Issuing Authority: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife)
Regulatory Authority: G.L. c. 131
Updated: Annually by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board
321 CMR 3.00 governs hunting in Massachusetts, including species-specific firearms and ammunition restrictions. This KB entry covers the firearms-relevant provisions. The full regulation addresses seasons, bag limits, methods, and habitat management.
September Season (first Tuesday after Labor Day - third Saturday):
- Rifle .23 caliber or larger
- Muzzle-loading firearm (.44 to .775 caliber, shoulder-fired)
- Revolver chambered for .357 Magnum (using only .357 Magnum rounds)
- Revolver .40 caliber or larger
- Bow and arrow
November Season (first Monday - third Saturday):
- Rifle .23 caliber or larger
- Muzzle-loading firearm (.44 to .775 caliber, shoulder-fired)
- Bow and arrow
During Shotgun Deer Season:
- Shotgun (ten gauge or smaller, including rifled-bore, using rifled slugs or single ball)
- Muzzle-loading firearm (.44 to .775 caliber, shoulder-fired)
- Bow and arrow
Primitive Firearms Season:
- Muzzle-loading firearms (.44 to .775 caliber, shoulder-fired)
Shotgun Deer Season:
- Shotgun (ten gauge or smaller) using rifled slugs or single ball
- Muzzle-loading firearms
- Bow and arrow
- Possession of rifle ammunition during shotgun deer season is restricted