Public Hunting Land in Massachusetts

Massachusetts provides a solid mix of public hunting access across state forests, wildlife management areas, and even select coastal lands. With over 200,000 acres open to hunters, opportunities exist for whitetail deer, turkey, upland birds, waterfowl, and small game throughout the state’s varied habitats.

Types of Public Land Available in Massachusetts:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Managed by MassWildlife, these areas are open to regulated hunting without special permits.

• State Forests & Parks: Most state forests allow hunting in season, but some parks may have restrictions — always check signage.

• Division of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Lands: Certain lands are open to hunting with additional safety and access rules.

• Coastal and waterfowl Areas: Public waterfowl zones may require blinds or permits, and tidal hunting is allowed in designated areas.

Seasons & Access Info

Massachusetts uses a zone-based hunting system, and some species (like deer or turkey) require specific tags or permits in addition to a hunting license.

Key Resources:

• Season Dates & Zone Info

• Licenses & Permits

• WMA & State Forest Rules

Pro Tip: Massachusetts offers both archery-only and shotgun-only deer zones. Know the season and weapon restrictions for your area.

Explore Hunting Lands in Massachusetts

Use the maps below to locate legal hunting zones and public access properties:

• MassWildlife Interactive Habitat Map

• Downloadable WMA PDFs & Forest Maps

• DCR Hunting Information

Whether you're hunting woodlands for deer or hiking into upland zones for grouse, Massachusetts offers accessible and well-managed public land options for every season.