321 CMR 3.02 - Hunting, Particular Game
Bait means any natural or artificial substance including, but not restricted to, shucked or unshucked corn or other grains, apples or other fruits or vegetables, honey, molasses, anise or other spices, pastries or other breadstuffs, meat or fish products, or any other substances or products which may be fed upon, ingested by, or which otherwise constitute a nutritive attraction or enticement to bear.
Baited Area means any area where baiting has taken place and such area shall remain a baited area for the period from ten days prior to the opening of the exclusive archery season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)2. to 12:00 P.M. on the day following the close of the exclusive primitive firearms season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)4.
Baiting means the deliberate placing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of bait so as to constitute for deer a lure, attraction, or enticement to or on any area where hunters are attempting to take them.
Barrel Length means that portion of a firearm through which shot is driven, guided, or stabilized.
Bow and Arrow means a bow and arrows of the type and design specified for the hunting of deer, bear, and wild turkey pursuant to 321 CMR 3.01(3).
Caplock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated external cock or hammer directly striking a percussion cap which is placed over a nipple which transmits the flame of the percussion cap to the powder.
Decoy means an artificial or natural replica or silhouette of a deer, including taxidermy mounts and preparations of a like nature as well as live deer held under restraint.
Director means the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or his or her agent.
Flintlock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated cock or hammer striking a piece of flint against a vertical, pivoted striking plate.
Grunt Tube means a breath-powered, mouth-operated, non-electronic calling device which mimics deer vocalizations, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the lawful hunting thereof.
Lead Projectile means a round ball, Minie or Maxi bullet, or other spherical or conical projectile composed of lead, lead-antimony, or similar alloys. Notwithstanding the foregoing, saboted projectiles are lawful, regardless of the composition of the sabots
Loaded from the Muzzle or Muzzle-loading means, with respect to a primitive firearm, that all the powder, any wadding, and the projectile are placed in the muzzle and forced to the other end of the barrel with the aid of a ramrod.
Loaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which contains a ball or shot in the muzzle and which, in the case of a flintlock, contains powder in the flash pan, and, in the case of a caplock, has a percussion cap on the nipple.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the Mass Wildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Permanent Tree Stand means that type of hunting platform or structure (emplaced for any period of time) which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners which intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or, which is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days.
Primitive Firearm means a flintlock or caplock firearm, either rifled or smoothbore, fired from the shoulder and loaded from the muzzle, and which has limited range and firepower.
Quabbin Reservoir Area means those parcels of land defined as the Quabbin Reservoir Area pursuant to St. 1972, c. 737, § 1.
Scent means an odoriferous substance, natural or artificial, which replicates or mimics the natural odor or bodily secretions of deer or other wild animals, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the hunting thereof or to mask the body odor or scent of humans hunting deer.
Shotgun Deer Season means that portion of the open season prescribed in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Unloaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which lacks one or more of the components of a loaded primitive firearm.
Youth Deer Hunt means the season, which is to occur on the fourth Saturday following Labor Day, when minors 12 through 17 years of age may hunt deer as provided in M.G.L. c. 131, § 14 and 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)5.
Youth Deer Hunt Permit means a special permit issued by the Director exclusively to minors 12 through 17 years of age which allows them to hunt for deer during the Youth Deer Hunt.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
Beginning the third Monday after Thanksgiving and ending on December 31st, all days inclusive, deer may be hunted only by means of a primitive firearm using a single lead projectile, or by means of a bow and arrow. Black powder (or synthetic substances such as "pyrodex" which are approved for competitive muzzle-loading meets by the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association) is the only powder to be used during this season. Primitive firearms may have smooth or rifled bores and shall not contain more than one usable barrel. In the case of primitive firearms with double bore barrels, one barrel shall be made inoperative by removal of the nipple and hammer. The caliber of a primitive firearm shall be not less than .44 nor more than .775 and only those primitive firearms having a barrel length of 18 inches or longer shall be permitted. A person shall not, except during the paraplegic, Youth Deer Hunt and shotgun deer seasons, have in his or her possession a shotgun shell loaded with a rifled slug, single ball, buckshot of any size, BB shot or air rifle shot in any place where birds or mammals might be found, except on a skeet, trap or target range between sunrise and sunset, and except for the hunting of waterfowl, or coyote as provided in 321 CMR 2.03. During the primitive firearm season, nothing in 321 CMR 3.02(4) shall prevent the otherwise lawful hunting of birds and mammals in accordance with established statutes and regulations. 5. On the fourth Saturday following Labor Day, which shall be the day of the Youth Deer Hunt, minors 12 through 17 years of age who have been issued a Youth Deer Hunt Permit by the Director may hunt for deer by means of a shotgun, not larger than ten gauge, including shotguns with a rifled bore, by means of a muzzle-loading firearm, fired from the shoulder, .44 to .775 caliber, or by means of a bow and arrow. A Youth Deer Hunt Permit must be obtained by the hunter allowing for the harvest of one deer, valid only on the day of the Youth Deer Hunt, for either, an antlered deer in any Wildlife Management Zone or an antlerless deer in the Wildlife Management Zone(s) as specified by the Director in the Permit. All minors 12 through 14 years of age taking part in the Youth Deer Hunt are not be required to possess a hunting license or sporting license, but shall possess a Youth Deer Hunt Permit, and be accompanied by a duly licensed adult as required by M.G.L. c. 131, § 14. All minors 15 through 17 years of age taking part in the Youth Deer Hunt shall possess both a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license, and a Youth Deer Hunt Permit. All minors, and the adults who accompany said minors during the Youth Deer Hunt, shall comply with all applicable law and regulations of the Division, including the provisions of M.G.L. c. 131, §§ 14, 71, and 72 and 321 CMR 3.02(4). During the Youth Deer Hunt, it is prohibited to hunt deer in an area where baiting has occurred up to ten days prior to the Youth Deer Hunt season. Nothing in 321 CMR 3.02(4) shall preclude the otherwise lawful hunting of birds and mammals in accordance with the applicable law and regulations of the Division during the Youth Deer Hunt season.
