{"id":4556,"date":"2026-02-12T11:27:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T11:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/?p=4556"},"modified":"2026-04-02T16:19:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:19:37","slug":"new-hampshire-hunting-seasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-hunting-seasons\/","title":{"rendered":"New Hampshire Hunting Season: Dates, Licenses &amp; Regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re a local who&#8217;s been hunting the same spots for decades or you&#8217;re planning your first trip to the Granite State, getting the details right matters. Season dates, license costs, bag limits\u2014mess up any of these and your hunt could be over before it starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide pulls together everything from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/dates-and-seasons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Hampshire Fish and Game Department<\/a>&nbsp;so you can plan your season without digging through multiple websites and regulation booklets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;re covering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All the season dates you need for 2026-2027<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>License costs broken down by resident and non-resident status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where to actually hunt in New Hampshire (because having a license doesn&#8217;t mean much without a place to use it)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re just looking for quick dates and costs, jump to the tables below. First-timers should read through everything\u2014there are some quirks to New Hampshire&#8217;s system you&#8217;ll want to know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_33_40-PM-1024x683.png\" alt=\"New Hampshire hunting guide\" class=\"wp-image-4564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_33_40-PM-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_33_40-PM-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_33_40-PM-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_33_40-PM.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Overview: Season Dates, New Hampshire Hunting Licenses, and Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every New Hampshire hunting license comes with a $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee tacked on. These are the 2026 rates straight from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/dates-and-seasons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Hampshire Fish and Game Department<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-148\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-148\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">License\/Permit Type<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Resident<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Non-Resident<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hunt &amp; Fish Combo<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$56.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$151.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Your best deal if you fish too<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hunting (Firearms)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$32.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$113.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Covers small and big game<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Archery License<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$32.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$83.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Must have for bow hunting deer\/turkey<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Muzzleloader Permit<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$16.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$41.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Add-on for muzzleloader season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Turkey Permit<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$16.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$31.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Good for spring and fall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bear Permit<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$16.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$48.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Per bear you want to tag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Pheasant Permit<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$31.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$31.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Same price for everyone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-148 from cache -->\n\n\n<p>Coming from out of state for deer? You&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_37_50-PM-1024x683.png\" alt=\"New Hampshire hunting fees\" class=\"wp-image-4567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_37_50-PM-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_37_50-PM-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_37_50-PM-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_37_50-PM.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire divides the state into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) because deer populations aren&#8217;t the same everywhere. Some seasons have different dates depending on which WMU you&#8217;re hunting. Check the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/dates-and-seasons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official season framework<\/a>&nbsp;for your specific area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-149\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-149\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Species<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Season Type<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">2026-2027 Dates<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Deer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Archery<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Sept 15 \u2013 Dec 15<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Ends Dec 8 in WMU A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Youth Weekend<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Oct 24 \u2013 25<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">15 and under only<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Muzzleloader<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nov 1 \u2013 11<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Statewide<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Firearms<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nov 11 \u2013 Dec 7<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Ends Dec 1 in WMU A<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Black Bear<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">General<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Opens Sept 1<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">End dates vary by WMU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Turkey<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Fall Archery<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Sept 15 \u2013 Dec 15<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Ends Dec 8 in WMU A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Fall Shotgun<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Oct 12 \u2013 18<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Limited WMUs<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Spring 2027<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Apr 24 \u2013 May 30<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">2 bearded birds max<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Moose<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lottery Only<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Oct 17 \u2013 25<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Good luck getting drawn<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Pheasant<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">General<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Oct 1 \u2013 Dec 31<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Daily: 2, Season: 10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Ruffed Grouse<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">General<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Oct 1 \u2013 Dec 31<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Daily: 4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Woodcock<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">General<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Oct 1 \u2013 Nov 14<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Daily: 