Should Archery Deer Hunting Season In MA Be Extended?

WESTBOROUGH, MA—A proposal is up to open up the archery deer season in the Bay State two weeks early

A public hearing to extend the archery deer season in eastern Massachusetts is being held March 7 at 7 p.m. at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough.

The proposal is to open the archery deer season two weeks early in eastern Massachusetts (Wildlife Management Zones 10–14).

The current archery deer season opens across the state six weeks before Thanksgiving and closes the Saturday after the holiday. The proposed change opens the archery deer season in WMZs 10–14 eight weeks before Thanksgiving. In WMZs 1–9, the archery deer season would remain the same, opening six weeks before Thanksgiving. The proposed season change would increase hunting opportunities in a region where deer numbers are above management range goals, said the release. No changes were recommended for WMZs 1–9; deer numbers in those zones are within management range goals. Click here to learn more about deer management.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Board accepts written public comment on the proposal at any time prior to the public hearing and for an additional two weeks after the hearing. Written and oral comments are accepted at the public hearing. Comments (both oral and written) must focus on the proposed regulation. Written comments can be mailed to:

Chairman, Fisheries and Wildlife Board, c/o MassWildlife Director Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581

Public comments by e-mail may be sent to Susan.Sacco@state.ma.us, Attn: Fisheries & Wildlife Board.

Click here to find more information about the public hearing, learn how to provide a public comment, and read proposed regulatory language.

Photo and information via MassWildlife