Hunting and Fishing Abstracts 2011
Hunting and Fishing Abstracts 2011
Hunting and Fishing Abstracts 2011
Contents
GENERAL HUNTING...................................... 21–31
From the Director.............................................3 General Hunting Regulations......................21
Offices and Facilities Directory Non-resident Hunters....................................21
and Location Map........................................4 Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife Lands..................................................5 (WMA) Regulations..................................20
Licenses, Permits and Stamps.......................8 Massachusetts Gun Laws.............................22
License and Permit Fees...............................10 Hunting Prohibitions....................................23
Wildlife Management Zones........................20 Special Hunts..................................................28
Landowner Liability......................................22 Species Regulations................................ 24–31
Office of Law Enforcement Directory........36 Black Bear.................................................24
Sunrise-Sunset Table....................................35 Upland Game Birds..................................25
Outdoor Skills and Deer..................................................... 27–28
Wildlife Education Programs..................37 Rabbits and Squirrels..............................29
Reptiles and Amphibians.......................30
FISHING........................................ 12–17
Species Regulations.......................................12 Furbearers.................................................31
Bait Regulations.............................................13
Catch and Release Areas...............................13 TRAPPING....................................32–34
Fish Consumption Advisories......................13 Species Regulations.......................................32
Free Fishing Weekend...................................14 Furbearer Check Stations.............................33
Interstate Ponds..............................................13 Problem Animal Control Licensing............34
Marine Fisheries Information Hotline.......14 Trapping Prohibitions...................................34
Fishing Prohibitions......................................13
Boat and RV Registration Information......14
Common Fish of Massachusetts..................15
Freshwater Sportfishing
Awards Program........................................16
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
WILLIAM E. BRUMBACK (Framingham)
ANDY FINTON (Boston)
TIMOTHY FLANAGAN (Lenox)
WAYNE R. PETERSEN (Hanson)
MARK POKRAS (North Grafton)
This Guide is designed and produced in BRYAN WINDMILLER (Concord)
collaboration with The Massachusetts
Division of Fisheries & Wildlife by J.F. Griffin
Publishing, LLC.
Our District offices manage immense tracts of land with only A challenging economy affects us all and requires state agen-
eight staffers—including both a District Supervisor and a cies to exercise fiscal restraint, but there are no constraints
receptionist. District staff also release some 40,000 pheasants on creativity and innovation. Creative planning on the part
each year—more than all other New England states combined. of our staff will allow the DFW to maintain its level of ser-
An additional 3,500 quail are released into appropriate habitat vices while adding to customer conveniences. As always it is
in the southeast part of the state. our goal to make the most efficient possible use of the funds
you provide to the Division though your purchase of licenses,
Increasing numbers of hunters are finding that they no longer stamps, permits, and through your donations.
need to travel to other states to find prime hunting—it has come
to them. Similarly, anglers report that Massachusetts’ lakes Wayne F. MacCallum, Director
and rivers offer some of the finest fishing in New England.
MINORS 15–17 years of age must be licensed and have required PERMITS
stamps and permits to hunt any bird or mammal. To obtain SPECIAL LICENSES OR PERMITS are necessary for possession or
a hunting or sporting license a minor must have a letter of release of certain fish, baitfish, wildlife and for fur dealers,
consent from a parent or guardian, and either a Basic Hunter propagators, wildlife rehabilitators, taxidermists, and/or
Education Certificate or a letter signed by a parent affirming fur buyers. Apply to the DFW Boston office, Permit Section
that the minor will be accompanied by a person 18 years (617) 626-1575. Contact Field Headquarters in Westborough
of age or older. Minors must carry their Hunter Education (508) 389-6300 about permits for crossbows, falconry, problem
Certificate while hunting. animal control, or shooting preserves.
Minors between 12 and 14 inclusive may hunt when ac-
companied by a duly licensed adult, provided that a single AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS: If you own or lease land that is
bag limit shall be observed and only one firearm/bow is principally used for agriculture and you are domiciled on
possessed by the two. Only one minor per adult is permitted. said land, then you do not need a basic hunting, fishing or
No Firearms Identification (FID) card is needed by the minor. trapping license to hunt, fish or trap on that land. Permits
Minors 12–17 may obtain a trapping license. To obtain a and stamps are still required.
trapping license a minor must have a letter of consent from
a parent or guardian. To trap on the land of another, a minor ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT is required to take antlerless deer
must also have a trap registration number. during shotgun, archery, and muzzleloader seasons statewide.
