Zone 13, Massachusetts

Low-relief island terrain dominated by pitch pine-scrub oak barrens, heathlands, coastal plain pond shorelines, and deciduous woodlands. The central Manuel F. Correllus State Forest is a large block of pine-oak habitat. Wetlands, salt marshes, and beach edges ring the coastline. Absence of mainland predators (coyotes, bobcat, bear) allows deer and turkey populations to grow largely unchecked, producing very high densities.

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Antlerless Deer Permits (ADP) for Zone 13 are available for purchase in unlimited quantities at any time — no lottery, no draw. Every hunting license includes two antlered deer tags. Additional antlerless permits can be stacked. During the Winter Season (Jan 1–Feb 14), hunters may take as many antlered or antlerless deer as they have valid tags or permits for. This is one of the most hunter-friendly permit structures in Massachusetts and reflects state policy to aggressively reduce the island's very high deer herd for Lyme disease and habitat impact management.

DEER: Early Season (Sept 21–Oct 1) — archery and primitive firearms only, no shotguns. Archery Season (Oct 5–Nov 28) statewide dates apply. Shotgun Season (Nov 30–Dec 12). Primitive Firearms Season (Dec 14–31). Winter Season (Jan 1–Feb 14) — archery and primitive firearms, no shotguns. All deer must be reported within 48 hours online. TURKEY: Wild turkeys are present and abundant on Martha's Vineyard. Spring season (approx. April 28–May 24) is open in Zone 13; fall turkey season (Oct 5–Nov 28) also applies. Harvest is historically very low — turkeys are described as tame and plentiful, representing a significant underutilized opportunity. Zone 13 is included in turkey season coverage (Zones 1–13). BEAR: No black bear present on Martha's Vineyard; bear hunting not applicable to Zone 13. ISLAND/SUBURBAN RESTRICTIONS: No Sunday hunting on Martha's Vineyard Land Bank properties. Standard 500-foot safety zone from occupied dwellings applies. Shotguns are prohibited during the Early and Winter island-specific seasons. Elizabeth Islands (Gosnold, Cuttyhunk, etc.) are part of Dukes County/Zone 13 but have extremely limited public access.

Unlimited over-the-counter antlerless permits with no draw competition. Expanded seasons including an Early Season (Sept 21–Oct 1) and Winter Season (Jan 1–Feb 14) exclusive to Zones 13 and 14. High deer densities with limited hunting pressure. Large contiguous public land blocks in the state forest. Turkey population is flourishing with virtually no predators and very low harvest pressure — a genuine sleeper for fall turkey. No bear hunting (bears not present on island).