Skip to content
2026-2027

Massachusetts Deer Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Massachusetts combines statewide WMZ seasons, exact permit-conditioned 2026 Blue Hills and Quabbin polygons, and all six current 2026 Camp Edwards controlled deer events as source detail because daily legal sections are issued at check-in.

Last checked: 2026-09-11 Source: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and Massachusetts National Guard 33 season records
Trip checker

Can I hunt here?

1. When are you hunting?
2. Where are you hunting?

County lookup loads from the active map layer.

or
Use the map Select a county or zone on the map below.
Season map

Massachusetts deer map

Click a county or zone to see what seasons match that place.

Background
Loading map...

Select a mapped area for details. Map layers simplify official geography for web use.

3. How are you hunting?

Find your season

Start with all methods, or narrow the answer by method.

Your answer

Choose a date, place, and method.

We will show matching season windows here before you dig into maps or source records.

Season data compiled and verified against official state sources. Regulations can change. Confirm current rules before hunting.

? Field Honest summarizes official hunting regulations for convenience. Official agency regulations remain controlling.
Technical detail Open source-record archive 33 detailed records with notes and agency links.
Underlying records

Source-record archive

The quick finder above is the main view. These records keep the supporting geography, harvest notes, and source links together.

Showing records by method. Large states show a preview first; search to narrow the source table.

Archery

Bow, crossbow, or archery-only windows where listed. 13 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
Archery deer season — segment 1 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Oct 5, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Archery deer season — segment 2 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Archery deer season — segment 3 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Archery deer season — segment 4 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Oct 26, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Archery deer season — segment 5 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Nov 2, 2026 - Nov 7, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Blue Hills permitted archery hunt — segment 1 Legal Deer under Program Rules Selected Permit Holders Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Nov 2, 2026 - Nov 5, 2026
Permitted areas of Blue Hills Reservation controlled_hunt_area

The program operates Monday through Thursday only; required permits, assigned areas and program conditions remain controlling.

Official source
Archery deer season — segment 6 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Nov 9, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Blue Hills permitted archery hunt — segment 2 Legal Deer under Program Rules Selected Permit Holders Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Nov 9, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
Permitted areas of Blue Hills Reservation controlled_hunt_area

The program operates Monday through Thursday only; required permits, assigned areas and program conditions remain controlling.

Official source
Archery deer season — segment 7 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Blue Hills permitted archery hunt — segment 3 Legal Deer under Program Rules Selected Permit Holders Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
Permitted areas of Blue Hills Reservation controlled_hunt_area

The program operates Monday through Thursday only; required permits, assigned areas and program conditions remain controlling.

Official source
Archery deer season — segment 8 Legal Deer under Archery and WMZ Rules General hunters
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official October 5–November 28 season is split into Monday–Saturday records because hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

Official source
Blue Hills permitted archery hunt — segment 4 Legal Deer under Program Rules Selected Permit Holders Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
Permitted areas of Blue Hills Reservation controlled_hunt_area

The program operates Monday through Thursday only; required permits, assigned areas and program conditions remain controlling.

Official source
Camp Edwards controlled Archery Deer Hunt Legal Deer under Current Camp Edwards and Massachusetts Rules Authorized Camp Edwards Archery-hunt Participants Controlled Military Installation Permit/program check
Nov 12, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
Camp Edwards controlled-hunt daily authorized sections military_installation_daily_hunt_sections

Official 2026 Camp Edwards controlled deer-hunt opportunity. SOURCE DETAIL ONLY: Camp Edwards is an active military training area and only the section shown on the daily legal-area map is open; the public WMA outline and access-route maps are not legal hunt boundaries. Pre-registration, background clearance, daily check-in, the daily permit and base-commander access are mandatory.

Official source

Firearm

General rifle, gun, and firearm framework seasons. 9 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
Quabbin permitted shotgun hunt - Pelham and New Salem, first week Legal Deer under Quabbin Program Rules Hunters Holding The 2026 DCR DWSP Shotgun-season Permit Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 5, 2026
Pelham and New Salem Quabbin shotgun hunt zones controlled_hunt_area

Exact official 2026 DCR hunt-zone geometry and date window are mapped. The hunter must hold the required DWSP permit and follow zone access, check-in, method and harvest rules.

Official source
Shotgun deer season — segment 1 Legal Deer under Shotgun and WMZ Rules General hunters
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 5, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official November 30–December 12 season is split around the statewide Sunday hunting prohibition.

