Antlerless deer hunting permit application deadline approaching

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) are reminding hunters that the deadline to apply for an Antlerless Deer Permit (ADP) is July 16, 2024.

If you plan to hunt antlerless deer in Massachusetts, you will need an ADP. MassWildlife offers a limited number of ADPs for each wildlife management zone as part of deer management in different areas of the state. Hunters with a valid hunting or sporting license can apply for an ADP in the wildlife management zone of their choice.

The difference between allocation and demand determines the odds of winning an ADP. In some years, and in some zones, hunter demand is lower than the number of available ADPs. When this happens, the odds of winning a permit in that zone are 100% and the state can offer Surplus Antlerless Deer Permits.

MassWildlife estimates that there are more than 100,000 deer across the state. Deer populations vary widely from an ideal range of about 12–18 deer per square mile in most of central and western Massachusetts to more than 30–50 deer per square mile in areas of eastern Massachusetts and on the islands where hunting access is restricted.

More information on applying for an ADP can be found on the Mass.gov website.

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