Fall has inevitably begun in the Berkshires. Whether you’re looking forward to football, Halloween, or pumpkin spice lattes, fall is most definitely a favorite season of many people in the U.S.
Fall also comes with the excitement of hunting season.
The Massachusetts hunting season begins right after Labor Day weekend, with youth deer and pheasant hunting kicking it off strong. Big game such as deer, bear, and wild turkey are the most popular hunts here in Western Mass. According to MassWildlife, deer season starts on Oct. 7 – Nov. 30 for archery, Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 for paraplegic hunters, Dec. 2 – Dec. 14 for shotgun, Dec. 16 – Dec. 31 for those with primitive firearms.
Black bear season occurs Sept. 3 – Sept. 21, Nov. 4 – Nov. 23, and Dec. 2 – Dec. 14. In the first season hunters are permitted to choose either a rifle, revolver, muzzleloader, or bow. The second season has all of those options but revolvers, and the last season only permits a muzzleloader, bow, or shotgun.
Fall turkey season begins Oct. 7 and lasts until Nov. 30. From the period of Oct. 21 – Nov. 2 Massachusetts residents as well as non-residents may use a shotgun, muzzleloader, or a bow; the rest of the season is strictly archery.
Important Things About the Season
It’s crucial that hunters wear blaze orange for the safety of others in the woods. MassWildlife also encourages hikers to wear bright clothing when hiking in the woods to minimize the perception of them being an animal.
