Hunting of Hares and Rabbits

In accordance with the authority vested in me by M.G.L. c. 131, § 5, as most recently amended by St. 1967, c. 802, I hereby declare annual open seasons for the hunting of cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, and black-tailed jackrabbits, subject to the following: (a) Definitions: For the purposes of 321 CMR 3.02(10), the following words or phrases shall have the following meanings: Shotgun Deer Season means that season when it is lawful to hunt deer with a shotgun as provided for in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(b)3. Zone or Zones means the Massachusetts wildlife management zones as described in 321 CMR 3.02(4)(o). (b) Open Seasons and Zones: Cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare may be hunted in Zones 01 through 14  from the first Saturday after Columbus Day to the following last day of February . (c) Season Closure. Notwithstanding the provisions of 321 CMR 3.02(10)(b), there shall be no open season for the hunting or possession of cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare during the shotgun deer season. . (d) Falconry. Licensed falconers holding a valid hunting or sporting license and hunting with or by means of a falcon or other raptor may hunt c ottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare in Zones 01 – 14 from the first Saturday after Columbus Day to the following March 15 th , provided, that said falconers shall abide by all other applicable provisions of M.G.L. c. 131 and 321 CMR while pursuing cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hare. (e) Hunting Hours. The hunting hours each calendar day of the open season shall begin at ½ hour before sunrise. (f) Bag Limits. A person shall not kill or take more than the following bag limits: five cottontail rabbits in one day, nor possess at any time more than ten; two snowshoe hares in one day, nor possess at any time more than four. Regulatory Authority: M.G.L. c. 131, § 5. Last Revised: 1-6-23.