8-17-2026 4:02am

MassWildlife Plans Youth Pheasant Hunt

Alan Earls Editor

The Massachusetts Youth
Pheasant Hunt Program was developed by MassWildlife to provide an
opportunity for Hunter Education graduates aged 12 to 17 to practice
firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special
pheasant hunt under the guidance of an experienced adult hunter.

The program is divided into multiple parts:

Seminar and Range Practice: Participants
get hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm
safety, learn upland hunting basics, and focus on how to have a safe and
fun hunt.
Pheasant Hunt: Participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on 1 of the 6 Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season. This year, the pheasant hunting season starts on October 17, 2026.

Requirements

Be between the ages of 12 to 17
Have graduated from a Basic Hunter Education course (in any state) before the day of the hunt
Participants 15 to 17 years of age must have a hunting license and a pheasant/quail permit.

Steps

Make sure you meet all the requirements above
Register for the program by August 31, 2026
Complete the Seminar and Range Practice
Have a great day hunting pheasants! Please
note, all other regular pheasant hunting regulations apply including
bag limits, hunting implements, hunter orange requirements, etc. Please review pheasant hunting regulations.

Find a participating club

Several sporting clubs across the state offer the Youth Pheasant Hunt Program which includes a seminar and a mentored hunt. You do not need to be a member of the club to participate in the seminar or the hunt. All participants must complete the seminar before the day of the hunt.

Below are the clubs currently participating.

Auburn Sportsmen's Club, Auburn: Click here to see dates and register.

Carver Sportsmen's Club, Carver: Click here to see dates and register.

Norco Sportsman's Club, Princeton: Click here to see dates and register.

Danvers Fish and Game Club, Middleton: Click here to see dates and register.

Lee Sportsmen's Association, Lee: Click here to see dates and register.

Fitchburg Sportsmen's Club, Fitchburg: Click here to see dates and register.

Falmouth Rod and Gun Club, East Falmouth: Click here to see dates and register.

Walpole Sportsman's Asssociation, Walpole: Click here to see dates and register.

Attention sporting clubs

The Youth Pheasant Hunt Program was developed for sporting clubs and related groups to:

Provide
interested young adults with an opportunity to practice skills (learned
in the Hunter Education course) in a program that includes shotgun
shooting, pre-hunt field practicum and culminating in a pheasant hunt
while supervised by responsible, licensed adult hunters in an enjoyable
environment.
Provide local sporting clubs who want
to pass on the traditions of hunting and the great outdoors with tools
and guidance in implementing a successful young adult hunting
experience.

If you have questions about the program, please contact MassWildlife's Field Headquarters at (508) 389-6300.

The MassWildlife District office that serves your community can answer questions about possible locations for the Youth Pheasant Hunt if you do not want to hold the hunt at your club: