New Hampshire hunting seasons 2023-2024 promise an unforgettable adventure amidst the beauty of nature. As we explore the approaching hunting seasons in New Hampshire, get ready to embark on an exhilarating hunting experience. New Hampshire is an ideal location for hunters of all abilities because of its varied landscapes, extensive hunting areas, and abundance of animals.
There are many chances to put your abilities to the test and feel the rush of the hunt, from the majesty of the White Mountain National Forest to the various state holdings and privately held areas. This page will explore the dates, regulations, and key details of the New Hampshire hunting season that will help you make the most of your upcoming hunting trips in the Granite State.
New Hampshire Hunting Seasons
New Hampshire Hunting Seasons
Content Highlights
Popular hunting seasons in the state include bears, deer, and turkeys. Late October through December is deer and turkey season. Waterfowl and small game seasons are also available. Based on the season, hunters may hunt on public or private ground with the landowner’s permission.
New Hampshire’s outdoor activities include fishing, camping, and recreational shooting. Fish & Game issues hunting licenses. Every hunter must observe the state’s and the land’s regulations and laws while hunting.
NH Deer season 2023-2024
The 2023 deer hunting seasons in New Hampshire include youth, muzzleloader, firearm, and archery seasons. Hunting for bucks and antlerless deer is permitted during the archery season, which runs from September to December. During October and November, muzzleloader season opens, allowing hunters to pursue both bucks and antlerless deer. Except for some days when either-sex deer may be taken, the November and December firearms season is solely accessible to bucks. Additionally, designated youth hunting seasons provide young hunters the chance to engage in deerhunting for shorter periods. The official New Hampshire Fish and Game website should be consulted for more particular dates and information.
New Hampshire Deer Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Deer (Archery)
September 15
Friday, December 15, 2023
closes December 8 in WMU A)
Deer (Muzzleloader)
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Tuesday, November 07, 2023
Statewide
Deer (Firearms)
Wednesday, November 08, 2023
Sunday, December 03, 2023
closes November 26, 2023 in WMU A
Deer (Youth Deer Weekend)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Sunday, October 22, 2023
on November 27th, WMU A will be closing.
Complete Season Details for NH deer
Archery:
Season
Dates
WMU
Deer Type
Archery Season
Sept. 15 - Dec. 8
A (Ends 1 week early)
Any Deer
Archery Season
Sept. 15 - Dec. 15
B-M
Any Deer
Firearms:
Season
Dates
WMU
Deer Type
Firearms
Nov. 8 - Nov. 26
A (Ends 1 week early)
Antlered Deer Only
Firearms
Nov. 8 - Dec. 3
B, C1, C2
Antlered Deer Only
Firearms
Nov. 8
D1, D2E, E, F
Any Deer
Firearms
Nov. 9 - Dec. 3
-
Antlered Deer Only
Firearms
Nov. 8-9
G2, I1, I2
Any Deer
Firearms
Nov. 10 - Dec. 3
-
Antlered Deer Only
Firearms
Nov. 8-10
J1
Any Deer
Firearms
Nov. 11 - Dec. 3
-
Antlered Deer Only
Firearms
Nov. 8-11
H1, H2, J2, K
Any Deer
Firearms
Nov. 12 - Dec. 3
-
Antlered Deer Only
Firearms
Nov. 8-12
D2W, G1
Any Deer
Firearms
Nov. 13 - Dec. 3
-
Antlered Deer Only
Firearms
Nov. 8-17
L, M
Any Deer
Firearms
Nov. 18 - Dec. 3
-
Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader:
Season
Dates
WMU
Deer Type
Muzzleloader
Oct. 28 - Nov. 7
A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2E
Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader
Oct. 28
E, F, G2, I2
Any Deer
Muzzleloader
Oct. 29 - Nov. 7
-
Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader
Oct. 28-29
I1
Any Deer
Muzzleloader
Oct. 30 - Nov. 7
-
Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader
Oct. 28-30
H1, J1, K
Any Deer
Muzzleloader
Oct. 31 - Nov. 7
-
Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader
Oct. 28-31
D2W, H2, J2
Any Deer
Muzzleloader
Nov. 1 - Nov. 7
-
Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader
Oct. 28 - Nov. 1
G1
Any Deer
Muzzleloader
Nov. 2 - Nov. 7
-
Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader
Oct. 28 - Nov. 7
L, M
Any Deer
Youth Hunt:
Season
Dates
Deer Type
Youth Hunt
Oct. 21 & 22 (Statewide)
Any Deer
Deer Baiting:
Season
WMU
Dates
Deer Baiting
WMU A-L
Oct. 18 - Nov. 15
Deer Baiting
WMU M
Sept. 15 - Dec. 15
Special Permits:
Season
Permits
Units
Deer Type
Special Permits
3,000 Permittees
Unit L
Antlerless Deer Only
Special Permits
4,000 Permittees
Unit M
Antlerless Deer Only
NHFG has divided the state into 24 WMUs for management reasons (WMUs). WMU sets deer hunting season dates and species. Youth-only, muzzleloader, guns, and archery seasons exist.