Official source
Quabbin controlled deer hunt — Hardwick and Quabbin Park Legal Deer under Controlled-hunt Rules Selected Controlled-hunt Permit Holders Controlled hunt areas Permit/program check
Dec 2, 2026 - Dec 3, 2026
Hardwick and Quabbin Park controlled-hunt areas controlled_hunt_area_group

Access is limited to selected hunters and the official site, permit and orientation conditions.

Official source
Quabbin permitted shotgun hunt - Hardwick second week Legal Deer under Quabbin Program Rules Hunters Holding The 2026 DCR DWSP Shotgun-season Permit Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Hardwick Quabbin shotgun hunt zone controlled_hunt_area

Exact official 2026 DCR hunt-zone geometry and date window are mapped. The hunter must hold the required DWSP permit and follow zone access, check-in, method and harvest rules.

Official source
Quabbin permitted shotgun hunt - Pelham and New Salem, second week Legal Deer under Quabbin Program Rules Hunters Holding The 2026 DCR DWSP Shotgun-season Permit Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Pelham and New Salem Quabbin shotgun hunt zones controlled_hunt_area

Exact official 2026 DCR hunt-zone geometry and date window are mapped. The hunter must hold the required DWSP permit and follow zone access, check-in, method and harvest rules.

Official source
Quabbin controlled deer hunt — Petersham Legal Deer under Controlled-hunt Rules Selected Controlled-hunt Permit Holders Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 8, 2026
Petersham controlled-hunt area controlled_hunt_area

Access is limited to selected hunters and the official site, permit and orientation conditions.

Official source
Shotgun deer season — segment 2 Legal Deer under Shotgun and WMZ Rules General hunters
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official November 30–December 12 season is split around the statewide Sunday hunting prohibition.

Official source
Quabbin controlled deer hunt — Prescott Legal Deer under Controlled-hunt Rules Selected Controlled-hunt Permit Holders Controlled hunt area Permit/program check
Dec 10, 2026 - Dec 11, 2026
Prescott controlled-hunt area controlled_hunt_area

Access is limited to selected hunters and the official site, permit and orientation conditions.

Official source
Camp Edwards controlled Shotgun Deer Hunt Legal Deer under Current Camp Edwards and Massachusetts Rules Authorized Camp Edwards Shotgun-hunt Participants Controlled Military Installation Permit/program check
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Camp Edwards controlled-hunt daily authorized sections military_installation_daily_hunt_sections

Official 2026 Camp Edwards controlled deer-hunt opportunity. SOURCE DETAIL ONLY: Camp Edwards is an active military training area and only the section shown on the daily legal-area map is open; the public WMA outline and access-route maps are not legal hunt boundaries. Pre-registration, background clearance, daily check-in, the daily permit and base-commander access are mandatory.

Official source

Muzzleloader

Muzzleloader-only or late muzzleloader opportunities. 4 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
Primitive firearms deer season — segment 1 Legal Deer under Primitive-firearms and WMZ Rules General hunters
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official December 14–31 season is split around the statewide Sunday hunting prohibition.

Official source
Primitive firearms deer season — segment 2 Legal Deer under Primitive-firearms and WMZ Rules General hunters
Dec 21, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official December 14–31 season is split around the statewide Sunday hunting prohibition.

Official source
Primitive firearms deer season — segment 3 Legal Deer under Primitive-firearms and WMZ Rules General hunters
Dec 28, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

The official December 14–31 season is split around the statewide Sunday hunting prohibition.

Official source
Camp Edwards controlled Muzzleloader Deer Hunt Legal Deer under Current Camp Edwards and Massachusetts Rules Authorized Camp Edwards Muzzleloader-hunt Participants Controlled Military Installation Permit/program check
Dec 17, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Camp Edwards controlled-hunt daily authorized sections military_installation_daily_hunt_sections

Official 2026 Camp Edwards controlled deer-hunt opportunity. SOURCE DETAIL ONLY: Camp Edwards is an active military training area and only the section shown on the daily legal-area map is open; the public WMA outline and access-route maps are not legal hunt boundaries. Pre-registration, background clearance, daily check-in, the daily permit and base-commander access are mandatory.

Official source

Youth

Youth-only, apprentice, or early youth windows. 2 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
Youth Deer Hunt Day Legal Deer under Youth Hunt Rules Qualified Youth Hunters with Required Supervision Special rules
Oct 3, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 1–14 statewide_wmz_group

Youth eligibility, supervision and licensing requirements remain controlling.

Official source
Camp Edwards controlled Youth Deer Hunt Legal Deer under Current Camp Edwards and Massachusetts Rules Qualified Youth Participants under Current Massachusetts Youth-hunt and Camp Edwards Rules Controlled Military Installation Live status check
Oct 2, 2026 - Oct 3, 2026
Camp Edwards controlled-hunt daily authorized sections military_installation_daily_hunt_sections

Official 2026 Camp Edwards controlled deer-hunt opportunity. SOURCE DETAIL ONLY: Camp Edwards is an active military training area and only the section shown on the daily legal-area map is open; the public WMA outline and access-route maps are not legal hunt boundaries. Pre-registration, background clearance, daily check-in, the daily permit and base-commander access are mandatory. The current live program page lists October 2-3; the linked pre-registration PDF prints October 3 only, so the live page controls and the discrepancy is disclosed.

Official source

Special

Antlerless, CWD, urban, holiday, or other special rules. 5 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
Early deer season — first segment Legal Deer under Early-season Rules General hunters
Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 13 and 14 wmz_group

Primitive firearms and archery equipment are allowed under the official early-season rules; the Sunday closure is excluded by splitting the record.

Official source
Early deer season — second segment Legal Deer under Early-season Rules General hunters
Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 1, 2026
Wildlife Management Zones 13 and 14 wmz_group

Primitive firearms and archery equipment are allowed under the official early-season rules; Sunday September 27 is excluded.

Official source
Deer hunt for hunters with paraplegia Legal Deer under Special-hunt Rules Qualified Hunters with Paraplegia Designated sites Permit/program check
Oct 29, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
Designated paraplegic deer hunt sites special_site_group

Participation is limited to hunters who meet the official eligibility and registration requirements.

Official source
Camp Edwards controlled Paraplegic Deer Hunt Legal Deer under Current Camp Edwards and Massachusetts Rules Qualified Hunters with Paraplegia Accepted under The Current Camp Edwards Program Controlled Military Installation Permit/program check
Oct 29, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
Camp Edwards controlled-hunt daily authorized sections military_installation_daily_hunt_sections

Official 2026 Camp Edwards controlled deer-hunt opportunity. SOURCE DETAIL ONLY: Camp Edwards is an active military training area and only the section shown on the daily legal-area map is open; the public WMA outline and access-route maps are not legal hunt boundaries. Pre-registration, background clearance, daily check-in, the daily permit and base-commander access are mandatory.

Official source
Camp Edwards controlled Military, First Responders and Tribal Deer Hunt Legal Deer under Current Camp Edwards and Massachusetts Rules Active-duty or Retired Military; Active-duty or Retired Police, Fire or EMS; or Members Of Massachusetts State-recognized or Federally Recognized Tribes, with Current Qualifying ID Controlled Military Installation Live status check
Dec 4, 2026
Camp Edwards controlled-hunt daily authorized sections military_installation_daily_hunt_sections

Official 2026 Camp Edwards controlled deer-hunt opportunity. SOURCE DETAIL ONLY: Camp Edwards is an active military training area and only the section shown on the daily legal-area map is open; the public WMA outline and access-route maps are not legal hunt boundaries. Pre-registration, background clearance, daily check-in, the daily permit and base-commander access are mandatory. The current live page includes recognized tribal members; the linked pre-registration PDF omits that group, so the live page controls and the discrepancy is disclosed.

Official source
Plan the rest of the trip

Outfitters and gear stops in Massachusetts

Find local help and a practical place to gear up before your Massachusetts hunt.

View all outfitters
Hunting in Massachusetts

How to plan a Massachusetts deer hunt

Start by matching your exact hunt date and legal method to the county, unit, zone, hunt code, or special area that controls the trip. The map is for orientation; the linked agency rules remain the legal source.

Field Honest currently organizes 33 Massachusetts deer-season records across management zones and units, statewide rules, named public and special hunt areas, state hunting areas. Use the trip checker above to narrow the list before comparing local outfitters and physical gear stops.

Methods represented Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth, Special opportunities

A method label is only a starting point. Weapon rules and hunt-code restrictions may be narrower.

How the state is organized management zones and units, statewide rules, named public and special hunt areas, state hunting areas

Always match the place named on your license or tag to the current legal description.

Primary official source Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and Massachusetts National Guard

Field Honest source review: September 10, 2026.

Before you leave home

  • Confirm the exact season window, legal method, and harvest restriction.
  • Verify license, tag, draw, hunt-code, and hunter-eligibility requirements.
  • Check the legal boundary, land access, closures, and landowner permission.
  • Review current reporting, transport, and CWD rules where they apply.