New Hampshire Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in New Hampshire

Regular game species such as turkeys, deer, and numerous small game are available for hunting in New Hampshire. The state is also well-known for its large game, including black bears and moose.

New Hampshire hunting laws

In New Hampshire, hunting regulations differ from region to region, and each region is referred to as a hunting unit. The Division of Wildlife and Forestry in New Hampshire is in charge of enforcing hunting laws, restrictions, and regulations.

Some of the rules you should be aware of before going hunting in New Hampshire are as follows:

Regulations for Licenses, Permits, and Tags

New Hampshire’s hunting license rules are as follows:

Every time a hunter enters a hunting area, they must have a valid New Hampshire hunting license or any tags and permits required for the game.
It is illegal to give hunting permits, tags, or stamps to another person or hunter for use.
Hunting permits, tags, and stamps shall only be valid for the dates specified on them and for the individual to whom they are assigned.
It is illegal for hunters and their help to avoid checking prior to and after hunting in wildlife management areas with check stations.
When you sign a New Hampshire hunting license, permit, tag, or stamp, you agree to abide by all of the rules and requirements outlined in the license, tag, or stamp. You must also follow all license, permit, tag, or stamp laws and regulations, and you must accept inspection by a worker from the New Hampshire wildlife and forestry department who is inspecting for improper use of the permit or any other hunting offense.
To apply for any of the legal New Hampshire hunting licenses, you must be at least 10 years old and have completed a hunter education course with a certificate.

Hunting Firearms and Archery Regulations

The following laws, prohibitions, and regulations apply to the use of firearms and archery equipment while hunting in New Hampshire:

It is illegal to have hunting weapons and archery equipment in your possession or to discharge a firearm on public hunting grounds if you do not have a valid hunting license or are not in possession of the license.
You are only permitted to own one rifle or the archery equipment required for the game you wish to hunt. An exemption is provided for a hunter carrying another hunter’s firearm in order to help the person. In addition, hunters must make their hunting equipment available for examination by a representative of the New Hampshire Wildlife and Forestry Department. Any hunter who refuses to comply with this restriction will be in violation of New Hampshire hunting law, which may result in the revocation of permits and other hunting privileges.
When there is a closed season or a no-hunting day, it is illegal to possess archery or firearm equipment on public hunting lands.
When you have reached the bag limit for a game, it is illegal to have your archery equipment or a loaded firearm in your possession.

In New Hampshire, the following hunting equipment is prohibited when hunting with dogs:

A cartridge-firing rifle with muzzle-release energy is rated at less than 12,000 pounds.
Any shotgun with a shot smaller than 00 buckshot
Rifles that are muzzle-loaded and have a caliber of less than 44
Handguns

It is illegal to use the following hunting equipment for bow-and-arrow hunting:

Long bows weighing less than 45 pounds have a draw length of 28 inches.
Recurve bows with draw weights less than 35 pounds
compound bows with drawing weights of up to 30 pounds.

It is illegal to use an arrow with explosive heads or heads covered with medications, chemicals, or poisons to incapacitate game or wildlife. Arrows that have a minimum cutting diameter of 34 inches for the inch allowed are legal.

Regulation of Hunting Dogs

In New Hampshire, the following rules govern the employment of hunting dogs:

A hunter who owns a dog must never leave it alone. During the entire hunting season, the dog must accompany and be by the hunter’s side.
Except while the dog is pursuing a game, the hunter must keep the dog under control and its mobility physically confined at all times.
Hunters who own a dog shall be held liable for the dog’s behavior, including any damages or injuries caused by the dog.
The dog should always be under the owner’s verbal control, and the owner must physically confine the dog in hunting areas, safety zones, and closed places.
The dog must carry a bag for identification at all times, including when it is in public or hunting a game.