The application for this permit is on the hunting/sporting
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: To obtain a resident license, applicant license. Online license buyers may apply for these permits
must reside in Massachusetts for six consecutive months online. DO NOT send fee with application. Selection is by
immediately prior to purchase. random drawing. Applications must be submitted by July 16.
Successful applicants will be notified and assessed a $5.00
NONRESIDENTS: A valid Massachusetts non-resident license fee. Additional permits, if available after drawing, will be
(hunting, fishing and trapping) is required of non-residents. issued until the overall quota for each zone is reached. Check
A big game license (license Class H5) is required to hunt website for details. Applicants must have original hunting
deer, bear and wild turkey. For more information, see page 21. license and $5.00 fee for each permit requested. Permits for
Zones 13 and 14 may also be requested by mail from the
TRAP REGISTRATION NUMBERS may be obtained from the Permit Westborough office or at check stations on each island.
Section, Boston Office (617) 626-1575 after completing a
Trapper Education course.
STAMPS
ARCHERY: ($5.10), required to hunt deer during the archery
season Oct. 17—Nov. 26.
For a list of bear, coyote, deer, furbearer and
PRIMITIVE FIREARMS: ($5.10), required to hunt deer during the turkey check stations, visit the DFW website
primitive firearms season Dec. 12–31. at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. A list of
furbearer check stations is also provided on
MASSACHUSETTS WATERFOWL: ($5.00), required of all waterfowl page 33.
hunters aged 15 and over. Stamp is not required for hunting
woodcock, snipe, American coot or rails.
1 Minimum length is measured as the straight line (not curved over 6 Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs: Opening and closing dates are
the body) from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The tips of set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For Quabbin
any forked tail may be squeezed together for the final measurement. Reservoir visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm
or call (413) 323-7221. For Wachusett / Sudbury Reservoirs
2 Trout applies to Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Tiger Trout (a cross visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wachRes.htm or call
between a female brown and a male brook trout). From Apr. 1 to Sept. (508) 835-4816 or (978) 365-3800. Quabbin Reservoir and its tributary
10, no more than 8 trout (as defined) may be taken daily, and only 3 streams within the Quabbin Reservation are closed to all fishing except
of those trout may be from lakes, ponds, or major rivers 3. From Sept. during the open season as set by the Department of Conservation and
11 to Mar. 31, no more than 3 trout (as defined) may be taken daily. Recreation. The use of lead fishing sinkers is prohibited in the Quabbin
and Wachusett reservoirs (see page 13).
3 Major Rivers: Childs, Coonamessett, Deerfield, Farmington, Green
(Colrain), Green (Great Barrington), Ipswich, Jones, Mashpee, Millers, 7 The harvest of broodstock salmon (Atlantic salmon) is lawful in
Nissitissit, North (Colrain), North (West Branch), Parker, Quaboag, all inland waters of Massachusetts except in: the Connecticut River
Quinapoxet, Quinebaug, Seven Mile, Santuit, Scorton Creek, Shawsheen, and all its tributaries; and the Merrimack River downstream of the
Squannacook, Stillwater (Sterling, Princeton), Swift (East Branch), Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA and all its tributaries downstream of the
Swift (Winsor Dam to Ware River, except as posted), Tully (East and Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA. The possession of an Atlantic salmon
West Branches), Ware, Ware (East Branch), Westfield (all branches). (including broodstock salmon) while fishing in the Connecticut River
and all its tributaries and in the Merrimack River downstream of the
4 Mainstem Housatonic only, from the confluence of the East and Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA and all its tributaries downstream of the
West Branches to the MA–CT line, exclusive of the catch-and-release Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA is prohibited.
areas where no trout may be kept.
8 Smelt may be taken by hook and line only.
5 Special brown trout water: South Pond (Quacumquasit), Brookfield.
Total daily creel is 3 trout but only 1 may be a brown trout and it must
be at least 15".
2011 MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife 12
Fishing
BAIT • Quashnet River: From the outlet of John’s Pond to the sign
Permit required to take baitfish for purpose of sale; 0.1 mile below Rte. 28.
see Permits on page 8. Individuals trapping fish for personal
use as baitfish may use only one trap. Individuals trapping FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES
baitfish under a commercial license may use more than one trap. The MA Dept. of Public Health (MDPH), has issued a statewide
• Frogs (except leopard frogs) 2½ inches or less snout to advisory for pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who
vent may be used as bait; 10 daily, 10 in possession; may may become pregnant, and children under 12 not to consume
not be sold. fish caught in fresh water due to elevated levels of mercury
in fish. MDPH has also issued fish consumption advisories for
• Baitfish may be taken by licensed anglers at any time
the general public on selected bodies of water primarily due
(except for purposes of sale) with a rectangular net not
to PCB and mercury contamination. For more information
exceeding 36 square feet of net area or by a hoop or cir-
or a list of waters with fish consumption advisories, contact
cular net not exceeding 6 feet in diameter or with a fish
MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health, at (617) 624-5757
trap with openings not exceeding one inch. The following
or www.mass.gov/dph.
species may be taken for personal use as bait by licensed
anglers. Only the fish species listed below may be used
as bait, live or dead.
