News and Announcements

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Press Release

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $344,000 to Restore Critical Wildlife Habitats

1/29/2026 Department of Fish and Game

Projects will boost biodiversity, enhance resilience, and create outdoor recreation opportunities

Press Release

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Public Listening Sessions on Expanding Hunting Opportunities in Massachusetts

1/09/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Administration to hold listening sessions in January and February to gather public input on Sunday hunting, hunting with crossbows, and setback limits.

News

MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa Retires

1/09/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Mark Tisa retires from MassWildlife after 38 years of service; Eve Schlüter named Acting Director.

News

What hunters should know about HPAI

1/08/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in Massachusetts. While humans are rarely impacted, hunters are advised to take precautions.

News

Why you shouldn't feed wildlife this winter

1/08/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Providing food for wildlife does more harm than good.

News

A tiny beetle, a big wake-up call for Massachusetts forests

1/08/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

The southern pine beetle has arrived in Massachusetts. Learn why these pests can be detrimental to vulnerable habitats.

News

A milestone for Massachusetts’ roseate terns

1/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Over half of North America’s endangered roseate terns nest in the Bay State. Decades of focused conservation work by MassWildlife and partners has paid off and offers new hope for the species’ survival.

News

Stay safe on the ice this winter

12/17/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Always consider ice to be potentially dangerous. Stay safe this winter by taking a few moments to review these ice safety tips and ice thickness guidelines. 

Press Release

Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Deer Hunting Season on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket 

12/10/2025 Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll

Administration Considering Additional Actions to Provide More Access for Hunters, Including Sunday Hunting 

News

Young angler shines on 2026 guide cover

12/03/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

The 2026 Massachusetts Fishing and Hunting Guide has arrived—and its cover comes with an unforgettable surprise. See how a young angler’s trophy catch turned into a moment his whole community celebrated.

News

Give a gift on the wild side!

12/03/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Gift ideas for the wildlife enthusiast on your list.

News

Volunteer spotlight: 5 years of bat house monitoring

12/02/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

As bats across Massachusetts settle into their winter hibernation sites, we’re taking a moment to look back at the summer roosts that support them—and the volunteers who monitor these vital habitats.

News

Ten popular wildlife stories from 2025

12/02/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

It was a great year for Massachusetts wildlife. Take a moment to revisit some of our most popular articles from 2025.

News

Roche receives Sargent Award for conservation

12/01/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Mike Roche of Orange received the Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award for his decades of work in conservation and outdoor education. The longtime educator has dedicated his life to connecting people with Massachusetts’ natural resources.

News

Counting birds: Your new holiday tradition

12/01/2025 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Turn your birdwatching on Wildlife Management Areas into real science by taking part in the Christmas Bird Count this winter.