Restrictions on Vehicles and Aircraft

The following rules apply to the use of cars when hunting in New Hampshire:

Only four-wheeled vehicles will be permitted on public hunting grounds.
It is illegal to use aircraft to transport or herd mammal games.
It is also illegal in New Hampshire to use airplanes for hunting, including the discharge of weapons or archery devices into public lands. Exceptions are made for those who have been granted permission by the department.
It is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle on state hunting grounds, including motorcycles and any other types of terrain vehicles. Exceptions are permitted for roads specifically constructed for the use of these vehicles. However, on maintained roadways, vehicles must be parked within a 25-foot radius.
It is illegal to transport a loaded firearm or archery equipment in a vehicle, boat, or other transporter. It is also illegal to discharge weapons or archery equipment from these vehicles, with the exception of hunters with a disabled permit.
It is illegal to discharge a firearm or archery equipment from outside to inside a hunting area.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

In New Hampshire, you can open carry while hunting, but you cannot use the firearm to take animals such as deer.

During a licensed bow hunt, you must follow the following rules:

Unless the state or federal government withdraws the permit, the license will only be valid for the possession of guns when bow hunting.
During bow hunting, no one may shoot or attempt to shoot at a deer with a firearm.

The state of New Hampshire has hunter harassment statutes in place to safeguard hunting activities.

According to the law:

Nobody should intentionally hinder or interfere with someone who is engaged in a legal hunting activity, such as trapping or fishing.
Nobody shall intentionally disrupt or obstruct someone from engaging in a permitted hunting activity.
Nobody shall deliberately engage in any activity that disturbs or alerts wild game in such a way that it interferes with a valid hunting activity.
Nobody shall use a drone or any other sort of surveillance device to monitor authorized hunting in the state without first obtaining permission from individuals who are hunting.

New Hampshire hunting licenses, tags, and permits

A valid hunting license is required in New Hampshire before hunting any game or wildlife. New Hampshire hunting licenses are provided based on age, residency, and the type of game animal to be hunted.

In the state, there are many sorts of resident and non-resident licenses. You must have one of the state-approved forms of identification as a resident in order to receive any of the New Hampshire resident licenses. You must also not be a resident of any other state or region of the United States.

Even if you own property in other states, you must claim domicile in New Hampshire, and it must be the state for which you pay federal income taxes.

The following are included in New Hampshire hunting licenses:

Licenses for large games

Big game licenses in New Hampshire are provided based on the species of big game to be hunted. These licenses are available to both citizens and nonresidents; however, the prices differ. You must have a large game license to take the animal.

An application fee will be required for a large game license issued based on state draws. A big game license draw permit costs $7 for New Hampshire residents and $9 for non-residents. This money is also non-refundable.

Other sorts of large game licenses available in New Hampshire include:

New Hampshire Bear Hunting Permit

This is the current New Hampshire hunting license for bear species. Residents pay $39.75, while non-residents pay $101.75.

Deer Hunting License in New Hampshire

This is a legitimate New Hampshire deer hunting license. A hunter can take both doe and buck deer with the license. Residents pay $40.24, while non-residents pay $401.83.

Moose Hunting License in New Hampshire

This is a legitimate moose hunting license in New Hampshire. It costs locals $305.61 and non-residents $2240.

Youth Big Game License in New Hampshire

This is a legal license for New Hampshire youth who want to hunt big game. Non-residents pay $102.78, while residents pay $15.1.

Licenses for small games

Small game licenses for numerous species are available in New Hampshire, just like big game licenses. The license will be based on the small game that the hunter desires to take, and it is open to both citizens and non-residents.

The following New Hampshire small game hunting licenses are available:

Annual Small Game License in New Hampshire

This is a one-year license that allows you to take small game animals throughout the state, including furbearers. Residents pay $30.11, while non-residents pay $82.78.

Annual Small Game and Fishing License in New Hampshire

This is a New Hampshire small game hunting and fishing license valid for one year. It is exclusively available to state residents and costs $50.37.

Turkey hunting license in New Hampshire

This license is only available through a random drawing. Hunters who are drawn will be able to go turkey hunting in New Hampshire. Hunters must pay the required application processing fee of $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents in order to be drawn.

Stamp for Hunting Migratory Birds in New Hampshire

This is a migratory bird hunting stamp from New Hampshire. It costs $25 for both state residents and non-residents.

