Antlered deer tags are included with the big game hunting license; archery, primitive firearms, and antlerless permits are separate add-ons
MA
Deer Hunting in Massachusetts: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Massachusetts starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag See notes Antlered deer tags are included with the big game hunting license; archery, primitive firearms, and antlerless permits are separate add-ons
Non-Resident Tag See notes Antlered deer tags are included with the big game hunting license; archery, primitive firearms, and antlerless permits are separate add-ons
Primary Season Oct 4 – Oct 4 Youth Deer Day
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Massachusetts Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Massachusetts deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Antlered deer tags are included with the big game hunting license; archery, primitive firearms, and antlerless permits are separate add-ons
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Youth Deer Day; also check Archery.
For Massachusetts deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Antlered deer tags are included with the big game hunting license; archery, primitive firearms, and antlerless permits are separate add-ons. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. Massachusetts does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Massachusetts
Massachusetts deer cost should be read as a license-plus-permit system, not a single free tag. The non-resident big game license covers deer eligibility, but archery season requires an archery deer stamp, primitive firearms season requires a primitive firearms stamp, and antlerless deer requires a zone-specific permit. CWD has not been detected in Massachusetts, but MassWildlife uses carcass import restrictions to reduce risk, especially for deer taken outside New England. The two-antlered-deer rule is statewide, while antlerless opportunity is controlled by wildlife management zone and permit availability.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Massachusetts Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Massachusetts offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the MassWildlife - Division of Fisheries & Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Massachusetts Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
See notes
Antlered deer tags are included with the big game hunting license; archery, primitive firearms, and antlerless permits are separate add-ons
Non-Resident
See notes
Over-the-counter tag available
Antlered deer tags are included with the big game hunting license; archery, primitive firearms, and antlerless permits are separate add-ons
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Massachusetts deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Massachusetts license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Massachusetts
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
Massachusetts restricts importation of whole deer carcasses and high-risk parts from outside New England; confirm current MassWildlife allowed parts before travel.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 2 antlered (statewide) + antlerless by permit
License includes 2 antlered tags; no rifles; shotgun slugs/muzzleloader/archery
Allowed Weapons
Bow, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: MassWildlife - Division of Fisheries & Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Massachusetts — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Massachusetts?
No, as CWD has never been detected in the state wild herd. MassWildlife conducts surveillance testing randomly on hunter-harvested deer.
What are the antler restrictions?
Hunters are permitted to take two antlered deer per year. A legal antlered deer must have at least one antler 3 inches or longer in length.
Can I bring a deer harvested in another state into Massachusetts?
Massachusetts restricts whole carcasses and high-risk parts from outside New England. Bring only allowed parts such as boned-out meat, clean hides, cleaned skull caps, or properly finished taxidermy items under current MassWildlife rules.
What deer species can I hunt in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Massachusetts?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Massachusetts with the non-resident big game hunting license. Antlered deer tags are part of that license, but archery stamps, primitive firearms stamps, and antlerless deer permits are separate add-ons.