Can I Legally Hunt Wild Turkeys in My Backyard in Massachusetts?

Living with wild turkeys roaming around your property can be frustrating. Their loud noises, aggressive behavior, and mess can make you want to be rid of them. So can you legally hunt or kill wild turkeys on your own land in Massachusetts? Let’s break down the regulations.

Overview of Massachusetts Turkey Hunting Laws

Turkey hunting is regulated by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Here are some key aspects of the turkey hunting laws in MA:

• A turkey hunting permit is required each calendar year Both resident and non-resident permits are available

• There are spring and fall turkey hunting seasons which have specific dates each year,

• Only shotguns, bows, and primitive firearms like muzzleloaders can be used for turkey hunting. Rifles and handguns are prohibited.

• There are bag limits – only 2 wild turkeys per permit holder in the spring season and 3 in the fall.

• There are restrictions on the gender and type of turkeys that can be harvested. For example, only 1 bearded bird is allowed in the spring.

• Turkeys can only be hunted from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

• There are safety zone restrictions – at least 500 feet from buildings and 150 feet from roads.

Is Hunting Turkeys Allowed on Private Property?

The basic answer is yes – you can hunt wild turkeys on your own private property as long as you follow all the applicable MA hunting regulations and seasons. However, there are some caveats:

• Your property must be a minimum of 5 acres in size to legally discharge a firearm or bow.

• You must be at least 150 feet away from any neighboring dwelling when hunting.

• You need written permission from the landowner if hunting on someone else’s private land.

• All other public hunting rules and licensing requirements still apply on private property.

So while you can hunt turkeys on private land, you must adhere to safety zones, seasons, bag limits, permit possession, and legal weapons restrictions.

Alternatives to Hunting Nuisance Turkeys

Before resorting to hunting, consider non-lethal options to deter troublesome turkeys on your land:

• Remove outdoor food sources like bird feeders and fallen fruit/nuts.

• Install visual deterrents like scarecrows, balloons, and reflective items.

• Use loud sounds from horns, banging pans, or radios to startle them off.

• Spray irritating homemade solutions of vinegar or chili powder near unwanted roosting areas.

• Allow hunting only as a last resort with proper state permits.

• Or call a wildlife management professional for humane trapping and relocation.

Key Considerations Before Hunting Turkeys on Your Property

If you’ve decided hunting is the only way to manage nuisance turkeys on your land, keep these important points in mind:

• Safety first – Ensure adequate backstops for shotguns and arrows to prevent unintended impacts.

• Follow all MA turkey hunting season dates and bag limits. No out of season hunting allowed.

• Abide by legal shooting hours – only 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

• Use appropriate weapons and ammo – bows, shotguns with #4 shot or smaller. No rifles.

• Acquire the proper licenses and permits from Mass Wildlife and make sure they are current.

• Watch for zoning restrictions on discharging firearms which your town may have.

• Take a hunter’s safety course if new to turkey hunting. Ethics and skill development are key.

• Consider hiring an experienced guide to assist with your first hunts.