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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

Trout Stocking Report  Freshwater Fishing Information  2021 Massachusetts Fishing and Hunting Guide 

More actions & services

Hunting Wild Turkey in Massachusetts  Learn about Wildlife  Black Bears in Massachusetts  Working for Wildlife: MassWildlife's Habitat Programs  Problems with Wildlife  Get Involved in Conservation 
See all actions & services 

Recent news & announcements

News

Take Mom fishing! 

4/30/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Get outside for Mother's Day and plan ahead with these tips for treating mom to a great fishing trip.

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

    Draft Priority Habitat Map of rare species available for public comment 

    5/03/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is accepting public comments on its next edition of the Natural Heritage Atlas. The public can comment on draft priority habitat maps for rare, state-listed plants and animals through 7/3.

  • News

    First bald eagle death in Massachusetts from rodenticides confirmed 

    5/02/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    MassWildlife officials recently confirmed that a bald eagle has died from second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) poisoning. While documented elsewhere, this is the first confirmed case of an eagle dying from rodenticide poisoning in MA.

  • News

    MassWildlife launches new bat house initiative  

    5/01/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    MassWildlife has launched a new initiative to install bat houses across the state. Learn about the 9 different species of bats found in Massachusetts, and what you can do to help support bat conservation.

  • News

    Why cutting trees isn't always a bad thing 

    5/01/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    From a young age, we're taught planting trees is good for the environment, so alternatively, cutting down trees is bad—right? Well, it's not that simple. 

  • News

    Mary-Lee King honored 

    4/30/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    After 40 years of state service, Mary-Lee King has retired from the Department of Fish and Game. King was recently honored at a special presentation to celebrate her many accomplishments to advance conservation efforts in Massachusetts.

  • News

    Wear your life jacket when boating this spring 

    4/27/2021 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

    Wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device could save your life.

See all news and announcements

Locations

Find MassWildlife offices and hatcheries

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Related organizations

Image credits:  MassWildlife
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