INTERSTATE POND LICENSE REGULATIONS
American eel Banded killifish Bluntnose minnow Wallum Lake, Douglas: fishing permitted by persons duly
Creek chubsucker Emerald shiner Fallfish licensed in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Rhode Island
Fathead minnow Golden shiner Mummichog regulations apply.
Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt* Yellow perch
Spottail shiner White sucker Lake Monomonac and Robbins Pond, Winchendon; Long
* Smelt may be taken only by hook and line. Possession or Pond, Tyngsboro and Dracut; Bent Pond, Warwick; Tuxbury
use of smelt as bait in inland waters other than during Pond, Amesbury: fishing permitted by persons duly licensed
the smelt season is prohibited. in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. New Hampshire regu-
lations apply.
• Herring: For current regulations on the use, possession, and
taking of herring contact the Division of Marine Fisheries, Colebrook Reservoir, Tolland; Perry Pond, Dudley; Muddy
(617) 626-1520 or www.mass.gov/marinefisheries. Pond, Southbridge; Breakneck Pond, Sturbridge; Congam-
ond Lake, Southwick; Hamilton Reservoir, Holland: fishing
CATCH-AND-RELEASE AREAS permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or Con-
Artificial lures only. No bait in possession. necticut. Connecticut regulations apply to Colebrook Reservoir,
Breakneck Pond, Perry Pond and Muddy Pond. Massachusetts
• Housatonic River: From the Rte. 20 bridge in Lee down- regulations apply to Congamond Lake and Hamilton Reservoir.
stream to Willow Mill Dam AND from Glendale Dam
downstream to the RR bridge. No fishing from June 15— Sherman Reservoir, Rowe: Massachusetts regulations apply
Aug. 31 inclusive within 100 feet of the mouths of posted and MA license required in MA. Vermont regulations apply
tributaries: Beartown Brook; Goose Pond Brook; Hop Brook; and VT license required in VT.
and Mohawk Brook.
• Red Brook: From the outlet of White Island Pond to the
inlet of Buttermilk Bay. FISHING PROHIBITIONS
• Nissitissit River: From the New Hampshire border to the • Explosives
Prescott St. Bridge. FLY FISHING ONLY. • Jug, toggle or trot line fishing.
• Swift River: Winsor Dam to Rte. 9, catch-and-release FLY • Lead Sinkers at Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs: The
FISHING ONLY (year around); Rte. 9 to Cady Lane, catch- use of lead fishing sinkers, including, but not limited to,
and-release July 1–Dec. 31 (artificials only). split shot, bullet weights, egg sinkers, slip sinkers, bell
• Deerfield River: Fife Brook Dam to Hoosac Tunnel, and sinkers, pinch sinkers, rubber grip sinkers, bank sinkers,
the section extending from Pelham Brook to the Mohawk pyramid sinkers, or twist, strap or wraparound sinkers for
Campground. the taking of fish in the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs
is prohibited. Lead fishing sinkers DO NOT include other
• Westfield River, East Branch: Immediately below the
lead fishing-related items such as artificial lures, jigs,
Chesterfield Gorge parking lot in Chesterfield to the gate
lead-core line, down-rigger weights, keel sinkers, torpedo
north of the Corps of Engineers parking lot at Knightville
casting and trolling sinkers, or weighted flies.
in Huntington.
NOTE: Lead fishing sinkers and jigs less than 1 ounce will
• Millers River: Templeton/Athol RR bridge to dam in Athol
be prohibited in all inland waters of the Commonwealth
and from Wendell Rd. bridge in Orange to the breached
effective January 1, 2012.
dam in Erving center.
RAINBOW TROUT
TEMPERATURE PREFERENCES OF FISH These trout thrive in cold, well-oxygenated, fast moving water.