Furbearers Hunting License in New Hampshire

This license is exclusively valid in New Hampshire for hunting furbearers. Residents pay $30.11, while non-residents pay $82.78.

New Hampshire Small Game Hunting License for One Day

This license is necessary for a single day of small game hunting in New Hampshire. Residents pay $13.9, while non-residents pay $16.94.

Additional Day Small Game Hunting License in New Hampshire

This license is necessary for an additional day of hunting small game in New Hampshire. Residents and nonresidents both pay $6.81.

Turkey hunting license in New Hampshire

New Hampshire hunting licenses are divided into two categories, depending on the season. Fall turkey hunting costs $25.05 for residents and $153.68 for non-residents. Spring turkey hunting costs $30.11 for residents and $153.68 for non-residents.

Youth Small Game Hunting License in New Hampshire

Youth who want to hunt small game in New Hampshire must get this license. Residents and nonresidents both pay $1.26.

New Hampshire hunting

In New Hampshire, regular game species such as turkeys, deer, and a variety of small game are available for hunting. The state is also famous for its enormous game, which includes black bears and moose.

New Hampshire hunting regulations

Hunting rules vary by region in New Hampshire, and each region is referred to as a hunting unit. In New Hampshire, the Division of Wildlife and Forestry is in charge of enforcing hunting laws, limitations, and regulations.

Before going hunting in New Hampshire, you should be informed of the following rules:

License, Permit, and Tag Regulations

The following are the New Hampshire hunting license rules:

A hunter must have a valid New Hampshire hunting license or any tags and permits required for the game every time they enter a hunting area.
Giving hunting permits, tags, or stamps to another person or hunter for use is illegal.
Hunting licenses, tags, and stamps are only valid for the dates mentioned on them and for the person to whom they are issued.
It is prohibited for hunters and their guides to evade checking in wildlife management areas with check stations before and after hunting.
By signing a New Hampshire hunting license, permit, tag, or stamp, you agree to follow all of the restrictions and requirements indicated in the license, tag, or stamp. You must also observe all license, permit, tag, or stamp laws and regulations, and you must accept inspection by a New Hampshire Wildlife and Forestry Department employee who is inspecting for inappropriate permit use or any other hunting infraction.
You must be at least 10 years old and have completed a hunter education course with a certificate to apply for any of the legal New Hampshire hunting permits.

Regulations for Hunting Firearms and Archery

In New Hampshire, the following rules, bans, and regulations govern the use of firearms and archery equipment while hunting:

It is prohibited to have hunting weapons and archery equipment on public hunting grounds or to discharge a firearm if you do not have a valid hunting license or are not in possession of the license.
You are only allowed to own one rifle or the archery equipment needed to hunt the game you want to hunt. A hunter who is carrying another hunter’s firearm to assist another hunter is exempt. Hunters must also make their hunting gear accessible for inspection by a representative of the New Hampshire Wildlife and Forestry Department. Any hunter who refuses to comply with this restriction will be in violation of New Hampshire hunting law, and their permits and other hunting rights may be revoked.
It is illegal to possess archery or firearm equipment on public hunting lands during a closed season or a no-hunting day.
It is prohibited to have your archery equipment or a loaded firearm in your possession after you have exceeded the bag limit for a game.

When hunting with dogs in New Hampshire, the following hunting equipment is prohibited:

The muzzle-release energy of a cartridge-firing rifle is less than 12,000 pounds.
Any shotgun that fires smaller than 00 buckshot
Muzzle-loading rifles with a caliber of less than 44
Handguns

The following hunting equipment is prohibited for bow-and-arrow hunting:

The draw length of long bows weighing less than 45 pounds is 28 inches.
Draw weights of less than 35 pounds for recurve bows.
Compound bows with drawing weights of up to 30 pounds are available.

To incapacitate game or wildlife, it is illegal to employ an arrow with explosive heads or heads wrapped in drugs, chemicals, or poisons. Arrows with a minimum cutting diameter of 34 inches for each inch permitted are permissible.

