Though Massachusetts is the 3rd most densely populated state in the country, it is a state where quality deer can be found anywhere. Deer densities vary widely from an ideal range of about 12–18 deer per square mile in most of central and western Massachusetts to more than 30–50 deer per square mile in areas of eastern Massachusetts and on the islands where hunting access is restricted.
2022 deer harvest preliminary summary
Preliminary results indicate the 2022 hunting season set a new annual record of 15,853 harvested deer, which is well within the expected range permitted under strict regulations set by MassWildlife. Preliminary harvest figures for the 2022 deer hunting seasons are:
- Youth Deer Hunt Day: 114
- Paraplegic Hunt Days: 7
- Archery Season: 6,543
- Shotgun Season: 5,823
- Primitive Firearms Season: 3,366
Additional Resources for
Open PDF file, 374.83 KB,
2021 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 374.83 KB)
Open PDF file, 356.3 KB,
2020 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 356.3 KB)
Open PDF file, 3.04 MB,
2019 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 3.04 MB)
Open PDF file, 642.8 KB,
2018 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 642.8 KB)
Open PDF file, 255.69 KB,
2017 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 255.69 KB)
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2016 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 81.76 KB)
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2015 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 83.14 KB)
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2014 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 74.14 KB)
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2013 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 74.11 KB)
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2012 Deer Harvest Summary
(English, PDF 81.82 KB)
Historic deer harvest
