Massachusetts
23,000
Duck Statewide Harvest
5,300
Goose Statewide Harvest
4,600
No. Waterfowl Licenses Sold Annually
5.6
Ducks Per Hunter
2.4
Geese Per Hunter
$31.00 (includes $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp)
Cost of Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$10
Cost of Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
69.00 (includes $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp)
Cost of Non-Resident Waterfowl Hunting License
$10
Cost of Non-Resident State Stamps and Permits
$25
Federal Duck Stamp
You won't find many states where the sea duck harvest almost triples the number of mallards taken, but Massachusetts qualifies for that list.
Massachusetts hunters shot 3,897 eiders, 3,062 scoters and 2,505 long-tailed ducks during 2021-'22, compared to 3,611 mallards. State fowlers also took respectable numbers of buffleheads, black ducks, wood ducks and green-winged teal. Canada geese, especially locally breeding birds, continue to provide decent opportunity — more than 4,740 honkers harvested in 2021-'22 — and hunters also shoot some Atlantic brant each season.
Popular spots include Salisbury Marsh, north of the Merrimack River, and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, along the state's northeastern coast. Parker River features more than 3,000 acres of salt marsh and provides coastal habitat for more than 300 bird species. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in areas A, B and C (Nelson Island) at the refuge. Check refuge regulations for special hunting rules.
Why the relatively mediocre grade despite great breadth of opportunity? Eastern Massachusetts is highly urbanized, and competition for public spots can be tough. Hunting with a saltwater outfitter provides a nice option for out-of-state waterfowlers.
— Compiled and written by Brian Lovett
