MASSACHUSETTS GUIDE Hunting, Freshwater Fishing, and Trapping Laws 2018 INNOVATION in ACTION

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MA_HuntRegs2017-18.indd 1 9/25/17 3:19 PM CONTENTS MASSWILDLIFE

GENERAL BE SAFE, BE SEEN Director's Message ��2 MassWildlife Office Directory ��5 Office of Law Enforcement Directory ��6–7 GET YOUR ORANGE ON Licenses, Stamps, Permits, and Fees ��8–10 Marine Fisheries / Saltwater Permits ��11 Wildlife Management Zone Map ��24–25 Massachusetts Gun Laws ��26 Recreational Vehicles ��27 Sunrise-Sunset Table ��28 Wildlife Lands ��30 Outdoor Skills and Wildlife Education Programs ��47–48 FISHING �� 12–21 Fishing and Bait Regulations ��12–13 Free Fishing Weekend ��13 Reptiles and Amphibians ��13 Catch and Release Areas ��14 Interstate Ponds Regulations ��14 Fishing Prohibitions ��15 Freshwater Sportfishing Photo © Bill Byrne Award Program �� 16 Catch and Release Tips �� 16 ALL outdoor users who are in the field during hunting seasons are encour- Pond Maps and Coldwater Streams �� 18 Trout Stocking �� 19 aged to wear “blaze orange” to increase their visibility. See page 22 for Ice Strength and Safety Tips �� 20 "blaze orange" requirements. Massachusetts Boating Laws �� 21 Learn more at mass.gov/dfw/blaze-orange HUNTING �� 22–42 General Hunting Regulations ��22 Non-resident Hunters ��22 NEW FOR 2018 Wildlife Management Area • All deer harvested during the first week of the shotgun season must be Regulations ��23 brought to an official check station for biological data collection. Deer- har Hunting Hours ��27 vested during the second week of the shotgun season may be checked online. Hunting Prohibitions ��29 mass.gov/massfishhunt Game Regulations ��31–42 • Youth Deer Hunt Permits are available online at . Black Bear ��31 • For Early Canada Goose season only, hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sun- Upland Game Birds ��32 rise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Migratory Game Birds ��34–35 • Youth hunters ages 12–17 may hunt ducks, coot, mergansers and geese dur- Deer ��36–39 ing the Youth Waterfowl Hunt season dates. Special Hunts ��37 Rabbits and Squirrel ��40 • Massachusetts Wildlife magazine subscriptions can now be ordered through Furbearers ��42 the MassFishHunt license purchasing system using a credit card, mass.gov/ Summary of Hunting Season Dates ��52 massfishhunt. One year (4 issues) for $6. Two years (8 issues) for $10. • Archery deer season extended: A regulatory amendment has been approved TRAPPING ��43–45 to extend the archery deer hunting season by two weeks in eastern Mas- Furbearer Regulations �� 43–44 sachusetts. In zones 10-14, the archery deer season will now open the eighth Furbearer Check Stations ��44 Monday prior to Thanksgiving. In zones 1-9, the archery deer season will Trapping Prohibitions ��45 remain the same, opening six weeks before Thanksgiving. Problem Animal Control Information ��45

Have a question? On the Cover [email protected] American woodcock are a unique woodland bird that utilize a wide range of (508) 389-6300 early successional and young forest habitats that are becoming increasingly rare across the landscape. MassWildlife habitat biologists are actively managing and creating diverse habitats across the Commonwealth on Wildlife Management Connect with us! Areas and in conjunction with private land owners to benefit woodcock and dozens of other species associated with early successional habitat. Photo © Bill Bryne/American Woodcock Inset Photo © Jeff Klammer/Shaun Klammer with a 24lb 14oz Northern Pike, Onota Lake, Pittsfield GENERAL DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

FROM THE DIRECTOR Shooters & Hunters: This Guide, in addition to being a summary of fish and wildlife laws and regulations, is also a cata- Help Prevent Wildfires. logue of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Commonwealth that reflect on the health of our fisheries and wildlife populations. We are the beneficiaries of decades of environmental laws directed at cleaning our rivers and streams and the air we breathe. In addition to the recreational he target shooting and hunting benefits, these laws have generated thousands of • COMMONWEALTH OF jobs in the outdoor recreation industry. We should community prides itself on being safe Make it a point to know the MASSACHUSETTS not take these benefits for granted, and should and responsible with firearms in all regulations and rules related to Charlie Baker, Governor be vigilant and vocal to oppose those that want to T shooting in areas experiencing dry Karyn Polito, Lieutenant Governor undermine these protections. In many ways, the situations—from using them outdoors to storing “good old days” weren’t that good. them safely at home. Sometimes, however, and hot conditions, whether on public EXECUTIVE OFFICE unusual conditions such as extremely dry or private land or at shooting ranges. OF ENERGY & MassWildlife has both created new or expanded projects and programs to benefit ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS hunters, anglers, and others who enjoy the Commonwealth's natural resources. Lake environments require an extra level of awareness Many national forests, for example, do Matthew A. Beaton, Secretary and pond maps are one of our most popular products and serve as an excellent mecha- and safety on the part of shooters. not allow recreational shooting when nism to lure anglers to unfamiliar waters or help them catch more fish at their favorite DEPARTMENT OF FISH fishing hole. Some of our lake and pond maps were first hand-drawn in the early 1900s Wildfires have many possible causes. The National fire restrictions are in effect. AND GAME and remain unchanged; others were revised in the 1980s. Because of their popular- Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association Ronald S. Amidon, Commissioner ity, we have recently invested a considerable and coordinated effort to bring the maps • Consider the type of ammunition and into the 21st century. Using new technological tools, the revised maps are designed to for the firearms and ammunition industry, reminds targets you are using. Minimize the DIVISION OF FISHERIES & address the needs of anglers, boaters, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who may not all shooters that during dry and hot weather WILDLIFE risk of fires by not using steel-jacketed know where and how to access lakes and ponds. The maps provide up-to-date informa- conditions their use of certain ammunition and Jack Buckley, Director tion on boat ramp and fishing area locations and display the bathymetry, or bottom ammunition, ammunition with steel-core contours, of the pond. Anglers and boaters will appreciate the accurate and detailed targets could accidentally ignite a wildfire. NSSF components, tracer rounds or exploding FISHERIES & WILDLIFE mapping of contours and depths, drop-offs, shallows, and structure. (See examples on reminds all target shooters and hunters, as well BOARD page 18). Available on our website, anyone on the water with a mobile device can easily targets in fire-prone areas. Joseph S. Larson, Ph.D. (Pelham) access the maps. Our plan is to revise as many maps as possible each year, focusing on as other outdoor enthusiasts, to consider the Bonita J. Booth (Spencer) the most popular and publicly accessible lakes and ponds. If your favorite lake or pond potential consequences of their activities in fire- • Remember that equipment, such as Ernest W. Foster IV (Scituate) hasn’t been updated yet, stay tuned! Michael P. Roche (Orange) prone environments. cars and ATVs, can have extremely Brandi Van Roo, Ph.D. (Douglas) Annually, MassWildlife stocks more than 560,000 rainbow, brook, brown, and tiger hot exhaust systems that could Fred Winthrop (Ipswich) trout providing an excellent recreational opportunity on lakes, ponds, streams, and ignite dry vegetation, so park only in Stephen A. Sears (Dalton) rivers statewide. However, few people know about the rich variety of wild trout waters with which the Commonwealth is blessed. MassWildlife has identified more than 1,200 designated areas. NATURAL HERITAGE & streams supporting coldwater loving fish and other aquatic species. These important ENDANGERED SPECIES coldwater resources are located and mapped; giving our staff a better understanding • Extinguish and dispose of smoking ADVISORY COMMITTEE of the quality of the fisheries that exist. The work started in the western part of the materials safely. Kathleen S. Anderson, Chair state and will move east over the next few years. So far, our biologists working in these (Middleborough) streams have been astounded at the high quality of some of these fisheries. The infor- • Gwilym Jones, Ph.D. (Framingham) mation we gather will be used to advocate for habitat protection and to better inform Follow guidelines to extinguish Joseph S. Larson, Ph.D. (Pelham) the angling public about the wealth of resources available to them. campfires. Mark Mello (South Dartmouth) Wayne R. Petersen (Hanson) Providing access for public wildlife related recreation has always been an agency prior- • Warn others of potential dangers and Thomas J. Rawinski (Oakham) ity. The case of the Piping Plover is an excellent example of MassWildlife's continuing Jennifer Ryan (Arlington) efforts to increase recreation opportunities while maintaining our public trust responsi- behaviors for starting wildfires. bilities to fish and wildlife. A state and federally threatened shorebird in Massachusetts, Associate Members approximately 10,000 adult Piping Plovers exist worldwide. Biologists have determined • Report any wildfire you see to William E. Brumback (Framingham) that around 40% of the breeding Piping Plovers on the Atlantic Coast of North America authorities. Andy Finton (Boston) nest on coastal beaches in Massachusetts. Due to sound management by municipalities, Timothy Flanagan (Lenox) beach managers, and property owners, the Massachusetts Piping Plover population • Spread this message to other target Mark Pokras, DVM (North Grafton) increased significantly during the past 30 years—a conservation success that has also Kevin Powers (Plymouth) led to increased challenges in managing recreational beach use by the public. After shooters, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Karen Searcy, Ph. D. (Amherst) extensive consultation with recreational beach user-groups, conservation organiza- Dave Small (Athol) tions, coastal anglers, municipal representatives, landowners, and others, MassWildlife Bryan Windmiller (Concord) obtained a permit from the USFWS that enables beach managers to participate in the Piping Plover Statewide Conservation Plan (HCP).

Continued on page 4 NSSF.ORG

2 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE Shooters & Hunters: Help Prevent Wildfires.

he target shooting and hunting community prides itself on being safe • Make it a point to know the Tand responsible with firearms in all regulations and rules related to situations—from using them outdoors to storing shooting in areas experiencing dry them safely at home. Sometimes, however, and hot conditions, whether on public unusual conditions such as extremely dry or private land or at shooting ranges. environments require an extra level of awareness Many national forests, for example, do and safety on the part of shooters. not allow recreational shooting when Wildfires have many possible causes. The National fire restrictions are in effect. Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association • Consider the type of ammunition and for the firearms and ammunition industry, reminds targets you are using. Minimize the all shooters that during dry and hot weather risk of fires by not using steel-jacketed conditions their use of certain ammunition and ammunition, ammunition with steel-core targets could accidentally ignite a wildfire. NSSF components, tracer rounds or exploding reminds all target shooters and hunters, as well targets in fire-prone areas. as other outdoor enthusiasts, to consider the potential consequences of their activities in fire- • Remember that equipment, such as prone environments. cars and ATVs, can have extremely hot exhaust systems that could ignite dry vegetation, so park only in designated areas. • Extinguish and dispose of smoking materials safely. • Follow guidelines to extinguish campfires. • Warn others of potential dangers and behaviors for starting wildfires. • Report any wildfire you see to authorities. • Spread this message to other target shooters, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

NSSF.ORG GENERAL DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE (CONTINUED)

Designed to maintain a robust population of Piping Plovers the HCP allows for increased recreational access options. In 2017, seven beaches participated in the HCP, leading to tangible, recognizable increases in recreational access for anglers, sunbath- ers, oversand vehicle users, and others. The HCP exemplifies MassWildlife’s approach Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL to endangered species regulation; streamlining the permitting process, maximizing flexibility for landowners, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and focusing on conservation outcomes. MassWildlife looks forward to continuing to work with more beach opera- About This Guide tors to implement the HCP. MassWildlife protects over 210,000 acres for wildlife and wildlife-related recreation. While we will continue to add to this land base, protection through acquisition repre- This high-quality regulation guide is offered sents only one of many elements of fish and wildlife management. Active land man- to you by the Massachusetts Division of agement activities such as mowing, tree-cutting, invasive plant control and prescribed Fisheries & Wildlife through its unique part- fire is essential if we are to continue to maintain and enhance wildlife populations. In nership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. fiscal year 2017, MassWildlife habitat biologists "treated" about 2,385 acres of wildlife habitat across the state. Toward that end, MassWildlife's goal is to expand its habitat The revenue generated through ad sales management activities on Wildlife Management Areas. The results of these activities significantly lowers production costs and also enhance wildlife-related recreation whether you are a grouse hunter, a natural- generates savings. These savings translate ist or a birder. Visit some of our actively managed lands to experience the benefits of into additional funds for other important active habitat management. agency programs. If you have any feedback or are inter- During the coming year, we will continue to expand the MassWildlife family and, as ested in advertising, please contact us at always, we recognize that what we do would not be possible without the strong sup- 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com port of you, the sporting community. Although we manage wildlife for the benefit and enjoyment of all citizens of the Commonwealth, you are the financial backbone of the Graphic Design: agency through your purchase of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. Your willing- Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, ness to step up to support land acquisition and the Heritage Program demonstrated Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski the broad view of the interconnectedness and importance of all wildlife… thank you!

Jack Buckley, Director Isarm js gt WL! Follow MassWildlife on Instagram to see the WL side of Massachuse s! @mass.wildlife

NOTICE This Guide contains a summary CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS of the laws and regulations in Since 1938, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and place as of October 10, 2017. Wildlife has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Any changes in law or regulation Sportsmen and Women, and the Fishing, Hunting, Shooting, enacted after October 10 are and Boating Industries, to fund fish and wildlife conserva- publicized through releases to the tion projects through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration news media, all license sales out- Program. Today, this pioneering program serves as a cost- lets, and on our website. These effective model for fish and wildlife conservation by providing are not the complete laws and fishing and hunting access to those who both funded and directly benefit from the regulations. Laws and regulations resource — the anglers and hunters. Their contributions through this “user pay, (MGL Ch. 131 and 321 CMR) are public benefit” conservation model — funded by license purchases and excise subject to change. taxes on fishing and hunting equipment — benefit all Massachusetts residents.

4 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE DIVISION OF FISHERIES & WILDLIFE GENERAL . CONNECT WITH US! WITH CONNECT about land and waters open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife observation. Go to mass.gov/dfw/wildlife-lands Explore the MassWildlife Lands Viewer online to learn more DIVISION OF FISHERIES DIVISION OF FISHERIES & DIRECTORY WILDLIFE QUESTIONS? Email us at [email protected] Get MassWildlife's E-Newsletter: mass.gov/dfw/newsletter CONTACT US [email protected] 693 Ware Street, Ware 693 MA Palmer, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND Chuck Bell, Hatchery Manager Ronald S. Amidon, Commissioner 90 East Street, Belchertown 01007 Daniel Marchant,Hatchery Manager MCLAUGHLIN HATCHERY FISH SUNDERLAND HATCHERY FISH SANDWICH HATCHERY FISH BITZER HATCHERY FISH ROGER REED HATCHERY FISH GAME OFFICE (508) 888-0008 (617) 626-1500 (617) (413) 323-7671 (413) (413) 283-7440 (413) (413) 665-4680(413) (413) 367-2477 (CLOSED TO PUBLIC) 559 Amherst559 Road, Sunderland 01375 37 Hatchery37 Road, Montague 01351 Adam Davies, Hatchery Manager Jim Hahn, Hatchery Manager John Williams, Hatchery Manager 251 Causeway251 Street, Ste. 400, Boston, 02114 164 Rte 6A, Sandwich 02563 88 Old Windsor Road, Dalton 01226 85 Fitchburg Road, 01432 Ayer InformationEducation, & Hunter Education, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Bill Davis, District Supervisor Patricia Huckery, District Supervisor Ralph Taylor, DistrictRalph Taylor, Supervisor MASSWILDLIFE BOSTON OFFICE MASSWILDLIFE BOSTON SOUTHEAST DISTRICT WILDLIFE FIELD HEADQUARTERS NORTHEAST DISTRICT WILDLIFE CONNECTICUT VALLEY VALLEY CONNECTICUT CENTRAL DISTRICT WILDLIFE (508) 389-6300 (508) 759-3406 (617) 626-1590 (617) (508) 835-3607 (413) 684-1646(413) (978) 772-2145 (413) 323-7632(413) WILDLIFE DISTRICT 341 East341 Street, Belchertown 01007 WESTERN DISTRICT WILDLIFE Administrative Administrative Offices Administration, Realty, Fisheries, Wildlife, Andrew Madden, District Supervisor Jason District Zimmer, Supervisor 251 Causeway251 Street, Ste. 400, Boston 02114 Street, Temple 211 West Boylston 01583 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough 01581 195 Bournedale Road, Buzzards Bay 02532

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 5 GENERAL OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICE INLAND LAW ENFORCEMENT Vacant, Coastal South Deputy Bureau Chief Inland Bureau Headquarters (508) 992-8321 Major William P. Bilotta Jr., (508) 992-8323 fax Inland Bureau Chief Captain Robert Forsythe, Captain Anthony Abdal-Khabir, Inland East Deputy Bureau Chief Coastal North Deputy Bureau Chief (508) 366-1176 (978) 283-7764 (508) 366-6537 (978) 283-1162 (508) 366-1182 fax (978) 283-6729 fax 183 Milk Street Westborough, MA 01581 SPECIAL OPERATIONS: TO REPORT VIOLATIONS BOAT AND RECREATION Vacant, Inland West Deputy Bureau Chief VEHICLE SAFETY BUREAU AND Radio Room (413) 543-8616 MARINE THEFT BUREAU (800) 632-8075 (413) 543-7963 fax Major David Loos, (617) 626-1665 18 Lake Dr. Special Operations mass.gov/ole Indian Orchard 01151 (617) 626-1663 (617) 626-1658 fax OFFICE OF LAW COASTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT 251 Causeway Street, Suite 100 ENFORCEMENT Coastal Bureau Headquarters Boston MA, 02114 Colonel James McGinn, Director Major Patrick Moran, (617) 626-1650 Coastal Bureau Chief Captain Merri Walker, (617) 626-1670 fax (781) 740-1163 State Boating Law Administrator 251 Causeway Street, Suite 100 (781) 740-4113 fax (508) 366-6537 Boston, MA 02114 30 Shipyard Drive, Building 45 Hingham, MA 02043 Detective Lieutenant John Girvalakis, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Perrin, Boat & Recreation Vehicle Office: Deputy Director (508) 992-8321 (508) 564-4961 (617) 626-1650 93 State Pier (508) 564-4964 fax (617) 626-1670 fax New Bedford, MA 02740

6 OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT GENERAL

Lt. Michael Grady, Training Fall River Springfield (508) 366-6537 218 South Main Street, 3rd Floor STCC Technology Park Fall River, MA 02721 1 Federal Street, Bldg 101 ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES (508) 679-8287 Springfield, MA 01105 STRIKE FORCE (508) 679-0060 fax (413) 733-1642 Detective Sergeant Andrew Beaulieu (413) 733-2154 fax (617) 727-2200 Hyannis (617) 727-5755 fax 60 Perseverance Way, Suite 101 Worcester 1 Ashburton Place Hyannis, MA 02601 67 Millbrook Street Boston, MA 02108 (508) 771-8382 Suite 350, 3rd Floor (508) 771-2334 fax Worcester, MA 01606 BOAT AND RECREATION (508) 753-0603 VEHICLE OFFICE (508) 752-6132 fax (508) 564-4961 (508) 564-4962 (508) 564-4963 (508) 564-4964 fax 5202 Ent Steet, SALVAGE OF DEER, MOOSE & BEAR Buzzards Bay, MA 02542 ROAD-KILLED DEER may be kept by a Massachusetts driver or passenger of vehicle killing said deer if reported to Law Enforcement at (800) 632-8075 imme- BOAT, ATV, AND SNOWMOBILE diately and then tagged at a MassWildlife or Environmental Police office within REGISTRATION OFFICES Boston 24 hours. 251 Causeway St., Suite 100 Boston, MA 02114 ROAD-KILLED MOOSE OR BEAR may not be kept by a Massachusetts driver or pas- (617) 626-1610 senger of the vehicle killing the moose or bear. The disposition of any moose or (617) 626-1630 fax bear carcass is only at the discretion of the Environmental Police or MassWildlife. To report a road-killed moose or bear, call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300.

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倀䰀䔀䄀匀䔀嘀䤀匀䤀吀唀匀伀一匀伀䌀䤀䄀䰀䴀䔀䐀䤀䄀䀀吀䠀䔀䜀唀一倀䄀刀䰀伀刀 7 GENERAL LICENSES

must purchase the license at a MassWildlife Trapping License & Trap LICENSES office or other license vendor including Registration Number some city and town clerks, and selected To trap on the land of another, a Trap Reg- HUNTING, FRESHWATER sporting goods retailers, due to documents istration Number is required and may be FISHING, & TRAPPING needed for verification. obtained from the Permit Section, Boston Office (617) 626-1575 only after successful LICENSES Hunting/Sporting License completion of a Trapper Education course Hunting and sporting (fishing/hunting) from any U.S. state. To obtain a trapping Licenses are valid from January 1 through licenses for anyone aged 15 years or older license, minors 12–17 years-old must have December 31 (except for limited term can be purchased only if the buyer has a letter of consent from a parent or guard- licenses). successfully completed a Basic Hunter ian. (see page 43) Education course or held a hunting license Who Needs a License? anywhere in North America prior to 2007. Licenses are required for all persons 15 PERMITS years of age and over for hunting any MINOR HUNTERS (15–17 YEARS OLD): Bear, turkey, and antlerless deer permits game bird or mammal; and/or for fish- All minors 15–17 years old must be licensed ing the inland waters of Massachusetts. may only be used by the hunter to whom and have required stamps and permits they are issued. They are not transferable. No person under the age of 12 may hunt. to hunt any bird or mammal. To obtain a Anglers under 15 may fish, but do not need hunting license, a minor must have a letter ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT: Required a license. A trapping license is required for of consent from a parent or guardian and to take an antlerless deer during archery, all persons age 12 years of age and older. In either a Basic Hunter Education Certificate shotgun, and primitive firearms seasons in addition, to trap on the land of another, a from anywhere in North America or a letter all zones. The deadline to apply for an ant- Trap Registration Number is required. signed by a parent affirming that the minor lerless deer permit is July 16 at any license will be accompanied by a person 18 years vendor or online through the MassFishHunt AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS: Any of age or older. Minor hunting and sport- person who owns or leases land that is system. Only one application per person. ing licenses can only be purchased from The application is free. (see page 36) principally used for agriculture and any MassWildlife offices or license vendors, a immediate family members and who are vendor must verify the minor has a consent YOUTH DEER HUNT PERMIT: Youth domiciled on said land does not need a letter and either a Basic Hunter Education hunters ages 12–17 are required to obtain a hunting, fishing, or trapping license to hunt, Certificate or an "adult accompaniment” free permit to hunt deer on the 4th Satur- fish, or trap on that property. Permits and letter. Minors must carry their Hunter day following Labor Day. (see page 38) stamps are still required. Education Certificate while hunting. If gun hunting, a Firearms Identification card (FID) BEAR PERMIT: Required to hunt bear. LICENSE DISPLAY: All hunters, anglers is required. Hunters may purchase this permit when and trappers must have their license, purchasing their hunting/sporting license permits and stamps in possession while MINOR HUNTERS (12–14 YEARS OLD): or at any time prior to the end of the third engaging in these activities. Hunters and No person under the age of 12 may hunt. segment of the bear season through any anglers may display a true, complete and All minors 12–14 years old may hunt when license vendor or online computer. Fee legible image of a valid license using a mo- accompanied by a duly licensed adult, is $5.00. bile device. Hunters must comply with all provided that a single bag limit shall be tagging requirements. If a tag is required, observed and only one firearm/bow is TURKEY PERMIT: Required to hunt as it is for hunting deer, bear, and turkey, possessed by the two. Only one minor per turkey. Hunters may purchase this permit hunters must carry a paper copy of the licensed adult is permitted. No Firearms when purchasing their hunting/sporting license, permits and tags. Identification (FID) card is needed by 12–14 license or at any time prior to the end of year old minors. the fall turkey season through any license RESIDENT & NON-RESIDENT LICENSES: vendor or online computer. Fee is $5.00. To obtain a resident hunting, fishing, or Falconry trapping license, applicant must reside in Hunting with birds of prey is allowed under SPECIAL LICENSES Massachusetts for six consecutive months a special permit from MassWildlife. A hunt- immediately prior to purchase. ing license is also required. Contact Mass- OR PERMITS Wildlife at (508) 389-6300 or visit mass.gov/ NOTE: For non-residents, a valid Massachu- masswildlife for more information. Special authorization is necessary for sale, setts non-resident license is required. A big possession, importation or release of game license (license Class H5) is required of Freshwater Fishing License certain fish and wildlife, and for fur deal- non-residents to hunt deer, bear, and wild Anglers 15 and older must have a fresh- ers, propagators, wildlife rehabilitators, turkey. (see page 22) water fishing license to fish inland (fresh) taxidermists and/or fur buyers. Sale and waters of Massachusetts. Anglers under 15 importation of baitfish require separate Purchasing Licenses, may fish, but do not need a license. A fresh- dealer and importation permits. Apply to Stamps & Permits water (inland) fishing license is not required MassWildlife Boston office, Permit Sec- Licenses, stamps, and permits may be on the Merrimack River seaward of the first tion (617) 626-1575. For permits regard- purchased online by anglers 15 years and upstream bridge (northbound traffic) of ing crossbows, falconry, problem animal older, and by hunters and trappers 18 years Route 495 in Haverhill however a saltwater control, or shooting preserves contact Field or older at mass.gov/massfishhunt. Minor fishing permit is required. (See page 11) Headquarters at (508) 389-6300. hunters (15–17 years old) and minor trappers (12–17 years old) (or parent/guardian)

8 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE LICENSES GENERAL

STAMPS Before the eDuck Stamp expires, a physical Federal Duck Stamp will be sent to custom- ARCHERY STAMP: ($5.10) Required to ers via U.S. mail. Upon receipt of the physi- hunt deer during the archery deer season. cal Federal Duck Stamp, it must be signed across the face in ink and carried while PRIMITIVE FIREARMS STAMP: ($5.10) waterfowl hunting. If a physical Duck Stamp Required to hunt deer during the primitive does not arrive after a few weeks, contact firearms deer season. Amplex at [email protected] or (800) 852-4897. If you experience diffi- MASSACHUSETTS WATERFOWL culty purchasing the Federal eDuck Stamp STAMP: ($5.00) Required of all water- through the MassFishHunt system, call fowl (ducks and geese) hunters age 15 and (888) 773-8450. Physical federal waterfowl older. Massachusetts state stamps are stamps are also available at all National valid Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 and may be pur- Wildlife Refuges and select post offices. chased online at mass.gov/massfishhunt or wherever hunting licenses are sold. This stamp is electronic, there are no physical stamps. Stamp purchase includes mandatory Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration.

FEDERAL MIGRATORY GAME BIRD STAMP: ($25.00) Required of all waterfowl hunters 16 years or older. Federal stamps are valid July 1 – June 30 of the following year. Federal eDuck Stamps are available for purchase online through MassFishHunt (mass.gov/massfishhunt) or wherever hunting licenses are sold. The Federal eDuck Stamp is a temporary stamp expiring 45 days from the date of purchase. Photo © Troy Gipps

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9 GENERAL LICENSES

2018 LICENSE, STAMP & PERMIT FEES NOTE: Cost for the first resident license and all non-resident licenses includes a $5.00 fee for the Wildlands Conservation Stamp. CLASS LICENSE FEE Cost for the second resident license in calendar year does not include the $5.00 fee for the Wildlands Conservation Stamp. City F1 Resident Fishing 27.50 and town clerks must add an additional one dollar ($1.00); other F2 Resident Minor Fishing (Age 15–17) FREE sales agents may add up to an additional one dollar and fifty cents F3 Resident Fishing (Age 65–69) 16.25 ($1.50) service fee to the price of each license sold. An additional service fee of $1.50 per license is applied to all licenses purchased Resident Fishing (Age 70 or over) F4 FREE through a sales agent. The same service fee, plus an additional Or paraplegic, blind, intellectually disabled* 3% internet handling charge on the total transaction, is applied to F6 Non-resident Fishing 37.50 all online license purchases. There are no service fees or internet F7 Non-resident Fishing (3 day) 23.50 handling charges for licenses purchased at offices of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, where only cash or checks are accepted. F8 Resident Fishing (3 day) 12.50 F9 Non-resident Fishing (Age 15–17) 11.50 F10 Quabbin One Day Fishing 5.00 H1 Resident Citizen Hunting 27.50 H2 Resident Citizen Hunting (Age 65–69) 16.25 H3 Resident/Non-resident Hunting, Paraplegic* FREE H4 Resident Alien Hunting 27.50 Non-resident (adult/minor) Hunting, Big Game H5 99.50 (Deer, Bear, Turkey, and all other game species) Non-resident (adult/minor) Hunting, Small Game H6 65.50 (All game species except deer, bear, and turkey) H7 Non-resident Commercial Shooting Preserve (1 day) 10.00 H8 Resident Minor Hunting (Age 15–17) 11.50 H9 Resident Commercial Shooting Preserve (1 day) 10.00 S1 Resident Citizen Sporting 45.00 S2 Resident Citizen Sporting (Age 65–69) 25.00 Resident Citizen Sporting (Age 70 or over) S3 FREE (includes trapping) S4 Resident/Non-Resident Paraplegic Sporting* FREE T1 Resident Trapping 35.50 T2 Resident Minor Trapping (Age 12–17) 11.50 T3 Resident Trapping (Age 65-69) 20.25 M/N 1 Archery Stamp 5.10 M/N 2 Waterfowl Stamp 5.00 M/N 3 Primitive Firearms Stamp 5.10 W1 Wildlands Stamp, Resident 5.00 W2 Wildlands Stamp, Non-resident 5.00 Antlerless Deer Permit (when issued) 5.00 Bear Permit 5.00 Turkey Permit 5.00 Trap Registration Number (Boston Office) 5.00 Trap Registration Number Renewal (Boston Office) 5.00 Non-resident Trapping Permit 200.00 (Field Headquarters Office) Resident Furbuyer* 30.00 Non-resident Citizen/Alien Furbuyer* 90.00 * First time applicants must contact Boston MassWildlife office. Restrictions apply.

Photo © Northwoods Collective

10 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE LICENSES GENERAL

ASK THE LANDOWNER Hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted on private land that is not posted against trespass. As a courtesy, ask the landowner for permission in advance. ST P THE Landowners with posted land may provide (written) permission for individuals to access their property. Written landowner permission is required to trap on posted land. Hunters should also check for relevant town bylaws pertaining to SPREAD hunting and discharge of firearms. of Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Animals

SALTWATER FISHING PERMITS Saltwater anglers in Massachusetts are required to purchase a state recreational saltwater fishing permit. The fee for this permit is $10 and is the same Boaters, anglers, and other lake cost for all anglers, including non-residents. Anglers younger than 16, or and river users are reminded that disabled, or who fish only on charter boats or "head boats" are exempt from many unwanted, invasive species this requirement. Anglers age 60 and older will need to obtain a permit, but the can be transported and inadver- saltwater permit is free. The permit is available online, by mail, and in person at tently introduced to new waters by participating vendors and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries offices hitchhiking undetected on your boat, in Gloucester, Boston, and New Bedford. For more information, please visit: trailer, motor, waders, diving equip- mass.gov/dmf/saltwaterpermits. ment, and other fishing gear. Please clean and decontaminate your boat, motor, trailer, ropes, and gear; drain your boat, motor, and live well(s); and make sure your equipment is thor- MARINE FISHERIES oughly dry before entering any body of water. For more information con- Have any questions regarding tact Massachusetts DCR Lakes and saltwater fishing regulations? Ponds Program at (617) 626-1250 or Call the Massachusetts Division of Marine mass.gov/lakesandponds. Fisheries information hotline at (617) 626- 1520 or visit mass.gov/marinefisheries or email [email protected] CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 11 FISHING SEASONS AND LIMITS

FISHING SEASONS AND LIMITS

OPEN SEASON DAILY CREEL SPECIES MINIMUM LENGTH1 (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) LIMIT Trout 2 Lakes, ponds, major rivers 3, 5, 6 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 3 — Housatonic River 4 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 20" Apr. 1 – Sept. 10 8 All other rivers and brooks — Sept. 11 – Mar. 31, 2018 3 Lake Trout Wachusett Reservoir 6 (see note 6) 3 — Quabbin 6 (see note 6) 2 18" Landlocked Salmon 6 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 2 15" American Shad 7 (Connecticut and Merrimack rivers only, including their Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 3 — tributaries.) Chain Pickerel Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 15" Black Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth, singly or combined): Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 12" Northern Pike Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 28" Tiger Muskellunge Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 28" Walleye Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 14" Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Smelt 8 — — May 16 – Dec. 31 All Other Freshwater Species 9 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 — — Striped Bass and Herring: For season, size, and possession limits call the Division of Marine Fisheries at (617) 626-1520, or visit mass.gov/marinefisheries. Possession of: Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Long- nose Sucker, and Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! If caught, release immediately. This means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water immediately — do not pose for photographs, place on a stringer, hold in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of these rare fish to the water!

1 Minimum length is measured as the straight 5 Special Brown Trout water: South Pond 8 Smelt may be taken by hook and line only. line (not curved over the body) from the tip of (Quacumquasit), Brookfield. Total daily creel is 9 Excluding the state- and federally-listed species the snout to the tip of the tail. The tips of any 3 trout but only 1 may be a Brown Trout and it listed after the "Possession of:" heading in the forked tail may be squeezed together for the must be at least 15". bottom row of the table shown above. final measurement. 6 Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs:Opening 2 Trout applies to Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and and closing dates are set by the Department Tiger Trout (a cross between a female Brown of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The and a male Brook Trout). From Apr. 1 to Sept. Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Season generally 10, no more than 8 trout (as defined) may opens on the third Saturday of April and runs ICE FISHING be taken daily, and only 3 of those trout may through the third Saturday in October, but be from lakes, ponds, or major rivers3. From these dates may be adjusted due to weather All anglers are allowed up to five hooks Sept. 11 to Mar. 31, no more than 3 trout (as and other factors. Quabbin Reservoir and through the ice at one time. A hook is de- defined) may be taken daily. its tributary streams within the Quabbin fined as an angling device attached to the Reservation are closed to all fishing except 3 Major Rivers: Childs, Coonamessett, line of a tip-up or jig stick that is designed during the open season as set by DCR. The Deerfield, Farmington, Green (Colrain), Green to take one fish at a time. This includes Quabbin Fishing Guide is available at: mass. (Great Barrington), Ipswich, Jones, Mashpee, plain hooks, treble hooks, spinners, spoons, gov/dcr/quabbinfish or by calling (413) Millers, Nissitissit, North (Colrain), North bait harnesses, jigs, or plugs. The device in 323-7221. The Wachusett/Sudbury/West (West Branch), Parker, Quaboag, Quinapoxet, question is not restricted to a single hook Waushacum fishing season normally opens Quinebaug, Seven Mile, Santuit, Scorton – lures with multiple treble hooks count as the first Saturday in April and closes November Creek, Shawsheen, Squannacook, Stillwater one hook in the water. Hooks can be on any 30, but the DCR/DWSP may alter those dates (Sterling, Princeton), Swift (East Branch), Swift combination of tip-ups or jig sticks, but no depending on ice conditions. At Wachusett (Winsor Dam to Ware River, except as posted), more than five hooks total. Reservoir, shoreline fishing only is allowed Tully (East and West Branches), Ware, Ware from Gate 6 on Route 70 to Gate 36 on Route (East Branch), Westfield (all branches). All anglers must be able to tend their own 110. A Wachusett and Sudbury Reservoir hooks (tip-ups or jig sticks). Adults may as- 4 Mainstem Housatonic only, from the Fishing Guide is available at: mass.gov/dcr/ sist minors with cutting holes or removing confluence of the East and West Branches to wachusettfish or by calling (508) 792-7806. the MA–CT line, exclusive of the catch-and- hooks, but minors must be capable of tend- 7 American Shad are Catch-and-Release ONLY release areas where no trout may be kept. ing tip-ups or jig sticks on their own. See ice on all waters except the Connecticut and strength and safety tips on page 20. Merrimack rivers, including their tributaries.

12 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE GENERAL INFORMATION FISHING

BAIT REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS DAILY BAG POSSESSION It is unlawful to take baitfish for the purpose SPECIES OPEN SEASON SIZE LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT of sale from the inland waters of the Com- monwealth. Individuals trapping fish for per- For Personal Use sonal use as baitfish may use only one trap. Bullfrog, Green Frog July 16 – Sept. 30 12 24 none Jan. 1 – Apr. 30 BAITFISH may be taken by licensed Snapping Turtle 2 2 12 in.* anglers at any time for personal use by July 17 – Dec. 31 all lawful methods, including a rectangu- For Bait lar net not exceeding 36 square feet of Bullfrog, Green Frog, Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 10 10 less than net area or by a hoop or circular net not Pickerel Frog, 2½ in.** exceeding 6 feet in diameter or with a fish Wood Frog trap with openings not exceeding one inch. Nets designed to gill fish are prohibited. *Straight line carapace (shell) length **Snout to vent length Only the fish species listed below may be Fishing license required. Bullfrogs, green frogs, wood frogs, and pickerel frogs may be taken by hand taken for personal use as bait, live or dead, or by hand-held dip net. Snapping turtles may be taken by hand, hand-held dip net, or gaff. by licensed anglers.