Temperature preferences are different for many fish. Though
Typical hatchery fish are 12–16 inches, with larger specimens to 20+
fish cannot always find their exact preference, they are usu-
inches. Profusely speckled and usually has a pink line along each side.
ally foundTemperature Preferences
in water closest of Fish temperature.
to their preferred
BROWN BULLHEAD
80 Our native “horned pout” catfish thrives in warm-water habitats
< Catfish Family
< Bluegill / Pumpkinseed associated with muddy bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Average
75
< Largemouth Bass size is 8–12 inches, but larger ones are not uncommon. Handle
this fish (and all catfish) with care, as spines in the dorsal and
70 < Calico Bass (Crappies)
< Esocids (Pike/Pickerel/Muskellunge), Smallmouth Bass pectoral fins can inflict painful wounds.
< Perch Family (Yellow Perch/Walleye)
65
BLUEGILL
60 A sunfish that prefers shallow, weedy, warm-water habitats.
< Brown Trout Typically 4–7 inches in length with larger specimens to 10 inches.
55 Identified by the solid black flap on gill cover and a dark patch
< Landlocked Salmon, Rainbow/Brook Trout near the back, bottom edge of the dorsal fin.
50
< Lake Trout YELLOW PERCH
45 A native cool-water panfish found in the vegetated areas of lakes,
ponds, slow streams, and almost any open water with moderate
LARGEMOUTH BASS vegetation. Typically 8–10 inches but larger fish not uncommon.
A warm-water gamefish found in lakes, ponds and slow moving A schooling fish, it is safe to assume that if you find one, there
rivers associated with weeds and structure. Typically 1–3 lbs, are others in the same vicinity.
but can reach up to 15 lbs. Dark line along each side is a good
identification mark. CHAIN PICKEREL
A native cool-water gamefish found in shallow, vegetated areas
BROWN TROUT of fairly clear lakes, ponds and rivers. Typically 15–20 inches but
This trout thrives in heavy cover and deep pools of cold, well- larger specimens are not uncommon. Respected for its sharp teeth
oxygenated water. Typically stocked at 10–14 inches with larger which can easily cut most fishing lines and inflict minor wounds.
specimens to 20+ inches. Many wild populations exist in small
to medium streams. PUMPKINSEED
A native sunfish, this pretty little “kivver” is found in weedy,
ATLANTIC SALMON warm-water habitats. Most are 4–7 inches, but can get up to
The anadromous form of this species lives in the open ocean 8–9 inches. Look for blue "warpaint" on the face and a red/orange-
but ascends freshwater rivers to spawn. The landlocked form tipped gill flap.
lives in deep, cold, freshwater habitats and spawns in tributaries.
Anadromous form grows to 20 lbs; landlocks average 2–4 lbs. BLACK CRAPPIE
Landlocked populations occur in the Quabbin and Wachusett This "calico" sunfish is found in weedy, warm-water habitats. It
Reservoirs; attempts to restore sea-run populations to the often forms schools in submerged structure, especially brush
Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers continue. piles and fallen trees. Typically 5–12 inches, but larger specimens
not uncommon.
SMALLMOUTH BASS
Less common than largemouths, these cool-water gamefish are
found in clear, rocky habitats. Average size is 1–2 lbs, but can reach
up to 8 lbs. This species often jumps spectacularly when hooked.
Schoolhouse Pond,
Largemouth bass 10 lbs. 2 oz. Billington Sea, Plymouth Alec Turner, Plymouth 8 lbs. 14 oz. Nick Shea, Harwich
Chatham
Housatonic River,
Northern pike 22 lbs. 11 oz. Onota Lake, Pittsfield Bryan Kopala, Adams 19 lbs. 11 oz. Jake Burke, Pittsfield
Sheffield
William Smethurst, Matt Huberdault,
Rainbow trout 8 lbs. 6 ozs. Walden Pond, Concord 5 lbs. 12 ozs. Wallum Lake, Douglas
Fitchburg Webster
Merrimack River, Roger Aziz, Jr., Connecticut River, Eliot Madison, West
Shad 6 lbs. 8 ozs. 4 lbs. 10 ozs.
