MassachusettsDeer & Turkey Season Dates

2026-2027 deer and turkey season dates for Massachusetts.

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Whitetail Deer

Statewide

SeasonDatesWeaponBag limit
Youth Deer Hunt DayOct 3, 2026 – Oct 3, 2026firearms
Archery DeerOct 5, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026archery
Shotgun DeerNov 30, 2026 – Dec 12, 2026shotgun
Primitive Firearms (Muzzleloader) DeerDec 14, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026muzzleloader

Youth Deer Hunt Day: Youth hunters only

Archery Deer: 1 antlered per season Crossbow by permit only

Shotgun Deer: Blaze orange required (500 sq in) 1 antlered per season

Primitive Firearms (Muzzleloader) Deer: 1 antlered (if not previously taken) .44-.775 cal single projectile only

WMZs 13 and 14

SeasonDatesWeaponBag limit
Early Deer SeasonSep 21, 2026 – Oct 1, 2026archery
Winter Deer SeasonJan 1, 2027 – Feb 14, 2027archery

Early Deer Season: WMZs 13 and 14 only

Winter Deer Season: WMZs 13 and 14 only

Whitetail Deer source: mass.gov

Turkey

Statewide

SeasonDatesWeaponBag limit
Youth Spring TurkeyApr 25, 2026 – Apr 25, 2026any
Fall Archery TurkeyOct 5, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026archery

Youth Spring Turkey: Youth hunters only; 1 tag bearded turkey only

Fall Archery Turkey: Fall turkey season mirrors archery deer season; 1 turkey either sex

WMZs 1-13

SeasonDatesWeaponBag limit
Spring TurkeyApr 27, 2026 – May 23, 2026any

Spring Turkey: 2 bearded turkeys season limit; 1 per day bearded turkey only

Turkey source: mass.gov, mass.gov

Season dates and regulations can change. Always verify current dates with the Massachusetts state wildlife agency before you hunt.

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