Hunting Dog Regulation

The following guidelines govern the use of hunting dogs in New Hampshire:

A hunter with a dog should never leave it alone. The dog must accompany and be by the hunter’s side throughout the full hunting season.
Except when pursuing a game, the hunter must always keep the dog under control and its movement physically constrained.
Hunters who own a dog must accept responsibility for the dog’s actions, including any damages or injuries caused by the dog.
The owner should always have verbal control over the dog, and the owner should physically limit the dog in hunting areas, safety zones, and closed places.
The dog must always carry a bag for identification, even while out in public or hunting a game.

Vehicle and aircraft restrictions

The following restrictions govern the usage of automobiles while hunting in New Hampshire:

On public hunting grounds, only four-wheeled vehicles will be authorized.
The use of aircraft to transport or herd mammal games is prohibited.
In New Hampshire, it is also prohibited to utilize airplanes for hunting, including the firing of guns or archery devices onto public lands. Those who have been granted permission by the department are exempt.
Any motorized vehicle, including motorcycles and other sorts of terrain vehicles, is prohibited in state hunting areas. Exceptions are allowed for roads that are specifically designed for the use of these vehicles. Vehicles must, however, be parked within a 25-foot radius on maintained streets.
Transporting a loaded firearm or archery equipment in a vehicle, boat, or other transporter is forbidden. With the exception of hunters with a handicapped permit, it is likewise unlawful to discharge weapons or archery equipment from these vehicles.
Discharging a firearm or archery equipment from outside to inside a hunting area is prohibited.

Open carry is authorized while hunting.

You can open carry when hunting in New Hampshire, but you can’t use the firearm to take animals like deer.

During a licensed bow hunt, you must adhere to the following guidelines:

Unless the state or federal government withdraws the permission, it will only be authorized for the possession of firearms when bow hunting.
No one may shoot or attempt to shoot a deer with a firearm while bow hunting.

To protect hunting activities, the state of New Hampshire has hunter harassment statutes in effect.

The following is the law:

Nobody should obstruct or interfere with someone who is engaged in a permitted hunting activity, such as trapping or fishing.
Nobody shall intentionally interrupt or inhibit another person’s participation in a lawful hunting activity.
Nobody shall engage in any action that intentionally disturbs or alarms wild game in such a way that it interferes with a legitimate hunting activity.
Nobody may deploy a drone or any other type of surveillance device to observe allowed hunting in the state unless they first acquire permission from the hunters.

Hunting licenses, tags, and permits in New Hampshire

Before hunting any game or wildlife in New Hampshire, you must have a valid hunting license. Hunting licenses in New Hampshire are issued depending on age, domicile, and the type of game animal to be hunted.

There are numerous types of resident and non-resident licenses available in the state. To obtain any of the New Hampshire resident licenses, you must have one of the state-approved forms of identification as a resident. You must also be a US citizen and not a resident of any other state or region.

Even if you own property in other states, you must claim New Hampshire as your home and the state in which you pay federal income taxes.

New Hampshire hunting licenses include the following:

Large-scale game licenses

In New Hampshire, large game licenses are issued based on the species of big game to be hunted. These licenses are available to both citizens and nonresidents; however, the fees vary. To take the animal, you must have a large game license.

A price will be charged for a large game license awarded through state drawings. A big game license draw permit costs $7 for residents of New Hampshire and $9 for non-residents. This money is not refundable either.

Other major gaming licenses available in New Hampshire are:

Permit to Hunt Bears in New Hampshire

This is the current New Hampshire bear hunting license. Non-residents pay $101.75, while locals pay $39.75.

New Hampshire Deer Hunting License

This is a valid deer hunting license in New Hampshire. With the license, a hunter can capture both doe and buck deer. Non-residents pay $401.83, while locals pay $40.24.

New Hampshire Moose Hunting License

In New Hampshire, this is a valid moose hunting license. It costs $305.61 for residents and $2240 for non-residents.

New Hampshire Youth Big Game License

This is a legitimate license for young people in New Hampshire who desire to hunt big game. Residents pay $15.1, while non-residents pay $102.78.

