Whether you’re a local who’s been hunting the same spots for decades or you’re planning your first trip to the Granite State, getting the details right matters. Season dates, license costs, bag limits—mess up any of these and your hunt could be over before it starts.
This guide pulls together everything from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department so you can plan your season without digging through multiple websites and regulation booklets.
Here’s what we’re covering:
- All the season dates you need for 2026-2027
- License costs broken down by resident and non-resident status
- Where to actually hunt in New Hampshire (because having a license doesn’t mean much without a place to use it)
If you’re just looking for quick dates and costs, jump to the tables below. First-timers should read through everything—there are some quirks to New Hampshire’s system you’ll want to know about.
Quick Overview: Season Dates, New Hampshire Hunting Licenses, and Regulations
Every New Hampshire hunting license comes with a $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee tacked on. These are the 2026 rates straight from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
| License/Permit Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunt & Fish Combo | $56.00 | $151.00 | Your best deal if you fish too |
| Hunting (Firearms) | $32.00 | $113.00 | Covers small and big game |
| Archery License | $32.00 | $83.00 | Must have for bow hunting deer/turkey |
| Muzzleloader Permit | $16.00 | $41.00 | Add-on for muzzleloader season |
| Turkey Permit | $16.00 | $31.00 | Good for spring and fall |
| Bear Permit | $16.00 | $48.00 | Per bear you want to tag |
| Pheasant Permit | $31.00 | $31.00 | Same price for everyone |
Coming from out of state for deer? You’re looking at around $154-$197 total depending on how you want to hunt. New hunters can get an Apprentice License that lets you hunt for a year with an experienced adult before taking hunter education.
New Hampshire divides the state into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) because deer populations aren’t the same everywhere. Some seasons have different dates depending on which WMU you’re hunting. Check the official season framework for your specific area.
| Species | Season Type | 2026-2027 Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | Sept 15 – Dec 15 | Ends Dec 8 in WMU A |
| Youth Weekend | Oct 24 – 25 | 15 and under only | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 1 – 11 | Statewide | |
| Firearms | Nov 11 – Dec 7 | Ends Dec 1 in WMU A | |
| Black Bear | General | Opens Sept 1 | End dates vary by WMU |
| Turkey | Fall Archery | Sept 15 – Dec 15 | Ends Dec 8 in WMU A |
| Fall Shotgun | Oct 12 – 18 | Limited WMUs | |
| Spring 2027 | Apr 24 – May 30 | 2 bearded birds max | |
| Moose | Lottery Only | Oct 17 – 25 | Good luck getting drawn |
| Pheasant | General | Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Daily: 2, Season: 10 |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Daily: 4 |
| Woodcock | General | Oct 1 – Nov 14 | Daily: 3 |
| Ducks/Geese | Northern Zone | Oct 1 – Nov 29 | — |
| Inland Zone | Oct 12 – Nov 10 & Nov 26 – Dec 25 | Split season | |
| Coastal Zone | Oct 1 – 7 & Nov 26 – Jan 17 | Split season |
New Hampshire Deer Hunting
Deer hunting is what most people come to New Hampshire for, and for good reason. The state has solid whitetail populations and a long season that gives you plenty of chances. You get one buck statewide, but antlerless permits are available through the permit system if you want to fill the freezer. For the full breakdown on tactics and hotspots, check out our New Hampshire deer hunting guide.
New Hampshire Deer Hunting Seasons
New Hampshire gives you almost four months to get it done, starting with archery season on September 15. That runs through December 15 (December 8 in WMU A). You’ll need an archery license—$32 for residents, $83 for non-residents. Here’s something new: crossbows are now legal during archery season in specific WMUs: D2W, G1, G2, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, and M.
Youth Weekend is October 24-25. Kids 15 and under only, but they need a licensed adult with them. Muzzleloader season runs November 1-11 statewide—you’ll need that muzzleloader permit ($16 resident, $41 non-resident) plus your hunting license.
Firearms season is November 11 through December 7 (December 1 in WMU A). This hits right during the rut, so it’s when most people want to be out there.
New Hampshire Deer Hunting Regulations
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department sets these rules, and they publish a new Hunting and Trapping Digest every August with any updates.
- Bag Limit: One buck statewide. Want a doe? You need a separate antlerless permit for your specific WMU
- Legal Hours: Half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset
- Blaze Orange: 200 square inches minimum on your head, chest, and back during gun season
- Registration: Get your deer registered within 24 hours online
- Crossbows: Only allowed during archery season and only in certain WMUs
New Hampshire Black Bear Hunting
New Hampshire’s got healthy bear numbers, and you can take one statewide. In some WMUs, you might even get a shot at a second bear after you register your first one. For all the WMU-specific details and end dates, our black bear hunting guide has you covered.
New Hampshire Black Bear Hunting Seasons
Bear season opens September 1 everywhere, but when it closes depends on which WMU you’re hunting. You need to check the official dates for your area before heading out. Bear permits run $16 for residents, $48 for non-residents, and that’s per bear. The September opener lines up perfectly with archery deer season, so you can chase both.
New Hampshire Black Bear Hunting Regulations
They updated some bear rules in 2025, so double-check everything with official sources.
- Bag Limit: One bear statewide, but you can take a second in WMUs C1, D2, E, or F after you register the first
- Registration: 24 hours to get it registered online
- Permits: Bear permit required on top of your hunting license
- Baiting: Check current rules if you plan to bait
- Legal Methods: Firearms, archery, muzzleloader during the right seasons
New Hampshire Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunting in New Hampshire gives you multiple shots throughout the year. Fall archery, fall shotgun, and spring seasons, with one turkey permit covering both spring and fall. Our turkey hunting guide breaks down calling strategies and season-specific tactics.
New Hampshire Turkey Hunting Seasons
Fall archery turkey runs September 15 through December 15 (December 8 in WMU A), same as archery deer. You need both an archery license and turkey permit. Fall shotgun is October 12-18, but only in select WMUs—make sure yours is open.
Spring 2027 runs April 24 through May 30. This is when most people turkey hunt, and you can take 2 bearded birds. Turkey permit costs $16 for residents, $31 for non-residents, and it’s good for all seasons.
New Hampshire Turkey Hunting Regulations
Spring and fall have different rules.
- Spring Bag: 2 bearded birds during spring 2027
- Fall Bag: Check current regulations for fall limits
- Permits: Turkey permit required plus hunting or archery license
- Legal Methods: Shotgun, archery, or crossbow (where allowed) depending on season
- Hours: Starts half hour before sunrise
New Hampshire Moose Hunting
Moose hunting in New Hampshire is a lottery deal because there aren’t many permits. It’s basically a once-in-a-lifetime thing for most people. Our moose hunting guide explains the lottery process and what to expect if you get drawn.
New Hampshire Moose Hunting Seasons
Moose season is October 17-25, but you can’t just buy a tag. Everything goes through the lottery system that the Fish and Game Department runs. Both residents and non-residents can apply, but your odds aren’t great either way.
New Hampshire Moose Hunting Regulations
If you win the lottery, you’ll get specific regulations with your permit.
- Permits: Lottery only, no over-the-counter tags
- Bag Limit: One moose per permit
- Hunt Area: Your permit tells you which WMU you can hunt
- Registration: Mandatory, plus they’ll want biological data
- Sub-Permittee: You can bring someone to help
New Hampshire Minor Game Species Hunting
Small game hunting is underrated. Longer seasons, less pressure, and it’s perfect for getting new hunters started. Plus you’ll learn skills that make you better at everything else.
New Hampshire Pheasant Hunting Information
Pheasant season runs October 1 through December 31. Daily bag is 2 birds, season limit is 10. You need a pheasant permit ($31 for everyone) plus your hunting license. Stocking areas stay closed until 2 PM on certain October Thursdays and Fridays to let the birds spread out. Youth Weekend for pheasant is the last weekend in September.
