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Massachusetts Fishing/Hunting Licenses

January 2012

Eagle Count Date Change
Friday, January 13, 2012 will be the new date for a concentrated survey of major rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast by staff from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and volunteers across the state. Originally the date was set for January 6, 2012. In 2011, a record 107 bald eagles were documented in Massachusetts during the one-day event. This event is part of a nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that is held every year in early January.

Housing Appeal for Woodducks in Massachusetts
There is a wildlife housing need in Massachusetts that conservationists of all kinds can support! The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is welcoming donations of constructed wood duck boxes or lumber for building boxes. Wood ducks are one of the few kinds of waterfowl (ducks and geese) that nest in cavities or holes in trees. There are not enough natural cavities available in the state for nesting, but constructed boxes have filled the gap. While wood ducks are wintering in warm, southern climes, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) biologists and technicians will soon be braving chilly winter temperatures on icy ponds, marshes, and other wetlands evaluating the condition of wood duck boxes and replacing boxes that are missing or in disrepair. "Wood duck hens will return to the same box to nest year after year," said H Heusmann, DFW Waterfowl Project Leader. "Imagine the plight of a wood duck hen coming back from wintering down south and finding her nesting site gone."

2011 Preliminary Archery and Shotgun Deer Season Results
Preliminary information on the archery and shotgun deer season results have been compiled though some check stations have yet to report their tallies. For the 2011 archery deer season, a preliminary statewide total of 3,689 deer were checked in at official deer check stations.

January Stories

December 2011

Broodstock Salmon Stocking Update
Depending on weather and access to water, broodstock salmon stocking will begin in mid-December and will be completed by the end of the year. This year, each district will receive 60 fish, all from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Roger Reed State Fish Hatchery in Palmer. The fish will range in size from 5 to 18 pounds, with an average weight of about 10 pounds each

Resolve to Signup for Hunter Education
New and novice hunters of all ages are encouraged to make a New Year's resolution to sign up for a free Basic Hunter Education Course in the winter or spring months of 2012. Students who successfully pass the course will receive a Basic Hunter Education Certificate of Completion, which is needed to purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. These Certificates of Completion are recognized in all the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the purchase of a hunting or sporting license

Results of 2011 Deer Season for Paraplegic Hunters
In early November, 28 hunters participated in a special deer season hunt for paraplegic hunters at five locations in Massachusetts. A total of seven deer (one buck, one button buck, and five does) were taken for an overall success rate of 25%. The hunt was coordinated by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), with assistance from state agencies, military personnel, and volunteer sportsmen and women.

Save January Dates to Count Eagles
As part of an annual nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey, anyone spotting an eagle in Massachusetts from January 4, 2012 - January 18, 2012 is strongly encouraged to report their sighting to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW). Please provide date, time, location, and town, number of birds, juvenile or adult bird, and observer contact information. Images are welcome, but not required. Report sightings either to: Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or by postal mail to "Eagle Survey", MassWildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA, 01581

December Stories

November 2011

Exotic Pets Illegal in Massachusetts

The recent tragic event in Ohio involving the release and subsequent killing of dozens of large exotic animals serves as an important reminder that Massachusetts has some of the strictest state regulations in the country governing the possession of both native and exotic wildlife by the average citizen. "Do not assume that any animal which can be purchased in another state or online is legal to possess in Massachusetts," cautions Dr. Tom French, Assistant Director of DFW's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. "The goal of these regulations is to protect both the interests of wildlife and the public. In Massachusetts, only museums, nature centers, or educational institutions are granted permits for most kinds of wildlife

Preliminary 2011 September Bear Season Numbers

Licensed black bear hunters took to the woods of western and central Massachusetts during the September season and emerged with 108 bruins. Bear check stations in the Western District office checked 75 bears, check stations in the Connecticut Valley District checked a total of 29 bears and the Central District check stations checked in 4 bears

Critter of the Month - The Wild Turkey

With the fall turkey season ending this week and the approach of Thanksgiving, wild turkeys are the seasonal focus of attention. Wild turkeys are found throughout Massachusetts even in suburban and some urban areas, but did you know that there was a time (for over 120 years), when there were no wild turkeys living in the Bay State? In the 1600's during colonial settlement, the wild turkey was widespread in Massachusetts, ranging from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. As settlement progressed, however, the clearing of hardwood forests and market hunting caused the range of the turkey to shrink. By 1830, 80% of the state was cleared of forests and turkeys were rare

Cottontail Survey Continues, Public's Help Still Needed

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is continuing its statewide survey of cottontail rabbits to assess the distribution and population of New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis), the only cottontail rabbit species native to the northeastern United States and rarely seen. Two kinds of cottontail rabbits are found in Massachusetts, the common non-native Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and the New England cottontail. Division biologists want to remind hunters, highway department workers, animal control officers, and other interested citizens across the state to help provide DFW with cottontail carcasses or cottontail skulls for the survey

November Stories

October 2011

Drivers Brake for Moose and Deer this Fall!

Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. September and October is the peak of the breeding season for Massachusetts' small but expanding moose population in central and western Massachusetts

2011 Fall Trout Stocking

Autumn anglers will be pleased to learn that fall trout stocking is just getting underway. This fall, 62,000 rainbow trout will be allocated among the five wildlife management districts across the state. The rainbow trout will average over 12 inches in length

Growing Up Wild Workshops for Early Child Specialists

Early Childhood educators and caregivers of children ages 3-7 years are invited to participate in an exciting, fun, six-hour interactive, hands-on Growing Up WILD (GUW) workshop. The workshops help educators engage young children in activities encouraging exploration of the natural world

New Deer Hunt Location for Paraplegic Hunters

This year, paraplegic hunters participating in a special three-day deer season on November 3-5, 2011 can choose a new hunting location at the Otis/Edwards Military Reservation in Falmouth. "We are pleased to expand this deer hunting opportunity to the southeastern part of the state," said Trina Moruzzi, Wildlife Biologist and Hunt Program Coordinator

October Stories

September 2011

3,000 Acres of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protected in FY 11

Just over 3,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were protected by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) in the past fiscal year (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011) for a total investment of $7,913,700. These acquisitions were distributed across the Commonwealth, with 46 projects completed in 34 towns. These new lands bring the total amount of Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) currently under the care and control of MassWildlife and DFG to over 190,000 acres. Benefitting both wildlife and people, WMAs are open to fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife observation, boating, hiking, and other passive wildlife-related recreation. A listing by town of all newly acquired FY 2011 properties can be found on the DFW website.

Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set, Hunters must get HIP

On Thursday, August 25, 2011, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board held a public hearing in Newbury. Immediately following the hearing, the Board voted on regulations establishing the 2011-2012 migratory game bird seasons, bag limits, and methods of take. Migratory game bird regulations and a map outlining waterfowl hunting zones are posted on line. Hard copies of the Migratory Game Bird regulations will be available by mid-September. Hunters planning to hunt woodcock, ducks, geese, and other migratory game birds in 2011 are required to complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey

Anterless Deer and Bear Permit Updates

Antlerless deer permit notification cards were mailed to deer hunters in mid-August. All applicants selected for their Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ) of choice were notified of their permit with a pink postcard. To ensure receipt of the permit by archery season, the postcard and $5 fee made out to "Comm. of Mass - Deer" must be returned by September 3, 2011 to: "Deer Permit" MassWildlife FHQ, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581

Public Input Needed for a Statewide Outdoors Survey

Anglers, bird watchers, hunters, trappers, hikers, naturalists, boaters, and other Bay State outdoor enthusiasts have an important opportunity to voice their recreational needs by participating in a statewide recreation survey. The Energy and Environmental Affairs Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is strongly encouraging Massachusetts residents to fill out an important survey that will help guide decisions on how state funding can be best used for the acquisition of conservation or park land, development of new parks, or renovation of existing parks and recreation facilities

September Stories

August 2011

Updated Outdoor Recreation Map Available

An updated version of the Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map is now available from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This map is packed with information for residents and visitors looking for places to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hunting, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming across the Bay State

2011 Deer Permits Drawing Results

The 2011 Antlerless Deer Permit Drawing was held on August 1, 2011, at the Hubbardston Rod and Gun Club. The event included a deer management talk by Deer Biologist Sonja Christensen followed by the antlerless permit drawing. A total of 37,450 antlerless permits were allocated for the 2011 deer hunting seasons. All hunters who applied for permits in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ) 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14 will be eligible to receive antlerless permits

Early Goose Season Dates Set

Goose hunters are advised that the early Canada goose hunting season dates are September 6 - September 24, 2011, with hunters allowed a bag limit of 7 birds per day. All other migratory bird season dates and bag limits will be set by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board immediately following a public hearing on August 25, 2011 at 3 PM at the Newbury Fire Fighters Memorial Hall

2010 Deer Harvest Final Numbers and 2011 Deer Permit Drawing Date

Deer Project Leader Sonja Christensen reports a total of 10,813 white-tailed deer harvested by licensed hunters during the combined 2010 seasons. By season, the total breaks down to 5 deer taken during the special deer season for paraplegic sportsmen; 3,778 taken in the archery season; 4,846 taken during the shotgun season; 2,068 taken during the muzzleloading season; and 116 deer harvested during the Quabbin Reservation hunt

August Stories

July 2011

Boaters! Report Entangled Marine Animals at Sea

Massachusetts coastal waters are home to endangered marine animals including sea turtles and whales. Entanglement in marine debris and fishing gear such as rope, netting, and hooks are leading causes of serious injury and mortality for these animals.

