Deer Seasons Expanded on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket

Deer hunters will enjoy an expanded season on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, beginning this winter. (Photo by Tom Tietz)

Massachusetts deer hunters will have more opportunity to put venison in the freezer this winter, and in fall 2026, thanks to an expanded season on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

According to mass.gov, Governor Maura Healey (D) and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll (D) announced new regulations that will permit a six-week winter primitive firearms and bowhunting season from January 1 through February 14. An early fall deer season on the islands will also be created with an additional 10 days of primitive hunting from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1.

“Hunting has always been woven into Massachusetts’ history — supporting families, boosting local economies, and helping keep our deer populations healthy,” Healey said in a statement. “These expanded regulations carry that tradition forward, creating more opportunities for hunters while protecting public health and ensuring we’re maintaining balance in our wildlife populations.”

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Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea made an announcement during a recent board meeting that the administration will consider expanding the season further or allowing hunting on Sundays. Currently Massachusetts and Maine are the only states that don’t allow Sunday hunting.

Officials are expanding the season due to the growing deer population on the two islands, which have the highest deer densities statewide. A high deer population can lead to more vehicle collisions, tick-borne diseases, habitat damage, and coastal erosion.

The state’s goal is to have 12 to 18 deer per square mile, but some areas of the islands are estimated to have approximately 100 deer per square mile.

“Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are facing rapidly increasing deer populations,” O’Shea said in the statement. “By expanding opportunities for licensed hunters to harvest deer, we can achieve healthier deer populations while protecting biodiversity and increasing public health, safety, and food security.”

These changes to the season are currently acting as a trial run, officials said. However, public hearings will be held in early 2026 to decide if the changes will be made permanent.