Small-scale game licenses

Small game permits for a variety of species, as well as big game licenses, are available in New Hampshire. The license will be issued based on the small game that the hunter wishes to pursue, and it will be available to both citizens and non-residents.

The following small game hunting licenses are available in New Hampshire:

New Hampshire requires an annual small game license.

This is a one-year license that allows you to take small game animals, including furbearers, across the state. Non-residents pay $82.78, while residents pay $30.11.

In New Hampshire, an annual small game and fishing license is required.

This is a one-year New Hampshire small game hunting and fishing license. It is only available to inhabitants of the state and costs $50.37.

New Hampshire turkey hunting license

This license can only be obtained through a random drawing. Drawn hunters will be permitted to go turkey hunting in New Hampshire. To be drawn, hunters must pay the required application processing fee of $7 for locals and $9 for non-residents.

New Hampshire Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp

This is a New Hampshire migratory bird hunting stamp. It costs $25 for both citizens of the state and non-residents.

New Hampshire Furbearers Hunting License

This license is only good for hunting furbearers in New Hampshire. Non-residents pay $82.78, while residents pay $30.11.

One-Day Small Game Hunting License in New Hampshire

This license is required in New Hampshire for a single day of small game hunting. Non-residents pay $16.94, while locals pay $13.9.

New Hampshire Small Game Hunting License for an Extra Day

This license is required for an additional day of small game hunting in New Hampshire. Both locals and nonresidents pay $6.81.

New Hampshire turkey hunting license

Depending on the season, New Hampshire hunting licenses are divided into two types. Residents pay $25.05 for fall turkey hunting, while non-residents pay $153.68. Residents pay $30.11 for spring turkey hunting, while non-residents pay $153.68.

New Hampshire Youth Small Game Hunting License

This license is required for minors who want to hunt small game in New Hampshire. Both residents and nonresidents pay $1.26.

Wildlife Games and Fishing in New Hampshire

The following are some of the most prevalent games and fauna in New Hampshire:

Elk hunting in New Hampshire

Because of the abundance of elk in the state, elk hunting in New Hampshire is well-known. According to the most recent estimates, the state has approximately 280,000 residents. New Hampshire has the largest elk herds in the United States and in the world. During elk seasons, sportsmen from across the country flock to the state to capture elk.

Moose hunting in New Hampshire

The moose population in New Hampshire is rapidly expanding, and it remains one of the state’s favorite big game species.

Deer hunting in New Hampshire

White-tailed deer and mule deer are the two most prevalent deer species in New Hampshire. The mule deer is widely spread in New Hampshire, whereas white-tailed deer are found in modest numbers in the state’s western portion.

Black Bear Hunting in New Hampshire

Because of the state’s high number of animals, black bear hunting is popular in New Hampshire, just like mountain lion hunting.

Turkey hunting in New Hampshire

Wild turkeys are well-known among New Hampshire sportsmen. Aside from hunting, they are incredibly intriguing animals to watch, especially during their spring mating season.

Coyote hunting in New Hampshire

Coyotes are widely distributed throughout New Hampshire, and inhabitants consider them to be one of the most difficult animals to hunt. This demonstrates their intelligence.

Fox hunting in New Hampshire

The red fox is the most frequent species of fox in New Hampshire. Because of their speed, they are tough to hunt, as are most predators. They are also extremely sensitive, having excellent eyesight and smell. They are also excellent swimmers.

Ranges for shooting in New Hampshire

The following are some of the shooting ranges in New Hampshire:

Shooting Club of the Dalton Gang
Range of the Manchester Firing Line
Pemigewassett Valley Fish and Game Association

Hunting Lands in New Hampshire for Sale and Lease

New Hampshire hunting lands for sale include the following:

29.4 acres in Nelson, New Hampshire (Cheshire County).
52.4 acres in New Ipswich, New Hampshire (Hillsborough County).
1131.49 acres of hunting and dummer land at Quail Ridge in Coos County, New Hampshire.

The following hunting lands are available for lease in New Hampshire:

11-acre hunting and four-wheeling property in Pike County.