Massachusetts

10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns firing single rifled slugs or sabot slugs are the exclusive modern firearm permitted for deer hunting in Massachusetts (centerfire rifles are strictly prohibited for deer statewide). Holding capacity must be plugged to 3 shells maximum. Buckshot is prohibited. Suppressors are prohibited under state law.

Minimum .44 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders firing a single projectile. Modern in-line muzzleloaders with 209 primers, sabots, and magnifying scopes are fully legal during the dedicated two-week December Primitive Firearms season. Black powder or commercial synthetic powders only.

Compound, recurve, and longbows with minimum 40 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting width. Fixed and mechanical broadheads legal. The archery deer season runs from mid-October through late November in western/central zones and opens early October in eastern suburban zones.

Crossbows are prohibited for general hunting in Massachusetts and are permitted exclusively for hunters possessing a certified permanent Physical Disability Crossbow Permit issued by MassWildlife. Minimum 100 lb draw weight with working safety.

Centerfire revolvers or single-shot handguns .357 Magnum or larger with minimum barrel length of 4 inches are legal during the shotgun deer season. Semiautomatic handguns are prohibited for deer hunting in Massachusetts. Valid LTC (License to Carry) mandatory.

10, 12, 16, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore shotguns with non-toxic steel, bismuth, or tungsten shot required for all waterfowl hunting across coastal salt marshes, Cape Cod, and the Connecticut River valley.