Small Game species in New Hampshire are: ruffed grouse, pheasant, quail, Hungarian/European partridge, chukar, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, gray squirrel and migratory game birds including waterfowl. NH Fish and Game stocks more than 13,000 pheasants at 50+ sites around the state.
Small Game Hunting Licensing Requirements
To hunt for small game, a resident must have a current Regular NH Hunting License or Archery License. A nonresident must have a Regular NH Hunting or Archery License or a Small Game License. No license is required for youth hunters (under age 16); youth must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older.
Those areas indicated in red at right are known locations of New England cottontail rabbits, and are closed to hunting of all cottontail rabbits.Migratory bird hunters, see next page for additional requirements.
Pheasant Hunting Licensing Requirements
All pheasant hunters, with the exception of youth hunters who are accompanied by a properly licensed adult, must have either a valid Regular NH Hunting, Combination or Non-resident Small Game License, in addition to a Pheasant License.
Small Game Hunting Regulations
Hunting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, except for migratory birds.
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2010 Small Game Hunting Seasons |
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|
Species |
Inclusive Dates |
Wildlife Management Units |
Daily Limit |
Season Limit |
|
Cottontail Rabbit |
Oct. 1–Dec. 31 |
H2, K, L, M (except for closed areas, see map below) |
2 |
No |
|
Falconry Season: Oct. 1–Mar. 15 |
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|
Gray Squirrel |
Sept. 1–Dec. 31 |
All |
5 |
No |
|
Pheasant* |
Oct. 1–Dec. 31 |
All |
2 |
10 |
|
Quail, Chukar, Hungarian/European Partridge |
Oct. 1–Dec. 31 |
All |
4 |
No |
|
Ruffed Grouse (Partridge) |
Oct. 1–Dec. 31 |
All |
4 |
No |
|
Red Squirrel & Woodchuck |
No closed season |
All |
No |
No |
|
Snowshoe Hare |
Oct. 1–Mar. 31 |
A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, J1 |
3 |
No |
|
H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M |
2 |
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* Pheasant License required.
