Massachusetts

Sub-species: Eastern

Tags: Over the counter

Application Period: n/a

Electronic or Print at Home Fulfillment: YES

Hunter Education Required: Yes for anyone who did not have a hunting license in any US state, Canada, or Mexico prior to 2007

Bag Limit: 2 bearded birds (they may be harvested on the same day)

2026 Spring Season Dates: April 27- May 23 (Zones 1-13)

2025 Fall Season Dates: Oct 5 – Nov 28 (Zones 1-13)

Special Youth Hunt: April 25 (Zone 1-13) **special restrictions apply

Special Disabled Hunt: No

Decoys Allowed: Yes

Tagging Instructions: You must fill out and attach a paper tag immediately after harvest.  The turkey must remain intact with the tag attached until it is reported and prepared for food or taxidermy.  All game must be reported at a checking station in person or online within 48 hours.

Noteworthy Restrictions:  As of Oct. 2nd, 2024 Nonresident hunters may NOT use semi-automatic firearms of any type. Hunting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to noon, except for the youth season that is half an hour before sunrise to 5 p.m.  If you are hunting with a shotgun or muzzleloader you must have a safety sticker placed on the gun where it is visible while sighting down the barrel. The sticker must be visible when you are sighting down the barrel.  For a new or replacement sticker, visit any MassWildlife office or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
MassWildlife
ATTN: Turkey safety sticker
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581

Shotguns 10ga and smaller using #4 shot and smaller are legal.  A licensed turkey hunter may call turkeys for another hunter. The caller cannot carry a firearm or archery equipment if he or she has taken a season limit of turkeys. Caller must have a valid license and turkey permit in possession even if tags are no longer attached.  Hunting is prohibited on Sundays.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

508-389-6300

Purchase License Online

Licenses Required to Hunt Turkeys