MA Bear Hunting

Massachusetts Bear Season Dates 2026

Bear season in Massachusetts runs Sep 2 – Dec 13 across 14 WMZs.

42 Seasons2 Weapon Types

Any Legal

WMZTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
1First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
1Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
10First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
10Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
11First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
11Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
12First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
12Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
13First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
13Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
14First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
14Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
2First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
2Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
3First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
3Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
4First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
4Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
5First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
5Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
6First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
6Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
7First SeasonSep 2Sep 20
7Second SeasonNov 3Nov 22
8First SeasonSep 2Sep 20

+ 3 more

Shotgun

WMZTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
1Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
10Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
11Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
12Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
13Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
14Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
2Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
3Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
4Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
5Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
6Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
7Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
8Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13
9Shotgun SeasonDec 1Dec 13

Bear in Massachusetts: FAQ

When is bear season in Massachusetts?

Bear season in Massachusetts currently runs Sep 2 to Dec 13, across 42 season rows and 14 WMZs, split by weapon (Any Legal, Shotgun).

Where is the best place to hunt bear in Massachusetts?

The best WMZs for bear in Massachusetts depend on harvest success and public-land access, both shown per WMZ above. Compare units before you apply for a tag or plan your hunt.

Plan your Bear hunt in Massachusetts

View WMZ boundaries, public land, and walk-in access areas on our interactive map.

Also see Massachusetts seasons, public land, and license.

Bear seasons in Massachusetts — offline