Massachusetts Hunting Seasons & Prices
2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.
Massachusetts offers 2026 hunting seasons for whitetail across archery, firearm, and muzzleloader methods. Seasons run from September 21 through December 31, 2026. A hunting license (annual) costs $40 for residents and $112 for nonresidents.
Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.
Season dates
License & tag prices
| License | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (annual) | $40 | $112 | |
| Wildlands Conservation Stamp | $5 | $5 | |
| Antlerless Deer Permit (zone, lottery) | $10 | $30 |
The hunting license includes 2 statewide antlered deer tags; antlerless deer are zone-specific by lottery. A Wildlands Conservation Stamp is added to the first license each year.
Source: MassWildlife license types & fees (mass.gov)
Massachusetts hunt units
Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.
Berkshire Black bearFranklin Black bearHampden Black bearHampshire Black bearMiddlesex Black bearWorcester Black bearBarnstable TurkeyBerkshire TurkeyBristol TurkeyDukes TurkeyEssex TurkeyFranklin Turkey
Browse all Massachusetts harvest data →Massachusetts hunting FAQ
- When does whitetail season open in Massachusetts in 2026?
- Massachusetts's 2026 whitetail archery season opens September 21 and runs through October 1. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
- What big-game species can you hunt in Massachusetts?
- In 2026, Massachusetts has hunting seasons for whitetail.
- How much is a Massachusetts hunting license for nonresidents?
- A hunting license (annual) in Massachusetts is $112 for nonresidents and $40 for residents.