Visitor Center closed due to building maintenance. EMail Justin.gonsor@mass.gov to make an appointment to pick up your key.

Vehicle Access Permits are granted for hunting deer on Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Water Supply Protection (DCR-DWSP) Off-Reservation property in New Salem, Shutesbury and Wendell with the following restrictions:

1. 5-year DCR-DWSP Watershed hunting/trapping permit is now REQUIRED. This FREE permit is REQUIRED for hunting/trapping in the Sudbury, Wachusett (including the Reservoir Zone) and Ware River watersheds, and in Off-Reservation areas at Quabbin. Permit applications available at the link below

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e37bb4f381ab4f029a759bbbbb6d4f55

2.Vehicle access permits are valid only for hunting on DCR Quabbin Off-Reservation property, consistent with all DCR-DSWP and Fish and Wildlife Rules and Regulations, between October 7th and December 31st, 2024.

3.Vehicle Permits are valid for vehicle access for deer hunting purposes only.

4. Each vehicle entering Quabbin Off-Reservation land must have the Permit clearly displayed on the dashboard, although each hunter is not required to have a permit. Permits are not transferable.

5. Applicants must have a valid Hunting/Sporting License and provide a vehicle description and license plate numbers.

6. Vehicle access is permitted from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

7. Vehicle access is permitted Monday through Saturday.

8. Vehicle permits are valid for access only through Gates SH6 off Cooleyville Road in Shutesbury, SH8 on New Boston in Shutesbury, and SH9 off Cooleyville Road in Shutesbury. Refer to the Deer Hunter Field Map for location of gates, entry points and DCR-DWSP property boundaries.

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6f29d9152ce24f888880ab0eb180def4

9. Gates must be closed and locked upon each entry or exit.

10. A key to the access gates will be issued with this Permit. A $50 key deposit in the form of a personal check or a money order made out to the “Commonwealth of Massachusetts or (name of applicant)”, is required to pick up your key. Keys must be returned by 1/14/2025. Upon receipt of the key, the DCR will return the entire deposit. If it is not returned, that person will not be issued a key in future seasons.

11. DO NOT MAIL THE KEY BACK. IT NEEDS TO BE RETURNED IN PERSON.

12. Vehicles must stay on designated roads.

13. All-Terrain Vehicles are strictly prohibited on all DCR-DWSP land.

15. This permit will be revoked, and all future permits denied if the holder or any others in the hunting party are found in violation of DCR-DWSP Rules and Regulations and/or of conditions of this permit.

16. All successful hunters must REPORT HARVEST https://massfishhunt.mass.gov/

Keys available by appointment Monday-Friday. Email Justin.Gonsor@mass.gov to make an appointment. Remember to bring a check made out to the Comm. of MA or money order made out to (name of applicant). The Visitor Center is currently open every day but Wednesdays, 8:30AM – 4:30PM. No other exceptions or accommodations will be made. The Visitor Center is located at 100 Winsor Dam Road, Belchertown, MA 01007.

If you have questions about this process or about deer hunting on Quabbin’s off-reservation lands in general, please email QuabbinVisitor.Center@mass.gov or call the Quabbin Visitor Center at 413-323-7221. Press 0 when the recording starts to speak to a staff person, or to leave a voicemail.