Code of Massachusetts Regulations 321 CMR - DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
The Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 321 pertains to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, which is part of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. This division oversees regulations related to fishing, hunting, wildlife sanctuaries, and endangered species.(mass.gov)
📘 Structure of 321 CMR
The 321 CMR is organized into several parts:
321 CMR 2.00: Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Fisheries and Wildlife
321 CMR 3.00: Hunting
321 CMR 4.00: Fishing
321 CMR 5.00: Coldwater Fish Resources
321 CMR 7.00: Wildlife Sanctuaries
321 CMR 9.00: Exemption List
321 CMR 10.00: Massachusetts Endangered Species Act
321 CMR 11.00: Nature Preserves(sec.state.ma.us, mass.gov)
These regulations are compiled and maintained by the Trial Court Law Libraries.(mass.gov)
🎣 321 CMR 4.00: Fishing
321 CMR 4.00 specifically governs fishing activities in Massachusetts. Key provisions include:
Catch and Release Areas: Certain areas are designated for catch-and-release fishing only, where all fish caught must be released back into the water.
Seasons and Limits: Regulations specify open seasons, creel limits (daily catch limits), and minimum legal lengths for various species of fish.
Prohibited Acts: Certain activities are prohibited, such as fishing in specific areas like the Merrimack River downstream from the Essex Dam, and the use of certain types of baitfish without proper licensing.
Baitfish Regulations: Defines acceptable species of baitfish and outlines licensing requirements for their use.(mass.gov)
For detailed information on fishing regulations, refer to the official 321 CMR 4.00: Fishing document.(mass.gov)
🐾 321 CMR 7.00: Wildlife Sanctuaries
321 CMR 7.00 establishes guidelines for wildlife sanctuaries in Massachusetts. Key points include:(mass.gov)
Purpose: Sanctuaries are maintained to protect species of fish, birds, or mammals and to aid in their propagation.
Prohibited Acts: Activities such as hunting, trapping, or taking any wildlife within sanctuary boundaries are prohibited, unless authorized by the Director.
Habitat Protection: The Director may take actions to improve feeding and nesting environments within sanctuaries.(mass.gov)
For more information, visit the 321 CMR 7.00: Wildlife Sanctuaries page.(mass.gov)
🐟 321 CMR 5.00: Coldwater Fish Resources
321 CMR 5.00 addresses the management of coldwater fish resources in Massachusetts. This includes regulations on stocking, habitat management, and conservation efforts for species such as trout and salmon.(mass.gov)
🐾 321 CMR 10.00: Massachusetts Endangered Species Act
321 CMR 10.00 implements the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), providing protections for species deemed endangered or threatened in the state. It outlines the process for listing species, habitat protection, and the permitting process for activities that may impact these species.
📢 Recent Regulatory Updates
In January 2025, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife held public hearings on proposed amendments to 321 CMR 2.00 and 3.02(4). Proposed changes included:(sec.state.ma.us)
Authorization of shed hunting.
Creation of a winter primitive firearm season in Wildlife Management Zones 13 and 14.
Sunsetting of captive deer facilities.
Expansion of deboning requirements in response to Chronic Wasting Disease.
Clarification that food plots are legal.
Authorization of deer decoys during archery season.
Authorization of the use of the Youth Deer Permit for the entire season.
Removal of the daily deer bag limit.(sec.state.ma.us)
For more details, refer to the Notices of Public Hearing.(sec.state.ma.us)
📌 Summary Table
Regulation Part
Focus Area
2.00
Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Fisheries and Wildlife
3.00
Hunting
4.00
Fishing
5.00
Coldwater Fish Resources
7.00
Wildlife Sanctuaries
9.00
Exemption List
10.00
Massachusetts Endangered Species Act
11.00
Nature Preserves
🔍 Accessing the Full Regulations
For comprehensive details on each part of 321 CMR, visit the Trial Court Law Libraries website. This resource provides the full text of the regulations and is regularly updated to reflect any changes.(mass.gov)
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