Massachusetts Deer Shotgun Hunting Season Has Begun
The two-week deer shotgun season in Massachusetts began on Monday, Dec. 1, and runs until Saturday, Dec. 13. The state is reminding individuals that hunting is not allowed on Sundays….
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The two-week deer shotgun season in Massachusetts began on Monday, Dec. 1, and runs until Saturday, Dec. 13. The state is reminding individuals that hunting is not allowed on Sundays. New this year, the muzzleloader and archery seasons will continue through January 2026.
A commentary in the Vineyard Gazette offers the following guidelines for hunters this season, including those on Martha's Vineyard:
- Landowners, including Island nonprofit organizations and towns, allow hunting on conservation properties. Hunting is permitted in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. Land Bank properties are only open to shotgun hunters through a property hunting lottery. Properties are closed to the public during shotgun season.
- Hunters should not trespass on private property without permission, avoid discharging near dwellings or with a loaded firearm, and stay at least 150 feet from state or hard-surfaced highways when using a shotgun.
- Archers can hunt during the firearms season but must wear blaze orange totaling 500 square inches.
- Deer harvested during the first week of shotgun season must be checked at an official check station for biological data, while deer from the second week can be reported online via MassFishHunt or checked at the state forest.
For additional hunter safety information and other inquiries, individuals should contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police for hunting complaints and call 800-632-8075. Island residents can also reach the Island Communication Center (911) for emergencies.
Michael VyskocilWriter
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