Massachusetts Hunting Seasons

See our comprehensive list of hunting seasons for animals of all types and all areas of Massachusetts. We’ve made it easier than ever to find the dates you can hunt, length of the season, what type of hunting is allowed and other important details. Plus, check out hunting resources and direct links to Massachusetts state resources.

Massachusetts Deer Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Early Deer Season (WMZs 13 & 14 Only – Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Elizabeth Islands)

  • Sept. 21 – Oct. 1, 2025

Youth Deer Hunt Day

  • Oct. 4, 2025 (Statewide)

Archery Season

  • October 4 – November 29, 2025 (statewide)
  • December 1–31, 2025 (archery only, antlerless permit required)

Primitive Firearms Season

  • October 11–19, 2025 (muzzleloader and certain rifles)

Regular Shotgun (Statewide)

  • November 17 – December 31, 2025

Massachusetts Turkey Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Fall Turkey (Archery & Shotgun)

  • October 1 – November 29, 2025

Spring Youth Turkey

  • April 25, 2026

Spring General Turkey

  • April 27 – May 23, 2026

For complete regulations, visit the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

Massachusetts Deer Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Note: Massachusetts does not permit rifles for deer hunting. Hunters use shotguns and muzzleloaders.

Archery Season

  • Archery (Zone A): September 20 – November 1, 2025
  • Archery (Zone B): October 1 – November 8, 2025
  • Youth & Apprentice Archery Hunt: October 18 – 19, 2025 (Zones A & B)

Shotgun Season

  • Shotgun: November 11 – 29, 2025

Primitive Firearms (Muzzleloader) Season

  • Primitive Firearms / Muzzleloader: December 1 – 10, 2025

Massachusetts Turkey Hunting Seasons 2025-2026

Fall Turkey 2025

  • Fall Youth & Apprentice Turkey: September 1 – October 31, 2025

Spring Turkey 2026

  • Spring Youth Turkey: April 3 – 5, 2026
  • Spring Turkey (All Hunters): April 8 – May 18, 2026

Note: Massachusetts deer bag limit is 2 deer per season (maximum 1 buck). Season dates and zones may vary. Always verify current regulations with MassWildlife before heading afield.

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Interactive Massachusetts Hunting Season Discovery

Use the forms below to filter by game, type of hunting, time of year, bag / tag limits and much more. We’ve gone through the state of Massachusetts Hunting Seasons’s hunting season data and simplified it so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Please note, that information realated Massachusetts state hunting is subject to change so be sure to check the state resources linked below the table before heading out to hunt.

Massachusetts Hunting Seasons & Requirements

For the most accurate information on Massachusetts Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the Massachusetts DNR.  We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.

Massachusetts DNR

251 Causeway St, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114-2152

Helpful Links

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US Hunting Seasons