Massachusetts Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Massachusetts hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through MassWildlife.
Massachusetts Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $40.00 — Non-Resident: from $112.00
- Managed by: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
- License year: 2025-2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/buy-your-freshwater-fishing-or-hunting-license
Massachusetts Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Massachusetts offers quality hunting managed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). The Bay State supports healthy populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and upland game across its mix of deciduous forests, coastal marshes, and agricultural lands. Massachusetts uses a calendar year licensing system (January–December). A resident hunting license costs $40 in 2026, with a mandatory $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp added to the first license purchased each year. Non-residents pay $112 for big game and $78 for small game. The state has been implementing phased fee increases since 2022 — the first in nearly 30 years. Seniors aged 65-69 receive a 50% discount, and residents 70+ get free licenses. Massachusetts prohibits rifles for deer hunting (shotguns and primitive weapons only) and has specific regulations for hunting in the state's many wildlife management areas. Hunter education is required for all first-time license purchasers.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $40.00 | — | Calendar year | 2026 price |
| NR Big Game Hunting | — | $112.00 | Calendar year | 2026 price |
| NR Small Game Hunting | — | $78.00 | Calendar year | 2026 price |
| Resident Sporting (Hunt + Fish) | $75.00 | — | Calendar year | 2026 price |
| Resident Minor Hunting (15-17) | $6.50 | — | Calendar year | |
| Resident Senior Hunting (65-69) | $20.00 | — | Calendar year | 50% discount |
| Wildlands Conservation Stamp | $5.00 | $5.00 | Calendar year | Mandatory — added to first license |
| Turkey Permit (Resident) | $10.00 | — | Season | |
| Turkey Permit (NR) | — | $30.00 | Season | |
| MA Waterfowl Stamp | $10.00 | $10.00 | Calendar year | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.00 | $30.00 | 1 year |
Prices from Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Massachusetts license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for all first-time license purchasers
How to Buy a Massachusetts Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Massachusetts.
Need help? Call Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at 508-389-6300
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Massachusetts Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 5 | November 28 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Shotgun | November 30 | December 12 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Primitive Firearms | December 14 | December 31 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 27 | May 23 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 5 | November 28 | |
| Pheasant | General | October 17 | December 31 | |
| Duck | General | October 10 | January 15 | Zones vary |
View full Massachusetts season regulations on MassWildlife
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | 50% off (65-69) or Free (70+) | Residents 65-69 get 50% discount; 70+ get free licenses |
| Youth | Reduced ($6.50) | Minor hunting license for ages 15-17 |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | Veterans with service-connected disability |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Massachusetts |
Massachusetts Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Massachusetts official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season. Sunday hunting is prohibited.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- No hunting on Sundays in Massachusetts.
- Rifles are NOT legal for deer hunting — shotguns and primitive weapons only.
- 500 square inches of blaze orange above the waist required during shotgun deer season.
- Suppressors are not legal for hunting in Massachusetts.
Read full Massachusetts regulations on MassWildlife
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Massachusetts Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Massachusetts Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Massachusetts?
A 2026 resident hunting license costs $40 (plus $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp). Non-residents pay $112 for big game and $78 for small game. Seniors 65-69 pay $20; 70+ hunt for free.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Massachusetts?
Yes, hunter education is required for all first-time license purchasers. Massachusetts accepts certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Massachusetts?
Yes. Non-residents need a Big Game ($112) or Small Game ($78) license. Turkey permits are $30 for non-residents.
What is the deer season in Massachusetts?
Archery runs mid-October through late November. Shotgun season in early December. Primitive firearms from mid to late December.
Are there free hunting licenses in Massachusetts?
Yes. Residents aged 70 and older hunt for free. Veterans with service-connected disabilities also qualify. Residents 65-69 get 50% off.
Can I hunt on Sundays in Massachusetts?
No. Sunday hunting is prohibited in Massachusetts. This is one of a small number of states with a complete Sunday hunting ban.