The following additional requirements shall apply to Dukes and Nantucket counties:
American Coot or Coot means the American coot (Fulica americana).
Berkshire Zone means that portion of Massachusetts west of a boundary line running south from the Vermont border along Route I-91 to Route 9, west on Rte. 9 to Rte. 10, south on Rte. 10 to Rte. 202, and south on Rte. 202 to the Connecticut border.
Central Zone means that portion of Massachusetts lying between the Berkshire Zone and the Coastal Zone.
Coastal Zone means that portion of Massachusetts east and south of a boundary line running south from the New Hampshire border along Route I-95 south to Rte. 1, to Rte. I-93, south along I-93 to Rte. 3, south on Rte. 3 to Rte. 6, west on Rte. 6 to Rte. 28, west on Rte. 28 to Rte. I-195, and west on Rte. I-195 to the Rhode Island border, provided that the waters and lands 150 yards above the high water mark of the Assonet River from the mouth of said Assonet River to the Route 24 bridge and 150 yards above the high water mark of the Taunton River from the mouth of said Taunton River to the Center Street-Elm Street bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
Director means the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or his authorized agent.
Gender means, unless the context requires otherwise, that words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
Migratory Game Birds means those migratory birds included in the terms of conventions between the United States and any foreign country for the protection of migratory birds, for which open seasons are prescribed in 321 CMR 3.02(2) and belong to the following families:
Non-toxic Shot means steel shot or such other non-toxic shot as shall be approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as an acceptable non-toxic alternative to lead shot.
Primitive Firearm Loaded with Shot means loose shot carried in a shot pouch or similar container, or which is carried on the person and could readily be so loaded, as well as shot which has been loaded in the barrel of a primitive firearm.
Sea Ducks means scoter, eider, and long-tailed (oldsquaw) ducks.
Waterfowl means migratory game birds of the family Anatidae (ducks, mergansers, geese, and brant).
TABLE 1. OPEN SEASONS, ALL DATES INCLUSIVE.
Species |
Open Season |
Daily Bag |
Possession Limit |
Sora Rail |
Sept. 1 - Nov. 7 |
5 |
15 |
Virginia Rail |
Sept. 1 - Nov. 7 |
10 |
30 |
Snipe |
Sept. 1 - Dec. 16 |
8 |
24 |
Woodcock |
Oct. 1 - Nov. 22 |
3 |
9 |
DucksA Berkshire |
Oct. 10 - Nov. 26 Dec. 19 - Jan. 7 |
6* 6* |
18* 18* |
DucksA, Central |
Oct. 10 - Nov. 26 Dec. 27 - Jan. 16 |
6* 6* |
18* 18* |
DucksA Coastal |
Oct. 15 - Oct. 22 Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 |
6* 6* |
18* 18* |
American Coot |
Same Dates as Ducks |
15 |
45 |
Mergansers |
Same Dates as Ducks |
5* |
15* |
Geese Berkshire (except blue & snow) |
Oct. 10 - Nov. 12 |
2 |
6 |
Geese Central (except blue & snow) |
Oct. 10 - Nov. 26 Dec. 27 - Jan. 16 |
2 2 |
6 6 |
Geese Coastal (except blue & snow) |
Oct. 15 - Oct. 22 Dec. 1 - Jan. 31 |
2 2 |
6 6 |
Early Canada Goose B (Statewide) |
Sept. 2 - Sept. 24 |
15 |
45 |
Late Canada Goose (Central) |
Jan. 18 - Feb. 15 |
5 |
15 |
Late Canada Goose (North Coastal) |
Feb. 1 - Feb. 15 |
5 |
15 |
Late Canada Goose (Berkshire) |
Dec. 15 - Feb. 15 |
5 |
15 |
Snow & Blue Goose (Berkshire) |
Same Dates as Ducks |
15 |
45 |
Snow & Blue Goose (Central) |
Same Dates as Ducks |
5 |
15 |
Snow & Blue Goose (Coastal) |
Same as Late Canada Goose |
5 |
15 |
Late Snow & Blue Goose (Central) |
Same as Late Canada Goose |
15 |
45 |
Late Snow & Blue Goose (North Coastal) |
Same as Late Canada Goose |
15 |
45 |
Sea DucksA (Scoter, Elder, Long-tailed Duck) |
Same Dates as Ducks |
4* |
12* |
Brant (Coastal Only) |
Dec. 1 - Jan. 27 |
2 |
6 |
Falconry (Ducks and Coot only, no Geese) |
Oct. 1 - Feb. 2 |
3** |
9** |
Youth Waterfowl Hunt C (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Geese Only) |
Oct. 8 & Feb. 4 |
6** |
18** |
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunt (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Geese only) C |
Oct. 8 & Feb. 4 |
6** |
18** |
* Singly or in the aggregate
** Singly or in the aggregate. For Feb. 4 only, the daily goose limit is five (15 possession) for Berkshire, Central, and North Coastal Zones, and two (six in possession) for the South Coastal Zone.
