New Hampshire Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 Latest Regulations & Dates

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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

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.

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 deer hunting for shorter periods. The official New Hampshire Fish and Game website should be consulted for more particular dates and information.

New Hampshire Deer SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Deer (Archery) September 15Friday, December 15, 2023closes December 8 in WMU A)
Deer (Muzzleloader)Saturday, October 28, 2023Tuesday, November 07, 2023Statewide
Deer (Firearms)Wednesday, November 08, 2023Sunday, December 03, 2023
closes November 26, 2023 in WMU A
Deer (Youth Deer Weekend)Saturday, October 21, 2023Sunday, October 22, 2023on November 27th, WMU A will be closing.

Complete Season Details for NH deer 

Archery:
SeasonDatesWMUDeer Type
Archery SeasonSept. 15 - Dec. 8A (Ends 1 week early)Any Deer
Archery SeasonSept. 15 - Dec. 15B-MAny Deer
Firearms:
SeasonDatesWMUDeer Type
FirearmsNov. 8 - Nov. 26A (Ends 1 week early)Antlered Deer Only
FirearmsNov. 8 - Dec. 3B, C1, C2Antlered Deer Only
FirearmsNov. 8D1, D2E, E, FAny Deer
FirearmsNov. 9 - Dec. 3-Antlered Deer Only
FirearmsNov. 8-9G2, I1, I2Any Deer
FirearmsNov. 10 - Dec. 3-Antlered Deer Only
FirearmsNov. 8-10J1Any Deer
FirearmsNov. 11 - Dec. 3-Antlered Deer Only
FirearmsNov. 8-11H1, H2, J2, KAny Deer
FirearmsNov. 12 - Dec. 3-Antlered Deer Only
FirearmsNov. 8-12D2W, G1Any Deer
FirearmsNov. 13 - Dec. 3-Antlered Deer Only
FirearmsNov. 8-17L, MAny Deer
FirearmsNov. 18 - Dec. 3-Antlered Deer Only
Muzzleloader:
SeasonDatesWMUDeer Type
MuzzleloaderOct. 28 - Nov. 7A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2EAntlered Deer Only
MuzzleloaderOct. 28E, F, G2, I2Any Deer
MuzzleloaderOct. 29 - Nov. 7-Antlered Deer Only
MuzzleloaderOct. 28-29I1Any Deer
MuzzleloaderOct. 30 - Nov. 7-Antlered Deer Only
MuzzleloaderOct. 28-30H1, J1, KAny Deer
MuzzleloaderOct. 31 - Nov. 7-Antlered Deer Only
MuzzleloaderOct. 28-31D2W, H2, J2Any Deer
MuzzleloaderNov. 1 - Nov. 7-Antlered Deer Only
MuzzleloaderOct. 28 - Nov. 1G1Any Deer
MuzzleloaderNov. 2 - Nov. 7-Antlered Deer Only
MuzzleloaderOct. 28 - Nov. 7L, MAny Deer
Youth Hunt:
SeasonDatesDeer Type
Youth HuntOct. 21 & 22 (Statewide)Any Deer
Deer Baiting:
SeasonWMUDates
Deer BaitingWMU A-LOct. 18 - Nov. 15
Deer BaitingWMU MSept. 15 - Dec. 15
Special Permits:
SeasonPermitsUnitsDeer Type
Special Permits3,000 PermitteesUnit LAntlerless Deer Only
Special Permits4,000 PermitteesUnit MAntlerless 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 SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Moose (General)Saturday, October 21, 2023Sunday, October 29, 2023Draw permit required.

Bear Season

New Hampshire Bear SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesZones/WMUs
General Season1-Sep7-NovA, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K
General Season1-Sep30-NovC1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2, L, M
Baiting Season1-Sep28-SepA, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, M
Baiting Season1-Sep5-OctC1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2
Dog Season18-Sep7-NovA, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2
Dog SeasonClosedClosedH2, K, L, M

NH Furbearer Season

Coyote Season

Coyote SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Coyote1-Jan31-DecThere Is no closed season and no limit
Coyote night hunting1-Jan31-MarNo Limit

Bobcat Season

SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag Limit
Bobcat SeasonClosedN/A

Fox Season

SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Fox(Gray and Red)Friday, September 01, 2023Friday-March 31, 2024There is no limit.

Opossum

SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
OpossumFriday, September 01, 2023Friday-March 31, 2024There is no limit.

Skunk Season

SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Skunk SeasonFriday, September 01, 2023Friday-March 31, 2024There is no limit.

Raccoon Season

SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Raccoon SeasonFriday, September 01, 2023Friday-March 31, 2024There is no limit.

Fisher Season

Fisher SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag Limit
Fisher (by traps)1-Dec31-DecStatewide 2 / season
Fisher (by firearms or bow and arrow)1-Dec31-JanStatewide 2 / season

Muskrat Season

Muskrat SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag Limit
WMU A - F15-Oct10-AprNo Limit
WMU G - M1-Nov10-AprNo Limit

Mink Season

Mink SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag Limit
WMU A - F15-Oct10-AprNo Limit
WMU G - M1-Nov10-AprNo Limit

Weasel Season

Weasel SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag Limit
WMU A - F15-Oct10-AprNo Limit
WMU G - M1-Nov10-AprNo Limit

NH Furbearer Trapping Season

WMUsNH Furbearer Trapping SpeciesSeason DatesBag Limit
A - FGray foxOct 15 - Dec 31No Limit
G - MRed foxNov 1 - Jan 15No Limit
A - FOpossumOct 15 - Dec 31No Limit
A - FSkunkOct 15 - Dec 31No Limit
A - FRaccoonOct 15 - Dec 31No Limit
StatewideFisherDec 1 - Dec 312 per season
A - FBeaverOct 15 - April 10No Limit
A - FMuskratOct 15 - April 10No Limit
A - FMinkOct 15 - April 10No Limit
StatewideOtterOct 15 - April 1010
A - FWeaselOct 15 - April 10No Limit
G - MCoyoteOct 15 - March 31No Limit
N/ABobcatCLOSEDN/A
N/ALynxCLOSEDN/A
N/APine MartenCLOSEDN/A

Turkey Season

NH Turkey SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Spring Hunt1-May31-MayStatewide
NH Youth Turkey Hunt29-Apr30-AprYouth Only
Fall Archery Season15-Sep15-DecWMUs B-M, Either Sex
Fall Archery Season15-Sep8-DecWMU A, Either Sex

NH Small game Season

Rabbit Season

New Hampshire Rabbit SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateBag Limit
Rabbit (Cottontail)H2, K, L, M ONLY Sunday, October 01, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 20242
Rabbit (Cottontail)A-H1, I1, I2, J1, J2, southern Merrimack River Valley, and an area in Dover adjoining Maine*ClosedClosedNA
Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)A-G and J1Sunday, October 01, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 20243
Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, MSunday, October 01, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 20242
Rabbit (Falconry)Sunday, October 01, 2023Wednesday, March 15, 20232

Squirrel Season

Squirrel SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitsNotes
Gray squirrel (Statewide)1-Sep31-Jan5No hunting in parks or cemeteries

Pheasant Season

New Hampshire Pheasant SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateBag LimitNote
Ring-necked pheasant (Statewide)1-Oct31-DecLimit of 2 /day and 10/season(additional $31 pheasant license required)

Quail Season

New Hampshire QuailHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Northern bobwhite quail1-Oct31-DecLimit of four bags per day.

Grouse Season

New Hampshire GrouseHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Ruffed Grouse1-Oct31-DecLimit of four bags per day.

Chukar Season

SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Chukar, Hungarian partridge1-Oct31-DecLimit of four bags per day.

