Deer Hunting

In order to keep the local deer herd in balance with the other ecological components of the forest, we open the Massachusetts section of Hopkins Memorial Forest for 12 days each fall for shotgun hunting.  Recently hunters have been harvesting between five and ten white-tailed deer per season. During this time, the forest is closed to other users. To avoid conflicts with other forest users, no other forms of hunting are permitted in the forest. Hunters must obtain a special no-fee permit to hunt in the forest (below). We ask that all individuals who hunt within HMF complete and return a deer hunting questionnaire (to be mailed to you with your permit), to help us better understand the impact of hunting in our forest.

To Apply:

Hopkins Forest Hunting Application         

Hopkins Forest Hunting Map (interactive)

Hopkins Forest Hunting Map (printable image)

Hopkins Forest 2024 Deer Hunting Regulations

Applications for the 2024 hunting season are no longer being accepted. Please check back after October 1, 2025 to complete your permit application for the 2025 hunting season.

Williams College and the Zilkha Center for the Environment grant permission to hunt deer by firearms during the 12-day season of December 2nd through December 14th (excluding Sunday, December 8th).   ANTLERED DEER and ANTLERLESS DEER with PERMIT in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and other jurisdictions, and in compliance with conditions stated as follows for the Hopkins Memorial Forest (HMF):

1. The permit is not transferable and applies only to the individual to whom it is issued and only for the specified days.
2. No other wildlife is to be hunted in Hopkins Memorial Forest.
3. The HMF identification tag must be prominently displayed on the person while hunting.
4. No hunting or discharge of firearms within the area indicated in red on the attached map—this includes all areas north or east of Northwest Hill Road!
5. Expended and unexpended shells are to be collected and removed from the forest.
6. Wheeled, tracked or motorized vehicles are prohibited.
7. Do not park as to block private driveways or public and private roads.
8. There is no access to HMF through adjacent privately owned properties. All abutting private properties are posted — no trespassing.
9. Camping, fires, littering or the disposal of any material is prohibited in the forest.
10. No hunting of animals, (other than deer) or collecting or damaging flora, or cultural objects is permitted.
11. Tampering with any structure, scientific instrument, or marking is prohibited.
12. The use of tools, including but not limited to saws, axes, picks, and shovels, is prohibited.
13. The construction of deer blinds or hanging of deer stands is strictly prohibited.