Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MASSWILDLIFE)

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Freshwater Fishing

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• Fishing Information
• Trout Stocking
• Accessible Fishing
• Fishing for Beginners
• Freshwater Fish Conservation

Massachusetts Wildlife

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• Learn about Wildlife
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Wildlife Viewing
• Problems with Wildlife

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species

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• MA Endangered Species Act (MESA) Regulatory Review
• Vernal Pools
• Species Information and Conservation
• Natural Communities
• Rare Plant Conservation
• Rare Bird Conservation
• Rare Reptile & Amphibian Conservation
• Rare Fish Conservation
• Rare Invertebrate Conservation
• Rare Mammal Conservation
• Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Advisory Committee

Hunting

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• Hunting Regulations
• Where to Hunt
• Hunter Education
• Deer Hunting
• Turkey Hunting
• Trapping
• Pheasant Hunting
• Migratory Game Bird Hunting
• Bear Hunting
• Outdoor Recreation Safety Tips
• Coyote Hunting
• Accessible hunting
• Squirrel Hunting
• Bobcat Hunting
• Fox Hunting
• Rabbit & Hare Hunting
• Grouse Hunting

Conservation & Land Protection

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• Land Protection
• Habitat Management
• Conservation Resources for Private Landowners
• Conservation Tools for Towns and Land Trusts
• Get Involved in Conservation

News

2026 Fall hunting announcements

8/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Fall hunting seasons are just around the corner. Stay up to date on hunting information, including regulation changes, antlerless deer permit awards and surplus sales, and waterfowl season dates and bag limits.

News

Fall trout stocking begins in September

9/03/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

MassWildlife is stocking more than 70,000 trout across Massachusetts this fall; new signs at four hatcheries invite visitors to take a self-guided tour and see how trout are raised.

• News

  Drivers, brake for moose and deer

  9/17/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Moose and deer are more active during fall breeding seasons.

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  Experience the unique habitats of Massachusetts with guided walks

  9/03/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  MassWildlife is hosting a series of walks at locations across the Commonwealth. Lace up your hiking boots and come learn about successful restoration projects that support rare and common wildlife.

• News

  Shifting sands: The impacts of deer on coastal ecosystems

  9/03/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Tourists aren’t the only ones who love the Massachusetts coast. Overabundant deer on sand dunes and salt marshes can have surprising and serious effects on these unique habitats.

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  Program Spotlight: Hunter Education

  9/03/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Take a deeper look at how MassWildlife is cultivating safe and knowledgeable hunters. Learn about course offerings, new program leadership, and the importance of volunteers.

• News

  September marks the start of fall hunting

  9/03/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Hunting is a safe activity. Equipped with the right information, non-hunters can feel comfortable using the woods at any time of year.

• News

  Opossum? More like Op-awesome

  9/01/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  From pouches to playing dead, here are 5 reasons why the opossum may be our state’s weirdest wild animal.

See all news and announcements   for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife