of MassWildlife's major accomplishments from 2020.

News

MassWildlife: COVID-19 Response 

12/01/2020 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

MassWildlife has adjusted services, events, and operations to protect our employees and Massachusetts residents, and prevent further spread of COVID-19.

  • News

    Report species observations, vernal pools, and more with new Heritage Hub system 

    2/22/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    MassWildlife’s Heritage Hub replaces VPRS and allows users to easily report observations.

  • News

    Spring trout stocking 

    2/22/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    MassWildlife is stocking 450,000 trout across Massachusetts this spring! Find out where and get daily updates at Mass.gov/trout.

  • News

    2021 Youth Turkey Hunt 

    2/16/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    The 2021 Youth Turkey Hunt Program will be different from previous years. Changes have been made to ensure the safety of volunteers and youth participants in accordance with current COVID-19 guidelines.

  • News

    Barred Owl Rescued from Fireplace 

    2/11/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    MassWildlife helped rescue a barred owl from a homeowner's fireplace in February. This barred owl may have been looking for a cavity to nest in when it found itself in a chimney with no easy escape.

  • News

    Go wild on your taxes this year 

    1/27/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Tax season is here, meaning it's a great time to help keep Massachusetts wild!

  • News

    Northeast states receive a federal grant to coordinate rare turtle conservation efforts 

    1/27/2021 MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program

    Funding will support continued scientific collaboration addressing serious wood turtle population declines in Massachusetts and other northeastern states.

See all news and announcements

Locations

Find MassWildlife offices and hatcheries

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Related organizations

Image credits:  MassWildlife
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