Massachusetts Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for Massachusetts including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
Massachusetts Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for Massachusetts including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in Massachusetts
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 27 - May 24, 2026
Opens in 55 days
Complete Season Calendar
All Massachusetts hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 3 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Oct 13 - Nov 29, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Archery season | |
| Shotgun | Dec 1-13, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Shotgun season | |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 15-31, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Primitive firearms | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 27 - May 24, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring season | |
Waterfowl 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 7 - Nov 22, 2025 | Coastal Zone | Closed | Sea ducks | |
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Massachusetts Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
- Available Species
-
- Deer
- Turkey
- Waterfowl
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Shotgun
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Wildlife Agency
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for Massachusetts
Massachusetts allows shotgun and muzzleloader only for deer.
Hunting Method Legend
Massachusetts Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in Massachusetts
What are the hunting season dates for Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers hunting seasons for Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl. The license year runs from Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in Massachusetts?
Deer season in Massachusetts typically begins with archery season starting Oct 13, 2025.
Does Massachusetts require a draw for hunting?
Massachusetts offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in Massachusetts?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 27, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts allows shotgun and muzzleloader only for deer.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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