What to know about hunting season in Mass.

It's hunting season in Massachusetts. The first week of October marks the beginning of archery season, where local hunting enthusiasts are allowed to hunt deer and wild turkeys. Shotgun and primitive firearm seasons will follow in November and December.

Below are some tips that will help you navigate hunting season safely — whether you plan to join the hunts or not.

Massachusetts is divided into 14 hunting zones, each determined by the area's capacity to support deer and other wildlife populations. Archery season for deer and wild turkeys in western Mass., as well as the Cape and Islands, began on Oct. 2 and runs through Nov. 25.

But dates differ for other parts of the state. You can check the Wildlife Management Zone map and see when hunting season opens in your area.

Archery hunting season — involving all bows and crossbows under special permits — opens the first week of October in western Mass.

The eastern part of the state will be allowed to hunt with bows from Oct. 16 through Nov. 25.

Shotgun season opens on Nov. 27 and will run through Dec. 9 across the state.

Hunters are also allowed to use primitive firearms — shoulder-fired muzzleloaders — when hunting deer and wild turkeys. The season for those hunters will open on Dec. 11 and finish right before the new year, on Dec. 30.

Hunting days start half an hour before sunrise and end half an hour after sunset. Hunters are advised to be cautious around firearms. All firearms should be pointed in safe direction and treated as if they are loaded.

Shotgun and primitive firearm hunters are required to wear blaze orange. It minimizes chances of being mistaken for game during the hunting season. Pets should also wear an orange vest or bandana for visibility.

Non-hunters are not legally bound to wear blaze orange, but they are  advised to do so. If you're out and about during hunting season, it's best to avoid wearing earthy colors and always make your presence known to those who are hunting. Talking loudly and whistling are good options to let them know you are around.

Martin Feehan, deer and moose project leader at the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife expects around 30,000 bowhunters to participate this year. He says another 15,000 hunters are expected to take up shotguns later, when the shotgun season opens.

The division recorded 15,853 deer hunted last season. He expects a similar number, exceeding 15,000 this year.

MassWildlife also hosts a 'Share the Harvest' program, allowing deer hunters to donate their game to food banks and the Food for Vets program with the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation.

Hunters do not have to paying fees for packaging or processing if they choose to donate a full deer to the program. A list of participating venison processors and information on the program can be found here.