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 deer hunting season and many of the areas we love to explore in Hopkinton are open for hunting.
There are a number of hunting seasons for deer in Massachusetts. The 2023 dates are:
Black Bear hunting is also going on, with three date ranges:
- Youth hunting day: September 30
- Bow & Arrow: October 2 thru November 25
- Paraplegic hunt: November 2 thru November 4
- Shotgun: November 27 thru December 9
- Muzzleloaders: December 11 thru December 30
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:
- September 5 thru September 23
- November 6 thru November 25
- November 27 thru December 9
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)
