Overview
Though Massachusetts is the 3rd most densely populated state in the country, it is a state where quality deer can be found anywhere. MassWildlife biologists estimate that there are over 100,000 deer statewide. Estimated densities range from about 12-18 per square mile in western and central Massachusetts to over 50 deer per square mile on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Islands, and certain areas of eastern MA where hunting access is restricted.
2017 preliminary harvest data
The preliminary statewide deer harvest for 2017 is 13,220 – a new record high. Archery and primitive firearms seasons also saw record harvests.
2017 harvest by season
|
|
Antlered deer |
Antlerless deer |
Total |
|
Youth |
50 |
59 |
109 |
|
Para |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Archery |
3442 |
1749 |
5191 |
|
Shotgun |
3004 |
2158 |
5162 |
|
Primitive |
1207 |
1547 |
2754 |
|
Total |
7705 |
5515 |
13220 |
2017 harvest by Wildlife Management Zone
|
Zone |
Adult Male |
Female |
Button Buck |
Total |
|
1 |
249 |
59 |
8 |
316 |
|
2 |
493 |
48 |
6 |
547 |
|
3 |
439 |
121 |
17 |
577 |
|
4N |
425 |
95 |
19 |
539 |
|
4S |
302 |
37 |
5 |
344 |
|
5 |
479 |
179 |
28 |
686 |
|
6 |
118 |
39 |
6 |
163 |
|
7 |
422 |
245 |
42 |
709 |
|
8 |
647 |
282 |
37 |
966 |
|
9 |
730 |
353 |
66 |
1,149 |
|
10 |
1,227 |
1,075 |
249 |
2,551 |
|
11 |
1,662 |
1,043 |
267 |
2,972 |
|
12 |
159 |
74 |
16 |
249 |
|
13 |
319 |
365 |
110 |
794 |
|
14 |
244 |
309 |
105 |
658 |
|
Statewide |
7,915 |
4,324 |
981 |
13,220 |
MassWildlife manages deer numbers in the state with regulated hunting using 15 Wildlife Management Zones. The goal is to keep deer numbers below the level where major impacts to the habitat occur, but in balance with social tolerance. The MassWildlife Board oversees changes to hunting season, bag limits, and deer permit numbers. A complete harvest summary will be posted on this page in June.
Additional Resources for 2017 preliminary harvest data
Historic deer harvest