Moose Season
New Hampshire Moose Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Moose (General)
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Draw permit required.
Bear Season
New Hampshire Bear Season
Start Dates
End Dates
Zones/WMUs
General Season
1-Sep
7-Nov
A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K
General Season
1-Sep
30-Nov
C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2, L, M
Baiting Season
1-Sep
28-Sep
A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, M
Baiting Season
1-Sep
5-Oct
C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2
Dog Season
18-Sep
7-Nov
A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2
Dog Season
Closed
Closed
H2, K, L, M
NH Furbearer Season
Coyote Season
Coyote Season
Hunting Season Start Date
Hunting Season End Date
Note
Coyote
1-Jan
31-Dec
There Is no closed season and no limit
Coyote night hunting
1-Jan
31-Mar
No Limit
Bobcat Season
Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Bobcat Season
Closed
N/A
Fox Season
Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Fox(Gray and Red)
Friday, September 01, 2023
Friday-March 31, 2024
There is no limit.
Opossum
Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Opossum
Friday, September 01, 2023
Friday-March 31, 2024
There is no limit.
Skunk Season
Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Skunk Season
Friday, September 01, 2023
Friday-March 31, 2024
There is no limit.
Raccoon Season
Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Raccoon Season
Friday, September 01, 2023
Friday-March 31, 2024
There is no limit.
Fisher Season
Fisher Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Fisher (by traps)
1-Dec
31-Dec
Statewide 2 / season
Fisher (by firearms or bow and arrow)
1-Dec
31-Jan
Statewide 2 / season
Muskrat Season
Muskrat Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
WMU A - F
15-Oct
10-Apr
No Limit
WMU G - M
1-Nov
10-Apr
No Limit
Mink Season
Mink Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
WMU A - F
15-Oct
10-Apr
No Limit
WMU G - M
1-Nov
10-Apr
No Limit
Weasel Season
Weasel Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
WMU A - F
15-Oct
10-Apr
No Limit
WMU G - M
1-Nov
10-Apr
No Limit
NH Furbearer Trapping Season
WMUs
NH Furbearer Trapping Species
Season Dates
Bag Limit
A - F
Gray fox
Oct 15 - Dec 31
No Limit
G - M
Red fox
Nov 1 - Jan 15
No Limit
A - F
Opossum
Oct 15 - Dec 31
No Limit
A - F
Skunk
Oct 15 - Dec 31
No Limit
A - F
Raccoon
Oct 15 - Dec 31
No Limit
Statewide
Fisher
Dec 1 - Dec 31
2 per season
A - F
Beaver
Oct 15 - April 10
No Limit
A - F
Muskrat
Oct 15 - April 10
No Limit
A - F
Mink
Oct 15 - April 10
No Limit
Statewide
Otter
Oct 15 - April 10
10
A - F
Weasel
Oct 15 - April 10
No Limit
G - M
Coyote
Oct 15 - March 31
No Limit
N/A
Bobcat
CLOSED
N/A
N/A
Lynx
CLOSED
N/A
N/A
Pine Marten
CLOSED
N/A
Turkey Season
NH Turkey Season
Hunting Start Date
Hunting End Date
Note
Spring Hunt
1-May
31-May
Statewide
NH Youth Turkey Hunt
29-Apr
30-Apr
Youth Only
Fall Archery Season
15-Sep
15-Dec
WMUs B-M, Either Sex
Fall Archery Season
15-Sep
8-Dec
WMU A, Either Sex
NH Small game Season
Rabbit Season
New Hampshire Rabbit Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Bag Limit
Rabbit (Cottontail)
H2, K, L, M ONLY
Sunday, October 01, 2023
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
2
Rabbit (Cottontail)
A-H1, I1, I2, J1, J2, southern Merrimack River Valley, and an area in Dover adjoining Maine*
Closed
Closed
NA
Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)
A-G and J1
Sunday, October 01, 2023
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
3
Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)
H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M
Sunday, October 01, 2023
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
2
Rabbit (Falconry)
Sunday, October 01, 2023
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
2
Squirrel Season
Squirrel Season
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limits
Notes
Gray squirrel (Statewide)
1-Sep
31-Jan
5
No hunting in parks or cemeteries
Pheasant Season
New Hampshire Pheasant Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Bag Limit
Note
Ring-necked pheasant (Statewide)
1-Oct
31-Dec
Limit of 2 /day and 10/season
(additional $31 pheasant license required)
Quail Season
New Hampshire Quail
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Northern bobwhite quail
1-Oct
31-Dec
Limit of four bags per day.
