Looking for a hunting adventure? New Hampshire hunting seasons offers every hunter an unforgettable opportunity to catch animals in its scenic woods and explore numerous hunting areas.
The state of New Hampshire is one of those perfect states for hunters, and that’s because pretty the much whole state is open for hunting. This means that all state, municipal, federal, county and private lands are open to hunts unless declared otherwise.
For private lands, of course, you’ll need a landowner’s permission. You can enjoy hunting various species such as deer, black bear and turkey as well as many small game species like snowshoe hare, grey squirrel, ring-necked pheasant and many others.
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New Hampshire Hunting Seasons and All Available Games
#1. New Hampshire Deer Seasons
Types | Seasons |
|---|---|
Muzzleloader | *November 2 - 12 |
Youth Season | October 26 – 27 |
Regular Firearms | *November 13 – December 8 |
Archery | *September 15 – December 15 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by unit.
#2. New Hampshire Bear Seasons
Types | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *September 1 – November 30 |
*NOTE: Season dates may vary by region.
#3. New Hampshire Moose Season
Types | Seasons |
|---|---|
General Season | *October 19 - 27 |
*NOTE: By permit only.
#4. New Hampshire Wild Turkey Seasons
Types | Seasons |
|---|---|
Spring | May 1 – 31 |
Fall (Archery) | September 15 – December 15 |
Fall (Shotgun) | *October 14 - 20 |
*NOTE: Only in certain WMUs.
#5. New Hampshire Small Game Seasons
Types | Seasons | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
Snowshoe Hare | October 1 – March 31 | *Bag limit: 3/2 |
Cottontail Rabbit | October 1 – January 1 | Bag limit: 2 |
Grey Squirrel | September 1 – January 31 | Bag limit: 5 |
Ring-necked pheasant | October 1 – December 31 | Bag limit: 2 per day; |
Ruffed grouse, Northern bobwhite quail, Chukar, Hungarian partridge | October 1 – December 31 | Bag limit: 4 |
Crow | August 15 – November 30 | No limit |
Woodcock | October 1 – November 14 | Bag limit: 3 |
*NOTE: Bag limits may vary by zone.
License Requirements
A hunting license allows persons to take big and small game during the hunting season.
Who needs a license in New Hampshire?
Everyone who is over 16 years old is required to obtain a proper license. For minors, under 16 years old that is not necessary, but they are required to buy certain special licenses. Licenses for residents and non-residents have some differences in prices and rules, so if you are a non-resident make sure you have a proper license for the animal you plan to hunt.
There are special licenses for Senior Residents who have reached the age of 68. They can obtain their license for discounted prices, and the ones who were born on or before December 31, 1947, can obtain their license for free.
Before buying your first license, there is one requirement you need to meet first. By New Hampshire state law, anyone who wants to hunt must complete a Hunter Education Course before purchasing their first license.
Not sure if you enjoy hunting but want to try it? You don’t have to purchase a license just for that, there is an option for an Apprentice Hunting License.
This license allows you to try hunting, under the guidance of another license and experienced hunter. You can hunt without a Hunter Education course, but you can purchase this license only once in your lifetime, if you want to hunt in the future, you will have to buy a regular license.
You can purchase all licenses online, or you can visit your local agent.
Night Hunting in New Hampshire
Like to hunt at night? In New Hampshire, night hunting is allowed only for coyotes from January to March with the written permission from the landowner and the local conservation officer.
Artificial lights are allowed, except when hunting from a motor vehicle. Night vision is allowed as well.
Where to Hunt in New Hampshire?
If you are planning to hunt in New Hampshire, you can expect a lot of opportunities to find a perfect area for hunting. All state, municipal, federal, private and county lands are open for hunting unless it is posted otherwise.
There are four categories of land ownership; all of them allow hunting with a few exceptions.
All forest lands are waiting for you in New Hampshire, but please make sure you leave nothing but your footprints!