Species |
Daily Bag |
Possession Limit |
American Black Duck |
2 |
6 |
Redhead |
2 |
6 |
Canvasback |
2 |
6 |
Mallard |
2 (only 1 female) |
6 (only 3 females) |
Scaup |
1 |
3 |
Scaup (coastal zone Dec. 31 |
- Jan. 22) 2 |
6 |
Fulvous Whistling Duck |
1 |
3 |
Mottled Duck |
1 |
3 |
Wood Duck |
3 |
9 |
Northern Pintail |
1 |
3 |
Scoter |
3 |
9 |
Long-tailed Duck |
3 |
9 |
Eider |
3 (only 1 female) |
9 (only 3 females) |
Harlequin |
0 (Season Closed) |
0 (Season Closed) |
Bobcat means the bobcat or wildcat (Felis [Lynx] rufus) but not the lynx or Canada lynx (Felis [Lynx] canadensis).
Division means the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Fox means the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
Green Pelt means a pelt which has not been dried, cured, or tanned.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the Mass Wildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Raw Pelt or Raw Fur means a green pelt which has been dried, fleshed, or cured.
State means the several states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America, and any foreign nation and any political subdivision, possession, or occupied area thereof.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The official seal shall remain attached to the pelt or animal until the pelt is dressed or tanned, or prepared for mounting by a taxidermist, or the animal is otherwise disposed of. Coyote and fox shall be sealed no later than 48 hours after the animal is killed. Bobcat shall be sealed no later than four working days after the closing day of the open season for that species. Working days are defined as the days Monday through Friday, except legal state holidays as defined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(18).
Antlerless Deer means a deer without antlers, or with antlers the longer of which is less than three inches in length measured on a straight line from the center of the anterior base of the antler burr to the antler tip.
Bait means any natural or artificial substance including, but not restricted to, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, hay, silage, apples or other fruits or vegetables, and salt or other chemical compounds of a like nature which may be fed upon, ingested by or which otherwise constitute a nutritive attraction or enticement to deer.
Baited Area means any area where baiting has taken place and such area shall remain a baited area for the period from ten days prior to the opening of the exclusive archery season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)2. to 12:00 P.M. on the day following the close of the exclusive primitive firearms season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)4.
Baiting means the deliberate placing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of bait so as to constitute for deer a lure, attraction, or enticement to or on any area where hunters are attempting to take them.
Barrel Length means that portion of a firearm through which shot is driven, guided, or stabilized.
Bow and Arrow means a bow and arrows of the type and design specified for the hunting of deer, bear, and wild turkey pursuant to 321 CMR 3.01(3).
Caplock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated external cock or hammer directly striking a percussion cap which is placed over a nipple which transmits the flame of the percussion cap to the powder.
Decoy means an artificial or natural replica or silhouette of a deer, including taxidermy mounts and preparations of a like nature as well as live deer held under restraint.
Director means the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or his or her agent.
Flintlock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated cock or hammer striking a piece of flint against a vertical, pivoted striking plate.
Fox means the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
Fur-bearing Mammals means all mammals in the Class Mammalia, as defined in M.G.L. c. 131, § 1.
Gender means, unless the context requires otherwise, that words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
Green Pelt means a pelt which has not been dried, cured, or tanned.
Grunt Tube means a breath-powered, mouth-operated, non-electronic calling device which mimics deer vocalizations, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the lawful hunting thereof.
Hunt, for the purposes of 321 CMR 3.02(5)(b)1. through 3., "hunted" or "kill or take by hunting" means a process excluding the use of traps.
