Massachusetts Hunting Zones
Massachusetts has a wealth of natural and wildlife resources. MassWildlife, the state agency responsible for wildlife conservation and management, oversees more than 200,000 acres of land that are open to the public for various outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, bird watching, and more.
To manage the wildlife populations in the state, MassWildlife (State Agency responsible for wildlife conservation and management in Mass.) has created 15 Massachusetts Hunting Zones or otherwise known as wildlife management zones (WMZs) for hunting purposes. These zones reflect the differences in land use, habitat types, deer density, hunter access, and public input among the regions of the state. The WMZs determine the hunting seasons, bag limits, and antlerless deer permit allocations for each zone. The WMZs also offer hunters a range of hunting opportunities across the state, from the Berkshire hills to the coastal islands.
| Zone | County | Area (Sq miles) | Deer Density (Sq mile) | Antlerless Deer Permits per Quota (2023) |
| 1 | Berkshire | 931 | 18 | 800 |
| 2 | Franklin and Hampshire | 1,583 | 15 | 400 |
| 3 | Hampden | 605 | 25 | 2,050 |
| 4N | Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire | 1,456 | 16 | 800 |
| 4S | Hampden | 308 | 35 | 600 |
| 5 | Worcester | 1,586 | 20 | 1,950 |
| 6 | Middlesex | 833 | 30 | 400 |
| 7 | Essex | 544 | 40 | 3,000 |
| 8 | Suffolk and Norfolk | 553 | 50 | 3,100 |
| 9 | Plymouth and Bristol | 1,473 | 40 | 7,200 |
| 10 | Cape Cod | 503 | 20 | No Cap |
| 11 | Martha’s Vineyard | 127 | 20 | No Cap |
| 12 | Nantucket | 50 | 20 | 1,350 |
| 13 | Central Worcester | 389 | 20 | No Cap |
| 14 | Eastern Worcester | 389 | 20 | No Cap |
Mass Hunting Zones Map (WMZ Map)
Massachusetts Counties
Hunters can find more information on the MassWildlife website, including a map of the hunting zones and a list of the hunting seasons and regulations for each zone. Hunters should always check with MassWildlife before heading out to hunt, as the hunting zones may change from year to year based on the latest wildlife data and management objectives.
Massachusetts wildlife management zones offer hunters a chance to enjoy the state’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity while contributing to their conservation and management. By following the rules and regulations set by MassWildlife, hunters can ensure a safe and ethical hunting experience for themselves and others.
Please Note: All items above can change at anytime, please visit the official Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website for the most up to the date information.
USEFUL LINKS
MassWildlife (Mass DFW) | MassWildlife Zone Map | 2023 Mass Hunting Season Information (Roughkut)