3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Ducks\/Geese<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Northern Zone<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Oct 1 \u2013 Nov 29<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Inland Zone<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Oct 12 \u2013 Nov 10 &amp; Nov 26 \u2013 Dec 25<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Split season<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Coastal Zone<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Oct 1 \u2013 7 &amp; Nov 26 \u2013 Jan 17<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Split season<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-149 from cache -->\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Deer Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/deer-hunting-new-hampshire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">permit system<\/a>&nbsp;if you want to fill the freezer. For the full breakdown on tactics and hotspots, check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-deer-hunting-season\">New Hampshire deer hunting guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Deer Hunting Seasons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;ll need an archery license\u2014$32 for residents, $83 for non-residents. Here&#8217;s something new:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2025\/08\/12\/new-rules-for-hunters-become-effective-september-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">crossbows are now legal during archery season<\/a>&nbsp;in specific WMUs: D2W, G1, G2, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, and M.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2014you&#8217;ll need that muzzleloader permit ($16 resident, $41 non-resident) plus your hunting license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firearms season is November 11 through December 7 (December 1 in WMU A). This hits right during the rut, so it&#8217;s when most people want to be out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_35_10-PM-1024x683.png\" alt=\"New Hampshire hunting dates\" class=\"wp-image-4565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_35_10-PM-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_35_10-PM-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_35_10-PM-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_35_10-PM.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Deer Hunting Regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/deer-hunting-new-hampshire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Hampshire Fish and Game Department<\/a>&nbsp;sets these rules, and they publish a new Hunting and Trapping Digest every August with any updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bag Limit<\/strong>: One buck statewide. Want a doe? You need a separate antlerless permit for your specific WMU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Hours<\/strong>: Half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blaze Orange<\/strong>:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2025\/08\/13\/new-hampshire-hunting-seasons-open-september-1-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">200 square inches minimum<\/a>&nbsp;on your head, chest, and back during gun season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Registration<\/strong>: Get your deer registered within 24 hours online<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crossbows<\/strong>:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2025\/08\/12\/new-rules-for-hunters-become-effective-september-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Only allowed during archery season<\/a>&nbsp;and only in certain WMUs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Black Bear Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire&#8217;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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-black-bear-hunting-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">black bear hunting guide<\/a>&nbsp;has you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Black Bear Hunting Seasons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bear season opens September 1 everywhere, but when it closes depends on which WMU you&#8217;re hunting. You need to check the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/dates-and-seasons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official dates<\/a>&nbsp;for your area before heading out. Bear permits run $16 for residents, $48 for non-residents, and that&#8217;s per bear. The September opener lines up perfectly with archery deer season, so you can chase both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Black Bear Hunting Regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>They updated some bear rules in 2025, so double-check everything with official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bag Limit<\/strong>: One bear statewide, but&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2025\/08\/12\/new-rules-for-hunters-become-effective-september-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">you can take a second in WMUs C1, D2, E, or F<\/a>&nbsp;after you register the first<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Registration<\/strong>: 24 hours to get it registered online<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Permits<\/strong>: Bear permit required on top of your hunting license<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Baiting<\/strong>: Check current rules if you plan to bait<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Methods<\/strong>: Firearms, archery, muzzleloader during the right seasons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-enric-cruz-lopez-6272205-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"bear in grass\" class=\"wp-image-4566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-enric-cruz-lopez-6272205-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-enric-cruz-lopez-6272205-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-enric-cruz-lopez-6272205-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-enric-cruz-lopez-6272205-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-enric-cruz-lopez-6272205.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When you catch a bear in New Hampshire, you need to register it within 24 hours<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Turkey Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-turkey-hunting-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">turkey hunting guide<\/a>&nbsp;breaks down calling strategies and season-specific tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Turkey Hunting Seasons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2014make sure yours is open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s good for all seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Turkey Hunting Regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spring and fall have different rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Spring Bag<\/strong>: 2 bearded birds during spring 2027<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fall Bag<\/strong>: Check current regulations for fall limits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Permits<\/strong>: Turkey permit required plus hunting or archery license<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Methods<\/strong>: Shotgun, archery, or crossbow (where allowed) depending on season<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hours<\/strong>: Starts half hour before sunrise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Moose Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Moose hunting in New Hampshire is a lottery deal because there aren&#8217;t many permits. It&#8217;s basically a once-in-a-lifetime thing for most people. Our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-moose-hunting-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moose hunting guide<\/a>&nbsp;explains the lottery process and what to expect if you get drawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Moose Hunting Seasons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Moose season is October 17-25, but you can&#8217;t just buy a tag. Everything goes through the lottery system that the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/dates-and-seasons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fish and Game Department<\/a>&nbsp;runs. Both residents and non-residents can apply, but your odds aren&#8217;t great either way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Moose Hunting Regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you win the lottery, you&#8217;ll get specific regulations with your permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Permits<\/strong>: Lottery only, no over-the-counter tags<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bag Limit<\/strong>: One moose per permit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hunt Area<\/strong>: Your permit tells you which WMU you can hunt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Registration<\/strong>: Mandatory, plus they&#8217;ll want biological data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sub-Permittee<\/strong>: You can bring someone to help<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Minor Game Species Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Small game hunting is underrated. Longer seasons, less pressure, and it&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2024\/08\/19\/new-hampshire-small-game-hunting-seasons-open-september-1-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">perfect for getting new hunters started<\/a>. Plus you&#8217;ll learn skills that make you better at everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Pheasant Hunting Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/dates-and-seasons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stocking areas stay closed until 2 PM<\/a>&nbsp;on certain October Thursdays and Fridays to let the birds spread out.