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News and Announcements

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News

2026 Fall hunting announcements

8/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Fall hunting seasons are just around the corner. Stay up to date on hunting information, including regulation changes, antlerless deer permit awards and surplus sales, and waterfowl season dates and bag limits.

News

MassWildlife staff among wildland firefighters deployed to Minnesota

8/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

This summer, members of MassWildlife’s prescribed fire crew are putting their training and experience to work beyond Massachusetts by supporting ongoing wildland firefighting efforts.

News

Turtle taxis: Discovery reveals how some freshwater mussels travel

8/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Observations in New England show adult mussels attached to turtles, challenging what biologists know about mussel dispersal.

News

Protect your poultry from predators

7/21/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Predators killing chickens and damaging coops is becoming a major source of wildlife conflict in Massachusetts. Learn how you can take action to protect your poultry.

News

How does wildlife beat the heat?

7/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Learn the wild ways Massachusetts critters survive the summer.

News

Nature journaling: The art of observing

7/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

More than sketching or writing, nature journaling is a practice of slowing down and engaging the senses to notice the living world in detail. It transforms ordinary moments outdoors into lasting memory, connection, and discovery.

News

Archery classes

7/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

MassWildlife is offering free archery classes this summer and opportunities to practice on ranges across the state.

Press Release

Historic win for Blanding's turtles

7/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Zoo New England, MassWildlife, and US Fish and Wildlife Service celebrate the historic release of a new generation of endangered Blanding's turtles after 20 years of conservation efforts.

News

Share your feedback on proposed habitat goals for MassWildlife lands

6/26/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

MassWildlife’s habitat program works to provide a healthy mix of upland habitats to benefit common and rare plants and animals that rely on them. Review the proposed upland habitat goals, watch a recorded presentation, and submit your feedback by July 31.

News

Seeing the forest for the trees: Recognizing the impacts of overabundant deer

6/26/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

White-tailed deer are an important part of the Massachusetts landscape, but when there are too many deer, forest health can suffer.

News

Fishing—the ultimate analog adventure

6/24/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Freshwater fishing is the perfect pastime for over-scheduled kids (and adults!) who want to experience the magic of the summer season.

News

Deborah Rocque and John Hitt Appointed to Fisheries and Wildlife Board

6/03/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Deborah Rocque and John Hitt Appointed to Fisheries and Wildlife Board

News

Junior Conservation Camp teaches outdoor skills to Massachusetts teens

6/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Campers aged 13–17 learn conservation, shooting sports, fishing techniques, orienteering, and more from experts in a fun, safe camp environment.

News

Fawn Phases: Why it’s normal to find fawns alone

6/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

To stay hidden from predators, young white-tailed deer spend much of their first 30 days on their own. Learn about fawn development and why you should never approach or take a fawn from the wild even if it’s alone.

News

Veggie Vandals: Protecting your gardens from wildlife

6/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Don’t let damage from wildlife spoil your garden. Learn how you can prevent your plants from becoming a snack for woodchucks, rabbits, squirrels, and deer.