Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (Massachusetts)


The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, sometimes referred to as MassWildlife, is an agency of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. MassWildlife was founded as a state fisheries commission in 1866 in response to citizen concerns about the loss of Atlantic salmon to dams and pollution. The agency's activities are mainly supported by revenue from the sale of hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, stamps and permits; returns from federal taxes on hunting and fishing equipment; various bond initiatives and 13 wildlife sanctuaries with responsibility for over of lands and waters. WMAs are all open to hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoor recreation activities. Sanctuaries are more restrictive—camping, hunting, fishing and trapping is prohibited.
MassWildlife runs fish hatcheries in Sandwich, Belchertown, Montague and Sunderland. Rainbow, brown, brook and tiger trout are raised to stock various state waters.
Mass Wildlife's website has information on regulations and permits for hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational land use. In addition there are maps of wildlife management locations and information on wildlife viewing. The agency also publishes the quarterly magazine Massachusetts Wildlife which has excellent photos and articles on state flora and fauna.
MassWildlife also publishes the following: