Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MASSWILDLIFE)

Expand all Collapse all the following accordion(s)

Freshwater Fishing

+

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

Massachusetts Wildlife

+

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

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species

+

• MESA Regulatory Review
• Vernal Pools
• Species Information & 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

+

• 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

+

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

News

School is out, help stock trout!

3/25/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

The public is invited to help MassWildlife stock trout during school vacation week. Join stocking events in Braintree, Brewster, Chicopee, Leominster, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Shutesbury, Westfield, and Worcester.

News

Take precautions: Black bears are active and searching for food

3/26/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

If you have bird feeders or if you keep chickens, bee hives, or livestock, act now to keep bears wild and out of neighborhoods.

• News

  Public Hearing: Freshwater Fishing Regulations

  4/08/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  A public hearing will be held on May 4 on fishing regulations, including changes to trout and American eel limits.

• Press Release

  Healey-Driscoll Administration Marks 100,000-Meal Milestone Through MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program

  4/07/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Announcement Comes as Governor Healey Works to Lift Sunday Hunting Ban and Expand Hunting Access in Massachusetts

• News

  Join the 2026 City Nature Challenge!

  4/07/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Have fun, contribute to science, and explore nature—from your own backyard to urban forests or parks. Join the global effort April 24–27 and celebrate the Commonwealth’s incredible biodiversity.

• News

  Habitat Management Grant Announcements

  4/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  The timeline for MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program is changing, with a call for proposals coming later this spring. Learn more about the grant’s goals, eligibility, and requirements at an informational webinar set for April 30.

• News

  Fishing awards winners announced

  4/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Each year, MassWildlife recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish in Massachusetts. The 2025 winners have been announced.

• News

  2026 spring turkey hunting season

  4/06/2026 Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

  Spring turkey hunting season is April 27–May 23. Get ready for the start of season by purchasing your license and turkey permit then review regulations, hunting tips, and safety information.

See all news and announcements   for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife > Organization Sections > Content