Why does MassWildlife require ALL deer hunters who wish to harvest an antlerless deer to possess a permit?
By requiring an antlerless deer permit for archers, shotgunners, and muzzleloaders alike, MassWildlife gains a measure of control of the antlerless kill for all seasons in all Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ). In recent years, the archery and muzzleloader kill of antlerless deer has become increasingly significant, particularly in some central and western DMZs, limiting the effectiveness of reduced permit allocations during the Shotgun season. With the ability to use permits to regulate the antlerless take during all seasons, the agency is in a position to reduce or increase deer densities in specific zones through the use of required permits. With that added control, MassWildlife can offer increased opportunities for all hunters, including bow hunters and muzzleloaders to pursue their traditional passions without concern about over harvesting the female segment of the deer population.
Related Questions
- If hunters wish to hunt antlerless white-tailed deer, must they purchase the 1st antlerless licence before the 2nd antlerless licence?
- I already possess an antlerless deer permit from the drawing. Can I purchase a second permit for that same zone?
- Why does MassWildlife require ALL deer hunters who wish to harvest an antlerless deer to possess a permit?
