Zone 14, Massachusetts
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer
- Group
- Zone 14
- Area
- 49 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 879
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for White-tailed Deer so far. Deer also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedMassachusetts Wildlife Management Zone 14 covers Nantucket Island, an off-shore island unit with one of the highest deer densities in the state and a unique management framework featuring unlimited antlerless permits, archery/primitive-firearms-only seasons (no shotguns), and an extended winter season through mid-February. Access is concentrated on Nantucket Land Bank (~3,000+ acres), Nantucket Conservation Foundation properties, and Mass Audubon's Sesachacha Heathlands, though some NCF parcels require invitation. Turkey and bear are not present on the island.
Low-lying coastal island dominated by heathland, scrub oak, pitch pine woodland, wetland swales, cranberry bogs, and open moors. Sandy soils, minimal topographic relief, dense shrub thickets provide year-round deer cover. Habitat is a mosaic of conservation land and private estate, with very little interior forest compared to mainland Massachusetts.
Low to moderate — limited off-island hunter participation and logistical barriers (ferry/air travel) keep overall pressure modest despite very high deer densities. Local resident hunters dominate the harvest.
Unlimited antlerless deer permits (ADPs) available for purchase at any time for Zone 14 — no quota, no lottery. Standard license includes 2 antlered deer tags valid statewide. Archery and primitive firearms stamps not required. No shotguns permitted in Zone 14.
Deer: Early Season (WMZ 14 only) Sept 21 – Oct 1; Archery Season Oct 5 – Nov 28; Primitive Firearms Season Dec 14 – 31; Winter Season (WMZ 14 only) Jan 1 – Feb 14. Shotguns prohibited — archery and primitive firearms only. No turkey hunting on Nantucket (wild turkey not established on island). No black bear present on island. No additional species seasons applicable.
Some of the highest whitetail densities in Massachusetts; effectively unlimited antlerless opportunity; extended season window from late September through mid-February; no shotgun restriction simplifies gear requirements for archery hunters; scenic island setting with accessible conservation land via Nantucket Land Bank.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about Zone 14— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about Zone 14.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: MassWildlife official Wildlife Management Zones. Community info last updated 23d ago.