What are the laws for hunting fox in Massachusetts? This article covers many of the fundamental laws you will need to know to get started. It also provides information such as seasons, harvest limits, and required permits for bobcat hunting in Massachusetts. It is not a legal document and is not intended to cover all hunting laws and regulations.
In Massachusetts, fox hunting season runs from Nov. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023. Hunting on Sundays is prohibited, and the season is closed during the shotgun deer season. Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end at midnight. A hunting license is required.
Purchase a Massachusetts hunting license here.
Check out the Massachusetts hunting seasons.
First time hunting fox? Check out these articles:
Read: How to call in a fox.
Read: How to use tracks and scat to hunt a fox.
Related: Read the laws for hunting coyotes in Massachusetts.
Related: Read the laws for hunting bobcats in Massachusetts.
Can electronic callers be used when hunting fox in Massachusetts?
Yes, hand or mouth-operated calls and electronic calls that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are legal.
Related: Learn how to use an open reed caller here.
Related: Learn how to use a closed reed call here.
Check Amazon for electronic predator caller prices here.
You must report a fox harvest in Massachusetts.
After harvesting a coyote or fox, you must report it. The easiest way to report a harvest is online, but you can also go to an official check station. You can report it online here.
Can I kill a fox on my property in Massachusetts?
Under Mass.General Law 131, Section 37, a property owner or tenant of land may hunt or take by other means, except by poison or snare, any mammal which he finds damaging his property, provided that such killing is not contrary to any federal law or regulation. Animals killed under this law, must be reported to authorities within 24 hours.
Night Hunting fox in Massachusetts.
While you can hunt fox at night in Massachusetts, the law prohibits the use of artificial light. This mean you are left hunting using ambient moonlight or animals visible with the naked eye. Night vision scopes (without IR emitters) are also legal.
Legal implements for hunting fox in Massachusetts.
Shotguns: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot (pellet diameter equal to or less than 0.160 inches) can be used.
Archery equipment: Archery tackle is legal, with no minimum pull. Crossbows may only be used by permit. Poisoned arrows, explosive tips, and bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited.
Rifles and handguns: There are no restrictions on caliber size for rifles or handguns.
Muzzleloaders: Smooth bore muzzleloaders: Only shot size up to #1 birdshot (pellet diameter equal to or less than 0.160 inches) can be used. Rifled bore muzzleloaders: no restrictions on caliber size.
