Deer Season is Here!

Bow and arrow season opened this week across Massachusetts with changes for both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

On both Islands, bow hunters may purchase up to four permits for antlerless deer. This is two more than permitted elsewhere in the state. The MassWildlife website explained that the increase is due to the high deer population on the Islands. Massachusetts has an estimated 80,000 to 95,000 deer in the state, with the population density ranging from about 10 per square mile in the northwestern part of the state to 45 to 55 per square mile on the Islands.

According to the website, all deer harvested on the islands must be taken to a game check station on the islands before deer carcasses are transported off-island. Those hunting on the islands may purchase up to four antlerless deer permits per zone per day. Permits are available online and at any license agent location. Hunters are encouraged to purchase their permits well ahead of their planned hunting activities.