Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge represents both a traditional recreational use and serves as an important wildlife management tool. All hunters are required to adhere to state and federal regulations. Hunting units A, B, C, and D are archery only for hunting big game, small game, and furbearers. Hunters in units A, B, C, and D must possess a valid state hunting license and all applicable tags and stamps, however, an additional refuge-specific permit is not required. Hunting dogs are permitted only when assisting with waterfowl hunting and retrieval. Trapping and baiting are never allowed at the refuge. No refuge specific permit is required to hunt units A, B, C, or D.

As part of Parker River NWR's comprehensive wildlife management plan, an annual two-day, permit-only deer hunt is offered for shotguns and muzzleloaders. This hunt takes place on the 1,400-acre Plum Island section of the refuge (map)(regulations). There is no longer a lottery to obtain a permit. Permits will be released on a first-come-first-serve basis from November 1 - November 30. Hunters may purchase a permit for a single day for the first two week. On November 15, any remaining permits will be available with no restrictions. Hunters who have already purchased a single day permit may purchase a permit for a second day if available. Permits must be purchased on the RecAccess site. Permits will become available to purchase on November 1. The cost is $20 for adults under the age of 62, $10 for adults 62 and up, and free for youth under the age of 18.

In cooperation with the League of Essex County Sportsmen’s Clubs, the refuge conducts a Youth Waterfowl Hunt each October as well as a Women's Waterfowl Hunt with Mass Wildlife and New England Artemis. The hunts include a waterfowl ID presentation, water/marsh/hunt safety presentation, and a blind set up one day, followed by a supervised hunt on a reserved section of the refuge. Dates are determined by refuge staff annually.

The refuge is located in Massachusetts Wildlife Management Zone 10, and the Coastal Zone for waterfowl hunting. A map and detailed refuge regulations pertaining to waterfowl and migratory game bird hunting can be found here. Legal open seasons and bag limits are in accordance with state regulations, which can be found on the MassWildlife website here and here.

Hunting opportunities in Areas A, B, C & D (map):