The Board's public hearings on proposed regulatory amendments are open to the public to attend and comment either orally or in writing. The date, time, and location of each hearing is posted in this area along with available related information. Plain language summaries and the actual proposed language being considered by the Board may also be posted here.
Please note: If you have a disability or medical condition and would like to request special accommodations, or if you would like interpretive language services, please contact Susan Sacco at susan.sacco@mass.gov.
Public comment period
The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will accept written comment on the proposals at any time prior to the public hearings, and will accept oral comment at public hearings. Unless otherwise noted, the Board typically extends the comment period on regulations for an additional 2 weeks following the public hearing, and votes on the proposal at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Comments (both oral and written) must focus on the changes to the regulation as proposed.
Unless otherwise noted in the hearing notice, written comments may be sent to:
Chair, Fisheries and Wildlife Board
c/o Director of MassWildlife
Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
Comments by e-mail may be sent to susan.sacco@mass.gov, to the attention of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.
2024 public hearing notices
321 CMR 3 02. In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Ch. 131, Sec. 5, and Ch. 30A, Sec. 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, on proposed regulatory amendments to 321 CMR 3.02(2) Migratory Game Bird Regulations in Massachusetts. The proposed amendments will set the dates and bag limits for the 2024-2025 migratory game bird seasons.
Interested persons can attend the hearing and provide oral comments either in person or via a Zoom video webinar. The Hearing Officer, MassWildlife staff, and Board members will be present at the physical meeting location given above. Note that the hearing will be held in the same webinar as the April monthly business meeting (begins at 12:30 p.m.) of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Attendees can enter and exit the webinar at any time.
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 3.02(2) and instructions for how to join the webinar are posted here so that interested persons can review the proposed regulations and provide written comments prior to the hearing or oral comments during the public-comment portion of the hybrid hearing. The instructions to join the webinar are also included here:
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:
Please click this URL to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88076950045?pwd=blFPbG9Ha0c2RndjTVRBVW04dXZRZz09
Passcode: 905906
Or join by phone: Dial (929) 205-6099
Webinar ID: 880 7695 0045
Passcode: 905906
Written public comments will be accepted before the hearing, until Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Please note that, due to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s requirements for filing these regulations, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote immediately following the close of the hearing. Therefore, there will be no written comment period after the hearing.
Posted March 21, 2024; 7:30 a.m.
DRAFT - DFW 2024-2025 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Regulations 321 CMR 3 02
321 CMR 10.90. In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Chapter 131A, Section 4, and Ch. 30A, Sec. 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold an online public hearing on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., via a Zoom video webinar with the Hearing Officer, MassWildlife staff, and the public joining via computer or phone line. The proposal is to amend the list of species of animals and plants protected by the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Interested persons can participate in the hearing and provide oral comments in the webinar. Attendees can enter and exit the webinar at any time.
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 10.90 and the instructions for how to join the webinar are posted here so that interested persons can review the proposals and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the online hearing.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:
Please click this URL to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83444505762?pwd=bXg0VkZnZWRRTnRONmFzclhka0s2UT09
Webinar ID: 834 4450 5762
Passcode: 045400
Or join by phone: Dial (929) 205-6099
Webinar ID: 834 4450 5762
Passcode: 045400
Written public comments will be accepted for 2 weeks after the hearing, until Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
Posted March 21, 2024; 7:30 a.m.
DRAFT - DFW MESA List Regulations 321 CMR 10.90
2023 public hearing notices
321 CMR 3.02. In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Ch. 131, Sec. 5, and Ch. 30A, Sec. 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, on proposed regulatory amendments to 321 CMR 3.02 Hunting of Particular Game in Massachusetts. The proposed amendments extend the dates of the deer archery season in Wildlife Management Zones 1-9 by two weeks.
Interested persons can attend the hearing and provide oral comments either in person or via a Zoom video webinar. The Hearing Officer, MassWildlife staff, and Board members will be present at the physical meeting location given above. Note that the hearing, which will begin at 1:00 p.m., will be held in the same webinar as the August monthly business meeting (begins at 10:00 a.m.) Attendees can enter and exit the webinar at any time. Instructions for how to join the webinar can be found below.
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 3.02 are posted below so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the hybrid hearing. Written public comments will be accepted for 2 weeks after the hearing, until Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87216361535?pwd=cEgxU2FtVjdtQm9jZEFwQTJmZDQwdz09
Meeting ID: 872 1636 1535
Passcode: 3giq1H
To join by phone, dial (646) 931-3860
Meeting ID: 872 1636 1535
Passcode: 049312
Posted July 27, 2023; 4:00 p.m.
