New Hampshire Hunting Seasons 2023 🦌[Ultimate Guide!]

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
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.

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 SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Deer (Archery)Thursday-September 15, 2022Thursday-December 15, 2022WMU B-M
Deer (Archery)Thursday-September 15, 2022Thursday-December 8, 2022Please take note, WMU A: The deer archery season finishes a week earlier than normal.
Deer (Muzzleloader)Saturday-October 29, 2022Tuesday-November 8, 2022Statewide.
For hunting areas and times, see the rules.
Deer (Firearms)Wednesday-November 9, 2022Sunday-December 4, 2022on November 27th, WMU A will be closing.

Bear Season

New Hampshire Bear SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Bear (General-2)Thursday-September 1, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022WMUs - C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2
Bear (Baiting Season-1)Thursday-September 1, 2022Wednesday-September 28, 2022WMUs -A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, M
Bear (Baiting Season-2)Thursday-September 1, 2022Wednesday-October 5, 2022WMUs - C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2
Bear (General-1)Thursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-November 8, 2022WMUs - A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, M
Bear (Dog Season-1)Monday-September 19, 2022Tuesday-November 8, 2022WMUs - A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2

Coyote & Fox Season

New Hampshire Coyote & Fox SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
CoyoteSaturday-January 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022There Is no closed season and no limit.
Coyote(Night Hunting)Sunday-January 1, 2023Friday-March 31, 2023There is no limit.
Fox(Gray and Red)Thursday-September 1, 2022Friday-March 31, 2023There is no limit.

Duck Season

New Hampshire Duck SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Duck (Youth Waterfowl)Saturday-September 24, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules.
Duck (Northern Zone)Sunday-October 2, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules.
Duck (Inland & River Zone-1)Tuesday-October 4, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules.
Duck (Coastal Zone-1)Wednesday-October 5, 2022Tuesday-October 11, 2022There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules.
Duck (Coastal Zone-2)Wednesday-November 23, 2022Saturday-January 14, 2023There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules.
Duck (Inland & River Zone-2)Wednesday-November 23, 2022Sunday-December 18, 2022There may be species restrictions, so be sure to check the rules.

Falconry Season

New Hampshire Falconry SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Northern ZoneThursday-December 1, 2022Saturday-January 14, 202339
Inland and CT River ZoneMonday-November 7, 2022Tuesday-November 22, 202239
Monday-December 19, 2022Monday-January 16, 202339
Costal ZoneTuesday-January 25, 2022Friday-March 10, 202339

Furbearer Hunting Season

New Hampshire Furbearer SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateBag LimitPossession LimitNote
CoyoteThere is no closed season;There is no closed season;NoNo
Saturday-January 1, 2022Thursday-March 31, 2022Nighttime hunting is permitted.
FisherThursday-December 1, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 20232*2*Two fishers are allowed for each hunter every day and over the whole season (combined with trapping).
Fox (Red & Gray), Opossum, Skunk, RaccoonThursday-September 1, 2022Friday-March 31, 2023NoNo
Mink, Muskrat, WeaselNoNo
WMUs A–FSaturday-October 15, 2022Monday-April 10, 2023
WMUs G–MTuesday-November 1, 2022Monday-April 10, 2023
Bobcat, Lynx, Pine martenCLOSEDCLOSED

Furbearer Trapping Season

New Hampshire Furbearer Trapping SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateWM-UNITSSeason Bag LimitNote
Beaver, Muskrat, Mink, Otter, WeaselSaturday-October 15, 2022Monday-April 10, 2023A–F(Otter-10)
Tuesday-November 1, 2022Monday-April 10, 2023G–M(Other-No)
FisherThursday-December 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Statewide2Two fishers are allowed for each hunter every day and over the whole season (combined with trapping).
Fox (Red & Gray), Opossum, Skunk, RaccoonSaturday-October 15, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022A–FNo
Tuesday-November 1, 2022Sunday-January 15, 2023G–M
CoyoteSaturday-October 15, 2022Friday-March 31, 2023A–FNo
Tuesday-November 1, 2022Friday-March 31, 2023G–M
Bobcat, Lynx, Pine martenCLOSEDCLOSED

Turkey Season

New Hampshire Turkey SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Turkey (Fall Archery-2)Thursday-September 15, 2022Thursday-December 15, 2022WMU B-M
Turkey (Fall Archery-1)Thursday-September 15, 2022Thursday-December 8, 2022WMU A
Turkey (Fall Shotgun)Monday-October 10, 2022Sunday-October 16, 2022WMUs D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, M
Turkey (Youth)Saturday-April 29, 2023Sunday-April 30, 20231 Turkey complete statewide. Other turkey WMUs H1, H2, J2, K, L or M.
Turkey (Spring)Monday-May 1, 2023Wednesday-May 31, 20231 Turkey complete statewide. Other turkey WMUs H1, H2, J2, K, L or M.

Rabbit Season

New Hampshire Rabbit SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Rabbit (Cottontail)Saturday-October 1, 20222023-01-31 00:00:00Units H2, K, L, M. Daily bag limit of 2.
Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare)Saturday-October 1, 20222023-03-31 00:00:00

Moose Season

New Hampshire Moose SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Moose (General)Saturday-October 15, 202Sunday-October 23, 2022Draw permit required.

Grouse & Pheasant Season

New Hampshire Grouse & Pheasant SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Ruffed GrouseSaturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Limit of four bags per day.
PheasantSaturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Limit of two bags per day.

Goose Season

New Hampshire Goose SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Goose (Early Canada Goose)Thursday-September 1, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022Statewide. a five-bag limit each day.
Goose (Youth Waterfowl)Saturday-September 24, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Goose (Northern Snow Goose)Sunday-October 2, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 202225 bag maximum per day.
Goose (Northern Zone)Sunday-October 2, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two.
Goose (Inland and River Snow Goose)Tuesday-October 4, 2022Sunday-December 18, 202225 bag maximum per day.
Goose (Inland and River Zone-1)Tuesday-October 4, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two.
Goose (Coastal Snow Goose)Wednesday-October 5, 2022Saturday-January 14, 202325 bag maximum per day.
Goose (Coastal Zone-1)Wednesday-October 5, 2022Tuesday-October 11, 2022Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two.
Goose (Inland & River Zone-2)Wednesday-November 23, 2022Sunday-December 18, 2022Brant daily bag limit is two; Canada goose daily bag limit is two.
Goose (Coastal Zone-2)Wednesday-November 23, 2022Saturday-January 14, 2023Brant has a daily bag limit of two Canada geese, and it ends on December 24.

Migratory Bird Season

New Hampshire Migratory Bird SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateAreaBag LimitPossession LimitNote
WoodcockSaturday-October 1, 2022Monday-November 14, 2022Statewide39Northern Zone
Common SnipeThursday-September 15, 2022Monday-November 14, 2022Statewide824Northern Zone
CrowMonday-August 15, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022StatewideNONENONENorthern Zone
Thursday-March 16, 2023Friday-March 31, 2023StatewideNorthern Zone
Youth Waterfowl Hunting WeekendSaturday-September 24, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022Northern Zone
Mergansers
Northern ZoneSunday-October 2, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022618
Inland and CT River ZoneTuesday-October 4, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022618
Wednesday-November 23, 2022Sunday-December 18, 2022618
Costal ZoneWednesday-October 5, 2022Tuesday-October 11, 2022618
Wednesday-November 23, 2022Friday-January 14, 2022618
Coots
Northern ZoneSunday-October 2, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022618
Inland and CT River ZoneTuesday-October 4, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022618
Wednesday-November 23, 2022Sunday-December 18, 2022618
Costal ZoneWednesday-October 5, 2022Tuesday-October 11, 2022618
Wednesday-November 23, 2022Friday-January 14, 2022618

Small Game Hunting Seasons

Small Game Hunting SeasonsHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateWM UNITSBag LimitSeasons LimitNote
Cottontail RabbitSaturday-October 1, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023H2, K, L, M (except for closed areas, see map below)2No
Gray SquirrelThursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023All5No
Ruffed Grouse (Partridge)Saturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022All4No
Quail, Chukar, Hungarian/European PartridgeSaturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022All4No
Snowshoe HareSunday-October 1, 2023Friday-March 31, 2023A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, J13No
H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M2
Falconry SeasonSaturday-October 1, 2022H2, K, L, M
(except for closed areas, see map below)
2No
PheasantSaturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022All210"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 SeasonHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
ChukarSaturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Bag limit of 4 per day
Hungarian-PartridgeSaturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Bag 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.
New Hampshire Season License Fees
New Hampshire Season License Fees

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.

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