Westborough – MassWildlife is considering changes to wild turkey hunting regulations affecting bag limits, fall season dates, and the Youth Hunt. MassWildlife recently initiated a review of turkey hunting regulations to evaluate potential changes that create new hunting opportunities and increase participation. The public is invited to provide feedback at two upcoming information sessions. MassWildlife Turkey Biologist Dave Scarpitti will make a short presentation on the turkey hunting review and regulation proposals, followed by a Q&A session for the public to give feedback.
The meeting dates are:
- Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough)
- Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Palmer Public Library (1445 N. Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069).
Summary of suggested turkey hunting regulation changes:
- Increase the annual limit to three turkeys (two bearded birds in the spring and one of either sex in the fall).
- Increase the daily bag limit to two per day during the spring season.
- Expand the fall season (archery only) to coincide with the archery deer season.
- Expand the Youth Turkey Hunt Day hunting hours to 1/2 hour before sunrise until 5 p.m.
- Allow Youth Turkey permits issued to youth aged 12–14 for use in the fall turkey hunting season.
Anyone unable to attend the meetings may comment on the changes online or by mail to Turkey Season Feedback, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. To provide comment online or read more details on the proposed changes, visit https://www.mass.gov/news/masswildlife-seeks-feedback-on-potential-turkey-hunting-changes.
Public feedback will be considered by MassWildlife staff and provided to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. If changes are the board, a formal public hearing and public comment period will be scheduled and publicized.