{"id":7558,"date":"2026-08-05T06:43:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T06:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/?p=7558"},"modified":"2026-08-04T18:54:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T18:54:03","slug":"new-hampshire-black-bear-hunting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-black-bear-hunting\/","title":{"rendered":"New Hampshire Black Bear Season Guide for 2026: Dates, Fees, Locations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Season dates, fees, and land-access options are gathered here so you&#8217;re not chasing down a dozen sources before opening day. That includes New Hampshire black bear season dates by method, license costs, and where to find ground to hunt, for residents and non-residents alike. NH Fish and Game remains the final word on regulations \u2014 confirm final 2026 dates in the NH Hunting and Trapping Digest, published each August, since rules can shift year to year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s ahead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Season dates by method<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 stalking, baiting, and dog seasons broken down by Wildlife Management Unit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Licenses, permits, and costs<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 resident vs. non-resident fees, plus the second-tag opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Where to hunt<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 public land, private leases through Hunting Locator, and guided-hunt options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3cb6bc04-3100-4d0a-b6f2-82693c2004f1.jpeg\" alt=\"New Hampshire black bear \" class=\"wp-image-7565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3cb6bc04-3100-4d0a-b6f2-82693c2004f1.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3cb6bc04-3100-4d0a-b6f2-82693c2004f1-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3cb6bc04-3100-4d0a-b6f2-82693c2004f1-768x429.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Overview: NH Bear Season Dates 2026 at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire permits three legal bear-hunting methods \u2014 still hunting, baiting, and hound hunting \u2014 and exact season dates depend on your method and Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Nearly every rule in this guide traces back to which WMU you&#8217;re standing in, so it&#8217;s worth getting that straight first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-580\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-580\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Method<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Dates<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">WMUs<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Bag Limit<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">General \/ Stalking<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sept 1 \u2013 Nov 30<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Most WMUs<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1 bear (either sex) per tag<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Closes Nov 11\/12 in units A, B, C2, D1, H1, I2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Baiting<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sept 1 \u2013 Oct 5<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1 bear per tag<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Method-restricted to listed units<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Dog<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sept 21 \u2013 Nov 10<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1 bear per tag<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Closed in H2, K, L, M<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-580 from cache -->\n\n\n<p>For a deeper method-by-method breakdown, see our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-black-bear-hunting-season\">New Hampshire black bear season<\/a>&nbsp;guide. For the full picture across game types, our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-hunting-season-guide\">New Hampshire hunting seasons<\/a>&nbsp;guide places bear within the state&#8217;s broader calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">License, Permit &amp; Education Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before heading out, make sure your paperwork is in order. NH Fish and Game requires:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A bear license for all ages.<\/strong>&nbsp;Hunters 16 and older must also hold a valid NH hunting, combination, or archery license.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bag limit:<\/strong>&nbsp;One black bear (either sex) per bear permit\/tag.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Registration<\/strong>&nbsp;before taking or tagging an additional bear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apprentice option:<\/strong>&nbsp;A one-time Apprentice Hunting License lets those 16 and older hunt under an experienced hunter (18+) without first completing Hunter Education \u2014 a reasonable entry point if you&#8217;re new to the sport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The bear license is species-specific and sits on top of your base hunting license; it&#8217;s not a substitute for one. Keep both current and you&#8217;re covered for NH&#8217;s licensing requirements, including the resident bear permit fee covered below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Black Bear Hunting Seasons by Method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire&#8217;s bear season splits into three hunting styles: still hunting (also called stalking or general season), baiting, and hound hunting. Each has its own calendar, and where you&#8217;re hunting matters as much as when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1b3e1b8a-2e72-41ea-bdcf-44e2f81e75fd.jpeg\" alt=\"New Hampshire black bear \" class=\"wp-image-7566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1b3e1b8a-2e72-41ea-bdcf-44e2f81e75fd.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1b3e1b8a-2e72-41ea-bdcf-44e2f81e75fd-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1b3e1b8a-2e72-41ea-bdcf-44e2f81e75fd-768x429.