Lawrence Methuen Holyoke Springfield
Smallmouth bass 5 lbs. 15 ozs. Quabbin Reservoir Phil Belanger, Granby 5 lbs. 8 ozs. Quabbin Reservoir Austin Siegel, Ware
Shawme Pond,
Sunfish 1 lb. 3 ozs. Snake Pond, Sandwich John Kowszik, Millbury 1 lb. 5 ozs. Nate Taddia, Sandwich
Sandwich
Chauncey Lake, Mark Potter,
Tiger muskie 10 lbs. 7 ozs. No youth entries
Westborough Framingham
Tiger trout 8 lbs. 10 ozs. White Pond, Concord Robert Casey, Arlington 2 lbs. 7 ozs. Cochituate Lake, Natick Michael Diruscio, Natick
ZONE 3: Northerly by Zone 1; westerly by the New York border; southerly by WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS
the New York and Connecticut borders; and easterly by a line running south The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife holds 139 Wildlife Man-
along the Housatonic River from the junction with Rte. 9 in Pittsfield to the
junction with Rte. 20 in Lee, east along Rte. 20 to the junction with Rte. 8 in agement Areas (WMAs) and 13 wildlife sanctuaries. Maps
West Becket, and south on Rte. 8 to the Connecticut border. are available on-line and at all DFW offices.
ZONE 4 NORTH: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly by Zone 2;
southerly by a line running north from the intersection of Rte. 20 and the
1 No person shall possess any alcoholic beverage except un-
East Branch of the Westfield River in Huntington along the East Branch der permit, or dump or discard any can, bottle, or rubbish.
of the Westfield River to the intersection with Rte. 66, along Rte. 66 to
the intersection with Rte. 9 in Northampton, to the intersection with the 2 No person shall remove vegetation, soil, or stones from
Connecticut River at the Northampton/Hadley town line; and easterly by any WMA except under permit.
the Connecticut River.
3 No person shall use excessive speed in driving a vehicle.
ZONE 4 SOUTH: Northerly by Zones 2 and 4N; westerly by Zone 3; southerly
by the Connecticut Border; and easterly by the Connecticut River. 4 No person, unless under permit, shall drive or possess any
vehicle except on roads or trails maintained for public
ZONE 5: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; westerly by the Connecticut
River; southerly by a line running from the intersection of the Connecticut vehicular traffic.
River and Rte. 9 at the Northampton/Hadley line east along Rte. 9 to Rte.
116 in Hadley, north along Rte. 116 to Rte. 63 in North Amherst, east along
5 No person shall deface or tamper with any sign, build-
Rte. 63 and Pine Street to State Street, northeast along State Street and East ing, or equipment.
Leverett Road to Cushman Road, along Cushman Road to Shutesbury Road
in East Leverett, east on Shutesbury Road and Leverett Road to Wendell 6 No person shall build or maintain a fire without written
Road in Shutesbury Center, north along Wendell Road to Locks Pond Road, permission from the Director of the DFW or his designee.
north on Locks Pond Road to Lake View Road, northeast on Lake View Road
to Locks Village Road, north along Locks Village Road to Depot Road in 7 No person shall camp within any WMA without written
Wendell, north on Depot Road to Rte. 2A in Wendell Depot, east on Rte. 2A permission from the Director or his designee.
to Rte. 32 in Athol, south on Rte. 32 to Rte. 62 in Barre, and east on Rte. 62
to the intersection with Rte. 31 in Princeton; and easterly by a line running 8 No person shall engage in target practice without written
north on Rte. 31 to the New Hampshire border.
permission from the Director or his designee.
ZONE 6: Northerly by Zone 5; westerly by Zone 5; southerly by a line running
from the intersection of Rte. 9 and Rt. 116 in Hadley, east along Rte. 9 to
9 No person shall use any means other than shotgun or
the intersection with Rte. 32 in Ware; and easterly by a line running from bow and arrow during the pheasant and quail season on
the intersection of Rte. 32 and Rte. 62 in Barre, south along Rte. 32 to the areas stocked with pheasant or quail except for hunting
intersection with Rte. 9 in Ware.
raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am.
ZONE 7: Northerly by Zones 5 and 6; southerly by the Connecticut border;
easterly by a line running from the intersection of Rte. 9 and Rte. 32 in 10 No person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset on
Ware, east along Rte. 9 to the intersection with Rte. 67, southwest along any WMA where pheasant or quail are stocked during
Rte. 67 to the intersection with Rte. 19 in Warren, and south along Rte. 19
to the Connecticut border.
the open season on pheasant or quail, Oct. 15 to Nov. 26,
except for the hunting of raccoons and opossums between
ZONE 8: Northerly by Zone 5; southerly by the Connecticut and Rhode Island 9pm and 3am.
borders; easterly by the following: Rte. 31 in Princeton south to Rte. 56 in
Paxton, Rte. 56 south to Rte. 9 in Leicester, Rte. 9 east to Cambridge Street 11 No person shall hunt during the pheasant or quail season
in Worcester, Cambridge Street east to Rte. 146, Rte. 146 southeast to the
Rhode Island border, westerly by Zones 6 and 7. on WMAs where pheasant or quail are stocked without
wearing a ”hunter orange“ cap or hat except while night
ZONE 9: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; southerly by the Rhode
Island border; easterly by the following: Rte. 3 from New Hampshire southeast
hunting for raccoons or opossums or while hunting from
to Rte. I-495 south to Rte. 121 in Wrentham, Rte. 121 southwest to the Rhode a blind or boat.