New Hampshire Ruffed Grouse Hunting Information
Grouse are New Hampshire’s best native upland bird. Challenging shots in thick cover, and they’ll teach you about reading habitat fast. Season runs October 1 through December 31, daily bag is 4 birds. No extra permits needed beyond your hunting license. Great way to learn bird behavior and habitat requirements.
New Hampshire Woodcock Hunting Information
Woodcock season is shorter but intense—October 1 through November 14, daily bag of 3 birds. These little migrants provide fast action in thick cover when both local birds and migrants are around.
New Hampshire Waterfowl Hunting Information
Duck and goose hunting gets complicated with different zones. Northern Zone: October 1 – November 29. Inland Zone splits: October 12 – November 10, then November 26 – December 25. Coastal Zone also splits: October 1 – 7, then November 26 – January 17. Regular duck season allows 60 days with six birds daily, Canada geese get 60 days with two birds daily. Check our waterfowl hunting guide for the complete breakdown.
Where to Hunt in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s got everything from the White Mountains to coastal marshes. Over a million acres of public land are open to hunting, so access isn’t usually the problem—finding the good spots is.
Best Public Lands
Public land gives you options without needing to know landowners:
- White Mountain National Forest: Massive area in northern New Hampshire with solid deer, bear, and moose populations
- Wildlife Management Areas: State properties managed specifically for wildlife and hunting
- State Forests: Multiple properties statewide with everything from upland birds to big game
- Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Top waterfowl spot on the coast
Guided Hunts
Guides know the terrain and where the animals are. Licensed New Hampshire guides are listed at huntnh.com. Worth considering if you’re from out of state, drew a moose tag, or want to chase bears in unfamiliar country.
Private Land Hunting
Private land usually means better hunting and fewer people, but getting access is tough. Leasing has become popular because it guarantees you a place to hunt without the pressure. Some hunters are buying their own land, either solo or through hunting clubs.
Hunting Locator changes the game for private land access. Instead of knocking on doors and getting turned down, we connect you with landowners who actually want hunters on their property. Looking for a lease or thinking about buying? We make it simple to find quality hunting opportunities without the guesswork.
FAQ
What licenses do I need to hunt deer in New Hampshire as a non-resident?
For firearms, you need a hunting license ($113). For archery, get an archery license ($83) instead. Planning to hunt muzzleloader season? Add the muzzleloader permit ($41). All licenses include the $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee. The Hunt & Fish Combo ($151) saves money if you’ll be fishing too.
When does New Hampshire deer season start in 2026?
Archery season kicks off September 15, 2026. Youth Weekend is October 24-25, muzzleloader runs November 1-11, and firearms goes November 11 through December 7. Some seasons end earlier in WMU A.
Can I use a crossbow during archery season in New Hampshire?
Yes, but only in specific WMUs. Crossbows work during archery season in D2W, G1, G2, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, and M. You still need an archery license.
How do I register a harvested deer in New Hampshire?
Register online within 24 hours through Fish and Game’s system. Works for both bucks and does. The system’s up 24/7 and needs details about where, when, and what you shot.
What are the bag limits for deer hunting in New Hampshire?
One buck statewide per hunter. Want a doe? You need a separate antlerless permit for your specific WMU. These permits are handed out based on local deer management needs.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in New Hampshire?
Yes, everyone needs hunter education before getting a license. Take it online or in person, but you’ll need to do a field day either way. New Hampshire has an Apprentice License that gives you a year to hunt with a licensed adult before taking the course.
The Final Shot
New Hampshire’s 2026-2027 season looks solid. Four months of deer hunting starting in September, spring turkey season running into May 2027, and everything in between. With the dates, license info, and regulations in this guide, you’ve got what you need to plan your season right.
Success often comes down to where you hunt, not just when. New Hampshire’s public land is decent, but the best spots are usually private. Hunting Locator connects you with New Hampshire landowners who want hunters on their property. Whether you need a deer lease for this season, want a long-term setup, or you’re thinking about buying your own place, we cut through the usual hassle of finding land access. Don’t spend another season wondering where to hunt—find your spot and make this your best New Hampshire season yet.