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">General (Stalking) Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The general or stalking season runs&nbsp;<strong>September 1 through November 30 in most WMUs<\/strong>, closing earlier \u2014 on&nbsp;<strong>November 11\/12<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 in units A, B, C2, D1, H1, and I2. It&#8217;s the longest and most widely available bear season in the state, and NH Fish and Game calls it the most accessible method for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most harvests happen in September, when temperatures often exceed 70\u00b0F, per NH Fish and Game, which makes meat care an immediate priority once you tag out. Black bears carry thick fat and heavy coats, so cool and process quickly rather than letting a bear sit. The general season also covers bowhunters with a valid archery license, giving them the same long window as rifle hunters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Baiting Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Baiting season runs&nbsp;<strong>September 1 through October 5<\/strong>&nbsp;in WMUs&nbsp;<strong>C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, and J2<\/strong>. The shorter window lines up with a specific stretch of bear behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Late-September bears key in on wild apples and beechnuts as they bulk up before denning, which makes bait placed near mast-rich habitat especially effective \u2014 a pattern NH Fish and Game ties directly to natural food availability. Baiting on state-owned or managed land and the White Mountain National Forest requires a permit application submitted to NH Fish and Game within the posted window, so confirm current requirements and deadlines directly with the department before setting bait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dog (Hound) Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dog season runs&nbsp;<strong>September 21 through November 10<\/strong>&nbsp;across WMUs A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, and J2, and is&nbsp;<strong>closed in H2, K, L, and M<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A free Take Bear With Dogs Permit is required for anyone hunting bear with hounds, and non-residents may only bring dogs into New Hampshire under specific reciprocity rules. These terms can shift, so confirm current requirements directly with NH Fish and Game before planning a trip around hound hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Bear Licenses and Permits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every bear hunter in New Hampshire needs two things: a base hunting license and a bear license\/permit layered on top of it. Non-residents pay more than residents for both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire Hunting Licenses &amp; Bear Permits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-581\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-581\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">License \/ Permit<\/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\">Bear License\/Permit<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$16.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$48.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Requires a valid regular hunting, combination, or archery license<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Second Tag<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$16.00<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$48<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Valid only in WMUs C1, D2, E, F; after registering first bear<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-581 from cache -->\n\n\n<p>The bear license doesn&#8217;t replace your base hunting, combination, or archery license \u2014 it&#8217;s an add-on. Purchase through NH Fish and Game, and verify current fees before the season, since the official Digest is published each August and pricing can change year to year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The purchase path, in order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Obtain your base license<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 hunting, combination, or archery, depending on your preferred method.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add the bear permit<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 required for all ages, layered on top of your base license.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add a second tag if eligible<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 only if you&#8217;re hunting in WMUs C1, D2, E, or F and have already registered your first bear.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/720a3938-3253-4061-984f-98bd0c1159f1.jpeg\" alt=\"New Hampshire black bear \" class=\"wp-image-7567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/720a3938-3253-4061-984f-98bd0c1159f1.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/720a3938-3253-4061-984f-98bd0c1159f1-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/720a3938-3253-4061-984f-98bd0c1159f1-768x429.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bear Permits &amp; the Second Tag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A second tag is available for $16 (resident) or $48 (non-resident), but only in units&nbsp;<strong>C1, D2, E, and F<\/strong>, and only after you&#8217;ve registered your first bear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sequence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Harvest and register your first bear<\/strong>&nbsp;in any legal WMU.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm your hunting unit qualifies<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 the second tag is valid only in C1, D2, E, and F.