DRAFT_DFW_321 CMR 3.02_Deer Unified Archery Season
321 CMR 3.02. In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Ch. 131, Sec. 5, and Ch. 30A, Sec. 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 1:30 p.m., at the S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA, on proposed regulatory amendments to 321 CMR 3.02 Migratory Game Bird Regulations in Massachusetts.
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 3.02 are posted below, so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the public hearing. Written public comments will be accepted until Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Due to the federal requirements for filing Massachusetts' 2023-2024 migratory game hunting seasons, there will be no written comment period after this public hearing.
Please note: If you have a disability or medical condition and would like to request special accommodation or will require language interpretation services, please contact Susan Sacco via email at your earliest convenience: susan.sacco@mass.gov.
Posted April 3, 2023; 1:15 p.m.
DFW - DRAFT - 312 CMR 3.02 - 2023-2024 migratory game bird regulations-corrected
2022 public hearing notices
321 CMR 2.01. In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 20, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, on proposed regulatory amendments to 321 CMR 2.01 Retriever or Bird Dog Trials in Massachusetts.
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 2.01 are posted immediately below so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the public hearing. Written public comments will be accepted until Thursday, November 3, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Posted September 8, 2022; 6:50 p.m.
Draft_DFW 321 CMR 2.01_Field Trials
321 CMR 3.00. In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Chapter 131, Section 5, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, on proposed regulatory amendments to 321 CMR 3.00 Hunting; specifically, regulations relating to hunting of Pheasant, Quail, and Small Game.
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 3.00 are posted immediately below so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the public hearing. Written public comments will be accepted until Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
Posted May 28, 2022; 11:00 a.m.
DRAFT_DFW-321 CMR 3 00_pheasant-quail-small game.pdf
321 CMR 3.02(2). In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., on the 2022-2023 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons via a Zoom video webinar with the Hearing Officer, MassWildlife staff, and Board members, with the public joining via computer or phone line.
Please note that the hearing, which will begin at 10:00 a.m., will be held in the same webinar as the April monthly business meeting (begins at 9:00 a.m.; Mass.gov/MassWildlife/FWBoard). Attendees can enter and exit the webinar at any time. Instructions for how to join are below.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85225507946?pwd=WXorYVpkNVI5V3psRzQ3WEt2OUZQUT09
Passcode: e7NWFv
Or join by phone: 929-205-6099
Webinar ID: 852 2550 7946
Passcode: 411752
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to the 2022-2023 migratory game bird hunting seasons are posted immediately below, so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the virtual hearing. Due to the migratory game bird season filing requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote to approve the 2022-2023 migratory bird seasons at the close of the hearing. Therefore, please note: There will be no written comment period after this public hearing.
Posted March 22, 2022; 4:00 p.m.
DFW - FINAL DRAFT - 2022-2023 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
2021 public hearing notices
321 CMR § 3.02(6) and § 3.03(2). In accordance with the Mass. Gen. Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, 9:30 a.m., on proposed regulatory amendments to 321 CMR 3.02(6): Hunting of Pheasants, Quail, and Ruffed Grouse and 3.03(2): Special Regulations for Northeast Wildlife Management Area (Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area) via a Zoom video webinar with the Hearing Officer, MassWildlife staff, and Board members, and the public joining via computer or phone line.
Please note that the hearing, which will begin at 9:30 a.m., will be held in the same webinar as the September monthly business meeting (begins at 9:00 a.m.; Mass.gov/MassWildlife/FWBoard). Attendees can enter and exit the webinar at any time. Instructions for how to join are below.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86999110010?pwd=M0dqRTlJSS8rcVRJVnFySElScHd1Zz09
Passcode: tirQM3
Or join by phone: Dial 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 869 9911 0010
Passcode: 476480
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to 321 CMR 3.02(6) and 3.03(2) are posted here so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the virtual hearing.
Due to filing requirements, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote on the proposed regulatory amendments at the close of the hearing. Therefore, please note: There will be no written comment period after this public hearing.
Posted August 25, 2021; 9:30 a.m.
