Massachusetts Environmental Police

09/07/2026

09/05/2026

Waterfowl Hunting from a Boat?

As goose and waterfowl seasons begin across Massachusetts, remember: hunting from a vessel requires extra caution. Cold water, changing weather, and tight quarters can turn risky fast — but with the right prep, you can stay safe and focused.

• Wear your PFD at all times — it’s your lifeline.
• Dress in layers under your PFD to stay warm and dry.
• Check the weather before heading out and stay close to shore.
• Leave a float plan with someone you trust.

• Move carefully and keep gear balanced to prevent swamping or capsizing
• Only fire when the vessel is stopped and beached, anchored, or secured to shore.
• Stay seated when shooting to maintain stability.
• Transport fi****ms unloaded with the safety on when in a motorboat.

Follow all regular boating laws — they apply even during hunting season.
Respect the conditions, respect the law, and protect yourself and your crew.

08/31/2026

Early Canada Goose Season opens statewide on September 1st and runs through September 25th.

Hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.

The daily bag limit is 15 Canada geese, with a possession limit of 45.

As you prepare for the season, remember:

Shotguns must be properly plugged and limited to 3 shells.
Use non-toxic ammunition only (pure copper shot is prohibited).

Practice safe firearm handling at all times. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and be certain of your target and what is beyond it.

If underway, a USCG-approved PFD must be carried for each person on a vessel. After September 15th, it must be worn while on a paddlecraft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Make sure you have a valid Massachusetts hunting license, along with the required Massachusetts State and Federal Waterfowl Stamps.
The Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey must be completed.
Hunting on Sundays is prohibited.
Baiting and driving of waterfowl is prohibited.
Please pick up your empty shotgun shells and leave no trash behind. Help keep our waterways, fields, and public lands clean.

Take a few minutes to check your gear, licenses, and regulations before heading out. Stay safe, know the regulations, respect the land, and good luck this season!
-----
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/migratory-game-bird-hunting-regulations

https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2026-05/mb-memorandum-clarification-approved-nontoxic-shot-requirements.pdf

08/31/2026

🌊🦀Massachusetts Environmental Police have recently encountered multiple violations involving the taking and possession of undersized blue crabs and catches exceeding the legal limit.

As a reminder, Massachusetts regulations require blue crabs to measure at least 5 inches across the shell, measured from the tips of the longest spines. The possession limit is 25 blue crabs per person per 24-hour period. Egg-bearing blue crabs may not be taken or possessed, and blue crabs may not be taken with trap gear.

Citations can result in hundreds of dollars including a monetary fine for each individual crab.

Please take a moment to review the attached flyer for additional information on blue crab regulations and how to properly measure your catch.

Our officers will continue to conduct patrols and inspections to protect Massachusetts' marine resources.

Know the regulations, measure your catch, and stay within the limits. Help us protect this important resource for future generations. 🦀🌊

08/28/2026

Off‑Highway Vehicle Reminder for DCR State Forests:

As we move through the late‑summer season, the Massachusetts Environmental Police want to remind all outdoor recreation users that it is unlawful to operate Off‑Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) state forests if the machine weighs more than 900 lbs or is greater than 50 inches wide. These limits are in place to protect sensitive trail systems, prevent erosion, and ensure safe shared use of public lands.

Over the summer, officers have received complaints and encountered oversized side‑by‑sides operating illegally on state forest trails and roadways, some even in possession of alcohol, operating after posted hours, and involved in accidents. These violations put riders, other trail users, motor vehicle operators and the environment at risk.

Ride Smart. Ride Legal. Ride Sober.
Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors by off‑roading, hiking, hunting, or fishing, please help us keep DCR lands safe and accessible for everyone.

Respect the size and weight limits.
Stay on legal trails.
Operate sober.
And protect the forests we all enjoy.

08/27/2026

As part of our responsibilities, Massachusetts Environmental Police officers help staff DCR pools across the Commonwealth. This is an important part of supporting safe and equitable access to recreation, particularly in communities where public pools provide families with an opportunity to enjoy the water they wouldn't have access to otherwise.

With the 2026 DCR pool season now over, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the people who helped make it possible, including DCR pool staff, patrons, and our partner agencies and departments who worked together throughout the summer. Your teamwork, cooperation, and commitment to keeping families safe while enjoying the water are greatly appreciated.

08/26/2026

Massachusetts Environmental Police remind hunters that bear hunting season opens shortly. As you prepare, please keep these important laws and safety tips in mind:

⚖️ Bear Hunting Laws:
Remove attractants early. All natural or artificial nutritive attractants or enticements, no matter how small, must be removed 10 days prior to the season opening.

Carry your permit: Hunters must have a valid bear permit in print and with them while hunting.

Tag immediately: After harvest, the tag must be filled out and placed on the bear before it is moved.

🥩 Responsible Harvest & Safety:
September can bring hot days, secure a butcher ahead of time and cool the meat quickly to ensure it can be consumed responsibly.

Network with farmers and landowners experiencing bear damage to crops or agriculture. This helps reduce property damage while increasing opportunities for a successful harvest.

Always hunt safely, ethically, and in compliance with Massachusetts law.

Bear hunting is not only about tradition and opportunity, it’s about responsible stewardship of wildlife and respect for the communities we serve. Thank you for helping us keep Massachusetts’ woods and waters safe, sustainable, and productive. Follow the link below on updates to the new combined bear season this year.

https://www.mass.gov/hunting-black-bear-in-massachusetts