Hunting Season Information
Hopkinton has a wealth of beautiful open spaces and the Trails Club encourages everyone to get out and use them. Autumn is a particularly wonderful time to be out in the woods, but extra caution is needed. This is the fall hunting season, and many of the areas we love to explore in Hopkinton are open for hunting. Here are the dates for 2024:
There are five hunting seasons for deer in Massachusetts:
Black bear hunting has three seasons:
- Youth hunting day: September 28
- Bow & Arrow: October 7 thru November 30
- Paraplegic hunt: October 31 thru November 2
- Shotgun: December 2 thru December 14
- Muzzleloaders: December 16 thru December 31
Other seasons:
- September 3 thru September 21
- November 4 thru November 23
- December 2 thru December 14 (shotgun)
- Pheasant/Quail: October 19 thru December 31
- Turkey: October 7 thru November 30
- Coyote: October 19 thru March 8 (2025)
Hopkinton's trails are NOT closed to non-hunters during hunting season. You can still enjoy the woods during this time if you use common sense and take a few precautions:
For more information about hunting seasons and safety in the woods, visit the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (Mass Wildlife) webpage.
- Be aware of which areas are open for hunting and when (no hunting on Sundays!)
- Wear brightly colored clothing, preferably blaze orange (at least a hat)
- Keep your dog leashed, and have it wear blaze orange as well
- Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't wear earpods/headphones, or talk on your phone while walking.
- Avoid visiting during prime hunting times (dawn & dusk)