Island border; westerly by Zones 5 and 8.
12 No person, except under permit, shall dig or disturb any
ZONE 10: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; westerly by Zone 9; artifact or archaeological remains.
southerly by a line running from the intersection of Rte. 1A and Rte. 27 in
the town of Walpole northeast along Rte. 1A to the intersection with Rte. 13 The Director may make special regulations to handle
128 in the town of Dedham, east on Rte. 128 to the intersection with Rte. special situations peculiar to any WMA. Controlled hunts
3 in the town of Braintree, east on Rte. 3 to the intersection with Rte. 228
in the town of Rockland, and north on Rte. 228 to the Atlantic Ocean at are in effect at certain times on Martin Burns, Delaney,
the intersection of Rte. 228 and Nantasket Avenue in the town of Hull; and and Ludlow WMAs. Contact District Supervisor for details.
easterly by the Atlantic ocean.
TREESTANDS: Must have written permission of landowner to YOUTH & WOMEN HUNTERS
construct or use any treestand held in place with nails, bolts, For special outdoor skills education
etc., or in place for more than 30 days. opportunities for youth and women hunters,
see pages 37 and 38.
Sept. 6 – Sept. 24
Black Bear Zones 1-9 See "Black Bear," below. 1
Nov. 7 – Nov. 26
Bear hunting closed during shotgun deer season.
BLACK BEAR
Permit required (see page 9). Hunting allowed in Zones 1–9 MASSACHUSETTS OUTDOOR
ONLY. Hunting only with rifle .23 caliber or larger, muzzle-
loader .44–.775 caliber, bows with 40 lb. pull or greater, or RECREATION MAP
revolvers .357 Magnum or .40 caliber or larger. Revolvers The Massachusetts Outdoor
permitted during September season only. Use of shotguns and Recreation Map features maps and
use of dogs for training or hunting is prohibited (see Hunting information on Wildlife Management
Dogs on page 21). Baiting of bears is prohibited. Hunting hours Areas, State Forests and Parks and
close ½ hour after sunset except as noted in WMA Reg. #10 Boat Launch sites statewide.
(page 20). Successful hunters must tag bear immediately (with
tag attached to permit) and must check in their bear within Copies may be obtained from DFW and
48 hours. Limit 1 bear per year. selected Department of Conservation &
Recreation offices.
CRITTERS OF MASSACHUSETTS If you harvest a bear and would like to KNOW THE AGE OF
YOUR BEAR , please follow the instructions below.
“Critters of Massachusetts” is a pocket guide 1 Remove the first premolar (see photo), or ask a DFW
designed for kids but useful for anyone staff member to collect the tooth. This is a very
wanting concise information about mammals, small tooth, just behind the large canine tooth. It
birds, and reptiles of Massachusetts. does not matter if you take the left or the right tooth.
Available at any DFW office or send However, the root is the most important part. Do not
$5.00 plus $1.50 postage and handling to break the tooth.
the Westborough Field Headquarters, 2 Using a small sharp knife, or a sharp ¼-inch wood
One Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough, MA 01581. chisel, slide the blade down the side of the tooth and
cut or separate the gum tissue where it sticks to the
Make checks payable to Comm. of MA—
tooth. Using a small needle-nose pliers or the pliers
DFW. on your multi-tool, wiggle the tooth slightly until
you can pull it out of the jawbone and the gum. The
tooth is only about ½-inch (or less) in length. Go
easy and do not break it.
ANIMALS TAGGED FOR RESEARCH 3 Put the tooth in the fish-scale envelope provided, or
other small envelope, and mark it with your name
Some bear, deer, moose, coyotes and and the seal number of your bear. Put the small
other animals may have ear tags or radio envelope in a regular mailing envelope and send
collars. It is legal to harvest them. If you it to: Bear Project, Division of Fisheries & Wildlife,
find or take one of these animals, contact 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westboro, MA 01581. Be sure that
DFW’s Westborough Field Headquarters you enclose your name and mailing address.
