As publishedOct 17–Nov 29 & Dec 13–Dec 31, 2026 (closed Nov 30–Dec 12 for shotgun deer season); statutorily Zones 11-14 only
Statute (321 CMR 3.02(6)(b)(3)) restricts bobwhite quail hunting specifically to Zones 11–14 (southeastern MA/Cape area); MassWildlife's general season-summary table lists quail as 'Zones 1-14' generically, which conflicts with the statutory zone restriction — flagging for review, but the statute is the more specific/authoritative source. No wild self-sustaining population; MassWildlife stocks only ~4,000 bobwhite quail annually, solely at Myles Standish State Forest (Plymouth) and Francis Crane WMA (Falmouth). Season closed during shotgun deer season (Nov 30–Dec 12, 2026); resumes Dec 13–31. Requires Pheasant/Quail Permit for hunters 15+.
Confirmed absence: MassWildlife's own explicit position is "there are no wild bobwhite in Massachusetts today" — the entire huntable supply is ~4,000 stocked birds/year at two sites (Myles Standish State Forest, Francis Crane WMA).