Banded Killifish Pumpkinseed Fallfish Rainbow Smelt* Fathead Minnow Yellow Perch FROGS (except leopard frogs) 2½ inches or Golden Shiner White Sucker less snout to vent may be taken by licensed FREE FISHING Mummichog anglers and used as bait; 10 daily, 10 in pos- WEEKEND session; may not be sold. * Smelt may be taken only by hook and June 2 & 3, 2018 — line. Possession or use of smelt as bait in HERRING: For regulations on herring con- No freshwater inland waters other than during the smelt tact the Division of Marine Fisheries, (617) license needed! season is prohibited. 626-1520 or mass.gov/marinefisheries.

13 FISHING GENERAL INFORMATION

CATCH-AND-RELEASE AREAS WESTFIELD RIVER, EAST BRANCH: INTERSTATE POND Immediately below the Chesterfield Gorge LICENSE REGULATIONS Artificial lures only. No bait in possession. parking lot in Chesterfield to the gate north of the Corps of Engineers parking lot at WALLUM LAKE, DOUGLAS: Fishing HOUSATONIC RIVER: From the Rte. 20 Knightville in Huntington. permitted by persons duly licensed in Mas- bridge in Lee downstream to Willow Mill sachusetts or Rhode Island. Rhode Island Dam AND from Glendale Dam downstream MILLERS RIVER: Templeton/Athol RR regulations apply. to the RR bridge in Great Barrington. No bridge to the first dam in Athol and from Wendell Rd. bridge in Orange to the fishing from June 15—Aug. 31 inclusive LAKE MONOMONAC AND ROBBINS breached dam in Erving center. within 100 feet of the mouths of posted POND, WINCHENDON; LONG POND, tributaries: Beartown Brook; Goose Pond TYNGSBORO AND DRACUT; BENT Brook; Hop Brook; and Mohawk Brook. FISH CONSUMPTION POND, WARWICK; TUXBURY POND, AMESBURY: Fishing permitted by persons RED BROOK: From the outlet of White ADVISORIES duly licensed in Massachusetts or New Hamp- Island Pond to the inlet of Buttermilk Bay. The Mass. Dept. of Public Health (MDPH) shire. New Hampshire regulations apply. NISSITISSIT RIVER: From the New has issued a statewide advisory for preg- COLEBROOK RESERVOIR, TOLLAND; Hampshire border to the Prescott St. nant women, nursing mothers, women PERRY POND, DUDLEY; MUDDY POND, Bridge. FLY FISHING ONLY (year-round). who may become pregnant, and children under 12 to refrain from consuming fish SOUTHBRIDGE; BREAKNECK POND, SWIFT RIVER: Winsor Dam to Rte. 9, catch- caught in freshwater due to elevated STURBRIDGE; CONGAMOND LAKE, and-release FLY FISHING ONLY (year-round). levels of mercury in fish. MDPH has also SOUTHWICK; HAMILTON RESERVOIR, Rte. 9 to Cady Lane, catch-and-release, arti- issued fish consumption advisories for the HOLLAND: Fishing permitted by persons ficial lures only (July 1–Dec. 31); fish harvest general public on selected bodies of water. duly licensed in Massachusetts or Connecticut. and bait allowed (Jan. 1–June 30). For more information or a list of waters Connecticut regulations apply to Colebrook with fish consumption advisories, contact Reservoir, Breakneck Pond, Perry Pond and DEERFIELD RIVER: Fife Brook Dam to Hoo- MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health, at Muddy Pond. Massachusetts regulations apply sac Tunnel, and the section extending from (617) 624-5757 or mass.gov/dph. to Congamond Lake and Hamilton Reservoir. Pelham Brook to the Mohawk Campground. SHERMAN RESERVOIR, ROWE: Massa- QUASHNET RIVER: From the outlet of chusetts regulations apply and MA license John’s Pond to the sign 0.1 mile below Rte. 28. required in MA. Vermont regulations apply and VT license required in VT. Where the BASS call home.

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FISHING PROHIBITIONS • More than two hooks for fishing open • Possession of: Sturgeon (all species), water or more than five hooks when ice American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic fishing. A hook is defined as an angling (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, device attached to a fishing line that Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, is designed to take one fish at a time Longnose Sucker, and Northern Redbel- but is not limited to devices commonly ly Dace is illegal! If caught, release im- called spinners, spoons, bait harnesses, mediately. This means remove hook or jigs, or plugs. cut line and return fish to water immediately — do not pose for photographs, • The taking of any fish from the inland place on a stringer, hold in a net, or waters of the Commonwealth for the delay in any way the immediate return purposes of sale. and release of the fish to the water.

• Lead Sinkers, Lead Weights, and Lead • Releasing fish or spawn into inland Jigs Weighing Less Than an Ounce. Any waters, except by permit. sinker or weight made from lead that

weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead • Transporting live fish (except bait for Photocourtesy MassWildlife/Freshwater Sportfishing Award Program jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) personal use) without a permit. that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohibited for use in all inland waters of the • Jug, toggle, or trot line fishing. Commonwealth. The term lead sinker SPEARS, BOW shall not include any other sinkers, • Snagging AND ARROWS weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle May be used to take White Suck- • Poisons, explosives including, but not limited to, artificial ers and Carp only. Fishing license lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead- required. core or other weighted fishing lines. • Litteringin inland waters.

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• LAW ENFORCEMENT www.osegshowsosegshowsosegshows.com 15 FISHING FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARD PROGRAM

FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARD PROGRAM

Awards for freshwater fish are offered in MINIMUM WEIGHTS AND LENGTHS 22 categories. Each qualified entry re- CATCH AND KEEP (WEIGHT) CATCH AND RELEASE ceives a bronze pin. The largest fish in each SPECIES ADULT YOUTH LENGTH (INCHES) category each year also receives a gold pin and plaque. There are also Youth (17 Bowfin 6 lb. 0 oz. 4 lb. 0 oz. 26 and under) and Adult "Angler of the Year" Brook Trout 2 lb. 0 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 16 awards given to anglers who have taken Brown Trout 4 lb. 0 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz. 22 the greatest variety of "pinfish" during Bullhead 2 lb. 0 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 15 the calendar year. Fish must meet mini- Carp 15 lb. 0 oz. 10 lb. 0 oz. 31 mum weight or length requirements listed Chain Pickerel 4 lb. 8 oz. 3 lb. 0 oz. 25 below. Catch and Keep entries must be Channel Catfish 6 lb. 0 oz. 5 lb. 0 oz. 25 weighed on a scale certified by the State. Crappie 1 lb. 8 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 14 Go to mass.gov/dfw/sportfishing-awards Lake Trout 7 lb. 0 oz. 5 lb. 0 oz. 30 for a list of weigh stations and to download Landlocked Salmon1 4 lb. 0 oz. 3 lb. 0 oz. 22 an affidavit. This information is also available at MassWildlife offices. Largemouth Bass 7 lb. 0 oz. 4 lb. 0 oz. 21 Northern Pike 15 lb. 0 oz. 10 lb. 0 oz. 36 STATE RECORD FISH Rainbow Trout 3 lb. 0 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz. 20 Learn more about the Massachusetts Shad 5 lb. 0 oz. 3 lb. 0 oz. 22 Freshwater Sportfishing Award Program Smallmouth Bass 4 lb. 8 oz. 3 lb. 0 oz. 20 and see a list of state record fish past Gold Sunfish2 0 lb. 12 oz. 0 lb. 8 oz. 10 Pin winners at mass.gov/dfw/sportfishing- Tiger Muskellunge 10 lb. 0 oz. 7 lb. 0 oz. 34 awards or visit any MassWildlife office. Tiger Trout 2 lb. 0 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 16 Walleye 4 lb. 0 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz. 24 White Catfish 4 lb. 0 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz. 19 White Perch 1 lb. 8 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 14 Yellow Perch 1 lb. 8 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 14 1 Landlocked Salmon are recognized only from Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs. 2 Sunfish category includes Redbreast Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Rock Bass.

CATCH AND RELEASE ANGLERS: TIPS FOR MINIMIZING FISH STRESS • If using bait, the use of circle hooks dramatically reduces the likelihood of gut-hooking a fish.

• Be attentive and set the hook immediately to prevent the fish from swallowing the hook (setting the hook is not nec- FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARDS essary with circle hooks). Catch and Release Anglers: Remember to take a picture before • Reduce the fight time. The longer the fish fights, the higher releasing the fish at the site of capture. This photograph shows the stress level for the fish. This is particularly important the proper method for measuring and photographing a Catch when fishing for trout in periods of warmer water tempera- and Release awards entry. tures. If it takes you a long time to land a fish, your drag may be set too loosely or your gear may be too light for the fish • Wet your hands before touching the fish so you don’t dam- you are catching. age the protective mucous layer on the outside of the fish.

• Use a fine-mesh landing net to reduce the amount of time • Don’t use the gills or eyes as a handhold. Support the belly of required to land a fish. larger fish. Bass can be safely handled by holding the lower jaw, thumb in the mouth and forefinger under the chin. • If the hook is swallowed, do not forcefully remove it. Cut the line as close to the mouth as possible and then release • Quickly return fish to the water. Revive a fatigued fish by the fish. supporting it in a swimming position in the water; gently move it back and forth until it can swim off.

16 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE Photos courtesy MassWildlife/Freshwater Sportfishing Award Program

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 17 FISHING POND MAPS AND COLDWATER STREAMS

FINDING FISH WITH POND MAPS

MassWildlife has provided maps of popular waterbodies to anglers and boaters since the 1950s. These maps contain information regarding stocking, public access, resident fish species, and a bathymetric (depth) map. Bathymetric maps are extremely useful to anglers, as different fish species often associate with specific underwater features. For example, bass prefer steep drop-offs and submerged plateaus, while trout occupy deeper, colder water.

Recently, MassWildlife began updating these bathymetric maps using new technology that renders underwater terrain with 100x the precision as the original maps. These new, more detailed maps allow anglers to focus their efforts within the habitats they choose with unparalleled accuracy. Anglers who ice fish or fish from shore will find these maps particularly valuable.

Anglers can find pond maps at mass.gov/ dfw/pond-maps.

OUR COLDWATER STREAMS

MassWildlife defines a Coldwater Fish Re- source (CFR) as a waterbody that contains at least one coldwater fish species (i.e., Slimy Sculpin, Longnose Sucker, Lake Chub, to meet one or more of their life history out Massachusetts. Once designated as American Brook Lamprey, Burbot, Rainbow requirements. Protection of coldwater a CFR, waterbodies are then afforded a Smelt, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, and habitats is therefore critical for maintaining greater degree of protection from potential Lake, Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout) the overall health of coldwater fish species, human-caused alterations to their health. that reproduced in that waterbody, or a which are ecologically, and in many cases, A map and list of currently designated CFRs connected tributary, and use such waters recreationally important fishes through- can be found at mass.gov/dfw/cfr.

MassWildlife fisheries biologists use shock boat equipment to sample the Hoosic River, which is a Coldwater Fish Resource.

Photo © Nicole McSweeney

18 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE TROUT STOCKING FISHING

IMPROVED TROUT STOCKING REPORT PROVIDES MORE OPTIONS FOR ANGLERS

Massachusetts anglers can go to mass.gov/ regions of the state and discover new des- trout to view a list or a map displaying trout tinations for fishing. The default map view stocking information, which is updated shows trout-stocked waters for the entire daily during the stocking seasons! state. Zoom to the area you would like to explore and then click on any thumbtack Anglers seeking stocking reports for a icon to view the dates and types of trout particular water body or town should use that have been stocked at that location. the table to locate information. Type the Stocking locations on streams are accu- name of the water body or town into the rate, but fish swim, so be sure to investi- search window to find all stocking reports gate other reaches of the stream as well. for that location. The table also allows users to sort by town, water body, stock- The stocking report is still subject to ing date, type of fish, or district. Note: change depending on staffing, equipment, All districts are now displayed on the and weather conditions. same table. Don’t forget your fishing license — avail- The new map component of the stocking able online at mass.gov/massfishhunt at report allows users to zoom and pan to MassWildlife offices, or at license vendors. Photo © Bill Byrne

VISIT MASS.GOV/TROUT FOR STOCKING LOCATIONS AND DAILY REPORTS



MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 19 FISHING ICE STRENGTH AND SAFETY

ICE STRENGTH AND SAFETY TIPS This ice strength and safety information is ICE THICKNESS AND STRENGTH presented for the benefit of ice anglers and other winter sports people recreating on ICE THICKNESS PERMISSIBLE LOAD (INCHES) (ON NEW* CLEAR/BLUE** ICE ON LAKES OR PONDS) iced-over bodies of water. 2" or less STAY OFF! The figures in the table to the right are for clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds. 4" Ice fishing or other activities on foot Reduce strength values 15% for clear blue, 5" Snowmobile or ATV river ice. Slush or snow (white) ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice and can 8"–12" Car or small pickup truck be very treacherous. “Honeycombed” 12"–15" Medium truck ice, which occurs in the spring or during major winter thaws as the ice is melting, is * New ice is stronger than older ice. the most dangerous ice, and best avoided ** White ice or “snow ice” is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Double the above thickness unless the angler is certain there is a guidelines when traveling on white ice. safe layer of solid ice beneath the honeycombed surface. HOW CAN YOU TELL ness of the ice will not be uniform all over Anglers should also be aware that many IF ICE IS SAFE? the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to lakes and ponds contain spring holes and be thinner on lakes and ponds where there other areas of current that may cre- There are no guarantees. Always consider are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don’t ven- ate deceptively dangerous thin spots in ice potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety ture onto ice-bound rivers or streams as the areas that are otherwise safe. Always use by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. caution, and don’t venture out onto unfa- ice to determine its thickness and condition. miliar waters without checking ice thick- Make sure you continue to do this as you go For other ice safety tips and winter weath- ness frequently. further out on to the ice, because the thicker preparedness, visit mass.gov/mema.

IF YOU, A COMPANION, OR PET FALLS THROUGH THE ICE As with any emergency, don’t panic! Call for help if there are buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull people nearby. While it doesn’t take long for the cold water your body up using “ice pins” that should be hanging around to start slowing your physical and mental functions, you have your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice,roll towards thicker more time than you might think; typically 2–5 minutes and ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that perhaps longer if you are in good, physical condition. Air will ice you previously walked on should be the safest. After you remain trapped in your clothes for a short time aiding your reach safe ice, don’t waste precious time, you need to warm up and dry out. If you are in a remote area, this means getting to or starting a campfire. If you are in a more urban setting get to a car or house. Once there, get out of wet clothes, change into dry clothes to get warmed up and seek advice from your physician on medical attention. You need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia.

If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase “Reach-Throw-Go.” If you are unable to reach your friend from shore, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.

When walking on or near ice, keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well meaning pet owners can too easily become rescue victims when trying to assist their pets.

Outdoor recreation activities on the ice are safe pursuits. By Photo © Bill Byrne using a little common sense, these activities will stay that way.

20 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE BOATING LAW FISHING

MASSACHUSETTS BOATING LAWS: A SUMMARY

BOAT REGISTRATION: Registration and • Operating a motorboat during the mers, shorelines, water-skiers, boat numbering of all motorized boats is re- nighttime while towing water-skiers, launches, rafts or floats, and moored or quired. This includes electric motors. tubers, or others. docked boats.

MINIMUM AGE RESTRICTIONS: No • Operating at greater than headway PWC Operation is prohibited: person under 12 years of age may oper- speed (6 mph or less) within 150 feet of ate a motorboat, unless accompanied a swimmer, water-skier, mooring area, • By any person under age 16 on-board and directly supervised by a marina, boat launch, or when the op- competent person 18 years of age or older. erator's vision is obscured in any way. • Between the hours of sunset and sun- Personal watercraft (PWC) users must be at rise (i.e. night time) least 16 years of age in order to operate. • Operating an overloaded vessel (carrying total weight that exceeds capacity • At high speed in congested areas BOAT SAFETY EDUCATION CERTIFICA- plate recommendations or is excessive TION: Youth between 12 and 15 years of age due to water conditions). • On waterbodies under 75 acres must complete an approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat • Operating with passengers on the bow, • Towing (water-skiers, tubers, boats, or without adult supervision. Upon successful gunwales, or any other place from others) is illegal. completion of such a course, students are is- which a person could fall overboard. ACCIDENT REPORTING: The operator sued a state "boating safety certificate" which of any motorboat involved in an accident must be in the possession of the certified op- PERSONAL WATERCRAFT which results in personal injury, death, erator when underway. Prospective personal or property damage (over $500) must watercraft users 16 or 17 years of age must (JET SKI) OPERATION immediately notify the Massachusetts also complete an approved boating course. By law, personal watercraft (PWC) operators Environmental Police and file the appropri- SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Personal Flotation are considered motorboat operators and ate accident report within 5 days for most Devices (life jackets) are required to be must comply with all boating laws and navi- boating accidents, within 2 days for boating worn by: (1) youth less than 12 years of age, gation rules. In addition, PWC users must: incidents involving fatalities. (2) personal watercraft users, (3) Stand Up • Wear an approved life jacket at all times For further information on boating laws, Paddle Board (SUP) users, (4) water-skiers, (operator and passengers). boating education, or to obtain accident and (5) canoeists/kayakers from September report forms contact the Massachusetts 15 – May 15. A boat owner or a boat opera- • Attach the safety lanyard to the opera- Environmental Police Boat & Recreation tor is responsible to ensure that all passen- tor and the cutoff/kill switch. Vehicle Safety Bureau at (508) 564-4961 or gers on-board wear or have access to life visit mass.gov/ole. jackets. When not in a bathing, swimming, • Always operate at slow, no-wake speed or surf zone, all SUP users on inland lakes, (6 mph or less) within 150 feet of swim- rivers or coastal waters, are required by law to have a Type I, II, or III life jacket aboard. All motorboats (with the exception of personal watercraft) must be equipped with an anchor, manual bailer, and line. A paddle or GOT LIFE JACKETS? an oar is required on boats less than 16 feet Boat Smart From the Start Wear Your Life Jacket! in length. Motorboats towing water-skiers From September 15 to May 15 all canoe or kayak occupants MUST WEAR a U.S. must be equipped with a boarding ladder. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). BOATING PROHIBITIONS

The following types of operation are extremely unsafe and are prohibited.

• Operating any vessel under the influence of alcohol (BAC of .08 or greater) or drugs.

• Operating a motorboat within 150 feet of swimming areas.

• Operating in inland waters at a speed greater than 45 mph or operating at an excessive speed without regard for weather conditions, boat traffic, and other hazards.

• Operating a motorboat without properly working lights. Photo © Bill Byrne

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 21 HUNTING GENERAL REGULATIONS

GENERAL HUNTING REGULATIONS

ACCIDENTS: All hunting-related injuries or deaths MUST be reported to state or local police and to the Environmental Police.

ARCHERY: Poisoned arrows, or explosive tips, including firearms cartridges affixed to the end of arrows in such a way as they discharge upon impact with the target, or bows drawn by mechanical means, except for crossbows as permitted, are prohibited. Mechanical releases are permitted. Arrows used on deer, bear, or turkey must have Photo © Bill Byrne well-sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than ⅞ inches in width. Expanding broadheads are legal for deer, bear, and without wearing a “blaze orange” cap or revolvers and blank cartridges are used or turkey hunting. All bows, except permitted hat except while night-hunting for raccoons possessed. No sporting or hunting license is crossbows, used for hunting (recurve, long, or opossums, or while hunting waterfowl necessary. During the shotgun deer season, and compound) must have a draw weight from a blind or boat. During the period dogs may be used for waterfowl hunting on of at least 40 lbs. at 28 inches or at peak when it is legal to hunt deer with a shot- coastal waters only. Hunting bear or bobcat draw. No arrows may be released within gun, all hunters, except waterfowl hunters with dogs, or training dogs on those spe- 150 feet of, or across, any state or hard- on coastal waters hunting within a blind cies, is prohibited. surfaced highway, and hunting is prohibited or from a boat, must wear, in a conspicu- within 500 feet of any dwelling or building ous manner on chest, back, and head, a TREE STANDS: Persons must have writ- in use, unless authorized by the owner or minimum of 500 square inches of “blaze ten permission of the landowner (on either occupant thereof. orange” clothing or material. During the public or private lands) to construct or use primitive firearms season, all deer hunters any tree stand which is fastened to a tree A firearms license (FID or LTC card) is not must comply with the 500 sq. inch blaze by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners that required for bowhunting. Archers shall orange requirement. intrude through the bark into the wood of not possess firearms on their person or the tree, or that is fastened or erected in use dogs while hunting deer. (See deer HUNTING DOGS: May be trained at any any manner and is emplaced for a period regulations on page 36.) Archers may hunt time (except during the shotgun season exceeding 30 days. This includes hang-on with a bow and arrow during the shotgun for deer) provided that only pistols or tree stands. and primitive firearms deer seasons, but must comply with all regulations of those seasons, including the hunter orange and Primitive Firearms Stamp requirements. Crossbows may be used by certain perma- NON-RESIDENT HUNTERS: nently disabled persons by permit only. For regulations and an application, visit mass. • Must have a valid Massachusetts non-resident hunting license in order to hunt. gov/masswildlife or contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300. • Must have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course or held a hunting license anywhere in North America prior to 2007 in order to pur- BLAZE ORANGE: No person shall hunt chase a Massachusetts hunting license. Non-resident adults and minors (ages during the pheasant or quail season on 15–17) purchase the same class license, H5 or H6, see page 10. WMAs where pheasant or quail are stocked • Must obtain the same stamps and permits as residents. Permit and stamp fees are the same for residents and non-residents. Non-resident migratory game bird hunters must complete a Massachusetts H.I.P. survey to hunt.

FEDERAL WILDLIFE • May not purchase ammunition in Massachusetts (including materials used in LAW INFORMATION black powder firearms).

Please note that fishing and • Must have their firearms unloaded and enclosed in a case while travelling hunting laws on federal parks, into or through Massachusetts. refuges, and reservations, such as those controlled by U.S. Fish & • No gun license (FID) is needed to possess or transport long guns. Wildlife Service or the National Park Service, may differ from • Should contact the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) state regulations. Contact the Firearms Support Services, 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150, agency in question. tel. (617) 660-4780 for information on handgun permits.

22 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE WMA REGULATIONS HUNTING

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS

The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife owns 6. No person shall build or maintain a fire 11. No person shall hunt during the pheas- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that without written permission from the ant or quail season on WMAs where are open to hunting, fishing, and trapping. Director or designee. pheasant or quail are stocked without Maps are available for many of these prop- wearing a ”blaze orange“ cap or hat ex- erties on the MassWildlife website and at 7. No person shall camp within any WMA cept while night hunting for raccoons or all MassWildlife offices. without written permission from the opossums or while hunting waterfowl Director or designee. from within a blind or boat. 1. No person shall possess any alcoholic beverage except under permit, or dump 8. No person shall engage in target prac- 12. No person, except under permit, shall or discard any can, bottle, or rubbish. tice without written permission from dig or disturb any artifact or archaeo- the Director or designee. logical remains. 2. No person shall remove vegetation, soil, or stones from any WMA except under 9. No person shall use any means other 13. The Director may make special regu- permit. than shotgun or bow and arrow during lations to handle special situations the pheasant and quail season on areas peculiar to any WMA. Controlled hunts 3. No person shall use excessive speed in stocked with pheasant or quail except are in effect at certain times on Martin driving a vehicle. for hunting raccoons and opossums be- Burns, Delaney, and Ludlow WMAs. tween 9pm and 3am, or for the shoot- Contact District Manager for details. 4. No person, unless under permit, shall ing of captured fur-bearing mammals drive or possess any motor vehicle by a licensed trapper. except on roads or trails maintained for public vehicular traffic. 10. No person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset on any WMA where pheas- NEW TO HUNTING? 5. No person shall deface or tamper with ant or quail are stocked during the open For outdoor skills education op- any sign, building, or equipment. season on pheasant or quail, except for portunities for novice, youth, and the hunting of raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am. women hunters, see page 47.

“Celebrate the deer hunting tradition by attending a

event near you.” ~ Travis “T-Bone” Turner Whitetails Unlimited spokesperson and co-host of Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector TV Show. For information, please call WTU’s New England Field Director Bill Bailey at (413) 244-2304. www.whitetailsunlimited.com

23 HUNTING WMA ZONES

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ZONES

ZONE 1: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly by ZONE 4 NORTH: Northerly by the Vermont border; ZONE 6: Northerly by Zone 05; westerly by Zone 05; the New York border; southerly by a line running along westerly by Zones 02; southerly by a line running north southerly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. 20 to the junction with Rt. 7 in Pittsfield, north on from the confluence of the Middle Branch and the East Rt. 9 and Rt. 116 in Hadley east along Rt. 9 to the Rt. 7 to Rt. 9, and east on Rt. 9 to the junction with Rt. Branch of the Westfield River in Huntington along the intersection with Rt. 32 in Ware; and easterly by a line 8, and easterly by a line running from the Vermont East Branch of the Westfield River to the intersection running from the intersection of Rt. 32 and Rt. 62 in border south along Route 8 to Rt. 9 in Pittsfield. with Route 66, along Rt. 66 to the intersection with Rt. Barre, south along Rt. 32 to the intersection with Rt. 9 in Northampton, easterly along Rt. 9 to the intersec- 9 in Ware. ZONE 2: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly by tion with the Connecticut River at the Northampton/ Zone 01 and 03; southerly by the Massachusetts Turnpike Hadley town line; and easterly by the Connecticut River. ZONE 7: Northerly by Zones 5 and 6; westerly by Zone (I-90) from the intersection with the Housatonic River 4S; southerly by the Connecticut border; and easterly in Lee east to the intersection with Algerie Road in Otis; ZONE 4 SOUTH: Northerly by Zones 2 and 4N; westerly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. 9 and Rt. and easterly by a line running from the Vermont border by Zone 3; southerly by the Connecticut Border; and 32 in Ware east along Rt. 9 to the intersection with Rt. south along Rt. 112 to Rt. 143 in Worthington, along Rt. easterly by the Connecticut River. 67, southwest along Rt. 67 to the intersection with Rt. 143 west to the intersection with the Middle Branch of 19 in Warren, and south along Rt. 19 to the Connecti- the Westfield River, then south along the Middle Branch ZONE 5: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; cut border. of the Westfield River (also known as Trout Brook), to westerly by the Connecticut River; southerly by a line the intersection with the East Branch of the Westfield running from the intersection of the Connecticut River ZONE 8: Northerly by Zone 05; westerly by Zones 06 River, south along the East Branch of the Westfield River and Rte. 9 at the Northampton/Hadley line east along and 07; southerly by the Connecticut and Rhode Island to Rt. 20 in Huntington, west along Rt. 20 to Bonny Rigg Rte. 9 to Rte. 116 in Hadley, north along Rte. 116 to borders; and easterly by a line running from the inter- Hill Road in Becket, south on Bonny Rigg Hill Road to the Rte. 63 in North Amherst, east along Rte. 63 and Pine section of Rt. 62 and Rt. 31 in Princeton south on Rt. 31 intersection with Algerie Road, then south on Algerie Street to State Street, northeast along State Street and to Rt. 56 in Paxton, south on Rt. 56 to Rt. 9 in Leicester, Road to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). East Leverett Road to Cushman Road, along Cushman east on Rt. 9 to Cambridge Street in Worcester, east on Road to Shutesbury Road in East Leverett, east on Cambridge Street to Rt. 146, and southeast on Rt. 146 ZONE 3: Northerly by Zone 01; westerly by the New Shutesbury Road and Leverett Road to Wendell Road in to the Rhode Island border. York border; southerly by the New York and Connecti- Shutesbury Center, north along Wendell Road to Locks cut border; and easterly by a line running south along Pond Road, north on Locks Pond Road to Lake View ZONE 9: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; Elm Street from the junction with Rt. 9 in Pittsfield to Road, northeast on Lake View Road to Locks Village westerly by Zones 5 and 8; southerly by the Rhode the Housatonic River, south along the Housatonic River Road, north along Locks Village Road to Depot Road Island border; and easterly by a line running from to the junction with the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) in Wendell, north on Depot Road to Rte. 2A in Orange, the New Hampshire border southeast on Rt. 3 to the in Lee, east along I-90 to the junction with Rt. 8 in West east on Rte. 2A to Rte. 32 in Athol, south on Rte. 32 to intersection with Rt. I-495 in Chelmsford, south on Rt. Becket, and south along Rt. 8 to the Connecticut border. Rte. 62 in Barre, and east on Rte. 62 to the intersection I-495 to the intersection with Rt. 121 in Wrentham, and with Rte. 31 in Princeton; and easterly by a line running southwest on Rt. 121 to the Rhode Island border. north on Rte. 31 to the New Hampshire border.

24 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE WMA ZONES HUNTING

For wildlife management purposes, Massachusetts is broken into 15 Wildlife Management Zones. Zones are delineated based on their capacity to support deer and other wildlife (e.g., differences in geography, vegetation, climate, soil, land use practices, landownership, and human density). Wildlife populations can be monitored so that informed management decisions can be made for each zone.

Antlerless deer permits are allocated by Wildlife Manage- ment Zone. In regions of the state where there are high numbers of deer per square mile, a larger number of antlerless deer permits are made available. Conversely, in regions with relatively fewer deer, fewer antlerless deer permits are allocated for hunters.

ZONE 10: Northerly by the New Hamp- shire border; westerly by Zone 09; southerly by a line running from the intersection of Rt. I-495 and Rt. 121 in Wrentham, northeast along Rt. 121 to the intersection of Rt. 1A, northeast along Rt. 1A to the intersection with Rt. 128 in Dedham, east on Rt. 128 to the intersection with Rt. 3 in Braintree, east on Rt. 3 to the intersection with Rt. 228 in Rockland, and north on Rt. 228 to the Hull town line, including the Town of Hull.

ZONE 11: Northerly by Zones 09 and 10; westerly by the Rhode Island border; southerly by Buz- zards Bay and the Cape Cod Canal; and easterly by the Atlantic Ocean.

ZONE 12: Northerly by the Atlantic Ocean (Cape Cod Bay); westerly by Zone 11; southerly by the Atlantic Ocean (Vine- yard Sound); and easterly by the Atlantic Ocean.

ZONE 13: Dukes County (i.e. Martha's Vineyard and Elizabeth Islands).

ZONE 14: Nantucket.

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 25 HUNTING LAWS & REGULATIONS

MASSACHUSET TS TRAVEL: Rifles, shotguns, and muzzleload- CLOSED HUNTING ers may not be carried on public ways un- GUN LAWS less the person is lawfully engaged in hunt- SEASONS ing. When transported in a motor vehicle, POSSESSION: For hunting, resident Hunting seasons are closed throughout rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders must be citizens ages 15 and over must have a Fire- the year on all birds and mammals not unloaded and in an enclosed case. A large arms Identification Card (FID) to possess a mentioned herein or in Massachusetts capacity firearm must be carried unloaded low-capacity rifle or shotgun. A License To Migratory Game Bird Regulations. During and contained within a locked trunk or in a Carry (LTC) (age 21 and over) is needed to shotgun deer season all hunting seasons locked case or other secure container. possess large capacity rifles and shotguns are closed except for deer, bear, coyote, and all handguns. These gun licenses are STORAGE: State law requires that when- and waterfowl. issued by local Police Departments. Non- ever a gun is not under your direct control, residents with a valid Massachusetts non- it must be kept in a locked container or RESTRICTIONS DURING resident hunting license do not need an LTC equipped with a tamper-resistant mechani- THE YOUTH DEER HUNT or FID to possess or carry a rifle or shotgun, cal lock. Muzzleloaders are exempt from but must carry their firearms unloaded and this requirement. in a case while traveling in their vehicles. The Youth Deer Hunt Day will be held on Non-residents may not purchase guns or September 29, 2018. If hunting other game PENALTIES: License revoked for one year animals on this date, additional require- ammunition in Massachusetts. To obtain a in addition to other penalties; fines of up non-resident License To Carry or a non-res- ments must be followed: rifles and hand- to $1,000; restitutions; and/or 1 year in guns are prohibited for hunting any game; ident permit to possess handguns, contact jail. Careless and negligent use of firearms: the CHSB (Criminal History Systems Board), dogs may not be used for hunting any game fines of up to $500 and/or 6 months impris- except for waterfowl hunting (ducks and Firearms Support Services (see below). No onment and loss of license for 5 years. gun license is needed by bow hunters, nor geese) on coastal waters and salt marshes; by minors 12-14 years old hunting with a all hunters must wear a minimum of 500 For more gun law information, contact the square inches of blaze orange on their duly licensed adult, nor for the possession Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau, of primitive rifles or shotguns as defined in chest, back, and head; waterfowl hunters 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA are required to wear blaze orange in transit MGL Ch. 140, Section 121, or their ammuni- 02150, (617) 660-4780 , or mass.gov/cjis. tion. However, an LTC or FID is required to to and from their blind or boat. purchase all ammunition including black powder and Pyrodex. HUNTER HARASSMENT OPEN HUNTING SEASONS Hunter harassment is against state law. Re- CAUTION: Massachusetts public safety The following species may be taken year- port violations to the Environmental Police laws define primitive arms differently from round (except during shotgun deer sea- (800) 632-8075 or to state or local police. the laws and regulations of MassWildlife. son) by licensed hunters with no daily or Be prepared to provide a description of seasonal bag limit: English sparrow, flying violators and/or a description and license squirrel, red squirrel, chipmunk, porcupine, plate number of the car. skunk, starling, weasel, woodchuck.

TEN BASIC RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY 1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. 6. Unload your firearm when climbing a tree, crossing a fence, jumping a ditch or traversing slippery or steep ter- 2. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep the rain. Never pull a firearm toward you by the muzzle. action open and unloaded. Keep the safety “on” and your finger off the trigger. 7. Be aware of the potential for ricochet. Never shoot at a hard, flat surface or water. 3. Be sure the barrel of the firearm is clear of obstructions. Check the chamber and magazine every time you pick it 8. Unload firearms when not in use, leaving the action open. up. Only carry and use ammunition appropriate for your Transport and carry firearms unloaded and cased when firearm. traveling to and from the field or target practice

4. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to 9. Store firearms and ammunition separately in locked com- shoot. Agree to safe zones of fire for yourself and hunting partments and beyond the reach of children. companions and never swing beyond your area. 10. Never use alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgment 5. Positively identify your target and what lies beyond. Make before or while shooting. sure there is an adequate backstop when hunting or target practicing.

26 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE LAWS & REGULATIONS HUNTING Need to Know HUNTING HOURS HARVEST REPORTING On the Go? The Massachusettes Guide is Hunting hours are from ½ hour before Upon harvesting a deer, bear, or turkey, you now available online through sunrise to ½ hour after sunset on each day must immediately fill out and attach the your mobile devices! of open season (see Sunrise-Sunset table, paper tag from your permit or license to the page 28) except for: carcass. Your game must remain intact (other than field dressing), with the harvest tag • Rabbit, hare, fox, and coyote hunting, attached, until it is reported. Hunters may which close at midnight, except during report their harvested game online or bring the shotgun deer season when coyote their game to an official check station. All hunting closes ½ hour after sunset. deer harvested during the first week of the shotgun deer season must be brought to an • Spring turkey hunting (see page 32). official check station for biological data collection. For detailed information on Online • Raccoon and opossum hunting (see Game Check, visit the Game Check Station page 42). page on mass.gov/dfw/checkstation. If you report your harvest online, you will be issued • WMA Reg. #10 (page 23) which states a confirmation number. You must write the that no person shall hunt before sunrise number on the harvest tag attached to the or after sunset on any WMA where carcass. The harvest tag with harvest report pheasant or quail are stocked during confirmation number must remain attached the pheasant or quail season except for to the carcass until it is prepared for food or the hunting of raccoons and opossums taxidermy purposes. Hunters who harvest a between 9pm and 3am. deer, bear, or turkey are required to check their game within 48 hours of killing the ani- • Migratory game bird hunting, which is ½ mal. For a complete list of official checking hour before sunrise to sunset, except for stations visit mass.gov/dfw/checkstation. For Early Canada Goose season when hunt- general furbearer checking requirements, Powered by ing hours end 1/2 hour after sunset. see page 44. eRegulations.com

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (ATVS, OHVS, DIRT BIKES) It is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle on any WMA or other property owned or controlled by MassWildlife; and on most state park and state forest lands. It is illegal to operate these vehicles on private lands without the written permission of the landowner. Age restrictions apply; operators under the age of 18 must take a safety course. For more information, contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075, or go to mass.gov/ole.

A portion of the revenue from vehicle registration is used to support legal riding opportunities; to find a list of State Parks and Forests that allow OHV operation visit: mass.gov/dcr/orv.

LANDOWNER LIABILITY Landowners permitting use of their property for recreation without charging a fee are not liable for injuries to recreational users of the property except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by the owner. (MGL Ch. 21 § 17C) Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council

BEAR SPRAY /SELF-DEFENSE SPRAY Laws pertaining to self-defense sprays are outlined in M.G.L. c. 140 § 122D. For information about carrying and using self-defense spray as a bear deterrent go to mass.gov/bears and click on FAQs.

Serving Massachusetts’ Sportsmen Since 1929 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE www.masportsmen.org 27 GENERAL SUNSET-SUNRISE

2018 SUNRISE-SUNSET TABLE FOR WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

DAY RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET RISE SET

AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM 1 7:16 4:25 7:01 5:01 6:22 5:38 6:29 7:14 5:42 7:47 5:13 8:18 5:15 8:27 5:41 8:06 6:13 7:20 6:45 6:28 7:21 5:40 6:57 4:16 2 7:16 4:26 7:00 5:02 6:20 5:39 6:27 7:15 5:41 7:48 5:13 8:18 5:15 8:27 5:42 8:05 6:14 7:19 6:46 6:26 7:22 5:39 6:58 4:16 3 7:16 4:27 6:59 5:04 6:18 5:40 6:26 7:16 5:39 7:49 5:12 8:19 5:16 8:27 5:43 8:03 6:15 7:17 6:47 6:24 7:23 5:38 6:59 4:15 4 7:16 4:28 6:58 5:05 6:17 5:41 6:24 7:17 5:38 7:51 5:12 8:20 5:16 8:27 5:44 8:02 6:16 7:15 6:48 6:23 7:25 5:36 7:00 4:15 5 7:16 4:29 6:57 5:06 6:15 5:43 6:22 7:18 5:37 7:52 5:12 8:20 5:17 8:26 5:45 8:01 6:17 7:13 6:49 6:21 7:26 5:35 7:01 4:15 6 7:16 4:30 6:56 5:07 6:14 5:44 6:20 7:19 5:36 7:53 5:11 8:21 5:18 8:26 5:46 8:00 6:18 7:12 6:50 6:19 6:27 4:34 7:02 4:15 7 7:16 4:31 6:54 5:09 6:12 5:45 6:19 7:20 5:34 7:54 5:11 8:22 5:18 8:26 5:47 7:58 6:19 7:10 6:51 6:18 6:28 4:33 7:03 4:15 8 7:16 4:32 6:53 5:10 6:10 5:46 6:17 7:21 5:33 7:55 5:11 8:22 5:19 8:25 5:48 7:57 6:20 7:08 6:53 6:16 6:30 4:32 7:04 4:15 9 7:16 4:33 6:52 5:11 6:09 5:47 6:15 7:23 5:32 7:56 5:11 8:23 5:20 8:25 5:49 7:56 6:21 7:07 6:54 6:14 6:31 4:31 7:05 4:15 10 7:15 4:34 6:51 5:13 6:07 5:49 6:14 7:24 5:31 7:57 5:10 8:23 5:21 8:24 5:50 7:54 6:22 7:05 6:55 6:13 6:32 4:30 7:06 4:15 11 7:15 4:35 6:50 5:14 6:05 5:50 6:12 7:25 5:30 7:58 5:10 8:24 5:21 8:24 5:51 7:53 6:24 7:03 6:56 6:11 6:33 4:29 7:06 4:15 12 7:15 4:36 6:48 5:15 7:03 6:51 6:11 7:26 5:29 7:59 5:10 8:24 5:22 8:23 5:52 7:52 6:25 7:01 6:57 6:09 6:35 4:28 7:07 4:15 13 7:15 4:37 6:47 5:17 7:02 6:52 6:09 7:27 5:28 8:00 5:10 8:25 5:23 8:23 5:53 7:50 6:26 7:00 6:58 6:08 6:36 4:27 7:08 4:15 14 7:14 4:39 6:46 5:18 7:00 6:53 6:07 7:28 5:27 8:01 5:10 8:25 5:24 8:22 5:54 7:49 6:27 6:58 6:59 6:06 6:37 4:26 7:09 4:16 15 7:14 4:40 6:44 5:19 6:58 6:54 6:06 7:29 5:26 8:02 5:10 8:26 5:25 8:22 5:55 7:47 6:28 6:56 7:01 6:05 6:38 4:25 7:09 4:16 16 7:13 4:41 6:43 5:20 6:57 6:55 6:04 7:30 5:25 8:03 5:10 8:26 5:25 8:21 5:56 7:46 6:29 6:54 7:02 6:03 6:40 4:24 7:10 4:16 17 7:13 4:42 6:41 5:22 6:55 6:57 6:03 7:32 5:24 8:04 5:10 8:26 5:26 8:20 5:57 7:44 6:30 6:52 7:03 6:01 6:41 4:23 7:11 4:16 18 7:12 4:43 6:40 5:23 6:53 6:58 6:01 7:33 5:23 8:05 5:10 8:27 5:27 8:19 5:58 7:43 6:31 6:51 7:04 6:00 6:42 4:23 7:11 4:17 19 7:12 4:44 6:39 5:24 6:51 6:59 5:59 7:34 5:22 8:06 5:11 8:27 5:28 8:19 5:59 7:41 6:32 6:49 7:05 5:58 6:43 4:22 7:12 4:17 20 7:11 4:46 6:37 5:25 6:50 7:00 5:58 7:35 5:21 8:07 5:11 8:27 5:29 8:18 6:00 7:40 6:33 6:47 7:06 5:57 6:45 4:21 7:12 4:18 21 7:10 4:47 6:36 5:27 6:48 7:01 5:56 7:36 5:20 8:08 5:11 8:27 5:30 8:17 6:01 7:38 6:34 6:45 7:08 5:55 6:46 4:20 7:13 4:18 22 7:10 4:48 6:34 5:28 6:46 7:02 5:55 7:37 5:19 8:09 5:11 8:28 5:31 8:16 6:02 7:37 6:35 6:44 7:09 5:54 6:47 4:20 7:13 4:19 23 7:09 4:49 6:33 5:29 6:45 7:03 5:53 7:38 5:19 8:10 5:11 8:28 5:32 8:15 6:04 7:35 6:36 6:42 7:10 5:52 6:48 4:19 7:14 4:19 24 7:08 4:51 6:31 5:30 6:43 7:05 5:52 7:39 5:18 8:11 5:12 8:28 5:33 8:14 6:05 7:33 6:37 6:40 7:11 5:51 6:49 4:19 7:14 4:20 25 7:07 4:52 6:30 5:32 6:41 7:06 5:50 7:41 5:17 8:12 5:12 8:28 5:34 8:13 6:06 7:32 6:38 6:38 7:12 5:50 6:50 4:18 7:15 4:21 26 7:07 4:53 6:28 5:33 6:39 7:07 5:49 7:42 5:16 8:13 5:12 8:28 5:35 8:12 6:07 7:30 6:39 6:37 7:14 5:48 6:52 4:18 7:15 4:21 27 7:06 4:54 6:27 5:34 6:38 7:08 5:48 7:43 5:16 8:14 5:13 8:28 5:36 8:11 6:08 7:29 6:40 6:35 7:15 5:47 6:53 4:17 7:15 4:22 28 7:05 4:56 6:25 5:35 6:36 7:09 5:46 7:44 5:15 8:14 5:13 8:28 5:36 8:10 6:09 7:27 6:42 6:33 7:16 5:45 6:54 4:17 7:16 4:23 29 7:04 4:57 6:23 5:37 6:34 7:10 5:45 7:45 5:15 8:15 5:14 8:28 5:37 8:09 6:10 7:25 6:43 6:31 7:17 5:44 6:55 4:16 7:16 4:23 30 7:03 4:58 6:32 7:11 5:43 7:46 5:14 8:16 5:14 8:28 5:38 8:08 6:11 7:24 6:44 6:30 7:19 5:43 6:56 4:16 7:16 4:24 31 7:02 5:00 6:31 7:12 5:14 8:17 5:40 8:07 6:12 7:22 7:20 5:41 7:16 4:25

Table shows Eastern Standard Time and daylight savings time — seen in bold. 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

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO GO FISHING OR BOATING? Public Access to the Waters of Massachusetts is a 146 page map booklet that provides information about current fishing and boating access sites. Send $8.00 payable to the Commonwealth of MA by check to:

Office of Fishing & Boating Access Department of Fish & Game 1 Rabbit Hill Road Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 389-7810

To view fishing and boating access locations online,visit mass.gov/fba.

28 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE PROHIBITIONS HUNTING

• Sale of all species of mammals and birds HUNTING PROHIBITIONS or parts thereof, except unprocessed heads & hides to a licensed furbuyer or • Importation, transportation, liberation, taxidermist, and shinbones & hooves of It is illegal to hunt, trap, or fish for or possession of any live vertebrate pro- deer to anyone. any birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, tected under MGL Ch. 131 except under or amphibians not listed within permit from the Director. • Shotgun ammunition: Except as pro- this Guide or in the Massachusetts vided below, no species other than deer, Migratory Game Bird Regulations. • It is illegal to import, process, or possess coyote, or waterfowl may be hunted or whole carcasses or parts of any cervids taken with shot larger than #1 birdshot. (members of the deer family) from states Except during the prescribed open season • Airbows: No person shall use or have in or provinces where Chronic Wasting when deer may be hunted lawfully with his possession or under his control while Disease has been detected (including NY a shotgun, a person shall not have in his hunting, any arrow gun or any firearm or and PA). It is legal to import deer meat possession a shotgun shell loaded with other device which projects or propels an that is de-boned, cleaned skull caps, hides a rifled slug, single ball, buckshot of any arrow, dart or bolt by gunpowder, com- without the head, or a fixed taxidermy size, or any shot larger than or equal to pressed air, or by any other means except mount. No live deer, of any species, may air rifle shot in any place where birds by the flexing and release of a bow string. be brought into Massachusetts for any or mammals may be found except on a purpose. skeet, trap, or target range between sun- • Artificial lights for hunting any bird or rise and sunset, or except for the hunting mammal except raccoon and opossum. • Intoxication and drugs: No person under of coyotes (a) during the prescribed open the influence of intoxicating liquor or season for coyotes with shot not larger • Baiting migratory game birds, wild turkey, drugs shall hunt, target shoot, carry a fire- than FF; or (b) during the shotgun deer bear, or deer during or within 10 days of arm, bow and arrow, or other weapon. season when coyotes may be hunted only the start of the season. This does not ap- with archery, muzzleloader, or shotgun— • Loaded shotgun or rifle in or on any mo- ply to the hunting of crows. using slugs, buckshot, or shot of any size; tor vehicle, recreational vehicle (including or, except as specified in the annual Mi- snowmobiles), aircraft or motor boat, • Careless or negligent use of firearms. gratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. except as stated in the Migratory Game • Choke traps, leghold traps, or nets for Bird Hunting Regulations. • Swivel or pivot guns for hunting any bird. taking any bird or mammal. • Machine guns, fully-automatic firearms, • Taking nests, destroying, or disturbing • Crossbows are allowed for certain dis- any tracer or incendiary ammunition for eggs or nests of birds. abled persons only (see Archery, page 22). hunting. • Target shooting on Sunday except on • Decoys for hunting deer. • Moose hunting is illegal. one’s own property or on a recognized shooting range. • Discharge of any firearm or release of • Motor vehicles, off-highway vehicles any arrow upon or across any state or (including snowmobiles), and/or aircraft • Traps for taking birds except under per- hard-surfaced highway, or within 150 feet for hunting any bird or mammal. mit. All traps except cage or box traps and of any such highway, or possession of a common mouse or rat traps are unlawful • Possession of any Massachusetts Endan- loaded firearm, discharge of a firearm, or for the taking of fur-bearing mammals. hunting on the land of another within 500 gered Species Act-listed plants and/or feet of any dwelling or building in use, wildlife, dead or alive, except by permit. • Vandalism or damage to property or except as authorized by the owner or oc- livestock. cupant thereof. See page 26 for additional • Possession of rifles, handguns, or dogs firearms regulations. in any woodland or field, or use of same PENALTIES: License revoked for one year on any game, is prohibited during the in addition to other penalties; fines of up to • Electronic calls for hunting migratory shotgun deer season except that the use $1,000, restitutions, and /or 1 year in jail. game birds, wild turkey, or deer. This does of dogs is lawful for hunting waterfowl on Careless and negligent use of firearms; fines not apply to the hunting of crows. coastal waters. of up to $500 and /or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license for 5 years. • Ferrets: It is unlawful to hunt with a • Power or sailboats for hunting birds ferret. Possession of non-vaccinated/un- except when beached or tied to a blind or neutered ferrets/fitches without a permit for retrieving injured birds. is unlawful. • Removal of any mammal from walls, or TRANSPORT OF • Rifles and handguns are prohibited on holes in trees, ground, or logs. FISH AND WILDLIFE WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail It is a violation of Federal Law to during the pheasant and quail season. • Rifles chambered to take ammunition transport illegally taken fish or larger than .22 caliber long rifle, and wildlife across state lines. For addi- • Hunting on posted land without permission. pistols and revolvers chambered to take ammunition larger than .38 caliber, tional information contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of • Hunting on Sunday. between the hours of ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise. Law Enforcement, (617) 889-6616.

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 29 WILDLIFE LANDS

was the 84 acres added to the 170-acre South- wick WMA. Plans are to continue grassland restoration on these newly acquired acres, which will support more pairs of Grasshopper Sparrows and other grassland birds, as well as Eastern Box Turtle.

Central District staff completed 7 acquisitions protecting 384 acres at a cost of $563,500. In particular, the Gardner to Winchendon Landscape Partnership Grant project provided DFG with the opportunity to create its first fee-holding block at the 19th Hill Wildlife Man- WILDLIFE LANDS agement Area. The DFG was able to partner with the City of Gardner, Town of Winchendon and non-profit organizations to negotiate the ACQUISITION IN FY17 protection of over 612 acres, 293 of which are permanently protected by DFG and open to the The mission of the Land Protection Program, Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and public for passive recreation, including hunt- a joint effort of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Easements (WCE) are ing. The remaining protected 319 acres will be Game (DFG) and the Division of Fisheries open to fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife managed by the municipalities. Extensive areas and Wildlife (MassWildlife), is to protect the observation, boating, hiking, and other of ecologically significant wetland and upland ecological integrity of the Commonwealth and passive wildlife-related recreation. These habitats are now protected for the benefit of provide wildlife-related recreational opportu- wildlife lands, found from the Berkshires to the Commonwealth and at a major cost savings nities to the public. Each year the Land Protec- the Cape and Islands, include river corridors, thanks to the availability of state grant funds. tion Program seeks to expand existing wildlife wetlands, forested and grassy uplands, lands, enhance public access to lands and wa- habitat for state-listed endangered and In the Northeast District, land staff completed ters for wildlife-related recreation, and protect threatened species, and high quality parcels 14 projects conserving 357 acres of land at a key fish and wildlife habitats. Most funding for of other important habitat types. cost of $1,647,975, two of which deserve men- land acquisition is from bond capital, with the tion here. In Ipswich, roughly 55 acres were remaining portion provided by the Wildlands In the Western District, 9 acquisitions were acquired along Castle Neck Creek, a tidally- Stamp Fund, a $5 fee added to each purchase completed in FY17 protecting a total of influenced river, and added to Great Marsh of a hunting, fishing, or trapping license. 1,115 acres at a cost of $1,281,000. Five of North WMA. The majority of this purchase the nine projects involved acquiring in- was funded by a North American Wetlands Fiscal Year 2017 was a surprisingly strong year holdings inside the boundaries of the Peru, Conservation Act grant. The Town of Ipswich for land protection in Massachusetts, with Chalet, Long Mountain and Ram Hill Wildlife and Essex County Greenbelt acquired an abut- land agents completing 53 projects conserving Management Areas. ting 70 acres creating an even larger block of 4,712 acres of valuable wildlife habitat at a cost protected land. of $5.6 million. Altogether 3,468 acres were Twelve projects were concluded in the Con- conserved via purchase and another 1,244 necticut Valley District protecting 1,070 acres Nine land conservation projects were executed acres were donated to the Commonwealth. at a cost of $1,561,551. The key acquisition in the Southeast District involving a total of 1,715 acres at a cost of $1,485,000. FY17 will WESTERN VALLEY CENTRAL NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST TOTAL be remembered as a great year for completing projects that were many years in the making. WMA 46,386.3 19,369.8 38,614.4 13,938.9 43,071.1 161,380.5 For example, a project adding 81 acres Taunton WCE 15,362.8 8,733.7 8,725.5 2,126.5 11,277.0 46,225.5 River frontage to the Taunton River WMA Access 35.8 518.3 683.4 234.7 54.7 1,526.8 began over seven years ago. Likewise, a gift of Sanctuary 435.0 367.9 552.5 73.0 1,428.4 a conservation restriction over the 486-acre WCR 69.4 2.4 746.4 127.0 37.9 983.1 Copicut Woods in the Southeast Massachusetts Installation 2.4 436.1 106.4 114.4 659.3 BioReserve closed a project chapter that dates all the way back to 2000. FY17 also saw the Other 372.0 5.0 377.0 acquisition of the 510-acre Atwood Reservoir TOTAL 62,291.7 29,060.4 49,137.6 17,457.9 54,633.0 212,580.6 property in Carver, which was the most signifi- WMA (Wildlife Management Area) – Land owned outright by DFG/MassWildlife. Open to the public cant project of the year from a public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other passive recreation. Subject to Wildlife Management Area and natural resource perspective. Regulations WCE (Wildlife Conservation Easement) – DFG/MassWildlife owns development and recreation rights. The 4,226 acres conserved across the Com- Open to the public for hunting, fishing, trapping and other passive recreation. monwealth in FY17 bring the total acreage Access Areas – Property providing public recreation access to water bodies or adjacent conservation to over 212,880.3 acres, which is over 332 lands owned by a third party. (Does not include Office of Fishing and Boating Access boat launches, square miles of permanently protected wild- ramps or fishing piers) life habitat. These lands were conserved with Wildlife Sanctuary – Wildlife properties donated to MassWildlife and governed by statute and your help and are for your enjoyment. Start regulation, fishing, hunting, and trapping are prohibited; other public recreation access is permitted. planning your next outdoor adventure — visit WCR (Wildlife Conservation Restriction) – DFG or MassWildlife owns development rights, but public mass.gov/dfw/wildlife-lands to view maps of access is not allowed. These lands buffer wildlife habitat by preventing unwanted development. wildlife lands.

30 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE BLACK BEAR HUNTING

BLACK BEAR

OPEN SEASON POSSESSION ANNUAL DAILY BAG LIMIT (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) LIMIT LIMIT

First Season Sept. 4 – Sept. 22 Second Season Nov. 5 – Nov. 24 Black Bear Zones 1–14 See "Black Bear," below. 1 Shotgun Season Nov. 26 – Dec. 8 (restrictions apply*) *Hunters must wear 500 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest and back. Rifles and handguns prohibited.

Use of dogs for training or hunting is HOW OLD IS THAT BEAR? prohibited (see Hunting Dogs on page 22). Baiting of bears is prohibited. During MassWildlife collects bear teeth to deter- the shotgun season; rifles and handguns mine the age demographics of the harvest. are prohibited; shotguns, muzzleloaders, Contribute to the scientific management of Photo © Bill Byrne and archery equipment allowed. Hunting the MA Black Bear population! Follow the hours close ½ hour after sunset except as instructions below and you will receive a BLACK BEAR noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 23). Success- letter in June or July with the age of your ful hunters must immediately fill out and harvested bear. Permit required (see page 8). Limit one detach bear tag from permit and attach tag bear per year. Hunting only with rifle .23 to bear prior to moving it, and then must 1. Remove either the left or right premolar caliber or larger; muzzleloader .44–.775 check/report their harvest within 48 hours (see photo below), the small tooth just caliber, fired from the shoulder, using a by EITHER 1) reporting online and writing behind the canine. Using a small sharp single projectile; bows, draw weight 40 lbs. the harvest report confirmation number knife, or a sharp ¼-inch wood chisel, or greater; revolvers .357 Magnum or .40 on tag attached to the bear (see page 27 slide the blade down the side of the caliber or larger; or shotgun, no larger than for details), or 2) bringing the bear to an tooth and cut or separate the gum tissue 10 gauge, including shotguns with a rifled official check station. Bear can only be where it sticks to the tooth. Using small bore, slugs or single ball only. Hunting field dressed, must not be concealed (bear needle-nose pliers or the pliers on your implements are restricted by season, see or part of bear must remain open to view multi-tool, wiggle the tooth slightly until table below. Revolvers permitted during during transport), and must remain intact you can pull it out of the jawbone and first season only, shotguns permitted dur- or whole (do not skin, butcher, or take to the gum. The root is the most important ing shotgun season only. a taxidermist for mounting) until bear has part; go slow and be careful not to break been checked/reported. this very small tooth. During the shotgun season hunters must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange on 2. Put the tooth in a small envelope or their head, chest, and back. bag and mark it with your name, mailing address, customer ID number, and confirmation number (or seal number) ALLOWABLE HUNTING IMPLEMENTS of your bear. Enclose everything in a FOR BEAR SEASONS mailing envelope and send it to: Black HUNTING Bear Aging, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill FIRST SEASON SECOND SEASON SHOTGUN SEASON IMPLEMENT Rd., Westborough, MA 01581. Rifle*   Revolver*  Muzzleloader*    Archery    Shotgun  * Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during pheasant/quail season.

ANIMALS TAGGED FOR RESEARCH Some bear, deer, coyotes, and other animals may have ear tags or radio collars. It is legal to harvest them. If you find or take one of these animals, contact DFW’s Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 immediately. You will be asked for information that will help biologists determine the source and status of these animals AND you will be asked to return the equipment to MassWild- life. Thank you for your cooperation.

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 31 HUNTING UPLAND GAME BIRDS HUNTING

UPLAND GAME BIRDS

OPEN SEASON DAILY BAG POSSESSION SEASON (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) LIMIT LIMIT LIMIT UPLAND GAME BIRDS*

Spring: Zones 1–13 April 30 – May 26

Wild Turkey Fall: Zones 1–13 Oct. 22 – Nov. 3 See "Wild Turkey," below.

Youth Hunt: Zones 1–13 April 28 (see box below)

Jan. 1 – April 9 Crow Zones 1–14 — — — July 2 – April 10, 2019

Zones 1–14 Oct. 13 – Nov. 24 2 4 6 Pheasant Youth Hunt See page 47.

Quail Zones 11–14 Oct. 13 – Nov. 24 4 8 20

Ruffed Grouse Zones 1–14 Oct. 13 – Nov. 24 3 6 15

Upland game bird hunting is closed during the shotgun deer season.

CROW Hull town line, including the town of Hull archery equipment (see ARCHERY page 22). and also in Dukes and Nantucket counties. Use of electronic calls, dogs, bait, and driv- May be hunted on Fridays, Saturdays, and See WMA Reg. #9–11 (page 23). ing turkeys is prohibited. Successful hunters Mondays only during the open season. must fill out tag attached to permit and Electronic calls, rifles, and bait are permis- QUAIL immediately (prior to moving) attach it to sible. Hunting hours close ½ hour after turkey, and must check/report their harvest sunset except as noted in WMA Reg. #10 Zones 11–14 only (see page 24). See WMA within 48 hours by EITHER 1) reporting on- (see page 23). Crow hunting season may Reg. #9–11 (page 23). line and writing the assigned confirmation coincide with the Youth Deer hunt, special number on tag attached to turkey (see page restrictions apply, see page 30. RUFFED GROUSE 27 for details), or 2) bringing the turkey to an official check station. PHEASANT See WMA Reg. #9–11 (page 23). SPECIAL UPLAND BIRD Cocks (males) and hens (females) may be WILD TURKEY HUNTING OPTION hunted on all WMAs statewide. Only cocks can be hunted eastward of the zone from Permit required. Official safety sticker Licensed hunters may submit an applica- the New Hampshire border south on I-95 to must be adhered to firearm such that it is tion to MassWildlife District offices for I-495, south on I-495 to I-95, north on I-95 visible to the hunter when sighting down a free 1 day permit that allows the pri- to I-93/128, east on I-93/128 to Rt. 3, south the barrel (typically placed on the tang). If vate purchase, liberation, and hunting of on Rt. 3 to Rt. 228, north on Rt. 228 to the new or replacement sticker is needed, send ring-necked pheasants and/or bobwhite self-addressed, stamped envelope to any quail on selected WMAs (see below) from MassWildlife office. Spring hunting hours: January 1 – March 31. If purchasing birds ½ hour before sunrise to 12:00 noon. Fall from out of state, a separate importation YOUNG ADULT hunting hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ permit is required. Permits are issued on TURKEY HUNT hour after sunset except as noted in WMA a first-come, first-served basis; only one Reg. #10 (page 23). scheduled hunt will be allowed per day on REQUIREMENTS each specific WMA. There is no minimum To participate, Hunter Ed. gradu- Bag Limit: Annual limit of 2 wild turkeys or maximum stocking limit, or daily/season ates age 12 to 17 must complete total, only one turkey may be harvested per bag limit. For a complete list of procedures the Youth Turkey Hunt Program day; EITHER (a) 2 bearded birds in spring and locations available for this permit, (details on page 47). All past par- season (1 per day) with NO fall bird allowed, contact any MassWildlife District office (see ticipants MUST complete and mail OR (b) 1 bearded bird in spring season, and page 5). Locations include: Crane WMA in the past participant application 1 bird of either sex in fall season. No hunter and Erwin Wilder WMA (SE District), Bolton may take 2 birds in the fall season. Hunting which can be found at mass.gov/ Flats WMA and Winnimusset WMA (Central only with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge District), Martin Burns WMA (NE District), dfw/pastparticipantapp. or .775 caliber smoothbore muzzleloading Herm Covey WMA (CT Valley District), shotguns using #4-#7 size shot, and with Housatonic Valley WMA (Western District).

32 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE UPLAND GAME BIRDS HUNTING

IDENTIFYING HEN (FEMALE) AND TOM (MALE) WILD TURKEYS DURING THE SPRING HUNTING SEASON A small proportion of female turkeys may have a beard and therefore can be legally harvested. However, their loss reduces the reproductive potential of the turkey population. To avoid misidentification, use the following features below to accurately determine the turkey's sex. Photos © Bill Byrne

TOM FEATURE HEN Red, blue, or white colors with snood Head Blue-gray, no snood (fleshy mass over the beak) Dark, brown-black Body Light, rusty brown Long bristle/filament-like beard Beard Usually no beard Present Spurs Usually absent Gobble, drum Calls Yelps, clucks, cuts Strut with tail fanned and wings dropped Strut Do not strut or fan tail Larger than hen Size 1⁄2 to 2⁄3 size of tom

TURKEY HUNTING SAFETY TIPS Quail Ridge Kennel Ridge and Preserve • Don’t stalk birds; sit or stand and • Never assume that you are alone call the turkeys to you. in the woods — even if you are the Kennel & Preserve only one on the land with permis- • Don’t wear red, white, blue or black sion to hunt. anywhere on your body where the colors might be exposed during • Use hen calls. A gobbler call might your hunt. attract other hunters.

• Don’t hide in a place where your • To protect yourself from accidental- view is obstructed. ly being struck by shotgun pellets, www.quailridgekennelandpreserve.com always sit with your back against a www.QuailRidgeKennelandPreserve.com • Be completely sure of your target and tree trunk, big log or a boulder that For over 30 years, our passion for training, hunting, competing,We o erand German most importantly, Shorthair raising pups topfrom quality high what is beyond it before you shoot. is wider than your body. quality bloodlines, occasionally started or Germannished dogs Shorthairs are available. has continually grown. • Positively identify male vs. female • Avoid unnecessary movement. This Custom guided hunts on our exquisite shooting turkeys. Although bearded hens are alerts turkeys and could attract preserve We o er pups guarantee from high a satisfyingquality bloodlines, yield ofoccasionally pheasant started or nished dogs are available. legal to hunt during the spring season, hunters. and chukar partridge. their loss reduces the reproductive Custom guided hunts on our exquisite shooting preserve Professional training for all sporting breeds. potential of wild turkeys in your area. • Don’t carry harvested birds or guarantee a satisfying yield of pheasant & chukar partridge. decoys in the open. Cover birds with Grooming Boarding and shop professional and all training breed services boarding. o ered. • If another hunter approaches your set- fluorescent orange or completely up, call out in a loud, clear voice. Make conceal from view in a game bag. sure your presence is acknowledged before you move. Never wave to alert another hunter of your presence.

Contact Steve Hopko for details 860.684.2252 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE Contact Steve Hopko for more details at 860.684.2252 33 HUNTING MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS

LIVE DECOYS No person shall hunt migratory game birds with the aid of live decoys or domesticated fowl of any kind. Such fowl must be removed for 10 consecutive days prior to hunting and be confined in an enclosure which reduces the audibility of their calls and conceals them from the sight of migratory waterfowl.

NON-TOXIC SHOT Is required for all waterfowl and coot hunting - no lead shot in possession. Waterfowl hunters must use non-toxic shot up to and including BBB shot while hunting waterfowl.

PROHIBITED DEVICES No one shall hunt migratory birds using a sinkbox, trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, air gun, swivel gun, punt gun, Photo © Bill Byrne battery gun, machine gun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive or stupefying substance.

LIFE JACKETS Anyone aboard a canoe or Due to a new federal regulatory cycle, migratory game bird hunting seasons kayak from Sept. 15–May 15 must wear a and bag limits will be set by April 30. Seasons and bag limits are not included life jacket (PFD). in this guide, but will be posted on the MassWildlife website by mid-May. Printed copies of the Migratory Game Bird Regulations, including seasons, bag SHIPMENT Any package containing migratory game birds must be marked on the limits will be available in August. outside with the name and address of the sender and recipient and number of birds, by species, contained inside.

No one may take migratory game birds ex- ELECTRONIC CALLS No person shall take SHOTGUN Migratory game birds may be cept during days and hours open to hunting. migratory game birds using pre-recorded hunted with shotguns no larger than 10 No one shall take more than one daily bag calls or sounds or any electronic imitations gauge, fired from the shoulder. Shotguns limit per day nor possess more than one of calls. capable of holding more than 3 shells may daily bag limit in the field or while returning not be used unless plugged with a one- to vehicle, hunting camp, home, etc. FALCONRY All permitted ducks and coot piece filler which limits the gun’s total may be taken by falconry October 9 - Feb- capacity to 3 shells and which cannot be BAITING No person shall take migratory ruary 9. No geese. Falconry closed Sundays. removed without disassembling the gun. game birds by baiting (placing corn or any other food to constitute a lure or entice- HUNTING HOURS 1/2 hour before SHOTGUN DEER SEASONS During the ment) or hunting over a baited area. An sunrise to sunset except on WMAs stocked shotgun seasons for deer (including Youth area is considered baited for 10 days after with pheasant or quail during the pheas- Deer Hunt on Sep. 29, 2018), dogs can be removal of the bait. It is not necessary for ant or quail seasons when hunting hours used for waterfowl, snipe, rail, and falconry the hunter to know that the area is baited begin at sunrise. NEW: During Early Canada hunting only on coastal waters and salt to be in violation of this section. Goose season only, hunting hours end 1/2 marshes. All hunters must wear 500 square hour after sunset. inches of blaze orange (cap and vest) while BOW & ARROW Lawful for hunting hunting or in transit to their blind or boat migratory game birds. Use of crossbows IMPORTATION No person shall import during these periods. The orange may be allowed by those duly permitted. migratory game birds killed in any foreign removed once a hunter is in a blind or boat. country except Canada unless such birds DRESSING The head and one fully-feath- are dressed, drawn, and the head and feet STAMPS For most hunters, federal and ered wing must remain attached to each mi- removed. One fully-feathered wing must state stamps are required for hunting any gratory game bird while it is transported to remain on each bird transported between waterfowl: ducks (including sea ducks), the hunter’s home or preservation facility. port of entry and the hunter’s home or geese, or brant. Stamps are not required preservation facility. No person shall for hunting woodcock, snipe, rails, or coots. DRIVING A person shall not hunt migra- import migratory game birds belonging to (See page 9). tory game birds from or in connection with another. For further information on migra- a motor driven land conveyance, aircraft, tory game birds killed in another country, TAGGING Any migratory game birds not or any kind of motor or sail boat used in consult Title 50 CFR 20.61-20.66. in the custody of the hunter must be tagged concentrating or driving birds either for with the hunter’s signature, address, total himself or for others. number of birds by species, and dates such

34 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS HUNTING birds were killed. No person shall receive or with a valid MA waterfowl stamp. One have in custody another's migratory game firearm only. Adult hunter may not hunt birds unless such birds are properly tagged. and may carry firearm only when unloaded www.Drying123.com and cased. No license or waterfowl stamps VEHICLES/BOATS No person shall hunt required for Youth Waterfowl season hunt- migratory game birds from or with the aid ers aged 12–14. License and MA waterfowl . of a motor vehicle or other motor driven stamp required for 15 year old Youth PRESERVE YOUR WILD GAME. land conveyance or aircraft except that Waterfowl season hunters. License, MA A variety of dehydrators to choose from. paraplegics may take game birds from a waterfowl stamp, and federal waterfowl stationary motor vehicle or other land stamp required for Youth Waterfowl season conveyance. Further, no person may hunt hunters aged 16–17. All other migratory from or by means of any motor boat or game bird regulations and bag limits apply. Marinate, Dehydrate & Store sailboat unless the motor has been com- FF pletely shut off and/or sails furled and all HARVEST INFORMATION PROGRAM F progress therefrom has ceased. However, (HIP): Each calendar year, all woodcock, F a hunter may pick up or retrieve dead or rail, coot, snipe, and waterfowl hunters crippled birds from a craft under power must register with HIP by completing a and may shoot injured birds from powered survey when they purchase their license craft in coastal waters seaward of the first and/or Massachusetts waterfowl stamp JERKY GUNS upstream bridge. through any license vendor or online. Survey completion will be noted on your WANTON WASTE Hunters are required license providing proof you have regis- to make a reasonable effort to retrieve all tered with HIP. There is no fee. migratory birds killed or crippled. Cripples should be killed immediately, and, along SEASON DATES/BAG LIMITS Migrato- with all other birds killed, must be retained ry Game Bird season dates, bag limits, and by the hunter as part of the daily bag. hunting zone information are released in the spring. Visit mass.gov/dfw/migratory- YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT During the bird-hunting for more information. 5 TRAY DEHYDRATORS Youth Waterfowl Hunt season dates, only DRYING waterfowl hunters ages 12–17 may hunt SPACE ducks, coot, mergansers and geese. All youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter

9 TRAY DEHYDRATORS

1 DRYING SPACE

10 TRAY DEHYDRATORS

DIGITAL CONTROLS Photo © Dan Donnelly

CONSUMPTION ADVISORY A Waterfowl Consumption Advisory is in effect for the Housatonic River due to PCBs. For more information call the MA Depart- ment of Public Health at (617) 624-5757 or visit mass.gov/dph. Photo © Bill Byrne www.Drying123.com MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 35

EXC-1/3-pg_sequel_dehydrators-ad.indd 1 10/27/16 11:59 AM HUNTING DEER HUNTING

DEER HUNTING

OPEN SEASON POSSESSION DAILY BAG LIMIT ANNUAL LIMIT (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) LIMIT

1 antlered deer OR Youth Deer Hunt Sept. 29 See "Deer," below and pages 38–39. 1 antlerless deer in Zone specified in permit during season Paraplegic Hunt Nov. 1 – Nov. 3 Deer Archery (Zones 10 - 14) Oct. 1 - Nov. 24 2 antlered deer + Archery (Zones 1 - 9) Oct. 15 - Nov. 24 See "Deer," below and pages 38–39. antlerless deer by permit Shotgun Nov. 26 – Dec. 8 Primitive Firearms Dec. 10 – Dec. 31

Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT: A permit is of whether the applicant was successful or and close ½ hour after sunset except as required to take antlerless deer during any not will be instant. Selection is random and noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 23). deer season. To apply for an antlerless deer the odds of drawing a permit remain the permit, hunters must apply online or at a same throughout the Instant Award period. ANTLERED DEER: Any deer with at license vendor by July 16. Hunters may only Instant Award permit issuance is NOT first- least 1 antler 3 inches long measured on apply for 1 permit in a specific Wildlife Man- come-first-served. The odds of drawing a a straight line from the center of the front agement Zone (see WMZ map, page 24). The permit depend on the number of antlerless base of the antler burr to the tip. application is submitted through the Mass- deer permits issued for a given zone and FishHunt system by any license vendor, or the number of hunters that applied for that ANTLERLESS DEER: Any deer without online. To obtain a permit, applicants must zone. Successful applicants will be assessed antlers or both antlers less than 3 inches return to the MassFishHunt system during a $5.00 fee and may print the permit imme- long measured on a straight line from the the Instant Award period (Aug. 1 – Dec. 31) diately or at a later date. Details for surplus center of the front base of the antler burr and try to draw an antlerless deer permit in permits (any permits for undersubscribed to the tip. the zone to which they applied. Notification zones) will be announced in September. Colorado is Calling Answer the call

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36 DEER HUNTING

NOTE: Antlerless deer permits are valid SHOTGUN DEER SEASON: During shot- during any deer season in the specified gun deer season hunters may use shotguns zone only (see Zone map, page 24) and no larger than 10 gauge, bows and arrows, or www.Drying123.com must be in the hunter’s possession while muzzleloaders not smaller than .44 caliber, deer hunting. Each antlerless deer permit is or larger than .775 caliber. Hunters may use . valid for one antlerless deer. A hunter may modern muzzleloaders, hinge action muzzle- possess antlerless deer permits for more loaders, muzzleloaders with telescopic PRESERVE YOUR WILD GAME. than one zone (e.g., drawing a Zone 5 with sights, and sabot rounds. Rifled barrel shot- Prep with our new line of products. Instant Award and purchasing an additional guns are legal during shotgun deer season. antlerless deer permit for an undersubscribed zone, such as Zone 14). Antlerless deer permits are nontransferable. SPECIAL HUNTS e e TAGGING AND CHECKING REQUIRE- e e MENTS: Upon killing a deer hunters must • Quabbin and Blue Hills Controlled immediately fill out and detach paper tag Deer Hunts, see page 39 from permit/license and attach tag to deer • Paraplegic Sportsmen's Deer Hunt, MEAT GRINDERS prior to moving it, and then must check/report their harvest within 48 hours by EITHER Nov. 1 – Nov. 3, 2018, see page 38 • Youth Pheasant Hunt, see page 47 #8, #12, 1) reporting online and writing the harvest #22, #32 confirmation number on the tag attached • Youth Turkey Hunt, see page 47 HUBS to the deer (see page 27 for details), or 2) available. checking the deer at an official check station. • Youth Deer Hunt Date, see page 38 EXCEPTION: All deer harvested during the • Youth Waterfowl Hunting Dates, first week of the shotgun season must be see Migratory Game Bird brought to an official check station. Until Hunting Seasons and Dates (avail- checked/reported, the deer or part of deer able in Spring of 2018) must remain open to view during transport AND must remain intact or whole (deer may • Special Upland Game Bird Hunt, MEAT SLICERS be field-dressed, but not butchered, skinned, see page 32 or taken to a taxidermist for mounting). 7.5” to 12” blade sizes available.

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EXC-1/3-pg_sequel_slicer-grinderad-sausage.indd 1 10/27/16 11:59 AM HUNTING DEER HUNTING

The possession of rifles, handguns, or dogs hunting implements. Bag Limit: One antlered PRIMITIVE FIREARMS DEER SEASON: in any woodland or field, or use of same on deer statewide OR one antlerless deer in Primitive Firearms Stamp required. Hunters any game, is prohibited during the shotgun the Wildlife Management Zone (s) specified may use only shoulder-fired muzzleloaders deer season (youth deer hunt included) on the Permit. All youth hunters and any .44 caliber to .775 caliber; barrel length 18 except that the use of dogs is lawful for accompanying adults must wear at least 500 inches or more with only one barrel opera- hunting waterfowl on coastal waters. square inches of blaze orange on the chest, tional. Inline ignition systems are permitted back, and head. All harvest reporting require- providing rifle loads from the muzzle. Single BLAZE ORANGE: All hunters, including ments apply. projectile only (no buckshot). Sabot rounds, bowhunters, must wear a minimum of 500 209 primers, break/hinge-action muzzle- square inches of “blaze orange” on their PARAPLEGIC SPORTSMEN'S HUNT: loaders, and scopes are legal. Powder head, chest, and back during shotgun and There is a special deer hunt for paraplegic limited to black powder or black powder muzzleloader seasons. Cap and vest will sportsmen Nov. 1–3, 2018. Contact Mass- substitutes. A muzzleloader is considered suffice. Wildlife Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 unloaded when cap or pan powder is or visit mass.gov/masswildlife for more removed. Archers may hunt during the YOUTH DEER HUNT: The Youth Deer Hunt information. muzzleloader firearms season but must date is Sept. 29, 2018. Youth aged 12–17 purchase a Primitive Firearms Stamp. All may participate; permit required, see Minor ARCHERY DEER SEASON: Archery deer hunters must wear at least 500 square Hunters on page 8 for licensing require- Stamp required. Archers shall not pos- inches of hunter orange on head, back, and ments. Youth Deer Hunt Permits are free and sess firearms on their person or use dogs. chest during the primitive firearms season. available online at MassFishHunt (mass.gov/ Arrows must be well-sharpened steel massfishhunt), at MassWildlife offices, and broadhead blades no less than 7/8 inches in DAILY BAG: The daily bag limit is deter- anywhere hunting licenses are sold. Permits width. Expanding broadheads and me- mined by the number of valid tags or permits are available beginning August 1. The Youth chanical releases are legal. All bows, except a hunter possesses and whether or not the Deer Hunt Permit with its accompanying tag permitted crossbows, used for hunting hunter has checked/reported any deer. No is valid only for the day of the Youth Deer deer (recurve, long, and compound) must hunter may have more than 2 unreported Hunt and cannot be used during any other have a draw weight of at least 40 lbs. at 28 deer in possession at any time, with the deer hunting seasons. Shotgun, muzzleloader, inches or at peak draw. Blaze orange is not exception of Zones 13 and 14, where no or bow and arrow may be used. When a required except as noted in WMA Reg. #11 hunter may have more than 4 unreported minor is accompanied by an adult, only one (page 23). See page 22 for more archery deer in possession at any time. All deer must hunting implement between them is permit- information. be checked/reported within 48 hours of ted. Accompanying adults may not use any being killed.

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ANNUAL LIMIT: Two antlered deer, and as many antlerless deer as the hunter has www.Drying123.com valid permits. Note:www.Drying123.com Hunters may purchase www.Drying123.com www.Drying123.com additional antlerless deer permits for avail- DEHYDRATORS. able MEAT zones. PROCESSING. JERKY MAKING. THE TOTAL SOLUTION. PRESERVE YOUR WILD GAME. PRESERVEDRIVING DEER YOUR while WILD hunting GAME. is lawful. PRESERVE YOUR WILD GAME. PRESERVE YOUR WILD GAME. A variety of dehydrators to choose from. Prep with our new line of products. Professional products for home use. For the Outdoorsman / Hunter. BAITING OF DEER is prohibited during any deer season and any bait made avail- MAKE DELICIOUS JERKY able toTOOLS deer must THAT be removed MAKE 10 days prior PROCESS. PREPARE. PRESERVE. Products to preserve Marinate, Dehydrate & Store to the THEopening JOB of the EASIER first day of archery All the tools you need from Excalibur. your hard-earned game! DEER BUFFALO deer season.Grinders Bait includesMixers any natural or Jerky Guns Grinders SALMON FRUITS artificial substance which may be ingested Slicers Stuffers Dehydrators Stuffers DEHYDRATORS BEEF VEGGIES that is used to entice deer. Slicers Vacuum CHICKEN DOG TREATS Tenderizers Sealers ELK TRAIL MIX IMPORTATIONMEAT GRINDERS OF DEER PARTS from states or provinces where Chronic Wasting JERKY GUNS & SEASONING PACKS JERKY GUNS Disease (CWD) has been detected (including #8, #12, NY, PA, VA, WV, and MD) is illegal.#22, #32It is legal Photo © Kevin Long to import deboned meat, cleanedHUBS skull caps, MEAT PREPARATION AND PROCESSING hides without the head, or a fixedavailable. taxidermy mount. No live deer, of any species, may be Eileen Long harvested this doe in the North- brought into Massachusetts for any purpose. east Wildlife District during the 2017 Youth Deer Hunt Day. CONTROLLED DEER HUNT: Visit the Department of Conservation and Recre- ation's website at mass.gov/dcr for ap- NODEHYDRATORS HUNTING 5 TRAY DEHYDRATORS plication detailsMEAT onSLICERS their controlled hunts sq ON SUNDAY JERKY MAKING 8 ft (Quabbin and Blue Hills Reservation: typi- DRYING SPACE cally updated by early August). 7.5” to 12” blade sizes available.

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39 HUNTING RABBIT & SQUIRREL

RABBITS AND SQUIRREL HUNTING

OPEN SEASON DAILY BAG SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) LIMIT LIMIT

Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1–12 5 10 — Oct. 13 – Feb. 28, 2019 Cottontail Rabbit Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 13 and 14 5 10 — Nov. 15 – Feb 28, 2019 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1–4 2 4 — Oct. 13 – Feb. 28, 2019 Zones 5–12 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 2 4 — Snowshoe Hare Oct. 13 – Feb. 5, 2019 Zones 13 and 14 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 2 4 — Nov. 15 – Feb. 5, 2019 Zones 1–9 Sept. 10 – Jan. 2, 2019 5 10 — Gray Squirrel Zones 10–14 Oct. 13 – Jan. 2, 2019 5 10 — Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, and gray squirrel hunting seasons are closed during the shotgun deer season.

RABBIT AND HARE GRAY SQUIRREL ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset except on Wildlife Management Hunting hours ½ hour before sunrise Rifles and handguns of any caliber permit- Areas where pheasant or quail are stocked to midnight except on certain WMAs ted in Zones 1–9, prohibited in Zones 10–14 during the open season on pheasant and (see WMA Regulation #10 page 23). (see page 24). No trapping or netting. quail, when hunting hours are from sunrise Shotgun or bow and arrow only during to sunset (see WMA Regulation #9–11, the pheasant and quail seasons on WMAs page 23). Gray squirrel hunting season may stocked with pheasant or quail (see WMA coincide with the Youth Deer hunt, when Regulation #9, page 23). Hunting hours special restrictions apply. (see page 26)

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Subscribe online with a credit card at: Photocopy, or Clip and Mail! Subscribe today to your outdoor magazine. mass.gov/massfishhunt Yes! I want Massachusetts Wildlife! or send a check or money order to: Start my subscription with the next issue. Name Massachusetts Wildlife Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Address 251 Causeway St., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114 City State Zip Attn: Magazine Sales AB2018 (make checks out to Comm. of MA–MassWildlife)

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41 HUNTING FURBEARERS

FURBEARER HUNTING

OPEN SEASON DAILY BAG SEASON POSSESSION LIMIT (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) LIMIT LIMIT Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Bobcat Zones 1–8 — — — Dec. 20 – Mar. 8, 2019 Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Coyote Zones 1–14 — — — Oct. 13 – Mar. 8, 2019 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Fox (red or gray) Zones 1–14 — — — Nov. 1 – Feb 28, 2019 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Raccoon Zones 1–14 3 * see Raccoon below — Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2019 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Opossum Zones 1–14 — — — Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2019 All furbearer hunting seasons are closed during the shotgun deer season except for coyotes.

BOBCAT COYOTE & FOX • Use of manual or electronic calls and dogs are prohibited. Hunting hours ½ hour before sunrise to Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise ½ hour after sunset. Hunting is limited to and end at midnight, except 1) on WMAs • Rifles and handguns are prohibited. Wildlife Management Zones 1–8. It is illegal stocked with pheasant or quail during the to use dogs for bobcat hunting. All bobcats pheasant and quail season when hunting • Shotguns and muzzleloaders loaded taken or salvaged must be checked within hours begin at sunrise and end at sunset with slugs, single balls, or buckshot are permitted. 4 working days of the end of the season (see and, 2) when hunting coyote during the shotgun deer season (see below). page 44) at an official check station. Bobcats • All hunters must wear a minimum of cannot be reported online. Coyote and fox may be hunted with shot- 500 square inches of hunter orange on guns, muzzleloaders, and archery, as well as their head, chest, and back. rifles and handguns with special nighttime Win a $100 Gift Card! restrictions (see page 29). Coyotes may be RACCOON Take the monthly hunted with shotguns using numbered or lettered birdshot (≤ 0.230 inch pellet diam- Daily bag limit of 3 raccoons from sunset eter; up to FF), except during the shotgun of 1 day to sunset of the following day by 1 deer season (see below). Fox may be hunted person; limit of 6* and salvage by licensed with numbered birdshot only (≤ 0.160 inch individuals by 2 or more persons hunting in pellet diameter). the same group.

It is legal to hunt coyote and fox using bait, Night hunting on WMAs (except Delaney decoys, electronic or manual calls, and and Flint Pond WMAs) is permitted from And be entered to win dogs. Artificial lights are prohibited. Coyote sunset to sunrise except during the pheas- and fox pelts/carcasses must be checked/ ant and quail season on areas stocked with a $100 gift certificate to your reported within 4 working days of the end pheasant or quail, when raccoon may be sporting good retailer of choice. of the season by either 1) checking them hunted only from 9pm to 3am. Raccoon Your anonymous participation advances at an official check station (see page 44), hunting season may coincide with the fish and wildlife conservation, helps or 2) reporting them online and writing the Youth Deer hunt, when special restrictions apply, see page 26. protect your right to hunt, fish and shoot, harvest confirmation number on a tag of your own making, then attaching the tag to and guides companies in developing the carcass or pelt (see page 44 for details). OPOSSUM better outdoor products. Confirmation numbers must remain -at tached to all pelts/carcasses, with the spe- No bag limit on opossum. Night hunting cific confirmation number issued for each on WMAs (except Delaney and Flint Pond particular pelt or carcass, until the carcass WMAs) is permitted from sunset to sun- is prepared for mounting by a taxidermist, rise except during the pheasant and quail or the pelt is sold or tanned. season on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail, when opossum may be hunted During the shotgun deer season it is legal only from 9pm to 3am. Opossum hunting We Provide to hunt coyotes, but not fox; however the season may coincide with the Youth Deer ore to following additional regulations apply: Hunt, when special restrictions apply, see Law Enforcement Agents page 26. • Hunting hours begin ½ hour before Injured in the Line of Duty. sunrise and end ½ hour after sunset.

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FURBEARER TRAPPING Government issued Trapper Education OPEN SEASON certificates from any U.S. state are ac- (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) cepted to apply. Included in the Massa- Bobcat1,2, Coyote1, Fox1, Weasel Nov. 1 – Nov. 30 chusetts Trapper Education course is the Fisher1 Nov. 1 – Nov. 22 mandatory training required to use Bailey Mink1, River Otter1 Nov. 1 – Dec. 15 or Hancock traps. Both a Trapper Educa- Jan. 1 – April 15 tion Certificate and a Bailey-Hancock Beaver1 Nov. 1 – April 15, 2019 Certificate are issued to students who Muskrat, Opossum, Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 successfully complete this course. Raccoon, Skunk Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2019 1 – Pelt checking/reporting required; see page 44. LAWFUL TRAP TYPES

2 – Bobcats may only be trapped or salvaged in zones 1–8 Only cage or box type traps may be used for the taking of fur-bearing mammals. BOBCAT MANDATORY TRAPPER Common rat traps may only be used for EDUCATION the taking of weasels. Bailey and Hancock Bobcat may only be taken by trapping or traps may only be used for the taking of salvaged in Wildlife Management Zones Trapper Education is mandatory for beaver and only by trappers who have 1–8. All bobcats taken or salvaged must be first-time trappers and Problem Animal been issued the Bailey-Hancock certificate checked within 4 working days of the end Control (PAC) agents in order to apply of completion. The Bailey-Hancock cer- of the season at an official check station. for a trap registration certificate. A trap tificate must be in possession when using Bobcats cannot be reported online. registration certificate is required to such traps. There is a detailed procedure trap on land owned by others and traps for obtaining a special permit to use OT TER in possession and use must have the bodygrip traps (e.g., Conibear™ traps) to assigned registration number embedded address certain types of wildlife damage. All otters taken or salvaged must be into the trap and must have a metal tag Contact your local MassWildlife District checked within 4 working days of the end attached bearing trapper’s name, town, office for details. of the season at an official check station. and registration number (see page 44). Otters cannot be reported online.

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PROHIBITED TRAPS: Steel-jaw foothold SALE OF PELTS VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES: Trap- traps, padded jaw traps, body-gripping ping licenses can be revoked for one year in (Conibear) traps (see below), snares, dead- EXPORTING RAW FURS: When shipping addition to other penalties and fines as well falls, and any traps other than those speci- raw fur pelts by any carrier, the contents of as restitutions of up to $1000 and/or six fied on page 43 are prohibited. Such traps the package and the shipper’s hunting or months in jail. Traps and other equipment may not be set, tended, used, or possessed trapping license number must be listed on can be seized and forfeited to the Common- in the field. the outside of the package. wealth. In addition, Problem Animal Control Licenses and/or Furbuyer licenses can be STAKING is not a recognized practice and The destruction or removal of any iden- revoked, plus fines and penalties assessed, conveys no special trapping privileges. tifying tag or label that is attached to a and additionally, fur products can be seized container in which skins are shipped is and forfeited to the Commonwealth. STOLEN TRAPS: A trapper must report unlawful. the loss or theft of a trap in writing to the TRAP REGISTRATION Office of Law Enforcement within 48 hours All river otter and bobcat require CITES of the loss or theft, or remain responsible tags to be lawfully exported for sale. Go to All traps used on the land of another must for its use. The report should include the a MassWildlife District office, Sunderland have a valid trap registration number em- number and type of traps, the date, time, Fish Hatchery, or Bitzer Fish Hatchery for bedded or cut into the trap. The assigned place and circumstances of the loss or these tags. number, including letter and figures, must theft. Such reports must be signed under 1 be at least ⁄8 inches high and legible at all the pains and penalties of perjury. Stolen RAW PELTS of coyote, wild fox, wild mink, times. The trap must also have attached traps should be reported to: gray wolf, bobcat, lynx, fisher, marten, river a metal tag bearing the owner’s name, otter, or beaver may not be sold in Mas- town and registration number. The regis- Coastal Law Enforcement: sachusetts unless tagged by the state or tration number is yours for life, but must Mass. Environmental Police province of origin. be renewed every two years. To trap on Office of Law Enforcement another's land, a trapper must maintain Attn: Trap Loss LAW ENFORCEMENT AND a current certification of that registration Bldg. #45, 349 Lincoln St. number. Registration numbers are avail- Hingham, MA 02043 REPORTING VIOLATIONS able from the MassWildlife Boston office. Inland Law Enforcement: If you are aware of illegal trapping activi- The initial fee for trap registration is $5.00. Mass. Environmental Police ties, or suspect a violation of any wildlife Renewal fee is $5.00. Make check payable Office of Law Enforcement law, Environmental Police Officers can be to Comm. of MA—DFW. Attn: Trap Loss reached at (800) 632-8075 (toll free) or 183 Milk Street (617) 626-1665. PELT CHECKING/ Westborough, MA 01581 REPORTING

Coyote, fox, fisher, beaver, bobcat, river otter, and mink must be checked within 4 working days of the end of their respective seasons. Furbearers/pelts must be checked at an official check station or may be checked online (except bobcat and otter). Photo © Bill Byrne For detailed information on Online Game Check, visit the Game Check Station page on mass.gov/dfw/checkstation; visit the MassFishHunt System online at mass.gov/ FURBEARER CHECK STATIONS massfishhunt to report your harvest online. Once you are issued a harvest confirmation Check stations are open Monday–Friday (excluding holidays). Call check stations number, write it on a tag of your own mak- prior to bringing pelts in for sealing. Most deer check stations also check coyotes; ing and attach it to the pelt/carcass. Con- visit our website at mass.gov/dfw/checkstation or call MassWildlife Field Headquar- firmation numbers must remain attached ters for further information. to all pelts/carcasses for which they were specifically issued until the pelt/carcass is • Western District: • Southeast District: prepared for mounting by a taxidermist or Dalton (413) 684-1646 Buzzards Bay (508) 759-3406 the pelt is sold or tanned. Bobcat and river otter cannot be reported online. Take all • Connecticut Valley District: • Sunderland Hatchery: bobcat and river otter to an official check Belchertown (413) 323-7632 Sunderland (413) 665-4680 station within 4 working days of the end of the season. You will be issued a plastic • Central District: • Bitzer Fish Hatchery: CITES seal for bobcat and river otter. West Boylston (508) 835-3607 Montague (413) 367-2477 • Northeast District: • Field Headquarters: Ayer (978) 772-2145 Westborough (508) 389-6300

