Wildlife, Fishing and Hunting
The town of Barnstable is fortunate to have a highly diverse population of fish and wildlife that live within its’ borders. There is a wide range of habitat types, from saltwater bays to hardwood forests and freshwater ponds. The Natural Resources department in Barnstable is responsible for protecting all fish and wildlife in these areas. The department also regulates hunting and fishing activities and conducts work to enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
During pheasant hunting season, the Barnstable Natural Resources department stocks pheasant that are provided by the State of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. This occurs between mid-October to late November; check the Mass Wildlife magazine for pheasant hunting season dates. West Barnstable Conservation area and Sandy Neck Beach Park are stocked twice a week. All state and federal hunting regulations apply.
Hunting is allowed on certain Conservation parcels as long as state and federal laws are followed. Unauthorized use of firearms on Conservation lands is clearly a public safety issue.
No hunting is allowed in the following conservation areas:
(1) Crocker Neck.
(2) Long Pond.
(3) Jenkins Wildlife Sanctuary.
(4) Whelan.
(5) Meetinghouse Farm.
(6) Santuit River.
Hunting and Fishing:
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230
District office
195 Bournedale Road
Need to report an emergency hunting, fishing or trapping
violation after hours?
Contact the Massachusetts
Environmental Police Radio Room at1-800-632-8075 at
any hour of the day. For non-emergency wildlife violations after
hours contact Barnstable Natural Resources program at
508-790-6272 or use the
Massachusetts Environmental Police web reporting system.
Living with Wildlife: