News and Announcements

Clifford Kazanjian’s painting of a red-breasted merganser was named Best of Show in the 2026 art competition. Learn more about JDS winners and the judging process.

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

Get outside for Mother's Day! Plan ahead with these tips and treat mom to a great experience on the water.

A public hearing will be held on May 18 on fishing regulations, including changes to trout and American eel limits.

Announcement Comes as Governor Healey Works to Lift Sunday Hunting Ban and Expand Hunting Access in Massachusetts

Have fun, contribute to science, and explore nature—from your own backyard to urban forests or parks. Join the global effort April 24–27 and celebrate the Commonwealth’s incredible biodiversity.

Each year, MassWildlife recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish in Massachusetts. The 2025 winners have been announced.

The timeline for MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program is changing, with a call for proposals coming later this spring. Learn more about the grant’s goals, eligibility, and requirements at an informational webinar set for April 30.

Spring turkey hunting season is April 27–May 23. Get ready for the start of season by purchasing your license and turkey permit then review regulations, hunting tips, and safety information.

Spring is wild turkey breeding season, and that can mean an increase in aggressive behavior. To reduce wildlife conflict, avoid feeding turkeys.

If you have bird feeders or if you keep chickens, bee hives, or livestock, act now to keep bears wild and out of neighborhoods.

The public is invited to help MassWildlife stock trout during school vacation week. Join stocking events in Braintree, Brewster, Chicopee, Leominster, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Shutesbury, Westfield, and Worcester.

This year's cold winter created more ice cover on ponds, decreasing oxygen levels and potentially causing natural fish kills. Make sure to report fish kills as the temperatures rise.

This spring, be mindful of amphibians as they emerge from their winter retreats and travel to breeding sites. Use caution while driving on rainy spring nights.

A public hearing will be held April 13 to establish rules and regulations for the 2026–2027 migratory game bird hunting seasons.