Grouse Season
New Hampshire Grouse
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Ruffed Grouse
1-Oct
31-Dec
Limit of four bags per day.
Chukar Season
Season
Hunting Season-Start Date
Hunting Season-End Date
Note
Chukar, Hungarian partridge
1-Oct
31-Dec
Limit of four bags per day.
NH Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons
Crow Season
Crow Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)
15-Aug
30-Nov
No Limit
No Limit
16-Mar
31-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)
15-Aug
30-Nov
No Limit
No Limit
16-Mar
31-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Coastal Zone
15-Aug
30-Nov
No Limit
No Limit
16-Mar
31-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Snipe Season
Common Snipe Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)
15-Sep
14-Nov
8
24
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)
15-Sep
14-Nov
8
24
Coastal Zone
15-Sep
14-Nov
8
24
Falconry Season
Falconry Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Northern Zone
1-Dec
14-Jan
3
9
Inland & Ct River Zone
4-Nov
21-Nov
3
9
Inland & Ct River Zone
22-Dec
17-Jan
3
9
Coastal Zone
26-Jan
10-Mar
3
9
Woodcock Season
Woodcock Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)
1-Oct
14-Nov
3
9
Inland & Ct. River Zone (Statewide)
1-Oct
14-Nov
3
9
Coastal Zone (Statewide)
1-Oct
14-Nov
3
9
NH Waterfowl Season
Ducks Season
Species
Duck Season
Start Dates
End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Ducks
Northern Zone
2-Oct
30-Nov
6
18
Ducks
Inland & Ct River Zone
5-Oct
3-Nov
6
18
Ducks
Inland & Ct River Zone
22-Nov
21-Dec
6
18
Ducks
Coastal Zone
4-Oct
10-Oct
6
18
Ducks
Coastal Zone
22-Nov
13-Jan
6
18
Sea Ducks
Northern Zone
2-Oct
30-Nov
4
12
Sea Ducks
Inland & Ct River Zone
5-Oct
3-Nov
4
12
Sea Ducks
Inland & Ct River Zone
22-Nov
21-Dec
4
12
Sea Ducks
Coastal Zone
4-Oct
10-Oct
4
12
Sea Ducks
Coastal Zone
22-Nov
13-Jan
4
12
Mergansers Season
Mergansers Season
Start Dates
End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Northern Zone
2-Oct
30-Nov
6
18
Inland & Ct River Zone
5-Oct
3-Nov
6
18
Inland & Ct River Zone
22-Nov
21-Dec
6
18
Coastal Zone
4-Oct
10-Oct
6
18
Coastal Zone
22-Nov
13-Jan
6
18
Coots Season
Coots Season
Start Dates
End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Northern Zone
2-Oct
30-Nov
6
18
Inland & Ct River Zone
5-Oct
3-Nov
6
18
Inland & Ct River Zone
22-Nov
21-Dec
6
18
Coastal Zone
4-Oct
10-Oct
6
18
Coastal Zone
22-Nov
13-Jan
6
18
Brant Season
Brant Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)
2-Oct
31-Oct
1
3
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)
5-Oct
3-Nov
1
3
Coastal Zone (Statewide)
4-Oct
10-Oct
1
3
Coastal Zone (Statewide)
22-Nov
14-Dec
1
3
Goose Season
New Hampshire Goose Season
Zones
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Canada Geese (Regular)
Northern Zone
2-Oct
30-Nov
6
18
Canada Geese (Regular)
Inland & Ct River Zone
5-Oct
3-Nov
6
18
Canada Geese (Regular)
Inland & Ct River Zone
22-Nov
21-Dec
6
18
Canada Geese (Regular)
Coastal Zone
4-Oct
10-Oct
6
18
Canada Geese (Regular)
Coastal Zone
22-Nov
13-Jan
6
18
Canada Geese (Sept)
Statewide
1-Sep
25-Sep
5
15
Snow Geese
2-Oct
30-Nov
25
None
Snow Geese
5-Oct
21-Dec
25
None
Snow Geese
4-Oct
13-Jan
25
None
Youth Waterfowl Weekend Hunt
Youth Waterfowl Hunting
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Northern Zone (Statewide)
23-Sep
24-Sep
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)
23-Sep
24-Sep
Coastal Zone
23-Sep
24-Sep
Hunting Location
All public, municipal, county, and private land in New Hampshire is open to hunting. Before hunting on private land, hunters need acquire permission.