NH Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons

Crow Season

Crow SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)15-Aug30-NovNo LimitNo Limit
16-Mar31-MarNo LimitNo Limit
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)15-Aug30-NovNo LimitNo Limit
16-Mar31-MarNo LimitNo Limit
Coastal Zone15-Aug30-NovNo LimitNo Limit
16-Mar31-MarNo LimitNo Limit

Snipe Season

Common Snipe SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)15-Sep14-Nov824
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)15-Sep14-Nov824
Coastal Zone15-Sep14-Nov824

Falconry Season

Falconry SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern Zone1-Dec14-Jan39
Inland & Ct River Zone 4-Nov21-Nov39
Inland & Ct River Zone 22-Dec17-Jan39
Coastal Zone26-Jan10-Mar39

Woodcock Season

Woodcock SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)1-Oct14-Nov39
Inland & Ct. River Zone (Statewide)1-Oct14-Nov39
Coastal Zone (Statewide)1-Oct14-Nov39

NH Waterfowl Season

Ducks Season
SpeciesDuck SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
DucksNorthern Zone2-Oct30-Nov618
DucksInland & Ct River Zone5-Oct3-Nov618
DucksInland & Ct River Zone22-Nov21-Dec618
DucksCoastal Zone4-Oct10-Oct618
DucksCoastal Zone22-Nov13-Jan618
Sea DucksNorthern Zone2-Oct30-Nov412
Sea DucksInland & Ct River Zone5-Oct3-Nov412
Sea DucksInland & Ct River Zone22-Nov21-Dec412
Sea DucksCoastal Zone4-Oct10-Oct412
Sea DucksCoastal Zone22-Nov13-Jan412
Mergansers Season
Mergansers SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern Zone2-Oct30-Nov618
Inland & Ct River Zone5-Oct3-Nov618
Inland & Ct River Zone22-Nov21-Dec618
Coastal Zone4-Oct10-Oct618
Coastal Zone22-Nov13-Jan618
Coots Season
Coots SeasonStart DatesEnd DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern Zone2-Oct30-Nov618
Inland & Ct River Zone5-Oct3-Nov618
Inland & Ct River Zone22-Nov21-Dec618
Coastal Zone4-Oct10-Oct618
Coastal Zone22-Nov13-Jan618
Brant Season
Brant SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern Zone (Statewide)2-Oct31-Oct13
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)5-Oct3-Nov13
Coastal Zone (Statewide)4-Oct10-Oct13
Coastal Zone (Statewide)22-Nov14-Dec13
Goose Season
New Hampshire Goose SeasonZonesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Canada Geese (Regular)Northern Zone2-Oct30-Nov618
Canada Geese (Regular)Inland & Ct River Zone5-Oct3-Nov618
Canada Geese (Regular)Inland & Ct River Zone22-Nov21-Dec618
Canada Geese (Regular)Coastal Zone4-Oct10-Oct618
Canada Geese (Regular)Coastal Zone22-Nov13-Jan618
Canada Geese (Sept)Statewide1-Sep25-Sep515
Snow Geese2-Oct30-Nov25None
Snow Geese5-Oct21-Dec25None
Snow Geese4-Oct13-Jan25None
Youth Waterfowl Weekend Hunt
Youth Waterfowl HuntingSeason Start DateSeason End Date
Northern Zone (Statewide)23-Sep24-Sep
Inland & Ct River Zone (Statewide)23-Sep24-Sep
Coastal Zone23-Sep24-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 LocationsTypeHunting Permission
Federal Public Lands:
White Mountain National ForestNational ForestAllowed
State Property:
Wildlife Management AreasState PropertyAllowed
Additional TractsState PropertyAllowed
State ForestsState PropertyAllowed
Few Prohibited Zones during hunting seasonState PropertyProhibited
Forestry and Paper Firms:
Paper and Timber Company landsPrivate LandsAllowed
Privately, County, or Municipality Owned Lands:
Privately owned landsPrivate LandsSeek permission
County owned landsCounty LandsSeek permission
Municipality owned landsMunicipality LandsSeek 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
New Hampshire Season License Fees
New Hampshire Season License Fees

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.

Dates & Regulations Source: NH eRegulations

John Lewis

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