Approximately 290 acres of the refuge is open to hunting in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations as published annually by the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (MassWildlife). This area is divided between two parcels: Bufflehead Bay parcel (284.4 acres) and Conboy parcel (5.5 acres). A conservation easement conservation easement
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a government agency or qualified conservation organization that restricts the type and amount of development that may take place on a property in the future. Conservation easements aim to protect habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife by limiting residential, industrial or commercial development. Contracts may prohibit alteration of the natural topography, conversion of native grassland to cropland, drainage of wetland and establishment of game farms. Easement land remains in private ownership.
Learn more about conservation easement on Town of Mashpee land nearby the Mashpee High School will remain closed to hunting (54 acres). Various species can be hunted on the refuge including, big game species, upland game species, and migratory bird.
Species Open to Hunting
Big Game: white-tailed deer, turkey
Upland Game: gray squirrel, pheasant, quail, ruffed grouse, crow, fox, coyote, raccoon, and opossum.
Migratory Bird: sora rail, Virginia rail, Wilson’s snipe, ducks, geese, American coot, American woodcock
Please see Mashpee’s hunt brochure and hunt seasons sheet for more information on rules and regulations such as season dates, bag limits, firearms, hunting units, equipment usage, access, etc.
Management of the hunt program is outlined in the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex's Hunt Plan. This document outlines how the refuges will provide safe, quality hunting opportunities while minimizing conflicts with other priority wildlife-dependent recreational uses.
