The “Bay State” is a small town that’s big on hunting. Massachusetts archery season offers some of the best whitetail deer and bear hunting in the continental United States. Massachusetts provides a sublime hunting experience and a chance to enjoy iconic American history through its landscapes and public land.
Massachusetts (MA) Archery Season, 2022-2023
MA state permits hunting in parks and state forests, as well as on lands governed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Hunters should contact these locations to find the best times to book their trips to these watershed properties.
When does Archery Season Start in MA?
Massachusetts Deer Seasons
Archery
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Zones 1-9 October 17-November 26
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Zones 10-14 October 3-November 26
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Youth Hunt October 1
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Paraplegic Hunt November 3-5
*Season dates vary by zone
Massachusetts Bear Seasons
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General Season September 6-24 / November 7-26 / November 28-December 10
Massachusetts Wild Turkey Seasons
Fall General Season
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Zones 1-9 October 17-November 26
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Zones 10-13 October 3-November 26
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Spring General Season TBD
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Spring Youth Hunt TBD
*Massachusetts uses hunting zones for turkey harvests. Season start dates can vary by region.
Massachusetts Small Game Seasons
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Cottontail Rabbit October 15-February 28*
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Snowshoe Hare October 15-February 28*
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Gray Squirrel September 12-January 1*
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Crow July 1-April 10
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Pheasant October 1-November 26*
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Quail October 15-November 27
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Ruffled Grouse October 15-November 27
*Season dates vary by zone. Hunters must take care to ensure they have the right permits and licenses for specific species.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Massachusetts?
Hunting times are between the 30-minutes before sunrise and the 30-minutes after sunset. Additionally, hunting regulations in Massachusetts stipulate no hunting activities within 500 feet of residences, DCR-designated picnic areas, camping areas, parking lots, service buildings, or designated swimming areas.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in MA
Massachusetts state law enables hunters to apply for a Massachusetts Hunting or Sporting License if they meet the following statements.
You have earned a government-issued Basic Hunter Education certificate.
Proof of this certificate is not required when applying for a hunting license. Suppose you purchase your license from approved vendors or at the MassWildlife office. In that case, you’ll need to verbally state (verbal affidavit) if you held a sporting or hunting license before 2007 or passed the Basic Hunter Education course.
Hunters must carry their licenses, stamps, and permits on their person while hunting in Massachusetts properties. If required, hunters must furbish a paper copy of the license or a legible image of their license on their smartphone. All hunters must comply with tagging requirements.
If the hunter requires a tag, they must carry a paper copy of their tag attached to appropriate documentation (i.e., permit or license).
Hunters aged 15 or older must apply for a hunting license. Massachusetts state law requires all hunters to be aged 12 or older.
A licensed adult hunter must accompany hunters aged 12 to 14. Youth hunters must share a single bow and bag. Adults can accompany one minor only.
Hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase to March 31 of the following year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
