2025 Season
Fishing Regulations
Fishing
CT River American Shad Season Closed for 5th Consecutive Year
Effective January 1, 2025
The Connecticut River American shad season remains closed for the fifth consecutive year in 2025 due to continued population decline monitored by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Anglers may still legally harvest striped bass caught in the Connecticut River under standard coastal Massachusetts regulations. MassWildlife and ASMFC continue to monitor shad population recovery and will evaluate reopening criteria annually.
Key Changes:
• American shad season remains closed on Connecticut River for 5th consecutive year
• Closure driven by ongoing population decline monitored by ASMFC
• Striped bass harvest in CT River permitted under standard MA coastal regulations
• No shad harvest permitted by any method (bait, lure, or net) during closure
• Anglers should check ASMFC annual shad stock assessment for reopening updates
Source: Official Massachusetts Agency ↗
Hunting Regulations
Hunting
MA Shotgun Deer Season Shortened to 12 Days; Primitive Firearms Extended
Effective November 23, 2025
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reduced the statewide shotgun deer season from two weeks to 12 days for 2025–26, running November 23 through December 4. The primitive firearms season was extended by five days to partially offset the reduction. Spring turkey season in western zones now opens one week later (May 5) following analysis of late nesting survey data from those units.
Key Changes:
• Shotgun deer season shortened from 14 to 12 days: Nov 23 – Dec 4, 2025
• Primitive firearms season extended by 5 days to compensate
• Spring turkey season in western zones delayed: now opens May 5 (was Apr 28)
• Western zone turkey delay based on late nesting survey results
• All archery deer season dates unchanged for 2025
• Antlerless permit allocations adjusted proportionally to season length reduction
Source: Official Massachusetts Agency ↗