Massachusetts Animals You Can Hunt Year-Round

In Massachusetts, the excitement of hunting animals doesn't have to be confined to a single season.

Often, we think of deer or other larger animals that licensed hunters seek. From wild turkeys to coyotes, Massachusetts offers different hunting experiences throughout the year.

However, hunters can pursue some species regardless of the calendar. With this in mind, it can be thrilling, but only a few species are available to be hunted year-round.

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Regulated hunting is an activity that many people are drawn to. It has become very popular here in Massachusetts due to its diverse landforms and wooded areas.

It's an activity that fosters bonds between family, friends and communities as they spend quality time together in nature. Just last year, Massachusetts had a total harvest of 15,522 deer.

Economic balance is one of the many reasons people cannot hunt every species they come across. Without this balance, there could be a considerable population problem on our hands. Other contributions include conservation efforts and human-wildlife interaction.

If you're curious like me, here are the species that are available to be hunted all year long, according to MassWildLife.

• English sparrow
• flying squirrel
• red squirrel
• chipmunk
• porcupine
• skunk
• starling
• weasel
• woodchuck.

It's also important to note that these species are off-limits when it comes to deer season. The site also states that all game hunting seasons are closed statewide except for deer, bear, coyote and waterfowl.

Shotgun deer season runs for two weeks, starting at the end of October. This year, the season falls between October 21 and November 2.