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Massachusetts hunters need to be aware of the deer season regulation changes before heading to the stand. (Photo by Amy Lutz)

Massachusetts has implemented new regulatory changes for deer season and new rules to help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The state has also announced updates to MassWildlife's Hunters Share the Harvest venison donation program.

According to a release issued by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the following deer regulation changes are in effect:

* The Youth Deer Permit can be used during any open deer season.

* Deer decoys can be used for hunting during the archery-only season.

* Daily antlerless bag limit has been removed. (Season limits are still in effect.)

* Planted food plots and standing crops are legal to use for hunting.

* Deboning requirements have been expanded to all states outside of New England.

* For license year 2026, there is a new winter primitive firearms deer season for the month of January on Martha’s Vineyard and Elizabeth Island (WMZ 13) and Nantucket (WMZ 14).

* Antler shed hunting is exempt from possession permit requirements. Under previous laws, a tag was required for possession of any deer parts, including antlers. The new regulation allows anyone to collect and possess naturally shed antlers without needing any permit, tag, or license.

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Share the Harvest program updates

For each whole deer donated to MassWildlifes Hunters Share the Harvest program, a hunter will receive a no-cost replacement Antlerless Deer Permit in the zone of their choice (WMZ 9, 10, 11, 13, or 14). It may take 2 to 4 weeks for the permit to be added to the donor's account. The department will do its best to issue replacement permits before the 2025 shotgun deer season for hunters who donate a whole deer before Thanksgiving. Hunters who donate a deer after Thanksgiving will receive the replacement permit in 2026.

The Hunters Share the Harvest program provides an opportunity for hunters to donate venison to Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity. The program has provided more than 50,000 meals to families in need. The program has 16 participating processors and 18 food distribution partners across the state.

Hunters who donate their full deer pay no processing or packaging fees. Hunters can choose to donate a portion of their deer if it is processed entirely at an approved processor following all program requirements.

* Donate at least 10 pounds of processed venison from your deer and receive $50 off the cost of processing.

* Donate at least 20 pounds of processed venison from your deer and receive $100 off the cost of processing.

* Donate at least 30 pounds of processed venison from your deer and receive $150 off the cost of processing.