MassWildlife Deer Hunting Hearing Scheduled
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) will be holding public hearings on the expansion of whitetail deer hunting opportunities in eastern Massachusetts and islands.
The proposed regulations would also ban "natural deer based lures/scents" due to concerns over the potential spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
MassWildlife Deer Hunting Regulatory Hearing
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.
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.