MassWildlife Deer Hunting Regulatory Hearing

Updated with GOAL's Comments

Hearing notice page: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/fisheries-and-wildlife-hearings-on-proposed-regulatory-amendments

MassWildlife deer hunting regulation page: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/deer-hunting-regulations

Original Governor Healey Press Release: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-expands-deer-hunting-season-on-marthas-vineyard-and-nantucket

Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.,

The proposed regulatory amendments: 321 CMR 3.02(4). (Islands)

a) Removed the on-island deer check requirement;

b) Removed the visibility requirement for unchecked harvested deer;

c) Extended the Winter Season on WMZs 13 and 14 an additional two weeks; and

d) Created an additional primitive and archery deer hunting season for 10 days prior to the Youth Deer Hunt day on WMZs 13 and 14.

GOAL's Comments:

We have a few questions and concerns about these regulations.

• Initially, why there are no proposals to expand shotgun season or just temporarily opening the season and allowing baiting until the herd is stable.
• The Commonwealth should also suspend the stamp requirement for antlerless hunting, archery and primitive firearms on the island.
• These changes are geared toward stabilizing the herd in densely populated areas.
• Additionally, the concerns about chronic wasting disease and baiting shouldn’t be much of a problem on the islands as they are isolated. This would allow hunters to attract deer to areas better suited for harvest and make the least impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

Monday, February 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m.,

The Proposed regulatory amendments:  321 CMR 2.0 and 3.02(4). (Eastern, MA)

a) Eliminate the use of natural deer based lures and scents;

b) Add a second day to the Youth Deer Hunt;

c) Open deer hunting in January in Wildlife Management Zones 9, 10, and 11 by means of a primitive firearm or bow and arrow;

d) Allow Massachusetts Environmental Police (“MEP”) to substitute electronically provided confirmation numbers for metal seals; and

e) Change the start of the Archery season to the Monday following Youth Deer. 

GOAL's Comments:

• GOAL’s concerns about these proposals include questioning why Zone 12, Cape Cod, is not included.
• These proposals are geared toward stabilizing the herd in at risk, highly populated areas – this includes the Cape.
• Again, DFW should suspend requirements for stamps for antlerless harvest, archery and primitive firearms in these zones until the herd is stable and should expand shotgun hunting as well.
• Additionally, we question whether or not there have been any confirmed case of chronic wasting disease being spread by lures and bait.