NH Hunting Locations
Type
Hunting Permission
Federal Public Lands:
White Mountain National Forest
National Forest
Allowed
State Property:
Wildlife Management Areas
State Property
Allowed
Additional Tracts
State Property
Allowed
State Forests
State Property
Allowed
Few Prohibited Zones during hunting season
State Property
Prohibited
Forestry and Paper Firms:
Paper and Timber Company lands
Private Lands
Allowed
Privately, County, or Municipality Owned Lands:
Privately owned lands
Private Lands
Seek permission
County owned lands
County Lands
Seek permission
Municipality owned lands
Municipality Lands
Seek permission
Regulations
New Hampshire hunting has several regulations. These criteria aren’t exhaustive. Check with the NHFG before hunting in New Hampshire to ensure compliance.
General Regulations
All New Hampshire deer must have a license or permit-issued deer tag. There’s no limit on passenger luggage. Tags restrict the quantity of deer you can kill.
You may hunt 30 minutes before sunrise or after dark. Outside these hours, it’s prohibited to have a loaded or unloaded weapon in a hunting area.
During hunting seasons, anybody using a rifle or bow must wear hunter orange, visible from 200 feet.
Within 300 feet of a school, medical institution, company, or outdoor public gathering place, it is illegal to fire a gun, bow, or crossbow without authorization.
Firearms, bows, and crossbows cannot be fired from or across a roadway.
Tree stands, ladders, and observation blinds need the landowner’s written permission to use.
It’s prohibited to use a remote-controlled aircraft to hunt deer.
Vehicle-based hunting is forbidden. All mechanical propulsion must be deactivated for canoe or boat hunting.
Always prioritize your personal safety while hunting. Carefully aim your bow and arrow to hit your target. Explore your destination’s surroundings. Before shooting, make sure the animal has antlers.
Watch what’s beyond the deer you wish to kill and what you could hit. Large-caliber bullets may kill a deer. Think beyond your goal. Without a permission, you may shoot two deer at once.
Most think firearms cause most hunting injuries. Falling from tree stands injures more hunters than stray gunfire from other hunters. Always wear the tree stand’s safety strap. Know how to utilize your gear before going hunting. Check minors’ stuff, too.
Fines & Penalties
There is a potential for a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years. If you are found guilty of taking over one deer in a year, you would be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor.
A two-year revocation of the hunter’s license, a $750 fine, and a 12-month suspended sentence in exchange for the same three years of good behavior are all possible outcomes.
You should familiarize yourself with New Hampshire’s deer hunting laws and restrictions before setting out on your adventure.
Hunting License
New Hampshire hunters require a license to hunt. You may get a license through a licensed agency, Fish and Game in Concord, or huntnh.com.
Non-residents need a Non-Resident hunting license. A non-state license is invalid. Hunting/fishing combination permits are available. License fees are reduced for seniors. NHFG’s main office sells lifetime licenses.
First-time hunters must be 16 and complete hunter ed. In-person and online versions of this course include an over-15 field day. Current curriculum includes weapons and bows.
Students may choose a guns or archery course before 2014. Certain seasons may need confirmation of hunter and bow hunter schooling. Out-of-state hunting or archery licenses or course completion certificates work.
New Hampshire provides an Apprentice Hunting License to non-hunters. With a license, you can hunt. A one-year apprentice license is available.
Special approval is needed for additional deer tags. With a Special Archery Deer Permit, you may take one more antlered deer. One per hunter.
Unit L Special Permit authorizes one antlerless deer. The licensee may hunt with it (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm). 2022 July applications might yield 2,000 licenses.
What are the dates for the New Hampshire Hunting Season in 2023-2024?
The 2023–2024 New Hampshire Hunting Season provides various options for hunters to pursue various species. September through December are designated the archery, muzzleloader, and firearm deer hunting seasons. A permit received during the April application period is necessary for shooting moose. Pheasant hunting occurs from October to December, while waterfowl hunting is offered in various zones from October to December. Woodcock hunting occurs between October and November, while crow hunting lasts from September to March. For hunters, these seasons provide plenty of opportunities to experience the exhilaration of the pursuit all year long.
When are New Hampshire's deer shooting seasons?
New Hampshire has distinct bow-and-arrow, muzzleloader, and gun seasons. There’s also a deer baiting time and a Youth Hunt weekend. Archery season begins September 15 and ends December 15. (14th for WMU-A).
What happens you take a deer?
Deer tags should be removed from licenses and permits after the animal has been harvested. Then complete the tag and affix it to the deer. The label must remain until the procedure is complete. Within 24 hours after harvest, deer must be registered.
Archery-killed deer must be presented to a conservation officer within 48 hours with a healthy head and skin. After registering your deer, you may take it to a processor or taxidermist of your choice.
Do you need a license to hunt on your New Hampshire property?
New Hampshire property owners who hunt just on their own land do not require a basic firearm license, even though they are prohibited from hunting elsewhere in the state without one. However, they are on their own when it comes to acquiring licenses for things like archery, muzzleloading, turkey hunting, etc.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.