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State Guide

New Hampshire Hunting Guide

Complete New Hampshire hunting guide. New Hampshire hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.

Wildlife Agency

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

New Hampshire Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $13 Non-res: $103
Season Type Opens Closes
Archery Sep 15 Dec 15
Rifle Nov 8 Dec 3
Muzzleloader Oct 28 Nov 7

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 antlered + antlerless in select WMUs

Antlerless permits by lottery in select Wildlife Management Units. Growing deer herd in the southern part of the state.

Turkey

Res: $13 Non-res: $103
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun May 1 May 31
Archery Sep 15 Dec 15

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 spring, 1 fall)

Spring bearded turkey. Fall archery concurrent with deer. Growing turkey populations throughout the state.

Moose

Res: $150 Non-res: $575
Season Type Opens Closes
Rifle Oct 14 Oct 22

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Lottery draw only. Very limited permits. Northern New Hampshire (Coos County) has the best populations.

Bear

Res: $13 Non-res: $103
Season Type Opens Closes
Rifle Sep 1 Nov 7
Archery Sep 15 Dec 15

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Bait hunting allowed mid-September through October. Hound hunting in September. Good populations in the White Mountains.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $13 Non-res: $103
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun Oct 1 Nov 25

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal duck stamp and NH waterfowl stamp required. Coastal and inland zones. Atlantic Flyway.

Planning Tools

New Hampshire Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in New Hampshire?
Yes. All hunters in New Hampshire must hold a valid hunting license from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.
What is the hunting license cost in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $13, non-resident $103. Turkey: resident $13, non-resident $103.
When is deer season in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire deer seasons: Archery: Sep 15 - Dec 15, Rifle: Nov 8 - Dec 3, Muzzleloader: Oct 28 - Nov 7.
Does New Hampshire require a hunter safety course?
Yes, New Hampshire requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
Who manages hunting regulations in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in New Hampshire. Their website (https://www.wildlife.nh.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.