Lead Projectile means a round ball, Minie or Maxi bullet, or other spherical or conical projectile composed of lead, lead-antimony, or similar alloys. Notwithstanding the foregoing, saboted projectiles are lawful, regardless of the composition of the sabots
Loaded from the Muzzle or Muzzle-loading means, with respect to a primitive firearm, that all the powder, any wadding, and the projectile are placed in the muzzle and forced to the other end of the barrel with the aid of a ramrod.
Loaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which contains a ball or shot in the muzzle and which, in the case of a flintlock, contains powder in the flash pan, and, in the case of a caplock, has a percussion cap on the nipple.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the MassWildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Permanent Tree Stand means that type of hunting platform or structure (emplaced for any period of time) which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners which intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or, which is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days.
Primitive Firearm means a flintlock or caplock firearm, either rifled or smoothbore, fired from the shoulder and loaded from the muzzle, and which has limited range and firepower.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the MassWildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Ouabbin Reservoir Area means those parcels of land defined as the Quabbin Reservoir Area pursuant to St. 1972, c. 737, § 1.
Raw Pelt means a green pelt which has been dried, fleshed, or cured.
Scent means an odoriferous substance, natural or artificial, which replicates or mimics the natural odor or bodily secretions of deer or other wild animals, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the hunting thereof or to mask the body odor or scent of humans hunting deer.
Shotgun Deer Season means that portion of the open season prescribed in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
State means the several states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America, and any foreign nation and any political subdivision, possession, or occupied area thereof.
Unloaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which lacks one or more of the components of a loaded primitive firearm.
Weasel means the ermine or short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) and the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata).
Youth Deer Hunt means the season, which is to occur on the fourth Saturday following Labor Day, when minors 12 through 17 years of age may hunt deer as provided in M.G.L. c. 131, § 14 and 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)5.
Youth Deer Hunt Permit means a special permit issued by the Director exclusively to minors 12 through 17 years of age which allows them to hunt for deer during the Youth Deer Hunt.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The following additional requirements shall apply to Dukes and Nantucket counties:
Zone 04 South (04S) is bounded as follows: northerly by Zones 02 and 04N; westerly by Zone 03; southerly by the Connecticut border; and easterly by the Connecticut River.
Beaver Dam means an obstruction comprised of an aggregate of sticks and mud, which may additionally include natural vegetation or stones, constructed by beaver and which impounds or has impounded the flowage of water along a stream or other water body or through or over a water control structure.
Beaver Lodge means a den comprised of an aggregate of sticks and mud which is constructed or built by beaver and which is either free-standing in water or connected to an embankment, but excluding holes or burrows which lack a visible or external aggregate of sticks and mud.
Bobcat means the bobcat or wildcat (Felis [Lynx] rufus) but not the lynx or Canada lynx (Felis [Lynx] canadensis).
Box or Cage Type Trap means a trap that confines the whole animal without grasping any part of the animal.
Conibear Type Trap means "Conibear"-model traps and similar body-gripping traps and devices, whether or not enclosed in or comprising part of a box, tube, or other enclosing device.
Director means the Director of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Division means the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Environmental Police Officer or EPO means the Director of the Office of Law Enforcement, deputy directors of enforcement, chiefs of enforcement, deputy chiefs of enforcement, environmental police officers, and such other enforcement officers of the Office of Law Enforcement as may be appointed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 21A, § 10A.
Fox means the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
Fur-bearing Mammals means all mammals in the Class Mammalia, as defined in M.G.L. c. 131, § 1.
Gender means, unless the context requires otherwise, that words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
Green Pelt means a pelt which has not been dried, cured, or tanned.
Hunt, for the purposes of 321 CMR 3.02(5)(b)1. through 3., "hunted" or "kill or take by hunting" means a process excluding the use of traps.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the MassWildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Raw Pelt means a green pelt which has been dried, fleshed, or cured.
State means the several states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America, and any foreign nation and any political subdivision, possession, or occupied area thereof.
Weasel means the ermine or short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) and the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata).
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The official seal shall remain attached to the pelt or animal until the pelt is dressed or tanned, or prepared for mounting by a taxidermist, or the animal is otherwise disposed of. Coyote and fox shall be sealed no later than 48 hours after the animal is killed. Beaver, bobcat, fisher, mink, and river otter shall be sealed no later than four working days after the closing day of the open season for that species. Working days are defined as the days Monday through Friday, except legal state holidays as defined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(18).
Shotgun Deer Season means that season when it is lawful to hunt deer with a shotgun as provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
Shotgun Deer Season means that season when it is lawful to hunt deer with a shotgun as provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the Mass Wildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The Director may establish an alternate checking process for persons participating in the mentored youth turkey hunt. The Director may require, as a condition of checking, that the hunter surrender breast feathers, wing tips, or other biological samples from turkeys presented for checking.