New Hunters! Sign Up Now for Courses

New hunters of all ages are reminded that it is never too early to think about taking a Basic Hunter Education Course. First-time license buyers in Massachusetts are required to show proof that they have taken a basic hunter education course in order to purchase a hunting or sporting license. Basic courses are available across the state from January through October and early November and are periodically updated on the agency website.

Quabbin Deer Hunt Applications Available July 1

Applications for the 2011 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt are available on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) web page at www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply/watershed/hunt.htm. DCR Water Supply Division staff reminds prospective applicants that regardless of the type of firearm used, all applicants must have a valid MA gun license to be eligible to apply for this hunting opportunity. To qualify for the permit selection process, all applications must be postmarked by August 15 or hand-delivered to the Quabbin Visitor's Center by 4:00 PM on that date.

2010 Deer Harvest Final Numbers and 2011 Deer Permit Drawing Date

Deer Project Leader Sonja Christensen reports a total of 10,813 white-tailed deer harvested by licensed hunters during the combined 2010 seasons. By season, the total breaks down to 5 deer taken during the special deer season for paraplegic sportsmen; 3,778 taken in the archery season; 4,846 taken during the shotgun season; 2,068 taken during the muzzleloading season; and 116 deer harvested during the Quabbin Reservation hunt.

July Stories

June 2011

Endangered Species Update Reminder
Don't forget the series of presentations about the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) offered across the state. All interested citizens, property owners, conservation commissioners, planning boards, other city and town officials, land managers, conservation organizations, and land developers are invited to attend

Deer and Bear Permit Applications Due July 16
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) reminds deer hunters that in order to take antlerless deer during any deer hunting season, they must possess an antlerless deer permit

Reporting Summer Fish Kills
Now that warm weather is finally here, lakes and ponds will be warming up and summer fish kills may be discovered in some bodies of water. The sight of dead and dying fish along the shores of a favorite lake, pond or river can be distressing and can trigger concerns about pollution. Fish do act as the "canary in the coal mine," so it's natural to think a fish kill is an indicator of a problem with human caused pollution

Help DFW Count Turkey Families
Got turkey families in the neighborhood? Sportsmen and -women, birders, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) count turkey groups containing hens and their young poults (broods) this summer. DFW conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey from June through August

June's Stories

May 2011

Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Opens April 16
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced that the open fishing season at the Quabbin Reservoir will begin tomorrow, Saturday, April 16, at 6 a.m. In addition to shore fishing options, all three boat launch sites will be in full operation. "The Quabbin supports more than two dozen species of fish, including lake trout, smallmouth bass, white perch, and landlocked salmon," said DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert

New Laws for Off-Highway Vehicles
New legislation signed into law by the Governor Patrick in August, 2010 has brought changes to the Massachusetts off-highway vehicle (OHV) laws according to the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Among the new provisions affecting dirt bike and recreation vehicles are educational requirements for young riders, age restrictions for operators of ATVs, increased penalties for illegal use and the establishment of an OHV program fund to support improved riding opportunities and law enforcement

Leave Young Wildlife Alone!
The arrival of spring means the arrival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife. These youngsters soon venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are discovered by people living and working nearby. Every year, the lives of many young wild creatures are disturbed by people who take young wildlife from the wild in a well-intentioned attempt to "save" them. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) offices are already receiving calls about young wildlife picked up by people

Attleboro Youth Artist Wins Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Viviana Hanley of Attleboro, an 18-year old high school student at the Bishop Feehan High School, won top honors among youth artists in the 2011 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Her oil pastel of a hen Mallard was selected from 386 entries as Massachusetts' Best of Show in the Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. Hanley's award winning work will represent Massachusetts' entry in the national Junior Duck Stamp Contest to be held on April 15, 2011 at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, PA. Across the state, students from kindergarten through 12th grade submitted original works of art depicting waterfowl in the appropriate wetland habitat, sharing both their talents as young artists and their knowledge of the importance of wetlands for wildlife

Read all of these stories and more

April 2011

Spring into Trout Stocking

Bay State anglers with cabin fever and their 2011 freshwater fishing license can look forward to over 529,800 feisty brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout being stocked this spring. These are sizeable fish; 71% of the fish average 12 inches or longer. "We have some high quality fish this spring," observes Chief Fish Culturist Dr. Ken Simmons. "We had to deal with severe drought conditions last summer and early fall resulting in reduced water flows at two hatcheries. The prolonged, severe snow and ice conditions from this winter were also a challenge at all our facilities, but the hatchery crews did an excellent job with the fish."

Help Stock Salmon Fry!