DFW_DRAFT_321 CMR 3.02, 3.03_Pheasant Regulations
801 CMR § 4.02. Pursuant to the notice and public comment requirements of M.G.L. c.30A, § 2 and under the authority of M.G.L. c. 7 § 3B, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), on behalf of the Executive Office of Administration and Finance (ANF), has scheduled three (3) public hearings, June 22, 23, and 24, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., to accept oral comments on ANF’s draft regulations at 801 CMR § 4.02 to increase the fees for some fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses, stamps, and permits and to establish a new pheasant and quail permit. The hearings will be held via Zoom video webinars by the Hearing Officer and MassWildlife staff, with the public joining via computer or phone line.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
Please click this URL to join. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85786150119?pwd=SkdNZWxCR0V3VkdENm9TdGM3T0Qwdz09
Passcode: N1LGd5
Or join by phone: (929) 205-6099
Webinar ID: 857 8615 0119
Passcode: 826963
Printed copies of the draft regulations can be obtained from Susan Sacco, susan.sacco@mass.gov, or 508-389-6342. Oral comments are only accepted at the hearings; please do not call MassWildlife to submit comments.
A written comment period will open upon the issuance of this notice and will extend 2 weeks after the close of the last of the 3 hearings, ending at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021. Interested persons are invited to visit mass.gov/masswildlife-funding for background information, a table of the proposed fees, and to comment online using a convenient webform. Written comments may also be submitted by mail, Attn: License Fee Changes, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.
On March 10, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new guidance for Executive Branch employees in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including virtually holding required meetings hosted by Executive Branch agencies involving external parties.
Thank you for your cooperation and support as the Commonwealth works to address this public health issue.
Posted May 21, 2021; 3:30 p.m.
Updated and posted May 24, 2021; 5:00 p.m.
ANF Fees Package - Final Draft_801 CMR 4.02-DFW
321 CMR 3.02(2) In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Friday, April 23, 2021, 9:30 a.m., on the 2021-2022 Migratory Game Bird Seasons via a Zoom video webinar with the Hearing Officer, MassWildlife staff, and Board members, with the public joining via computer or phone line.
Please note that the hearing, which will begin at 9:30 a.m., will be held in the same webinar as the April monthly business meeting (begins at 9:00 a.m.; meeting notice). Attendees can enter and exit the webinar at any time. Instructions for how to join are below.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82480458458?pwd=dFh1YUN4dC9PSk1uRERYa2VmZUdrZz09
Passcode: Nf493y
Or join by phone: 929-205-6099
Webinar ID: 824 8045 8458
Passcode: 532851
The proposed regulatory amendments relative to the 2021-2022 migratory game bird seasons are posted at the link immediately below so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the virtual hearing. Due to the migratory game bird season filing requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote to approve the 2021-2022 migratory bird seasons at the close of the hearing. Therefore, please note: There will be no written comment period after this public hearing.
On March 10, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new guidance for Executive Branch employees in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including virtually holding required meetings hosted by Executive Branch agencies involving external parties.
Thank you for your cooperation and support as the Commonwealth works to address this public health issue.
2020 public hearing notices
321 CMR 3.02(2) In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2020-2021 migratory game bird seasons.
The proposed rules and regulations relative to the 2020-2021 migratory game bird seasons are posted below so that interested persons can review them and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the hearing.
Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing via email to susan.sacco@mass.gov, Subject: Fisheries and Wildlife Board, or via the U.S.P.S. to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.
Due to the migratory game bird season filing requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote to approve the 2020-2021 migratory bird seasons at the close of the hearing. Therefore, please note: There will be no written comment period after this public hearing.
Pursuant to the March 10, 2020, order suspending certain measures of the open meeting law, M.G.L. Ch. 30A, § 20, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State of Emergency has been extended by the Governor as of March 31, 2020, until at least May 4, 2020, so this public hearing will be held virtually via a telephone conference call.
The call-in phone number and conference access code for remotely participating in the public hearing are as follows:
Dial-in Number: 1-605-475-5910 (data or phone charges may apply)
Access Code: 802029 (enter when prompted by the recording)
Interested parties may also email susan.sacco@mass.gov to be added to the Board’s notification list and receive all meeting and public-hearing notices and approved minutes of the Board’s meetings via email.
DFW - FINAL DRAFT - 2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
2019 public hearing notices
Public Hearings: Lenox and Westborough. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 1 and 5, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of two (2) upcoming public hearings to be conducted by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) on proposed new regulations, summarized below.
The first public hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., at the Lenox Town Hall, 6 Walker Street, Lenox.
The second public hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., at the Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough.