Shotgun Deer Season means that season when it is lawful to hunt deer with a shotgun as provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
Current through Register 1466, April 1, 2022
Bait means any natural or artificial substance including, but not restricted to, shucked or unshucked corn or other grains, apples or other fruits or vegetables, honey, molasses, anise or other spices, pastries or other breadstuffs, meat or fish products, or any other substances or products which may be fed upon, ingested by, or which otherwise constitute a nutritive attraction or enticement to bear.
Baited Area means any area where baiting has taken place and such area shall remain a baited area for the period from ten days prior to the opening of the exclusive archery season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)2. to 12:00 P.M. on the day following the close of the exclusive primitive firearms season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)4.
Baiting means the deliberate placing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of bait so as to constitute for deer a lure, attraction, or enticement to or on any area where hunters are attempting to take them.
Barrel Length means that portion of a firearm through which shot is driven, guided, or stabilized.
Bow and Arrow means a bow and arrows of the type and design specified for the hunting of deer, bear, and wild turkey pursuant to 321 CMR 3.01(3).
Caplock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated external cock or hammer directly striking a percussion cap which is placed over a nipple which transmits the flame of the percussion cap to the powder.
Decoy means an artificial or natural replica or silhouette of a deer, including taxidermy mounts and preparations of a like nature as well as live deer held under restraint.
Director means the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or his or her agent.
Flintlock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated cock or hammer striking a piece of flint against a vertical, pivoted striking plate.
Grunt Tube means a breath-powered, mouth-operated, non-electronic calling device which mimics deer vocalizations, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the lawful hunting thereof.
Lead Projectile means a round ball, Minie or Maxi bullet, or other spherical or conical projectile composed of lead, lead-antimony, or similar alloys. Notwithstanding the foregoing, saboted projectiles are lawful, regardless of the composition of the sabots
Loaded from the Muzzle or Muzzle-loading means, with respect to a primitive firearm, that all the powder, any wadding, and the projectile are placed in the muzzle and forced to the other end of the barrel with the aid of a ramrod.
Loaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which contains a ball or shot in the muzzle and which, in the case of a flintlock, contains powder in the flash pan, and, in the case of a caplock, has a percussion cap on the nipple.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the Mass Wildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Permanent Tree Stand means that type of hunting platform or structure (emplaced for any period of time) which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners which intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or, which is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days.
Primitive Firearm means a flintlock or caplock firearm, either rifled or smoothbore, fired from the shoulder and loaded from the muzzle, and which has limited range and firepower.
Quabbin Reservoir Area means those parcels of land defined as the Quabbin Reservoir Area pursuant to St. 1972, c. 737, § 1.
Scent means an odoriferous substance, natural or artificial, which replicates or mimics the natural odor or bodily secretions of deer or other wild animals, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the hunting thereof or to mask the body odor or scent of humans hunting deer.
Shotgun Deer Season means that portion of the open season prescribed in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Unloaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which lacks one or more of the components of a loaded primitive firearm.
Youth Deer Hunt means the season, which is to occur on the fourth Saturday following Labor Day, when minors 12 through 17 years of age may hunt deer as provided in M.G.L. c. 131, § 14 and 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)5.
Youth Deer Hunt Permit means a special permit issued by the Director exclusively to minors 12 through 17 years of age which allows them to hunt for deer during the Youth Deer Hunt.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
Beginning the third Monday after Thanksgiving and ending on December 31st, all days inclusive, deer may be hunted only by means of a primitive firearm using a single lead projectile, or by means of a bow and arrow. Black powder (or synthetic substances such as "pyrodex" which are approved for competitive muzzle-loading meets by the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association) is the only powder to be used during this season. Primitive firearms may have smooth or rifled bores and shall not contain more than one usable barrel. In the case of primitive firearms with double bore barrels, one barrel shall be made inoperative by removal of the nipple and hammer. The caliber of a primitive firearm shall be not less than .44 nor more than .775 and only those primitive firearms having a barrel length of 18 inches or longer shall be permitted. A person shall not, except during the paraplegic, Youth Deer Hunt and shotgun deer seasons, have in his or her possession a shotgun shell loaded with a rifled slug, single ball, buckshot of any size, BB shot or air rifle shot in any place where birds or mammals might be found, except on a skeet, trap or target range between sunrise and sunset, and except for the hunting of waterfowl, or coyote as provided in 321 CMR 2.03. During the primitive firearm season, nothing in 321 CMR 3.02(4) shall prevent the otherwise lawful hunting of birds and mammals in accordance with established statutes and regulations. 5. On the fourth Saturday following Labor Day, which shall be the day of the Youth Deer Hunt, minors 12 through 17 years of age who have been issued a Youth Deer Hunt Permit by the Director may hunt for deer by means of a shotgun, not larger than ten gauge, including shotguns with a rifled bore, by means of a muzzle-loading firearm, fired from the shoulder, .44 to .775 caliber, or by means of a bow and arrow. A Youth Deer Hunt Permit must be obtained by the hunter allowing for the harvest of one deer, valid only on the day of the Youth Deer Hunt, for either, an antlered deer in any Wildlife Management Zone or an antlerless deer in the Wildlife Management Zone(s) as specified by the Director in the Permit. All minors 12 through 14 years of age taking part in the Youth Deer Hunt are not be required to possess a hunting license or sporting license, but shall possess a Youth Deer Hunt Permit, and be accompanied by a duly licensed adult as required by M.G.L. c. 131, § 14. All minors 15 through 17 years of age taking part in the Youth Deer Hunt shall possess both a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license, and a Youth Deer Hunt Permit. All minors, and the adults who accompany said minors during the Youth Deer Hunt, shall comply with all applicable law and regulations of the Division, including the provisions of M.G.L. c. 131, §§ 14, 71, and 72 and 321 CMR 3.02(4). During the Youth Deer Hunt, it is prohibited to hunt deer in an area where baiting has occurred up to ten days prior to the Youth Deer Hunt season. Nothing in 321 CMR 3.02(4) shall preclude the otherwise lawful hunting of birds and mammals in accordance with the applicable law and regulations of the Division during the Youth Deer Hunt season.
