Are you a hunter looking to get the most out of your next hunting trip in New Hampshire? Look no further! This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the hunting seasons in New Hampshire. We will cover the different species, season dates, and other important details to help you plan your next outing. So read on to learn more about New Hampshire hunting!
New Hampshire is a small state, but it offers a variety of hunting opportunities. This state’s hunting resembles to New England. Nearly all of New Hampshire’s land, including state and federal parks, is available to hunting. The state’s various scenery and diversity of animals make it a hunting paradise.
The numerous hunting seasons in New Hampshire are sure to please even the most seasoned hunters as well as novices.
New Hampshire Hunting Seasons
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.
Deer Season
New Hampshire’s deer season runs from September through December. 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. Check the New Hampshire Fish & Game website before hunting.
| New Hampshire Deer Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Thursday-December 15, 2022 | WMU B-M |
| Deer (Archery) | Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Thursday-December 8, 2022 | Please take note, WMU A: The deer archery season finishes a week earlier than normal. |
| Deer (Muzzleloader) | Saturday-October 29, 2022 | Tuesday-November 8, 2022 | Statewide. For hunting areas and times, see the rules. |
| Deer (Firearms) | Wednesday-November 9, 2022 | Sunday-December 4, 2022 | on November 27th, WMU A will be closing. |
Bear Season
| New Hampshire Bear Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear (General-2) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | WMUs - C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2 |
| Bear (Baiting Season-1) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Wednesday-September 28, 2022 | WMUs -A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, M |
| Bear (Baiting Season-2) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 5, 2022 | WMUs - C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2 |
| Bear (General-1) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-November 8, 2022 | WMUs - A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, M |
| Bear (Dog Season-1) | Monday-September 19, 2022 | Tuesday-November 8, 2022 | WMUs - A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2 |
Coyote & Fox Season
| New Hampshire Coyote & Fox Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Saturday-January 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | There Is no closed season and no limit. |
| Coyote(Night Hunting) | Sunday-January 1, 2023 | Friday-March 31, 2023 | There is no limit. |
| Fox(Gray and Red) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Friday-March 31, 2023 | There is no limit. |
Duck Season
| New Hampshire Duck Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (Youth Waterfowl) | Saturday-September 24, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules. |
| Duck (Northern Zone) | Sunday-October 2, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules. |
| Duck (Inland & River Zone-1) | Tuesday-October 4, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 | There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules. |
| Duck (Coastal Zone-1) | Wednesday-October 5, 2022 | Tuesday-October 11, 2022 | There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules. |
| Duck (Coastal Zone-2) | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Saturday-January 14, 2023 | There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules. |
| Duck (Inland & River Zone-2) | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Sunday-December 18, 2022 | There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules. |
Falconry Season
| New Hampshire Falconry Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Zone | Thursday-December 1, 2022 | Saturday-January 14, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
| Inland and CT River Zone | Monday-November 7, 2022 | Tuesday-November 22, 2022 | 3 | 9 |
| Monday-December 19, 2022 | Monday-January 16, 2023 | 3 | 9 | |
| Costal Zone | Tuesday-January 25, 2022 | Friday-March 10, 2023 | 3 | 9 |
Furbearer Hunting Season
| New Hampshire Furbearer Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Bag Limit | Possession Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | There is no closed season; | There is no closed season; | No | No | |
| Saturday-January 1, 2022 | Thursday-March 31, 2022 | Nighttime hunting is permitted. | |||
| Fisher | Thursday-December 1, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | 2* | 2* | Two fishers are allowed for each hunter every day and over the whole season (combined with trapping). |
| Fox (Red & Gray), Opossum, Skunk, Raccoon | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Friday-March 31, 2023 | No | No | |
| Mink, Muskrat, Weasel | No | No | |||
| WMUs A–F | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Monday-April 10, 2023 | |||
| WMUs G–M | Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Monday-April 10, 2023 | |||
| Bobcat, Lynx, Pine marten | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Furbearer Trapping Season
| New Hampshire Furbearer Trapping Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | WM-UNITS | Season Bag Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver, Muskrat, Mink, Otter, Weasel | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Monday-April 10, 2023 | A–F | (Otter-10) | |
| Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Monday-April 10, 2023 | G–M | (Other-No) | ||
| Fisher | Thursday-December 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Statewide | 2 | Two fishers are allowed for each hunter every day and over the whole season (combined with trapping). |
| Fox (Red & Gray), Opossum, Skunk, Raccoon | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | A–F | No | |
| Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Sunday-January 15, 2023 | G–M | |||
| Coyote | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Friday-March 31, 2023 | A–F | No | |
| Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Friday-March 31, 2023 | G–M | |||
| Bobcat, Lynx, Pine marten | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Turkey Season
| New Hampshire Turkey Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Fall Archery-2) | Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Thursday-December 15, 2022 | WMU B-M |
| Turkey (Fall Archery-1) | Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Thursday-December 8, 2022 | WMU A |
| Turkey (Fall Shotgun) | Monday-October 10, 2022 | Sunday-October 16, 2022 | WMUs D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, M |
| Turkey (Youth) | Saturday-April 29, 2023 | Sunday-April 30, 2023 | 1 Turkey complete statewide. Other turkey WMUs H1, H2, J2, K, L or M. |
| Turkey (Spring) | Monday-May 1, 2023 | Wednesday-May 31, 2023 | 1 Turkey complete statewide. Other turkey WMUs H1, H2, J2, K, L or M. |
Rabbit Season