MassWildlife is proposing a new section at 321 CMR 2.16 that would prohibit contests for the capture, take or waste of certain predator or furbearing animals, and a new section at 2.17 that would prohibit the “waste” of certain game animals and birds. Finally, MassWildlife is proposing an amendment to 321 CMR 3.02 that would change the time for checking harvested fox and coyote from four (4) days from the end of the season to within forty-eight (48) hours of harvest.
The above-described draft MassWildlife regulations, as well as a related summary and other explanatory information, are available for review by the public immediately below:
DFW_DRAFT_321 CMR 2.26,2.17,3.02 - Public Hearing Notice, Summary, and Proposed Regulations
August 28, 2019: Public Hearing, Westborough. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131A, Section 4 and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to amend the list of species of animals and plants protected by the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, in 321 CMR 10.90 & 10.91.
DFW - DRAFT 10.90 and 10.91 MESA List Proposed Changes 2019
May 15, 2019: Public Hearing, Westborough. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 5, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to amend rules and regulations relative to Hunting of Wild Turkey.
DFW - DRAFT Turkey Hunting Season Proposed Changes 2019
April 18, 2019: Public Hearing, Westborough. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Thursday, April 18, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2019-2020 migratory game bird seasons.
Due to federal requirements for reporting the state's migratory game bird season selections, there will be no 2-week written comment period after the close of this public hearing. The Board will vote on the proposed regulations on the same date, immediately following the hearing.
Public Hearing Notice for Proposed 2019-2020 Migratory Game Bird Seasons
Draft_DFW_Migratory Bird Regulations 321 CMR 3 02_Table_redline
Draft_DFW_Migratory Bird Regulations 321 CMR 3 02_Table_clean
2018 public hearing notices
RESCHEDULED: April 10, 2018: Public Hearing, Westborough. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 5, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 7:00 P.M., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to amend rules and regulations relating to the archery deer season in Wildlife Management Zones 10-14.
This public hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., was cancelled and rescheduled by order of the Chair of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.
DFW_Deer Archery Season Date Amendments_321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)(2)_redline
DFW_Deer Archery Season Date Amendments_321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)(2)_clean
April 10, 2018: Public Hearing, Westborough. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2018-2019 migratory game bird seasons.
Due to federal requirements for reporting the state's migratory game bird season selections, the Board will vote on the proposed regulations on the same date, immediately following the public hearing.
Corrected versions of the Draft Migratory Bird Table, clean and redline, were posted on March 30, 2018.
Draft_DFW_Migratory Bird Regulations 321 CMR 3.02_redline
Draft_DFW_Migratory Bird Regulations 321 CMR 3.02_clean
Draft_DFW_Migratory_Bird_Table_redline-corrected
Draft_DFW_Migratory_Bird_Table_clean-corrected
February 6, 2018: Public Hearing, Westborough. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 6, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 7 p.m., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s (MassWildlife) Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to amend and establish rules relating to the leashing of dogs, and the restraint of domesticated animals (as listed in 321 CMR 9.02(3)), on MassWildlife Wildlife Management Areas.
Original proposed changes:
After considering comments submitted during the public hearing process, the original proposal was amended and brought to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. On March 14, 2018 the final package of regulations were approved by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. The new regulations take effect on January 11, 2019.
Board approved regulation changes:
Summary of leash and waste-disposal requirements for dogs on wildlife management areas that will take effect January 11, 2019
- Dogs and other domestic animals on WMAs must be leashed/tethered.
- Dogs may be off-leash only when hunting or hunt training with licensed hunters or at permitted field trials.
- Dog feces on the WMA must be picked up by dog handlers and disposed of offsite. Licensed hunters engaged in hunting or hunt training, and those participating in sanctioned field trials are exempt from this requirement.
- Dog feces in WMA parking areas and within 100 feet of the parking area must be picked up by ALL dog handlers and disposed of off the WMA.
2017 public hearing notices
September 19: Public Hearing, Pepperell. 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o) In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 5, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 1:00 P.M., at the Lawrence Library, 15 Main Street, Pepperell, Massachusetts, to amend and clarify regulations related to the boundaries of Wildlife Management Zones.
March 22: Public Hearing, Westborough. 321 CMR 3.02(2) In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at 12:00 P.M., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2017-2018 migratory game bird seasons and method of take, and to consider amendments to the Youth Waterfowl Season and the Early Goose Season.
