Are you ready for trout stocking season?
Spring stocking has begun! Approximately 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout will be stocked this spring from MassWildlife’s five hatcheries. These fish, coupled with the more than 60,000 fish stocked last fall, will provide some excellent fishing in the coming months. Go to Mass.gov/Trout to see a map.
Spring turkey hunting
The 2021 Massachusetts spring turkey hunting season opens April 26 and runs through May 22. Get ready for the start of the season by reviewing the regulations, purchasing your hunting license and turkey permit, and brushing up on your knowledge with these turkey hunting tips.
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License types & fees
| Fishing license type |
Fee |
| Saltwater fishing (age 16 and over; valid in CT, NH, and RI) |
$10.00 |
| Saltwater fishing (60 and over) |
Free |
| Resident non-commercial lobster |
$55.00 |
| Resident freshwater fishing* |
$22.50 |
| Resident minor freshwater fishing (age 15–17) |
Free |
| Resident freshwater fishing (age 65–69)* |
$11.25 |
| Resident freshwater fishing (age 70 and over) |
Free |
| Resident freshwater fishing (Paraplegic, blind, intellectually disabled; see instructions.) |
Free |
| Resident freshwater fishing (3 day)* |
$7.50 |
| Non-resident freshwater fishing* |
$32.50 |
| Non-resident freshwater fishing (age 15–17)* |
$6.50 |
| Non-resident freshwater fishing (3 day)* |
$18.50 |
| Quabbin Reservoir fishing (1 day) |
$5.00 |
| Sporting license type (freshwater fishing and hunting) |
Fee |
| Resident sporting* |
$40.00 |
| Resident sporting (age 65–69)* |
$20.00 |
| Resident sporting (age 70 and older, includes trapping) |
Free |
| Resident/non-resident sporting (Paraplegic; see instructions.) |
Free |
| Hunting license type and stamps |
Fee |
| Resident hunting* |
$22.50 |
| Resident minor hunting (age 15–17)* |
$6.50 |
| Resident hunting (age 65–69)* |
$11.25 |
| Resident/non-resident hunting (Paraplegic; see instructions.) |
Free |
Non-resident big game hunting (adult/minor)*
(deer, bear, turkey, and all other game species) |
$94.50 |
Non-resident small game hunting (adult/minor)*
(all game species except deer, bear, and turkey) |
$60.50 |
| Resident/non-resident commercial shooting preserve (1 day)* |
$5.00 |
| Archery stamp |
$5.10 |
| Waterfowl stamp |
$5.00 |
| Primitive firearms stamp |
$5.10 |
| Bear permit |
$5.00 |
| Antlerless deer permit (when issued) |
$5.00 |
| Turkey permit |
$5.00 |
| Trapping license type |
Fee |
| Resident trapping* |
$30.50 |
| Resident minor trapping (age 12–17)* |
$6.50 |
| Resident trapping (age 65–69)* |
$15.25 |
*Wildlands Conservation Stamp: *Price listed does not include the mandatory $5 Wildlands Stamp. In each calendar year, all first resident licenses and all non-resident licenses require a Wildlands Stamp (except for free licenses and saltwater licenses).
NOTE: All online purchases include a $1.34 service fee per license, plus a 3% internet handling charge on the total transaction.
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Who needs a license?
Hunting
If you’re 15 or older, you need a hunting license. Learn more about special regulations and purchasing rules for hunters aged 12-17. Those under age 12 may not hunt.
Freshwater fishing
If you're 15 or older, you need a license to fish in fresh water. Those under 15 can fish in fresh water for free without a license.
Saltwater fishing
If you're 16 or older, you need a permit to fish in salt water. You do not need a permit if you have a valid saltwater fishing permit from CT, NH, or RI, or if you are fishing on a permitted for-hire vessels. Those under 16 can fish in salt water for free without a license.
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Learn to fish and hunt
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, MassWildlife, DMF, and their partners offer many great opportunities to learn fishing and hunting techniques. Most courses are free and provide hands-on learning opportunities.
Freshwater fishing classes
Saltwater fishing classes
Hunting classes