44 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE PROHIBITIONS TR APPING

TRAPPING PROHIBITIONS TRAPPING PROHIBITIONS— 12. Fail to visit all traps staked out, set, 18. Alter, tamper with, or reapply a furbear- used, tended, placed, or maintained, er tag or seal, or possess any altered or IT IS ILLEGAL TO: and remove all animals trapped at least resealed tag, or possess any pelt bear- once in each calendar day between the ing an altered or resealed tag or seal. 1. Trap before 6:00am on opening day of hours of 4:00am and 10:00pm. any trapping season. INCIDENTAL CATCH — 13. Destroy, mutilate, spring, or remove the 2. Possess or have under control a trap trap of another. EMERGENCY PERMIT on land of another in any place where fur-bearing mammals might be found 14. Take any fur-bearing mammal from the Catch of any species other than beaver between April 16 of any year and 6:00 trap of another unless he has on his or muskrat while trapping with a 10 day on the following November 1. person a specific written authorization emergency permit must be turned over to do so, signed by the owner of such to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. 3. Possess the green pelt of any fur-bear- trap. The owner of traps may give such ing mammal or any part of such pelt authorization to any person licensed to except during the open season for such PROBLEM ANIMAL trap under M.G.L. c. 131 for a period mammal and for ten days thereafter. CONTROL AGENTS not to exceed one week from the day 4. Possess or have under his control an the traps were last tended, provided Problem Animal Control (PAC) agents are unregistered trap on land of another. that notice of the giving of such autho- private individuals licensed by the Division rization including the name and trap- of Fisheries and Wildlife to assist the public 5. Possess or have under control the ping license number of the person so in situations involving sick animals or ani- registered trap of another, unless he authorized shall be given to the regional mals causing property damage. If you are has entered into a trapping partnership Environmental Police Officer and to the experiencing wildlife damage and wish to through the Boston Office as pro- Director within 24 hours of the giving of contract with a PAC agent, a listing can be vided in M.G.L. c131 § 80 and 321 CMR such authorization. found on MassWildlife website mass.gov/ 3.02(5)(e)14. masswildlife. Individuals interested in be- 15. Set, use, place, locate, tend, or main- coming a PAC agent can obtain information tain a trap not bearing on a metal tag 6. Trap on posted land of another without on the permitting process from this same the name, town of residence, and trap the written permission of the owner or website, or call MassWildlife Field Head- registration number of the person or tenant of such land. quarters at (508) 389-6300. persons using the same in a manner as 7. Trap in a public way, cart road, path or to be legible at all times. Said regis- other way commonly used as a pas- tration number shall be permanently sageway for human beings or domestic embedded in or marked on the traps animals. with letters and figures not less than 1⁄8 inches high in such a manner as to 8. Tear open, disturb, or destroy a musk- be legible at all times. rat lodge, beaver lodge or beaver dam, except as provided in 321 CMR 2.08. 16. Trap fur-bearing mammals with any trap other than a cage or box type trap, 9. Use poison or trap with a trap designed to or a common rat trap for weasels. take more than one mammal at a time. 17. Possess any road-killed furbearers 10. Trap on land with a Bailey or Hancock during the closed season, or possess beaver trap or other suitcase type cage road-killed furbearers during the open trap of similar design, except when set season without a valid hunting or upon a beaver dam or beaver lodge, trapping license as appropriate to that snag, stump, rock, or other above-water species and season. Photo © Bill Byrne protrusion entirely or substantially surrounded by water, or, when the pan of such trap is not completely submerged.

11. Trap with a Bailey or Hancock beaver trap or other suitcase type cage trap of RABIES similar design without having completed a training session and having been Rabies in wild mammals has been confirmed in all counties in Massachusetts issued a certificate of completion as except Dukes and Nantucket. Wear rubber gloves when skinning furbearers. If provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(5)(c)2., or you believe you have been exposed to a rabid animal, scrub the area thoroughly to fail to carry such certificate on one's with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately. If possible, isolate person when using such traps. and preserve the dead animal by refrigeration as soon as possible. Contact your local Board of Health.

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 45 GENERAL INFORMATION

TREESTAND SAFETY TIPS Treestands are popular with both hunters and wildlife photographers. Unfortunately, people fall from treestands every year which can result in serious injuries and potential death. Users can prevent these accidents by using caution while climbing up into and down from the stand and by wearing a full body fall-arrest harness system. Take a free online safety course offered in partnership with HunterCourse.com at www.huntercourse.com/treestandsafety. With a little common sense and an awareness of potential hazards, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Safe Treestand Users ALWAYS: • Wear and properly use a certified full body fall-arrest harness system (FBFAHS) and certified treestands.

• Read, understand and follow equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

• Practice at ground level with their treestand and FBFAHS with another person present before the hunt.

• Raise and lower an unloaded gun, bow, backpack and other gear with a haul line.

• Select a live, healthy, straight tree that is the right size for their treestand.

• Use only certified equipment & replace damaged or expired harnesses and stands.

• Are safe and never hurry; keeping proper contact with the tree or treestand while climbing.

• Have emergency equipment and a plan for recovery if a fall occurs. Take precautions to Photo © Bill Byrne prevent suspension trauma.

• Let a reliable person know where they will be, when they will return and who is with them.

• Know their limitations and don’t take chances.

LOOKING FOR PLACES TO HUNT, FISH, OR TRAP? Wildlife lands, open to hunting, fishing, and trapping, can be viewed using the MassWildlife Lands Viewer, mass.gov/ dfw/wildlife-lands This new tool shows land owned jointly by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Divi- sion of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) throughout the Commonwealth. Maps can be customized and printed using the Viewer. Users can search for land by town or by property name.

These lands are protected primarily to provide habitat for wildlife and to give people a place to relax and explore the great outdoors. For the most part, wildlife lands are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, birdwatching, and other wildlife related recreation. Users can explore unmarked paths or woods roads with simple, unpaved parking lots. Many of these properties are actively managed through mowing, cutting, prescribed burns, or other activities that benefit wildlife.

Regulations govern the activities allowed on these lands and focus on passive recreation (see page 23). Motorized vehicles, for instance, are not permitted on state wildlife lands. Note that these maps are provided for recreational use and show approximate rather than legal descriptions of property boundaries.

46 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE OUTDOOR SKILLS PROGRAM EDUCATION

WANT TO DEVELOP YOUR OUTDOOR SKILLS? MASSWILDLIFE HAS A PROGRAM FOR YOU! LEARN TO HUNT such as fly tying or ice fishing are also scheduled. For more information call PROGRAMS 508-389-6309. Hunters with little or no experience can learn skills and techniques used to hunt BECOMING AN different game animals. Courses are geared OUTDOORS-WOMAN toward recent Basic Hunter Education graduates and include classroom learning Designed primarily for adult women, BOW and outdoor skills exercises. Taught by vol- is an opportunity to learn new skills. Past unteers, the courses utilize the experience workshops have included basic fishing, and knowledge of seasoned sportsmen beginning shotgun, kayaking, map and and -women. Courses range from one-day compass, wildlife tracking, archery, nature condensed classes to three-day, in-depth photography, fly tying, game cooking, and courses. To learn more, to be notified about edible plants. Workshop notices are posted upcoming courses, or to volunteer as an in- at mass.gov/dfw/bow. For more informa- structor, visit mass.gov/dfw/learn-to-hunt. tion, call (508) 389-6305. Photo © Bill Byrne shooting practice. The program culminates EXPLORE ARCHERY HUNTER EDUCATION in a supervised hunt under the guidance AND BOWHUNTING PROGRAM of an experienced adult hunter. The youth pheasant hunts are conducted on one of the These programs are designed to help in- Provides courses in the safe handling of six Saturdays prior to the start of the regular structors, program leaders, and educators firearms, and other outdoor activities relat- pheasant season. The youth turkey hunt, teach outdoor skills to students of any age. ed to hunting and firearm use. Designed for developed through a partnership with the novices, courses in Basic Hunter Education, National Wild Turkey Federation, allows for EXPLORE ARCHERY is an international Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education, a mentored hunt. After completion of a pre- style target shooting program that was and others are offered statewide through- hunt workshop, a special permit is issued created to promote the lifelong interest out the year. Certificates in certain courses that allows for a mentored hunt on the Sat- and participation in the sport of archery to satisfy hunting license requirements for urday prior to the last Monday in April. This participants of all ages. Massachusetts as well as other states and permit remains valid for the regular spring Canadian provinces. For more information, turkey season following the youth hunt EXPLORE BOWHUNTING is an educa- call (508) 389-7820. date. All past participants MUST complete tional program designed to teach students and mail in the past participant application ages 11 and up the basic skills of bowhunt- MASSACHUSETTS JUNIOR which can be found at mass.gov/ ing through 23 innovative lesson plans. dfw/pastparticipantapp. To find a par- Through these hands-on experiences stu- CONSERVATION CAMP ticipating sporting club check MassWildlife dents gain confidence interacting with the website at mass.gov/dfw/yaph or mass.gov/ natural environment and strengthen their This two-week residential program, held dfw/yath, or call (508) 389-6305. appreciation for wildlife and the woods. in August for boys and girls ages 13–17, provides a solid grounding in outdoor skills. For more information about these pro- Participants learn about fisheries, wildlife, THE MASSACHUSETTS grams, call (508) 389-6305. forestry, and camping, and become profi- OUTDOOR EXPOSITION cient in the use of shotgun, rifle, archery ANGLER EDUCATION equipment, map and compass, and more. The Massachusetts Outdoor Expo (the Big Participants complete Basic Hunter Educa- MOE) is a 1-day, family-oriented event PROGRAM tion and Boat Safety programs. For more traditionally held on or near National Hunt- information, call (508) 389-6300, or go to ing and Fishing Day, on a weekend in the The Angler Education Program introduces juniorconservationcamp.org. second half of September in Sturbridge. It people of all ages to fishing, educates is designed to introduce children and adults them about the state’s aquatic wildlife and to a variety of traditional outdoor activi- habitats through fishing, and promotes YOUTH PHEASANT ties, demonstrations and displays relating Massachusetts’ abundant waterways and AND TURKEY HUNT to hunting, fishing, trapping, water sports, freshwater fishing opportunities. Program nature observation, and shooting sports, elements include one-day family fishing Designed for Hunter Education graduates with one-on-one and mentored instruction festivals and short fishing clinics offered by 12–17 years of age, these programs are sup- available. The Big MOE is organized by Facts volunteers and MassWildlife staff across ported by the Division and are conducted by about Wildlife and Nature Society (FAWNS), the state. A Fishing Gear Loaner Program is sporting clubs across the state. This program a non-profit conservation organization, in available for groups and organizations that includes instruction on firearms safety in cooperation with MassWildlife, sporting already have an event organized, but need the field, hunting ethics, regulations, and clubs, and other conservation organizations. equipment. Occasional specialty classes game preparation, as well as supervised For more information, visit FawnsExpo.com.

MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE 47 EDUCATION EDUCATOR'S CORNER

EDUCATOR'S CORNER ARCHERY IN THE explore wildlife and the world around them. Educators experience a wide SCHOOLS range of activities that provide a foundation for developing a child’s positive The National Archery in the Schools Pro- impression about nature. gram in Massachusetts is an archery program developed for educators to provide • PROJECT WILD AND AQUATIC students in grades 4–12 with an exposure WILD workshops are interdisciplinary, to a fun, alternative sport that can be hands-on learning opportunities for ed- enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. ucators of K-12 level students focusing Taught primarily by physical education on terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and teachers, the program also includes social ecosystems. The curriculums encourage studies, mathematics, and physics. This problem-solving and decision-making program is a partnership between Mass- skills concerning the environment. Wildlife, National Archery in the Schools, Scout leaders, youth group leaders, the Archery Trade Association, and local homeschoolers, and both formal and sporting groups. Training is provided by non-formal educators find the materials MassWildlife to educators. Schools may and workshop valuable. borrow archery kits for two weeks free of charge. Funding may be available for • FLYING WILD is a whole-school ap- schools to buy a kit of their own. For more proach to environmental education us- information, call (508) 389-6305. ing birds as the focus. Targeted for the middle-school level audience, though

PROJECT WILD IN widely adaptable, Flying WILD offers PhotoBill © Byrne MASSACHUSETTS practical, hands-on classroom and outdoor field-investigation experiences A national program of wildlife education connecting real-world experiences in workshops designed for educators of a bird biology, conservation, and natural in grades K-12 on their way to becoming wide range of ages, from pre-school to high history. Project-based classroom appli- involved, responsible, conservation minded school. Hours spent may be used toward cations, service learning, and commu- citizens. The strategy resources deliver professional development or other con- nity involvement are encouraged. unified, research-based Core Concepts and tinuing education credit. Co-sponsored by messages about fish and wildlife conserva- the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council. NORTH AMERICAN tion, translated into K-12 academic standards For information on attending or hosting a CONSERVATION to shape students’ environmental literacy, workshop, call (508) 389-6310. stewardship, and outdoor skills. Resources in EDUCATION STRATEGY the tool kit include: landscape investigation, • GROWING UP WILD: Exploring RESOURCES schoolyard biodiversity, field investigation, Nature With Children (Ages 3–7 Years). fostering outdoor observation skills, applying This workshop is designed for early An array of tools and resources developed systems thinking, and much more. Download childhood educators with activities by state fish and wildlife agencies support these free resources at fishwildlife.org; click that build on children’s sense of won- conservation educators who offer fish and on Focus Areas, then Conservation Education der about nature and invites them to wildlife-based programs that guide students For more information, call (508) 389-6310.

JUNIOR DUCK STAMP The Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Conservation and Design Program; Connecting Youth The acrylic with Nature Through Science and Art is a dynamic arts and science curriculum for painting of a educators designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to stu- Canada Goose by Lilac Shi was dents in K-12. Using scientific and wildlife observation principles, the program helps selected as Best students to visually communicate what they have learned by creating an entry to the of Show and state's JDS contest. Guidelines and curriculum for students, educators, homeschool, represented and non-formal groups designed to spark youth interest in habitat conservation Massachusetts in the 2017 through science, art, math, and technology can be downloaded at www.fws.gov/ju- National Junior niorduck. Co-sponsored by the USFWS with support from the Massachusetts Sports- Duck Stamp men's Council. For more information, go to mass.gov/dfw/jds or call (508) 389-6310. Competition.

48 MASS.GOV/MASSWILDLIFE MASSWILDLIFE PUBLICATIONS GENERAL MassWildlife Publication Order Form

PRINTED MATERIALS PRICE QUANTITY NOTE: Some items are available at a discount if BioMap 2 Report* $2.50 purchased in bulk or if you are an educator. Birds of Massachusetts: A Check-list* $2.50 *Free of charge if picked up at a MassWildlife office. Critters of Massachusetts $5.00 Please call (508) 389-6300 to ensure availability and for special bulk/educator pricing. Allow 7–10 days for delivery. Field Guide to Animals of Vernal Pools $12.00 Field Guide to MA Dragonflies & Damselflies $20.00 Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Massachusetts $10.00 Field Guide to MA Reptiles $3.00 Guide to Invasive Plants in MA $5.00 SHIPPING ADDRESS Massachusetts Homeowner’s Guide to Bats* $2.50 Name: �� Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas 14th Edition, $25.00 Address: �� Individual Town Map City: �� Town Name: Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine (4 issues) $6.00 State:______Zip Code: �� Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine (8 issues) $10.00 Phone Number: ��

We can only accept checks at this time. Please make CDS, DVDS checks payable to: Comm. of MA – MassWildlife. An Introduction to the Threatened Turtles of $5.00 Mail this order form and payment to: Massachusetts: Why They Need our Help (DVD) Publications Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife POSTERS 1 Rabbit Hill Road BioMap 2 Poster* $2.50 Westborough, MA 01581 Vernal Pool Life: A Race Against Dryness* $2.50

AB2018 TOTAL $

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SUMMARY OF HUNTING SEASON DATES For further information regarding specific bag limits and seasons please visit the pages noted below. No hunting on Sunday. OPEN SEASON (ALL DATES INCLUSIVE) BLACK BEAR SEE PAGE 31 FOR BAG LIMITS Sept. 4 – Sept. 22 Black Bear (Big Game) Zones 1–14 Nov. 5 – Nov. 24 Nov. 26 – Dec. 8

UPLAND GAME BIRDS* SEE PAGE 32 FOR BAG LIMITS Spring: Zones 1–13 April 30 – May 26 Wild Turkey (Big Game) Fall: Zones 1–13 Oct. 22 – Nov. 3 Youth Hunt: Zones 1–13 April 28 (special restrictions apply**) Jan. 1 – April 9 Crow Zones 1–14 July 2 – April 10, 2019 Zones 1–14 Oct. 13 – Nov. 24 Pheasant Youth Hunt See page 47. Quail Zones 11–14 Oct. 13 – Nov. 24 Ruffed Grouse Zones 1–14 Oct. 13 – Nov. 24 * Upland game bird hunting is closed during shotgun deer season. Migratory game birds (includes waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails): Seasons and bag limits set annually. For Migratory Game Bird Regulations see pages 34–35 and visit mass.gov/dfw/migratory-bird-hunting. ** Must have completed the youth turkey hunt program (page 47). DEER SEE PAGE 36 FOR BAG LIMITS Youth Deer Hunt Sept. 29 Paraplegic Hunt Nov. 1 – Nov. 3 Deer (Big Game) Archery Oct. 15 – Nov. 24 Shotgun Nov. 26 – Dec. 8 Primitive Firearms Dec. 10 – Dec. 31

RABBITS & SQUIRRELS SEE PAGE 40 FOR BAG LIMITS Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1–12 Cottontail Oct. 13 – Feb. 28, 2019 Rabbit Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 13 and 14 Nov. 15 – Feb. 28, 2019 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1–4 Oct. 13 – Feb. 28, 2019 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 Snowshoe Hare Zones 5–12 Oct. 13 – Feb. 5, 2019 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 Zones 13 and 14 Nov. 15 – Feb. 5, 2019 Zones 1–9 Sept. 10 – Jan. 2, 2019 Gray Squirrel Zones 10–14 Oct. 13 – Jan. 2, 2019 Rabbit, hare, and squirrel hunting are closed during shotgun deer season. FURBEARERS SEE PAGE 42 FOR BAG LIMITS Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Bobcat Zones 1–8 Dec. 20 – Mar. 8, 2019 Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Coyote Zones 1–14 Oct. 13 – Mar. 8, 2019 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Fox (red or gray) Zones 1–14 Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2019 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Raccoon Zones 1–14 Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2019 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Opossum Zones 1–14 Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2019 All furbearer hunting seasons are closed during shotgun deer season except for coyotes. Special restrictions apply. See page 42. The following species may be taken year-round (except during shotgun deer season) by licensed hunters with no daily or seasonal bag limit: English sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, weasel, woodchuck.

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