(508) 389-6300 immediately. You will be 4 All bear teeth are sent for processing in January,
asked for information that will help biologists after all teeth from both the September and November
determine the source and status of these parts of the season are received. The ages are then
animals AND you will be asked to return the received by the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife in
equipment to the DFW. Thank you for your May or June, and you will be sent the age of your
cooperation. bear at that time.
ANTLERLESS DEER: A permit is required to harvest antlerless DAILY BAG: The daily bag limit is determined by the number of
deer during any season in all zones (see page 20). Only one valid tags a hunter possesses. However a hunter possessing
application per person. Applications must be postmarked 1 unchecked deer may take only 1 additional deer before
no later than July 16th. Incomplete or late applications will checking the first deer at an official check station. No hunter
not be accepted. Additional permits may be available for may have more than 2 unsealed deer in possession at any time.
certain zones. Permits are accompanied by a zone-specific All deer must be checked within 48 hours of being killed.
tag, are valid in any deer season, and must be in the hunter’s
possession while hunting. ANNUAL BAG: Two antlered deer, and as many antlerless deer
as the hunter has valid permits for, provided that:
NOTE: Each antlerless deer permit is valid for one antlerless • Hunters may purchase additional antlerless deer permits
deer, increasing the seasonal bag limit for anyone possessing for available zones.
an antlerless deer permit. If you hunt during the archery, • Hunters may take a maximum of 2 deer in the Quabbin
shotgun, or muzzleloader seasons, you must have a permit Reservation, both of which may be antlerless, provided
to take an antlerless deer. The number of deer a hunter may the hunter obtains a second antlerless deer permit after
harvest statewide depends on the number of antlerless deer checking the first antlerless deer at a Quabbin check station.
permits purchased. A hunter may possess antlerless deer Antlerless deer taken in the Quabbin are not considered
permits for more than one zone. For example, if a hunter part of the statewide bag limit. Antlered deer taken in the
applies for a permit for Zone 5 and receives a permit, he/she Quabbin are part of the statewide bag limit.
may purchase additional permits for a zone that has permits
available (e.g. Zone 14). Permit availability depends on DURING MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASON hunters may use only
permit allocation and the number of applicants. Permits for shoulder-fired muzzleloaders .44 caliber to .775 caliber; barrel
undersubscribed zones will go on sale on October 11, 2011 length 18 inches or more with only one barrel operational.
on a first-come-first-served basis. Inline ignition systems are permitted providing rifle loads
from the muzzle. Hinge action (break open) muzzleloaders
TAGGING REQUIREMENTS: Immediately upon killing a deer and are NOT permitted. Single projectile only (no buckshot). Sabot
prior to moving it (during any deer season), the tag portion rounds, 209 primers, and scopes are legal. Powder limited to
must be separated from the license or antlerless deer permit, black powder, pyrodex or other approved substitutes. Firearm
filled out, and attached to the deer in a conspicuous manner. is considered unloaded when cap or pan powder is removed.
Deer must be checked within 48 hours. Deer must not be Primitive Firearms Stamp required. Archers may hunt dur-
possessed, transported, or under a person's control unless ing the muzzleloader firearms season but must purchase a
the deer, or a part of the deer, is open to view. However, Primitive Firearms Stamp and wear at least 500 square inches
after the deer has been checked, the deer may be concealed. of hunter orange on head, back, and chest.
DURING SHOTGUN DEER SEASON hunters may use shotguns not DRIVING DEER while hunting is lawful.
larger than 10 gauge, bows and arrows, or muzzleloaders
not smaller than .44 caliber, or larger than .775 caliber. This IMPORTATION OF DEER PARTS from states or provinces where
includes modern muzzleloaders, hinge action muzzleload- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected is illegal.
ers, muzzleloaders with telescopic sights, and permits the It is legal to import meat that is de-boned, cleaned skull caps,
use of sabot rounds. Rifled barrel shotguns are legal during hides without the head, or a fixed taxidermy mount. No live
shotgun deer season. deer, of any species, may be brought into Massachusetts for
All deer hunters, including bowhunters, must wear a any purpose.
SPECIAL HUNTS
• Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt, see page 28
GRAY SQUIRREL
Rifles and handguns are permitted in Zones 1–9; prohibited
in Zones 10–14. No person shall hunt by any means other
than shotgun or bow and arrow during the pheasant and
NO HUNTING ON SUNDAY
quail seasons, on areas stocked with pheasant or quail (see
WMA regulation #9 page 20).