2016 public hearing notices
June 21: Public Hearing, East Wareham. 321 CMR 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 11.0 In accordance with the Mass. General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 4, 5, 10A through D, 19, 19A, 23, 24, 26, 30, 49, 50, 51, 52A, and 82, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at the UMASS Cranberry Station, 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham, MA 02538, to amend the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s rules and regulations at 321 CMR 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 11.0 governing Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Fisheries and Wildlife, Hunting, Fishing, and Nature Preserves; and to rescind the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s regulations at 321 CMR 6.0, the Dog Restraining Order, and at 321 CMR 8.0, which is a placeholder regulation that specifies the location of the State List of Endangered Wildlife and Wild Plants at 321 CMR 10.0.
April 21: Public Hearing, Westborough. 321 CMR 3.02(2) In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 2:00 P.M., at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2016-2017 migratory game bird seasons and method of take.
2015 public hearing notices
Listening Session, Westborough. On March 31, 2015, Governor Baker signed Executive Order 562 (“EO 562”) which directs state agencies to review all of their regulations to determine whether any should be amended, simplified, or rescinded in order to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden on the public. EO 562 encourages state agencies to seek public comment on the agency’s review of its regulations. To that end, the Division is conducting a public listening session at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20th, 2015 at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, off North Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, to take public comment* on whether and what Division regulations should be amended, rescinded, or simplified in response to EO 562.
In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at 2:00 P.M., at the Quabbin Reservoir, off 485 Ware Road, in the Blue Meadow Conference Center, Blue Meadow Road, Belchertown, MA, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2015-2016 migratory game bird seasons and method of take.
2014 public hearing notices
December 18: Public Hearing, Westborough. 321 CMR 3.02(1) and 321 CMR 3.02(4) In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 5 and 72; and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 18, 2014, at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, Massachusetts, to amend rules and regulations relative to the hunting of black bear in Massachusetts.
321 CMR 3.02(1) and 321 CMR 3.02(4), respectively, provide the rules for hunting black bear in the Commonwealth, and, in relevant part, the types of animals that may be hunted concurrently during the shotgun season for hunting deer. The proposed regulatory changes would expand the areas in the Commonwealth where the hunting of black bear is allowed as well as allow black bear to be hunted during the shotgun deer season.
October 7: Public Hearing, Westborough. 321 CMR 2.03(3) and 3.02(4). In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, 66, and 72; and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, Massachusetts, to establish and amend rules and regulations governing the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s designation of a Youth Deer Hunt.
October 7: Public Hearing, Westborough. 321 CMR 10.90 and 10.91. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131A, Section 4; Chapter 131, Section 5; and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, Massachusetts, to amend the list of species of animals and plants protected by the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.
August 12: Public Hearing, Newburyport. 321 CMR 3.02(2). In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at 3:00 P.M., at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitors' Center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2014-2015 migratory game bird seasons and method of take.
June 17: Public Hearing, East Wareham. 321 CMR 2.11; 5.00. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 12, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 3:00 P.M. on June 17, 2014, at the UMass Cranberry Station, 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham, Massachusetts, to establish and amend the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s rules and regulations relative to the display of hunting, sporting, fishing, or trapping licenses.
The proposal at 321 CMR 2.11 would expressly allow a sportsman or sportswoman to utilize a mobile device, such as a smartphone, to display a relevant hunting, sporting, fishing, or trapping license, provided that the mobile device is capable of displaying a true, complete and legible image of the current, valid license.
June 17: Public Hearing, East Wareham. 321 CMR 5.00. In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 4(3); Chapter 21A, Section 2(28); Chapter 30A, Sections 2 and 3; Chapter 131, Section 12; and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at the UMass Cranberry Station, 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham, Massachusetts, to codify in regulations the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s criteria, procedures, and related definitions used to designate waterbodies as Coldwater Fish Resources.
The proposal would put into regulation the criteria, procedures, and related definitions used by the Division to designate waterbodies as Coldwater Fish Resources (CFRs). The proposed regulations also provide notice of where the Division’s list of current CFRs is available for review by regulatory authorities and the public.
Certain kinds of fish are sensitive to increases in water temperature and require cold water to fulfill one or more of their life stage requirements. Since the 1940s, the Division has documented the presence of coldwater fish in waters of the Commonwealth. With these regulations, the Division is codifying its longstanding approach to designating CFRs in conjunction with major revisions that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is making to its Water Management Act (WMA) regulations at 310 CMR 36.00.
