Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciation of wildlife, their behavior, and habitat needs.
All hunters are required to adhere to both state and federal regulations.
Hunters must possess a valid state hunting license and all applicable tags and stamps. Additionally, hunters must purchase a refuge hunting permit using the RecAccess site. Permits will be released on a first come first served basis. To purchase a permit visit https://easternmarefuges.recaccess.com/.
Assabet River NWR is located in Massachusetts Wildlife Management Zone 10, and the Central Zone for waterfowl hunting. Legal open seasons and bag limits are in accordance with state regulations, which can be found on the MassWildlife website.
As per Massachusetts state law, hunting is not permitted on Sundays.
Safety
In accordance with State regulations, designated safety zones, restricted areas, and archery-only zones have been established to uphold public safety within and surrounding the refuge.
Firearms
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and Federal laws. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42, and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
The use of rifles and handguns is not permitted on the refuge.
Vehicles and Parking
Licensed motor vehicles are permitted only on public roads as shown on the map. ATVs and UTVs are prohibited. You will receive a parking pass with the purchase of your refuge hunting permit. The pass must be visible on your dashboard at all times when parked in lots designated as hunter parking only. Hunters must park in designated hunter parking areas, identified on refuge hunt map, to access the refuge for hunting.
Hunting Opportunities at Assabet River NWR
All hunts are conducted in alignment with State seasons and method of take (with the exception of night hunting, which is not permitted on the refuge).
Big Game (White-tailed Deer, American Black bear, Turkey)
Bear hunting is open during the second season and shotgun season only. White-tailed deer and turkey hunting is open during the archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun season in designated areas of the refuge. All areas of the refuge open to hunting are open for big game. North Unit B, South Unit, and Unit C are archery only for big game.
Upland Game (Fox, Coyote, Ruffed Grouse, Cottontail Rabbit, Gray Squirrel)
Coyote and fox hunting is open concurrent with deer season and corresponding method of take in North Unit A, and with only archery equipment in all other hunt units (North Unit B, South Unit, and Unit C).
Grouse, rabbit, and squirrel hunting is open in alignment with State season dates in North Unit A only. Rabbit hunting on the refuge ends ½ hour after sunset.
Eastern Massachusetts NWRC only permits non-toxic ammunition for upland game hunting.
Migratory Bird (Waterfowl, American woodcock)
Migratory bird hunting is conducted in alignment with State seasons and method of take. Waterfowl hunting is open on Unit C. Woodcock hunting is open on North Unit A. Non-toxic ammunition only for migratory bird hunting.
Other Rules & Regulations for Hunting at Assabet River NWR
- Hunters may access the refuge via boat on the Assabet River. Boating is not permitted on Puffer Pond. All state boating and hunting regulations must be followed on public waterways.
- Hunters may only access the Refuge 1.5 hours before legal sunrise until 1.5 hours after legal sunset.
- Refuge hunters are allowed to place one tree stand per refuge for any and all hunting seasons permitted. Hunters must mark tree stands/blinds with their refuge permit number in such a way that it is visible from the ground. Tree stands may be put up the first eligible scouting day of the permitted season and must be removed by January 30th or 30 days after the end of permitted season.
- Trail cameras may be used for scouting. Hunters must mark the camera with their refuge permit number. Cameras must be removed by January 30th or 30 days after the end of permitted season.
- Scouting can occur once the hunter has obtained a refuge permit. Hunters are required to have their refuge permits and state license with them at all times when scouting. Scouting can begin no earlier than 4 weeks prior to the opening day of the hunt season from half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset.
- Hunters are required to report harvests according to Massachusetts State regulations.
Prohibited Activities
- Possession of alcoholic beverages
- Night hunting
- Baiting or hunting over bait
- Camping and fires
- Trimming or cutting vegetation
- Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, skulls, plants, historic and archaeological artifacts
- Driving of deer by any means
- Use of a spotlight or other artificial light to locate wildlife
- Use of electronic calls
- Marking of any tree, trail, or other refuge feature with flagging or paint
- Permanent tree stands, nails, screw-in steps, or other items that penetrate the outer bark of a tree
- Firearms capable of firing centerfire rifle and pistol cartridge ammunition
- Possession of loaded firearm, discharge of firearm, or hunting is prohibited within 500 feet of any dwelling
- Discharge of any firearm or release of any arrow across roads or within 150 feet of roads
- Hunter harassment or interfering with persons engaged in lawful activities.
Accessibility Information
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information, please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity, https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.
