Controlled Archery Deer Hunting on Conservation Land Starts October 2, 2023

The Conservation Commission through its Deer Management Subcommittee will be conducting a controlled archery hunt on designated lands as part of the Town's Deer Management Program. 

The 2023 archery season for deer in MA opens October 16th here in Zone 9 and ends December 30th. One area in Harvard, Daman/Stephenson, east of Interstate 495 is in Zone 10 and opens October 2nd. A map of the lands can be viewed here with individual parcels viewed here.  

Permitted hunters who have taken proficiency tests for this program and received State safety training will be allowed to hunt MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife regulates hunting across the State in zones with different periods for hunting with various weapons.

No hunting is allowed on Sundays in Massachusetts, although hunters could visit the site on a Sunday to check conditions or position a tree stand. Only hunters participating in the Town program are permitted to hunt on this land and all are required to carry identification stating they are approved for the program. They also must place an identifying card on their vehicle identifying them as participating in the program. Rules regarding the program may be found here.

Archery hunters will be hunting at close range, shooting downward from tree stands so arrows will not travel out of sight of the hunter and it is safe for people to walk on trails. Tree stands must be 75 feet from trails, 500 feet from dwellings, and no use of firearms is allowed. A FAQ with addition information can be viewed here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Harvard Conservation Commission office at 978-456-4100 ext. 321.

If you have concerns regarding safety or a possible infraction, please call the Harvard Police at 978-456-8276 or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 800-632-8075.