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purchase the second tag<\/strong>&nbsp;at the applicable resident or non-resident rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hunt your second bear<\/strong>&nbsp;within the same season dates that apply to your chosen method and unit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The registration step has to happen first; there&#8217;s no way around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Hunt Black Bear in New Hampshire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bears are found statewide, with the highest densities in central New Hampshire and the White Mountains, according to NH Fish and Game. Whether you&#8217;re working with free public access, a private lease, or a guided package, there&#8217;s a path here for most hunters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Public Lands for Bear Hunting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire offers substantial public-land opportunity for hunters willing to put in the scouting time. State-owned and managed lands, along with large federal tracts, are open to hunting under NH Fish and Game regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>White Mountain National Forest<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 vast public acreage with strong bear habitat, especially productive over natural food sources in late September.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>State-owned and managed lands<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 open to hunting under NH Fish and Game regulations; confirm any site-specific permit requirements before you go.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Northern and central WMUs<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 noted for higher bear densities, a solid starting point if you&#8217;re unsure where to focus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re ready for more control over your hunt \u2014 less pressure, better bait placement, reliable access year after year \u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/new-hampshire\/\">browse New Hampshire bear leases<\/a>&nbsp;and see what&#8217;s available. Bear-productive habitat in the central and northern WMUs often overlaps prime deer and moose range, so keep an eye out for other sign while scouting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/9e83e86f-853e-4ec3-8f09-a1f616010745.jpeg\" alt=\"New Hampshire black bear \" class=\"wp-image-7568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/9e83e86f-853e-4ec3-8f09-a1f616010745.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/9e83e86f-853e-4ec3-8f09-a1f616010745-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/9e83e86f-853e-4ec3-8f09-a1f616010745-768x429.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Private land offers real advantages over public ground: less hunting pressure, control over bait sites and stand placement, and access you can count on returning to season after season. Whether you&#8217;re leasing for this season or investing in land for the long haul, private access changes the equation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\">Hunting Locator platform<\/a>&nbsp;connects you directly with landowners across New Hampshire who are ready to lease or sell hunting land, no middleman. You browse verified listings, connect with the landowner, and secure your ground before the September opener instead of scrambling for permission at the last minute. If you&#8217;ve lost access to a longtime spot or you&#8217;re hunting NH for the first time,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/new-hampshire\/\">New Hampshire bear leases<\/a>&nbsp;offer a direct path to quality private ground without needing to already own property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guided Bear Hunts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re new to New Hampshire&#8217;s terrain or want expert support, a guided hunt can shorten the learning curve. Guides aren&#8217;t legally required to hunt bear in New Hampshire, but they offer real value for non-residents unfamiliar with WMU boundaries and beginners who want mentorship in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typical guided packages include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Baited stands and hound hunts<\/strong>&nbsp;run by licensed guides who know the local bear activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lodging and registration assistance<\/strong>&nbsp;often bundled directly into the package<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Higher success rates<\/strong>&nbsp;for hunters who are new to New Hampshire&#8217;s terrain and regulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you go guided or DIY, get your kit dialed in before opening day \u2014 the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntinglocator.com\/store\">Hunting Locator store<\/a>&nbsp;is worth checking for rounding out your gear list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Bear Hunting Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These field-tested fundamentals come from NH Fish and Game guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scout logged and disturbed edges.<\/strong>&nbsp;Areas logged 2\u20135 years ago grow the blackberries bears feed on; check old apple orchards and oak stands, and use game cameras to pattern movement, according to NH Fish and Game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Read the mast crop.<\/strong>&nbsp;When beechnuts, acorns, and apples are scarce, bears roam farther to feed and become more vulnerable; in abundant years they&#8217;re harder to locate, per NH Fish and Game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start with still hunting.<\/strong>&nbsp;NH Fish and Game calls it the most accessible method for beginners \u2014 low cost, low complexity, effective near food sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan for warm-weather meat care.<\/strong>&nbsp;Most harvests happen in September above 70\u00b0F; bears carry thick fat and heavy coats, so cool and process quickly. Legal shooting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, so plan morning and evening sits accordingly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gear up for the terrain.<\/strong>&nbsp;Reliable optics, quality boots for steep White Mountain ground, a cooling\/processing kit, and the right caliber setup matter \u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntinglocator.com\/store\">gear up at Hunting Locator<\/a>&nbsp;before your season starts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Resources from Hunting Locator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunting Locator is built as a hub for New Hampshire hunting planning, bear season and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bear &amp; Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\">Hunting Locator homepage<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 the hub for finding land, leases, and gear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/new-hampshire\/\">New Hampshire bear leases<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 browse and secure private bear-hunting access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-black-bear-hunting-season\">NH black bear season deep-dive<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 an expanded look at bear seasons and tactics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-hunting-season-guide\">NH hunting season guide<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 the full statewide season calendar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntinglocator.com\/store\">Hunting Locator store<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 gear for your 2026 bear hunt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plan Your Other NH Hunts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-deer-hunting-season\">Deer<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 plan your whitetail season alongside bear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-moose-hunting-season\">Moose<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 NH&#8217;s premier big-game lottery hunt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-turkey-hunting-season\">Turkey<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 spring and fall turkey dates and rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-small-game-hunting-season\">Small Game<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 rabbit, squirrel, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-waterfowl-hunting-season\">Waterfowl<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 duck and goose season planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-game-bird-hunting-season\">Game Bird<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 upland bird opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/new-hampshire-coyote-hunting-season\">Coyote<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 year-round predator hunting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need a bear permit in New Hampshire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes \u2014 a bear license\/permit is required for all ages, and hunters 16 and older must also hold a valid hunting, combination, or archery license. The bear permit is species-specific and sits on top of your base license; it doesn&#8217;t replace it. This is per NH Fish and Game regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a New Hampshire bear license cost in 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The resident bear license\/permit costs $16.00, and the non-resident version costs $48.00 \u2014 both require a valid base license. A second tag matches those same prices in eligible units. Confirm current fees with NH Fish and Game before purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the 2026 NH black bear season dates?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>General\/stalking season runs September 1\u2013November 30 (closing earlier, on November 11\/12, in units A, B, C2, D1, H1, and I2). Baiting season runs September 1\u2013October 5 in specific listed units, and dog season runs September 21\u2013November 10. Confirm final dates in the August NH Hunting and Trapping Digest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a second bear in New Hampshire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes \u2014 after registering your first bear, a second tag is available in WMUs C1, D2, E, and F for $16 (resident) or $48 (non-resident). The second tag is valid only within those four units, so confirm your hunting location qualifies before purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s the easiest method for a first-time bear hunter?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Still hunting. NH Fish and Game identifies it as the most accessible method for beginners: low-cost, straightforward, and effective when you position yourself near food sources like apple orchards and berry-rich logged edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can non-residents access private land to hunt bear in NH?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Non-residents can secure private access by connecting with landowners who lease or sell hunting land through the Hunting Locator platform. Leases give you control over bait sites and stand placement without needing to own property outright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Final Shot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A successful New Hampshire bear season comes down to three things: knowing your WMU-specific season dates, securing the right licenses and permits (including the second tag if you&#8217;re eligible), and locking in land access before September arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next steps: confirm final 2026 dates in the NH Hunting and Trapping Digest, purchase your base license and bear permit through NH Fish and Game, start scouting mast crops and logged edges early, and secure your ground before the rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide is meant to be a starting point. Hunting Locator is here as a planning companion, consolidating the access and information you need. When you&#8217;re ready, browse New Hampshire bear leases and gear up for the season ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This New Hampshire black bear guide includes season dates by method, license costs, and where to find ground to hunt.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":7570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[93,68,10,16],"class_list":["post-7558","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting-seasons","tag-bear","tag-hunting","tag-hunting-seasons","tag-season-dates"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7558","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=7558"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7558\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7571,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7558\/revisions\/7571"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7558"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}