A Guide to the New Hampshire Hunting Season Dates

You can also hunt black bears, ducks, geese, turkeys, and plenty of small game, making New Hampshire a great place to live (or visit) if you love to hunt!

So, as you plan your New Hampshire hunting season, let us help! We've pulled together the information you need for hunting licenses, bag limits, season dates, and more.

Why Do Hunters Hunt in New Hampshire?

It may be a small state, but it's not short on opportunities to hunt big or small game. Plus, as we mentioned, if you're on the East Coast, New Hampshire is probably a shorter destination to travel to for an excellent moose hunt. 

Hunters also enjoy the challenging, mountainous terrain, making almost any hunt a bigger adventure. New Hampshire hosts part of the Appalachian Highlands with plenty of north-south mountains to hike during a hunt. You'll also find hardwoods and other foliage to add to the challenge.

Where Should I Hunt?

In New Hampshire, you can hunt (literally) on almost any land — unless there are postings telling you not to hunt there. The state has a widely known "rule" that all federal, state, county, municipal, and private land (with permission) is open to hunting, including New Hampshire Wildlife Management Units.

However, be sure you have permission and that the land you hunt is open during the season dates for the game you're after. Not all land is open at all times.

HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas while also helping you navigate landowner boundaries. So, when hunting in New Hampshire this year, you'll know where to go for a more successful day in the field. 

When Can I Hunt?

So, when should you plan your next hunt? Our guide will help you pinpoint the dates to put on your calendar, whether you're after deer, turkey, pheasants, or other types of wild game.

Note that the information we provide is the latest available from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD). As new information for the upcoming season becomes available, we'll update it here.

Additionally, we always recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting and trapping season dates before finalizing plans.

For additional details about specifics for the game animals listed above (and any animals not listed in this guide, including trapping for furbearers), visit the NHFGD website.

What Do I Need to Know About New Hampshire Hunting Regulations?

All hunters must pass a hunter education course before getting a New Hampshire hunting license. You can take the course online or in person, but you'll also need an in-person field day to complete the hunter education requirements.

Then, you're ready to get your license. Hunters under the age of 16 do not need a general hunting license. However, they will need special licenses depending on what they plan to hunt (turkey, bear, etc). Adult hunters need hunting licenses based on resident vs. non-resident status. Senior hunters can qualify for discounts.

If you're new to hunting, consider an apprentice license that allows you to hunt with an experienced hunter without the hunter education requirement.

What are the Bag Limits for New Hampshire Hunting?

How many quail, deer, or black bears can you bring home this year? To comply with New Hampshire hunting regulations, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt. 

Here's an overview!

For more information on bag limits, visit the NHFGD website.

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

You need the right gear! 

Make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out, including the right hunting knife, a spotting scope for glassing big game, a good pair of binoculars, and a good rifle for firearm hunts.

If you're starting from scratch or looking to build on your current gear set, take advantage of gear discounts through our HuntWise partners. From clothing to optics and odor control, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear from our partners.

HuntWise Improves Your New Hampshire Hunting Success

We hope the dates and details we shared in this guide help you plan a successful hunt in New Hampshire this season! It's a lot of information to process, so be sure to consult official resources, too.

What else do you need for a successful hunt? The HuntWise hunting app!

You'll find up-to-date information on hunting seasons, including links to the latest license information and regulations. With the app, you can also strategically plan your hunt before heading out to gain an advantage over other hunters. HuntWise is the best tool for e-scouting public or private hunting land. Plus, Elite subscribers gain access to our exclusive FieldGuide+ content and save up to 40% on gear from our partners.

Download the app and start your free trial so you're ready to hunt when the season opens.