New Hampshire Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 Latest Regulations & Dates

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

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 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.

• 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.

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