The following additional requirements shall apply to Dukes and Nantucket counties:
American Coot or Coot means the American coot (Fulica americana).
Berkshire Zone means that portion of Massachusetts west of a boundary line running south from the Vermont border along Route I-91 to Route 9, west on Rte. 9 to Rte. 10, south on Rte. 10 to Rte. 202, and south on Rte. 202 to the Connecticut border.
Central Zone means that portion of Massachusetts lying between the Berkshire Zone and the Coastal Zone.
Coastal Zone means that portion of Massachusetts east and south of a boundary line running south from the New Hampshire border along Route I-95 south to Rte. 1, to Rte. I-93, south along I-93 to Rte. 3, south on Rte. 3 to Rte. 6, west on Rte. 6 to Rte. 28, west on Rte. 28 to Rte. I-195, and west on Rte. I-195 to the Rhode Island border, provided that the waters and lands 150 yards above the high water mark of the Assonet River from the mouth of said Assonet River to the Route 24 bridge and 150 yards above the high water mark of the Taunton River from the mouth of said Taunton River to the Center Street-Elm Street bridge shall be in the Coastal Zone.
Director means the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or his authorized agent.
Gender means, unless the context requires otherwise, that words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
Migratory Game Birds means those migratory birds included in the terms of conventions between the United States and any foreign country for the protection of migratory birds, for which open seasons are prescribed in 321 CMR 3.02(2) and belong to the following families:
Non-toxic Shot means steel shot or such other non-toxic shot as shall be approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as an acceptable non-toxic alternative to lead shot.
Primitive Firearm Loaded with Shot means loose shot carried in a shot pouch or similar container, or which is carried on the person and could readily be so loaded, as well as shot which has been loaded in the barrel of a primitive firearm.
Sea Ducks means scoter, eider, and long-tailed (oldsquaw) ducks.
Waterfowl means migratory game birds of the family Anatidae (ducks, mergansers, geese, and brant).
TABLE 1. OPEN SEASONS, ALL DATES INCLUSIVE.
Species | Open Season | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
Sora Rail | Sep. 1 - Nov. 6 | 5 | 15 |
Virginia Rail | Sep. 1 - Nov. 6 | 10 | 30 |
Snipe | Sep. 1 - Dec. 16 | 8 | 24 |
Woodcock | Oct. 1 - Nov. 22 | 3 | 9 |
DucksA Berkshire | Oct. 11 - Nov. 27 Dec. 6 - Dec. 25 | 6* 6* | 18* 18* |
DucksA Central | Oct. 11 - Nov. 27 Dec. 13 - Jan. 1 | 6* 6* | 18* 18* |
DucksA Coastal | Oct. 16 - Oct. 23 Nov. 23 - Jan. 22 | 6* 6* | 18* 18* |
American Coot | Same Dates as Ducks | 15 | 45 |
MergansersB | Same Dates as Ducks | 5* | 15* |
Geese Berkshire (except blue & snow) | Oct. 11 - Nov. 13 | 1 | 3 |
Geese Central (except blue & snow) | Oct. 11 - Nov. 27 Dec. 13 - Jan. 1 | 2 2 | 6 6 |
Geese Coastal (except blue & snow) | Oct. 16 - Oct. 23 Nov. 30 - Jan. 29 | 2 2 | 6 6 |
Early Canada Goose C (Statewide) | Sep. 1 - Sep. 24 | 15 | 45 |
Late Canada Goose (Central) | Jan. 15 - Feb. 11 | 5 | 15 |
Late Canada Goose (North Coastal) | Jan. 31 - Feb. 15 | 5 | 15 |
Snow & Blue Goose (Berkshire) | Same Dates as Ducks | 15 | 45 |
Snow & Blue Goose (Central) | Same Dates as Ducks | 5 | 15 |
Snow & Blue Goose (Coastal) | Same Dates as Canada Goose | 5 | 15 |
Late Snow & Blue Goose (Central) | Same as Late Canada Goose | 15 | 45 |
Late Snow & Blue Goose (North Coastal) | Same as Late Canada Goose | 15 | 45 |
Sea Ducks D (Scoter, Eider, Long-tailed duck) | Nov. 15 - Jan. 22 | 5** | 15** |
Brant (Coastal Only) | Nov. 26 - Jan. 22 | 2 | 6 |
Falconry (Ducks and Coot only, no Geese) | Oct. 2 - Feb. 3 | 3* | 9* |
Youth Waterfowl Hunt E (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Geese Only) | Sept. 25 & Oct. 9 | 6* | 18* |
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunt (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Geese only) E | Sept. 25 & Oct. 9 | 6* | 18* |
* Singly or in the aggregate
** In Sea duck zone (Count as regular ducks in all other zones): five singly or in the aggregate, but no more than four scoter, four eider (one female), four long-tailed duck (old squaw) in the daily bag. 15 in possession, but no more than 12 scoter, 12 eider (three females), 12 long-tailed ducks.
