Regulations change. Always confirm with the official state fish and wildlife agency before you hunt or fish. This site is an unofficial index, not legal advice. Each fact shows its source and the date we last read it.
Massachusetts: 2026 hunting seasons, license rules and official links
Run by: MassWildlife (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife). Below are the 2026 deer season dates and rules we could read on official pages. It is not a full list of seasons: turkey, bear, waterfowl, small game and fishing rules are on the official pages linked below.
2026 deer seasons
| Season | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Youth deer hunt | Oct 2, 2026 to Oct 3, 2026 | |
| Archery deer (Zones 1-14) | Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 28, 2026 | |
| Shotgun deer (Zones 1-14) | Nov 30, 2026 to Dec 12, 2026 | Hunting is prohibited on Sundays in Massachusetts. |
| Primitive firearms deer (Zones 1-14) | Dec 14, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 |
Source: Mass.gov: 2026 hunting and freshwater fishing season summary. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Dates can vary by zone, unit or land type; check the official page for your location.
Good to know before you buy a license or head out
- Hunting is prohibited on Sundays in Massachusetts.
Source: Mass.gov: hunting FAQ. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - You are eligible for a Massachusetts hunting license with a government-issued Basic Hunter Education certificate from any jurisdiction, or if you held a hunting or sporting license before Jan 1, 2007 (from any jurisdiction).
Source: Mass.gov: hunting licenses, permits and stamps. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - You need an Antlerless Deer Permit to take an antlerless deer in archery, shotgun and primitive firearms seasons. Archery and primitive firearms deer seasons also need an Archery Stamp or Primitive Firearms Stamp.
Source: Mass.gov: hunting licenses, permits and stamps. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - A phone image of a valid license is accepted, but when a tag is required (deer, bear, turkey) hunters must carry a paper copy of the license, permits and tags.
Source: Mass.gov: hunting licenses, permits and stamps. Last verified Oct 17, 2026.
Official links (Massachusetts)
- MassWildlife home
- Hunting licenses, permits and stamps
- 2026 hunting and freshwater fishing season summary
- Hunting FAQ
- Fishing (Mass.gov)
- State parks and camping (DCR)
Compare all six states | Planning a trip across state lines?