Hunting hours for gray squirrel are from ½ hour before
sunrise to ½ hour after sunset except that no person shall
hunt on Wildlife Management Areas where pheasant and
quail are stocked during the open season on pheasant and
quail (Oct. 15 – Nov. 26) except for the hunting of raccoons
and opossums between 9pm and 3am.
COTTONTAIL RABBIT
Cottontail rabbit hunters can help
MassWildlife study the distribution of
cottontail rabbits across the state by
participating in the head collection survey.
For over 50 years, MassWildlife has
conducted a periodic assessment of the
distribution of cottontails through a review
of hunter collected specimens. Successful
hunters can bring harvested cottontail heads
to the local district office or to the Field
Headquarters in Westborough. Information
that will be collected includes date of
harvest, method of hunting, and location of
harvest.
RECREATION VEHICLES
(ATVs, OHVs, dirt bikes, etc.)
Recreation vehicles are inherently
damaging to most environments in which
they are operated. It is illegal to operate
any motorized vehicle on any WMA or
other property owned or controlled by
the DFW; on most state park and state
forest lands; and it is illegal to operate
them on private lands without the written
permission of the landowner. Moreover,
legislation enacted in 2010 (Chapter 202 of
the Acts of 2010) strengthens the regulation
of these recreation vehicles, increases
penalties for violations, prohibits the
unauthorized use of recreation vehicles on
public property; imposes new operator
age restrictions, which may be further
modified by the MA Environmental Police
(MEP) through regulation; and establishes
a fund to support riding opportunities and
law enforcement and regulatory activities.
For more information, contact the Safety
Bureau in MEP at (508) 759-0002, or go to
www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dle and click on
the Safety Bureau.
BOBCAT RACCOON
Hunting hours ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Limit of 3 raccoons from sunset of 1 day to sunset of following
Hunting is limited to Zones 1-8. All bobcats taken must be day by 1 person; limit of 6 by 2 or more persons hunting in
checked within 4 working days of the end of the season same group. Night hunting on WMAs (except Delaney and Flint
(see page 33). Pond WMAs) is permitted from sunset to sunrise except from
Oct. 15 to Nov. 26 on areas stocked with pheasant or quail, when
COYOTE & FOX raccoon may be hunted only from 9pm to 3am.
Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end at mid-
night, except 1) on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail OPOSSUM
during the pheasant and quail season when hunting hours No bag limit on opossum. Night hunting on WMAs (except
begin at sunrise and end at sunset and 2) when hunting Delaney and Flint Pond WMAs) is permitted from sunset to
coyote during the shotgun deer season (see below). Coyote sunrise except from Oct. 15 to Nov. 26 on areas stocked with
and fox may be hunted with shotguns, muzzleloaders and pheasant or quail, when opossum may be hunted only from
archery, as well as rifles and handguns with special night- 9pm to 3am.
time restrictions (see page 23). Coyotes may be hunted with
shotguns using numbered or lettered birdshot (≤ 0.230 inch
pellet diameter), except during the shotgun deer season (see
below). Fox may be hunted with numbered birdshot only (≤
0.160 inch pellet diameter). It is legal to hunt coyote and
fox using bait, decoys, electronic or manual calls and dogs.
Artificial lights are prohibited. Coyote and fox pelts must
be checked within 4 working days of the end of the season
(see page 33). It is legal to hunt coyotes, but not fox, during
the shotgun deer season; however the following additional
regulations apply:
• Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end ½
hour after sunset.
• Use of manual or electronic calls and dogs are prohibited.
• Rifles and handguns are prohibited.
• Shotguns and muzzleloaders loaded with slugs, single balls
or buckshot may also be used.
• Hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of
hunter orange on their head, chest and back.
Table is EASTERN STANDARD TIME. Add 1 hour for daylight savings time, if and when in use.
BOSTON subtract 3 minutes; SPRINGFIELD add 3 minutes; PITTSFIELD add 7 minutes.
Source: U. S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications Department, Washington, D.C. 20392-5420
YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT: Two days are set aside prior to the
waterfowl hunting seasons especially for young hunters
ages 12–15. All youth must be accompanied by a licensed
adult hunter with a valid Massachusetts waterfowl stamp.
The young hunter and accompanying adult may have only
one firearm between them. The adult may not hunt and may
carry the firearm only when it is unloaded and cased. No
license or stamp needed for youths ages 12–14. License and
Massachusetts waterfowl stamp needed for youths age 15. No
federal stamp required. All other hunting restrictions apply.