Species | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
American Black Duck | 2 | 6 |
Hooded Merganser | 2 | 6 |
Redhead | 2 | 6 |
Canvasback | 2 | 6 |
Mallard | 2 (only 1 female) | 6 (only 3 females) |
Scaup | 1 | 3 |
Scaup (coastal zone Dec. 31 - Jan. 22) | 2 | 6 |
Fulvous Whistling Duck | 1 | 3 |
Mottled Duck | 1 | 3 |
Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
Northern Pintail | 1 | 3 |
Scoter D | 4 | 12 |
Long-tailed Duck D | 4 | 12 |
Eider D | 4 (only 1 female) | 12 (only 3 females) |
All other duck species | 4 | 12 |
Bobcat means the bobcat or wildcat (Felis [Lynx] rufus) but not the lynx or Canada lynx (Felis [Lynx] canadensis).
Division means the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Fox means the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
Green Pelt means a pelt which has not been dried, cured, or tanned.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the Mass Wildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Raw Pelt or Raw Fur means a green pelt which has been dried, fleshed, or cured.
State means the several states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America, and any foreign nation and any political subdivision, possession, or occupied area thereof.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The official seal shall remain attached to the pelt or animal until the pelt is dressed or tanned, or prepared for mounting by a taxidermist, or the animal is otherwise disposed of. Coyote and fox shall be sealed no later than 48 hours after the animal is killed. Bobcat shall be sealed no later than four working days after the closing day of the open season for that species. Working days are defined as the days Monday through Friday, except legal state holidays as defined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(18).
Antlerless Deer means a deer without antlers, or with antlers the longer of which is less than three inches in length measured on a straight line from the center of the anterior base of the antler burr to the antler tip.
Bait means any natural or artificial substance including, but not restricted to, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grains, hay, silage, apples or other fruits or vegetables, and salt or other chemical compounds of a like nature which may be fed upon, ingested by or which otherwise constitute a nutritive attraction or enticement to deer.
Baited Area means any area where baiting has taken place and such area shall remain a baited area for the period from ten days prior to the opening of the exclusive archery season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)2. to 12:00 P.M. on the day following the close of the exclusive primitive firearms season as provided in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)4.
Baiting means the deliberate placing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of bait so as to constitute for deer a lure, attraction, or enticement to or on any area where hunters are attempting to take them.
Barrel Length means that portion of a firearm through which shot is driven, guided, or stabilized.
Bow and Arrow means a bow and arrows of the type and design specified for the hunting of deer, bear, and wild turkey pursuant to 321 CMR 3.01(3).
Caplock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated external cock or hammer directly striking a percussion cap which is placed over a nipple which transmits the flame of the percussion cap to the powder.
Decoy means an artificial or natural replica or silhouette of a deer, including taxidermy mounts and preparations of a like nature as well as live deer held under restraint.
Director means the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or his or her agent.
Flintlock means only a type of gunlock that ignites the charge by means of a spark produced by a spring-actuated cock or hammer striking a piece of flint against a vertical, pivoted striking plate.
Fox means the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
Fur-bearing Mammals means all mammals in the Class Mammalia, as defined in M.G.L. c. 131, § 1.
Gender means, unless the context requires otherwise, that words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
Green Pelt means a pelt which has not been dried, cured, or tanned.
Grunt Tube means a breath-powered, mouth-operated, non-electronic calling device which mimics deer vocalizations, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the lawful hunting thereof.
Hunt, for the purposes of 321 CMR 3.02(5)(b)1. through 3., "hunted" or "kill or take by hunting" means a process excluding the use of traps.
Lead Projectile means a round ball, Minie or Maxi bullet, or other spherical or conical projectile composed of lead, lead-antimony, or similar alloys. Notwithstanding the foregoing, saboted projectiles are lawful, regardless of the composition of the sabots
Loaded from the Muzzle or Muzzle-loading means, with respect to a primitive firearm, that all the powder, any wadding, and the projectile are placed in the muzzle and forced to the other end of the barrel with the aid of a ramrod.
Loaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which contains a ball or shot in the muzzle and which, in the case of a flintlock, contains powder in the flash pan, and, in the case of a caplock, has a percussion cap on the nipple.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the MassWildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Permanent Tree Stand means that type of hunting platform or structure (emplaced for any period of time) which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners which intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or, which is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days.
Primitive Firearm means a flintlock or caplock firearm, either rifled or smoothbore, fired from the shoulder and loaded from the muzzle, and which has limited range and firepower.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the MassWildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Ouabbin Reservoir Area means those parcels of land defined as the Quabbin Reservoir Area pursuant to St. 1972, c. 737, § 1.
Raw Pelt means a green pelt which has been dried, fleshed, or cured.
Scent means an odoriferous substance, natural or artificial, which replicates or mimics the natural odor or bodily secretions of deer or other wild animals, the purpose of which is to attract deer pursuant to the hunting thereof or to mask the body odor or scent of humans hunting deer.
Shotgun Deer Season means that portion of the open season prescribed in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
State means the several states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America, and any foreign nation and any political subdivision, possession, or occupied area thereof.
Unloaded Primitive Firearm means a primitive firearm which lacks one or more of the components of a loaded primitive firearm.
Weasel means the ermine or short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) and the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata).
Youth Deer Hunt means the season, which is to occur on the fourth Saturday following Labor Day, when minors 12 through 17 years of age may hunt deer as provided in M.G.L. c. 131, § 14 and 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)5.
Youth Deer Hunt Permit means a special permit issued by the Director exclusively to minors 12 through 17 years of age which allows them to hunt for deer during the Youth Deer Hunt.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The following additional requirements shall apply to Dukes and Nantucket counties:
Zone 04 South (04S) is bounded as follows: northerly by Zones 02 and 04N; westerly by Zone 03; southerly by the Connecticut border; and easterly by the Connecticut River.
Beaver Dam means an obstruction comprised of an aggregate of sticks and mud, which may additionally include natural vegetation or stones, constructed by beaver and which impounds or has impounded the flowage of water along a stream or other water body or through or over a water control structure.
Beaver Lodge means a den comprised of an aggregate of sticks and mud which is constructed or built by beaver and which is either free-standing in water or connected to an embankment, but excluding holes or burrows which lack a visible or external aggregate of sticks and mud.
Bobcat means the bobcat or wildcat (Felis [Lynx] rufus) but not the lynx or Canada lynx (Felis [Lynx] canadensis).
Box or Cage Type Trap means a trap that confines the whole animal without grasping any part of the animal.
Conibear Type Trap means "Conibear"-model traps and similar body-gripping traps and devices, whether or not enclosed in or comprising part of a box, tube, or other enclosing device.
Director means the Director of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Division means the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Environmental Police Officer or EPO means the Director of the Office of Law Enforcement, deputy directors of enforcement, chiefs of enforcement, deputy chiefs of enforcement, environmental police officers, and such other enforcement officers of the Office of Law Enforcement as may be appointed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 21A, § 10A.
Fox means the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
Fur-bearing Mammals means all mammals in the Class Mammalia, as defined in M.G.L. c. 131, § 1.
Gender means, unless the context requires otherwise, that words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter.
Green Pelt means a pelt which has not been dried, cured, or tanned.
Hunt, for the purposes of 321 CMR 3.02(5)(b)1. through 3., "hunted" or "kill or take by hunting" means a process excluding the use of traps.
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the MassWildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Raw Pelt means a green pelt which has been dried, fleshed, or cured.
State means the several states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America, and any foreign nation and any political subdivision, possession, or occupied area thereof.
Weasel means the ermine or short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) and the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata).
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The official seal shall remain attached to the pelt or animal until the pelt is dressed or tanned, or prepared for mounting by a taxidermist, or the animal is otherwise disposed of. Coyote and fox shall be sealed no later than 48 hours after the animal is killed. Beaver, bobcat, fisher, mink, and river otter shall be sealed no later than four working days after the closing day of the open season for that species. Working days are defined as the days Monday through Friday, except legal state holidays as defined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(18).
Shotgun Deer Season means that season when it is lawful to hunt deer with a shotgun as provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
Shotgun Deer Season means that season when it is lawful to hunt deer with a shotgun as provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
Online means a Division of Fisheries and Wildlife licensing and game harvest reporting system accessible at the Mass Wildlife website that allows for automated licensing and game harvest reporting, including issuance of an official seal via the internet.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).
The Director may establish an alternate checking process for persons participating in the mentored youth turkey hunt. The Director may require, as a condition of checking, that the hunter surrender breast feathers, wing tips, or other biological samples from turkeys presented for checking.
Shotgun Deer Season means that season when it is lawful to hunt deer with a shotgun as provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3.
Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o).