Subject to limits in Massachusetts, the season will last for several weeks and include the Youth Hunt Day. This page will go through the specifics of the turkey regulation, including crucial dates, rules, and advice on a productive hunt. So gather your supplies, and let’s begin!
Massachusetts Turkey Season
The state requires a hunting or sports license, a permit, and three tags are needed to hunt wild turkeys.. Beginning in April, turkey hunting will also be permitted on Cape Cod National Seashore.
| Schedule | Zones 1–13 |
| Youth Hunt | Apr. 27, 2024 |
| Spring | Apr. 29 – May 25, 2024 |
| Fall | |
| Archery, Shotgun, Muzzleloading Shotgun | Oct. 21 – Nov. 2, 2024 |
| Archery only | Oct. 7 – Oct. 19, 2024 |
| Nov. 4 – Nov. 30, 2024 | |
From October 16 through October 21, 2024, hunters may use shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns, and archery tools during the fall in wildlife management zones 1 through 13. However, only archery gear is permitted during specific times of the fall. The tables that are presented offer further information on these times.
Bag Limits
| Season | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2 bearded birds | 2 birds may be harvested on the same day |
| Fall | 1 turkey of either sex |
Turkey Licenses
| Licenses | Fees |
| Resident Permit | $10.00 |
| Non-resident Permit | $15.00 |
| Resident License | $29.50 |
| Senior Resident License (Age 65–69) | $14.75 |
Note: For the entire Hunting license list, view it on the mass.gov website
Hunting Regulations
- The state requires a Hunting or Sporting License, a Turkey permit, and a Safety sticker. Non-residents require a Big game license, Permit, and a Safety sticker. A shotgun or muzzleloader requires a safety sticker. Sighting down the barrel requires this sticker. Visit any MassWildlife office or contact mass.wildlife@mass.gov to get a new sticker.
- Shotgun hunt is limited to gauge 10 and shot size #4. Smoothbore shotguns may only be.775 calibers and #4 shot size for muzzleloader hunting. Archery equipment must have a draw weight of at least 40 lbs at 28 inches or peak draw and well-sharpened steel broadhead blades of at least 7/8 inches. Expanding broadheads and portable releases are permitted, but airbows are not. Permitted disabled hunters may use crossbows.
- During fall, hunters must wear blaze orange caps in Wildlife Management Areas stocked with pheasants or quail.
- Licensed hunters may call turkeys for other hunters but cannot carry firearms or archery equipment if they have surpassed the season limit. Even without tags, the caller needs a license and permit. Hunters cannot use electronic calls, dogs, bait, drive or herd birds, or live decoys.
- Hunters must rescue and utilize dead or injured game animals. The animal must be maintained or sent to someone else for processing. Damaged, decaying, ill, or contaminated animals are exempt from this regulation.
- Residents must report harvests within 48 hours at a check station or online via MassFishHunt. After harvesting, you must affix the paper tag from your permit to the carcass and keep it intact until it is reported and processed for food or taxidermy. Online harvesters must put their confirmation number on the carcass tag.
- Massachusetts has spring and fall games. Spring runs from the final Monday of April to the fourth Saturday. Wildlife management zones (WMZs) affect fall. WMZ 1-9’s season runs from the 6th Monday before Thanksgiving to the Saturday after. WMZ 10-13’s season runs from the 8th Monday before Thanksgiving to the Saturday after. Sunday hunting is prohibited. There is a special kids’ turkey hunt on the Saturday before spring. This hunt requires the young turkey program and Basic hunter education.
FAQ
When is the Massachusetts Spring Turkey Hunting Season?
The 2024 Spring Turkey Hunt in Massachusetts runs from April 27 through May 25.
When is the Youth Turkey Hunt Day?
On April 27, Massachusetts will host its annual Youth Hunt Day. Only permitted in Zones 1 through 13.
How many turkey hunting zones are there in Massachusetts?
There are 13 hunting zones in Massachusetts where turkeys may be found, according to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