The DEP’s revised WMA regulations address recommendations arising out of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Sustainable Water Management Initiative, which included the participation of the DEP, the Department of Fish and Game and the Division, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, public water suppliers, and environmental organizations. Under the DEP’s revised WMA regulations, an applicant with a water withdrawal point affecting a CFR designated by the Division pursuant to 321 CMR 5.00 will be required, after consulting with the DEP and the relevant EEA agencies, to submit a plan to the DEP that minimizes the effect on the CFR by optimizing use of the applicant’s other withdrawal points, if any.
2013 public hearing notices
December 17: Public Hearing, West Boylston. 321 CMR 4.01-4.03, 4.09; 3.05: In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, 11, 25, 26, 52, and 52A and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 1:00 P.M. on December 17, 2013, at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 100 Hartwell St, Suite 230, West Boylston, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the Taking of Certain Fish; Taking of Carp and Suckers for Purposes of Sale; Taking of Commercial Eels from Inland Waters, Propagation, Culture, Maintenance, and Sale of Protected Freshwater Fish; and Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, and Taking of Reptiles and Amphibians in all Counties of the Commonwealth.
October 18: Public Hearing, Belchertown. 321 CMR 3.02(2): In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, October 18, 2013, at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 100 Hartwell St, Suite 230, West Boylston, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2013-2014 migratory game bird season and methods of take.
September 24: Public Hearing, Dalton. 321 CMR 2.12; 9.01 and 9.02: In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, 23, 24, and 26 and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held at 3:00 P.M. on September 24, 2013, at the Western Wildlife District office of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 88 Old Windsor Road, Dalton, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the Artificial Propagation of Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians; the Exemption List; and the List of Domestic Animals.
August 29: Informational Hearing, Sudbury: In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 63, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of an informational hearing to be held Thursday, August 29, 2013, at 3:00 P.M., at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center, 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury, Massachusetts, to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2013-2014 migratory game bird seasons and method of take.
June 21: Public Hearing, Bourne: In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5 and 72, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held Friday, June 21, 2013 at 3:00 pm at the Worcester Surf Casting Club, 40 Old Monument Neck Rd, Bourne, MA 02532, to establish and amend rules and regulations governing certain Classes of Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Licenses.
April 20 -- Public Hearing, Hudson -- In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, and 72, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 11:10 A.M., at the Riverside Gun Club, 16 Wilkins Street, Hudson, Massachusetts, to establish and amend rules and regulations relative to the Taking of Certain Fish (American Shad).
2012 public hearing notices
October 23 -- Public Hearing, Dalton -- In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, 63 and 66, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Western District Office, 88 Old Windsor Road, Dalton, MA., to permanently establish rules and regulations relative to the 2012-2013 migratory game bird seasons and method of take.
(Those seasons which opened in September were set by emergency regulation after the September 25, 2012 informational meeting held in Wareham.)
August 30 -- Public Hearing & Informational Hearing, Wareham -- At 3:00 pm the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be holding a Public Hearing at at the UMass Cranberry Experiment Station, 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham to establish rules and regulations relative to the fall turkey hunt. The proposed regulations change would open Wildlife Management Zones 10, 11, and 12 to the hunting of wild turkey during the fall season.
In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Sections 5, and 72, and Chapter 30A, Section 2, NOTICE is hereby given of a Public Hearing to be held at 4:00 P.M. on August 30, 2012, at the UMass Cranberry Experiment Station, 1 State Bog Road, East Wareham, Mass., 02538 to establish rules and regulations relative to the hunting and tagging of deer.
The above will be followed by an Informational Hearingon the 2012-2013 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will vote on the proposal at the conclusion of the informational hearing in order to meet the filing date as set by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Those seasons (such as the early goose season) which open in September will be set by emergency regulation.
June 20 -- Public Hearing, Dalton -- At 3:00 PM the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be holding a Public Hearing at the MA DFW Western District Office, 88 Old Windsor Road, Dalton, Massachusetts. The hearing regards proposed revisions that would provide an alternative online option for sportsmen and sportswomen to report the harvest of game and obtain the DFW seal and to hunting, fishing, and trapping license classes.
March 27-- Public Hearings, Westborough -- At 3 PM, Tuesday March 27, 2012, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be holding two Public Hearings at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Westborough Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, (off North Drive) Westborough, MA.
The first hearing regards proposed revisions to the Division’s Falconry regulations. The proposed regulations would ensure that Massachusetts remains in compliance with the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, eliminate the need for Massachusetts falconers to obtain both a federal and state permit, enhance and improve the sport of falconry, and regulatory requirements for falconry.