| New Hampshire Rabbit Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit (Cottontail) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | 2023-01-31 00:00:00 | Units H2, K, L, M. Daily bag limit of 2. |
| Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | 2023-03-31 00:00:00 |
Moose Season
| New Hampshire Moose Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moose (General) | Saturday-October 15, 202 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 | Draw permit required. |
Grouse & Pheasant Season
| New Hampshire Grouse & Pheasant Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Limit of four bags per day. |
| Pheasant | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Limit of two bags per day. |
Goose Season
| New Hampshire Goose Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Early Canada Goose) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | Statewide. a five-bag limit each day. |
| Goose (Youth Waterfowl) | Saturday-September 24, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | |
| Goose (Northern Snow Goose) | Sunday-October 2, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | 25 bag maximum per day. |
| Goose (Northern Zone) | Sunday-October 2, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two. |
| Goose (Inland and River Snow Goose) | Tuesday-October 4, 2022 | Sunday-December 18, 2022 | 25 bag maximum per day. |
| Goose (Inland and River Zone-1) | Tuesday-October 4, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 | Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two. |
| Goose (Coastal Snow Goose) | Wednesday-October 5, 2022 | Saturday-January 14, 2023 | 25 bag maximum per day. |
| Goose (Coastal Zone-1) | Wednesday-October 5, 2022 | Tuesday-October 11, 2022 | Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two. |
| Goose (Inland & River Zone-2) | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Sunday-December 18, 2022 | Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two. |
| Goose (Coastal Zone-2) | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Saturday-January 14, 2023 | Brant has a daily bag limit of two Canada geese, and it ends on December 24. |
Migratory Bird Season
| New Hampshire Migratory Bird Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Area | Bag Limit | Possession Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodcock | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Monday-November 14, 2022 | Statewide | 3 | 9 | Northern Zone |
| Common Snipe | Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Monday-November 14, 2022 | Statewide | 8 | 24 | Northern Zone |
| Crow | Monday-August 15, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | Statewide | NONE | NONE | Northern Zone |
| Thursday-March 16, 2023 | Friday-March 31, 2023 | Statewide | Northern Zone | |||
| Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend | Saturday-September 24, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | Northern Zone | |||
| Mergansers | ||||||
| Northern Zone | Sunday-October 2, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | 6 | 18 | ||
| Inland and CT River Zone | Tuesday-October 4, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 | 6 | 18 | ||
| Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Sunday-December 18, 2022 | 6 | 18 | |||
| Costal Zone | Wednesday-October 5, 2022 | Tuesday-October 11, 2022 | 6 | 18 | ||
| Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Friday-January 14, 2022 | 6 | 18 | |||
| Coots | ||||||
| Northern Zone | Sunday-October 2, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | 6 | 18 | ||
| Inland and CT River Zone | Tuesday-October 4, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 | 6 | 18 | ||
| Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Sunday-December 18, 2022 | 6 | 18 | |||
| Costal Zone | Wednesday-October 5, 2022 | Tuesday-October 11, 2022 | 6 | 18 | ||
| Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Friday-January 14, 2022 | 6 | 18 |
Small Game Hunting Seasons
| Small Game Hunting Seasons | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | WM UNITS | Bag Limit | Seasons Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | H2, K, L, M (except for closed areas, see map below) | 2 | No | |
| Gray Squirrel | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | All | 5 | No | |
| Ruffed Grouse (Partridge) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | All | 4 | No | |
| Quail, Chukar, Hungarian/European Partridge | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | All | 4 | No | |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sunday-October 1, 2023 | Friday-March 31, 2023 | A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, J1 | 3 | No | |
| H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M | 2 | |||||
| Falconry Season | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | H2, K, L, M (except for closed areas, see map below) | 2 | No | ||
| Pheasant | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | All | 2 | 10 | "The pheasant season will be closed statewide until noon on in-season days due to safety concerns. days for stocking. These closures will take place on October 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21 on Thursdays and Fridays. (needed pheasant license) |
Upland Birds Season
| New Hampshire Upland Birds Season | Hunting Season-Start Date | Hunting Season-End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chukar | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Bag limit of 4 per day |
| Hungarian-Partridge | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Bag limit of 4 per day |
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.
- Federal public lands: New Hampshire has the world’s highest mountains and the White Mountain National Forest. It’s 751,000 acres. White Mountain National Forest allows hunting.
- State property: New Hampshire has 100 Wildlife Management Areas, 63 additional tracts, and 117 state forests. Few prohibited zones remain during hunting season.
- Forestry and paper firms hold significant areas of land: Several paper and timber companies in New Hampshire allow hunting on their land. These locations provide some of the state’s greatest hunting.
- Lands owned privately, by the county, or by the municipality: Individuals own 80% of New Hampshire’s woodlands. Unless otherwise noted, hunters are welcome. Before hunting, seek landowner 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.
- Deer hunting permits may be needed. Tag every in-season deer. Basic hunting license contains one deer tag for firearms season.
- You’ll need extra tags if you want to hunt outside of season. Archery tags allow one of each sexe. Muzzleloader licenses lack deer tags. Muzzleloader or crossbow hunting is legal with a basic hunting license’s weapons deer tag during muzzleloading season.
- 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.
- Unit M Special Permit enables hunting two antlerless deer. Valid permits may be used anytime throughout hunting season (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm). 2022 NHFG first-come, first-served.
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.
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.