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2025\/08\/12\/new-rules-for-hunters-become-effective-september-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Youth Weekend for pheasant is the last weekend in September<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-tom-christensen-2078453-32799774-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"pheasant in the woods\" class=\"wp-image-4568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-tom-christensen-2078453-32799774-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-tom-christensen-2078453-32799774-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-tom-christensen-2078453-32799774-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-tom-christensen-2078453-32799774.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hunting pheasant is amazing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Ruffed Grouse Hunting Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grouse are New Hampshire&#8217;s best native upland bird. Challenging shots in thick cover, and they&#8217;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.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2024\/08\/19\/new-hampshire-small-game-hunting-seasons-open-september-1-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Great way to learn bird behavior<\/a>&nbsp;and habitat requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Woodcock Hunting Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Woodcock season is shorter but intense\u2014October 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Waterfowl Hunting Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Duck and goose hunting gets complicated with different zones. Northern Zone: October 1 \u2013 November 29. Inland Zone splits: October 12 \u2013 November 10, then November 26 \u2013 December 25. Coastal Zone also splits: October 1 \u2013 7, then November 26 \u2013 January 17.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/sites\/g\/files\/ehbemt746\/files\/inline-documents\/sonh\/hunting-season-overview-24.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regular duck season allows 60 days with six birds daily, Canada geese get 60 days with two birds daily<\/a>. Check our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-waterfowl-hunting-season\">waterfowl hunting guide<\/a>&nbsp;for the complete breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Hunt in New Hampshire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire&#8217;s got everything from the White Mountains to coastal marshes.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2025\/08\/13\/new-hampshire-hunting-seasons-open-september-1-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Over a million acres of public land<\/a>&nbsp;are open to hunting, so access isn&#8217;t usually the problem\u2014finding the good spots is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Public Lands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Public land gives you options without needing to know landowners:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>White Mountain National Forest<\/strong>: Massive area in northern New Hampshire with solid deer, bear, and moose populations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wildlife Management Areas<\/strong>: State properties managed specifically for wildlife and hunting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>State Forests<\/strong>: Multiple properties statewide with everything from upland birds to big game<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong>: Top waterfowl spot on the coast<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guided Hunts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Guides know the terrain and where the animals are.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eregulations.com\/newhampshire\/hunting\/new-hampshire-welcomes-hunters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Licensed New Hampshire guides are listed at huntnh.com<\/a>. Worth considering if you&#8217;re from out of state, drew a moose tag, or want to chase bears in unfamiliar country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Land Hunting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hunting Locator<\/strong>&nbsp;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_39_43-PM-1024x683.png\" alt=\"New Hampshire hunting land\" class=\"wp-image-4569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_39_43-PM-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_39_43-PM-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_39_43-PM-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-6-2026-12_39_43-PM.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What licenses do I need to hunt deer in New Hampshire as a non-resident?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &amp; Fish Combo ($151) saves money if you&#8217;ll be fishing too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does New Hampshire deer season start in 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use a crossbow during archery season in New Hampshire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, but only in specific WMUs.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nhfishgame.com\/2025\/08\/12\/new-rules-for-hunters-become-effective-september-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crossbows work during archery season<\/a>&nbsp;in D2W, G1, G2, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, and M. You still need an archery license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I register a harvested deer in New Hampshire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Register online within 24 hours through Fish and Game&#8217;s system. Works for both bucks and does. The system&#8217;s up 24\/7 and needs details about where, when, and what you shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the bag limits for deer hunting in New Hampshire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need hunter education to hunt in New Hampshire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildlife.nh.gov\/hunting-nh\/hunter-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">everyone needs hunter education<\/a>&nbsp;before getting a license. Take it online or in person, but you&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Final Shot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire&#8217;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&#8217;ve got what you need to plan your season right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Success often comes down to where you hunt, not just when. New Hampshire&#8217;s public land is decent, but the best spots are usually private.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hunting Locator<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;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&#8217;re thinking about buying your own place, we cut through the usual hassle of finding land access. Don&#8217;t spend another season wondering where to hunt\u2014find your spot and make this your best New Hampshire season yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read all about New Hampshire hunting dates, regulations, and fees in one place.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":4561,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[22,7,10,97,16,19,17],"class_list":["post-4556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-state-guide","tag-bear-hunting","tag-deer-hunting","tag-hunting-seasons","tag-new-hampshire","tag-season-dates","tag-turkey-hunting","tag-whitetail-deer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4556"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5496,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4556\/revisions\/5496"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}