Volunteers from high schools, sporting clubs, civic groups, colleges, and other people with a passion for rivers, fish, or fishing are needed to assist the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) personnel in stocking 1.5 million salmon fry (juvenile fish) as part of the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon restoration program. According to Dr. Caleb Slater, DFW's Anadromous Fish Project Leader, stocking begins in April through early May to release salmon fry into dozens of Connecticut River tributaries. The fry will come from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer and the White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel, Vermont. Fry will be trucked to meeting sites where volunteers will gather and caravan to release sites. The tiny fish will then be moved from truck to water by bucket using volunteer man- and womanpower. The Fry Stocking Schedule and details on meeting locations and stocking tips.

Turkey Hunting Reminders

The Massachusetts spring turkey hunting season is just around the corner (April 25, 2011). Here are some important reminders for turkey hunters to consider as they plan for their hunt

Magazine Photo Contest Winners Announced

Winners of the Massachusetts Wildlife magazine photo contest and first place entry images have been posted on the DFW website. The winning images of the entire contest can be found in the 2010 No. 4 issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. The photo contest was announced in the spring of 2010 and the response to was gratifying. 1,138 images were submitted by 183 contestants from 149 different communities across the Commonwealth. "This was the first time a photo contest has been held in the 55-year history of Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine," said Peter Mirick, magazine editor

Read all the stories and more

March 2011

Bears and Birdfeeders

If you feed birds and live in northern Middlesex County, Worcester County, or western Massachusetts, it's time to think about removing bird feeders before bears emerge from hibernation. Snow melt and longer day length will begin to encourage bears to leave their winter dens and seek food. In many cases, bears will ignore natural foods such as skunk cabbage and instead head to the nearest birdfeeder for a good meal. To avoid this problem in central and western Massachusetts, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is issuing its seasonal reminder that bird feeders should be taken down by mid-March and other preventive steps be taken

Winter Fish Kills

This season's cold and record snowfall make it hard for wildlife, but for fish, mussels, plants and other aquatic life, but on some water bodies a severe winter can be fatal. As ponds and lakes freeze over and snowfall piles up on the ice, the fish and their fates are sealed, literally, under a layer of ice. Winter fish kills (or winterkill) are the result of significant decline in oxygen levels in a water body during a long period of ice and snow cover

Critter of the Month - The Peregrine Falcon

Did you know that peregrine falcons are also known as duck hawks? John James Audubon remarked in The Birds of North America, "The largest duck that I have seen this bird attack and grapple with on the wing is a Mallard." The peregrine falcon's best known hunting strategy is to soar up high in the sky and wait for a bird to fly past far below

Citizen Scientists Needed to Identify Turtle Crossings

Turtles have existed for millions of years, but roadways are threatening the survival of local populations. Turtles in Massachusetts often cross roadways late spring to early fall and are vulnerable to car collisions. Ambitious citizen scientists, turtle enthusiasts, and conservation organizations are encouraged to join state wildlife and transportation personnel in collecting data for a Turtle Roadway Mortality Monitoring Program

Read all the stories and more

February 2011

Metal Posts Needed for Wood Duck Boxes

Beavers pose an unexpected challenge for wood duck housing when they chew down the cedar poles state biologists have traditionally used to mount Wood Duck boxes in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Resourceful as ever, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has begun using metal posts, most commonly U-channel, whenever possible. This metal alternative can be very expensive when dozens of boxes across the state need new poles. Conservation-minded citizens are invited to help solve this problem!

Saltwater Anglers Reminded to Purchase Fishing Permits

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) would like to remind saltwater anglers that as of January 1, 2011, recreational saltwater anglers are now required to obtain a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit. The permit, which costs $10 for both residents and non-residents, was established in response to a federal mandate and is valid for the calendar year. Saltwater fishing permits may be purchased using a credit card online through the Department of Fish and Game's new electronic licensing system, MassFishHunt. More details and an FAQ page on the permit and permit purchase.

2010 Black Bear Harvest Figures

During the 2010 fall bear seasons, licensed hunters took a total of 144 black bears. During the 17-day September season 114 bears were taken, and 30 were taken during the 18-day November season. The breakdown of figures by county is as follows: 57 bears taken in Berkshire County, 42 in Franklin, 16 in Hampden, 26 in Hampshire, and 3 in Worcester County. The largest field-dressed bear to be checked in weighed 387 pounds and was taken in Becket with a bow.

Record Breaking Mid Winter Eagle Count

On Friday, January 7, 2011, sightings of at least 107 individual bald eagles were reported from Pittsfield to Plymouth as part of a concentrated 1-day effort by state wildlife biologists, volunteers and other eagle enthusiasts, breaking the record count of 81 birds seen in 2009. This event is part of an annual national bald eagle survey conducted over a 2-week period from late December into early January.