| Antlerless Deer Permits Check if you were awarded an ADP, any time now through December 31. Your odds of winning are the same regardless of when you check your permit status. |
| Instructions: Log into MassFishHunt. Click on the blue Deer Hunt Application Status button in the top right of your customer dashboard. On the next screen, look under Hunt. If you were awarded a permit, the status will say: Selected. If you were not awarded a permit, the status will say: Not Selected. If you were awarded a permit, you must purchase it to use it. Click Purchase a License, Tag, or Permit at the top of the page. Then Add the Antlerless Deer Permit to your cart. Proceed to checkout and complete your purchase. |
| Surplus Antlerless Deer Permits Looking to get more permits? Permits for zones 10, 11, 13, and 14 are available now and have no daily or season purchase limit. Surplus permits for Zones 1, 3, 4S, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 12 go on sale September 16. The best way to purchase is online using MassFishHunt. Get details. |  |
| Squirrel date correction Gray squirrel hunting season starts September 8, 2026 and is open through February 27, 2027. Squirrel season dates in the printed Hunting and Fishing Guide are incorrect but have been corrected in the online version of the Guide. Review all squirrel hunting regulations. |  |
| Free public archery ranges open MassWildlife opened 8 public archery ranges on Wildlife Management Areas across the state. If you have your own archery equipment and need a place to practice, find a range location near you and sign up for a free range pass. |  |
| More opportunities for youth The Youth Deer Hunt is now two days: Oct. 2 and 3, 2026.A new, free Youth Bear Permit is valid during bear season and during the Youth Deer Hunt.Youth Pheasant Hunt Program registration is open now and closes August 31.Get more details on youth licenses, permits, and upcoming hunting opportunities. |  |
| New September deer season Starting this year, there is an early deer hunting season for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket (zones 13 and 14). The season runs from Sept. 21–Oct. 1, 2026. Primitive firearms and archery equipment may be used. Get details and resources for hunting on the islands. |  |
| Bear season opens soon The three-part black bear season has been combined into one season from Sept. 7–Dec. 12, 2026. Some hunting implements are restricted during certain parts of the season. Successful hunters can help a long-term research study by submitting a tooth. Review all black bear hunting regulations. |  |
| Upcoming online hunting classes These free classes will review laws, biology, and tips for scouting and hunting. Sept. 1: Squirrel Hunting. Register here. Sept. 23: Deer Scouting. Register here. Oct. 1: Fall Turkey Hunting. Register here. Oct. 7: Waterfowl Hunting. Register here. |  |