A Guide to the New Hampshire Hunting Seasons 2026

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.

Updated March 31, 2026

When Can I Hunt in New Hampshire?

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 are the Bag Limits for New Hampshire Hunting?

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 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.

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

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 Boosts 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's weather and animal behavior forecasting, 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. 
Try Pro and Elite features free during your first week in the app!

Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates March 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have answers to questions about hunting in New Hampshire!

Q: Can I shoot a deer in my backyard with a bow?

A: Usually, no, you can't shoot a deer in your backyard with a bow. Hunting laws (including in New Hampshire) require you to follow local regulations on distance from buildings, land ownership, and safety zones. Discharging a weapon in a residential area is often restricted or illegal.

Q: Can you carry a sidearm while hunting in NH?

A: Yes, in New Hampshire, you can generally carry a sidearm while hunting, but it cannot be used to take wildlife unless it’s a legal method for that specific season and species.

Q: Is New Hampshire good for hunting?

A: Yes. New Hampshire is known for solid hunting opportunities, especially for deer, bear, turkey, and small game, with large areas of public land and well-managed wildlife populations.

Q: What animals can I hunt in New Hampshire?

A: Common game species in New Hampshire include white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, moose (permit-only), small game (rabbits, squirrels, grouse, etc.), and aterfowl (ducks, geese)

Q: How many deer can you hunt in New Hampshire?

A: The number of deer you can hunt in New Hampshire depends on permits and season. In New Hampshire, hunters typically receive 1 deer tag, with opportunities for additional deer through special permits (such as antlerless deer permits).

Q: Are there grizzly bears in New Hampshire?

A: No, there are no grizzly bears in New Hampshire. The state only has black bears. Grizzly bears do not live in the northeastern United States.