Message from the Fish and Game Department

The Call of the Wildlife

Fall is my favorite time of year in New Hampshire for many reasons, including great hunting opportunity. Each autumn I look forward to getting out in the woods. There is nothing like the peace and solitude in the forest or field on a crisp fall morning scoping out your hunting ground. New Hampshire is a small state but offers a diverse array of hunting opportunities from bear to deer to waterfowl and turkey. Our beautiful landscape from mountains to oceans offers something for everyone.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works hard year round to conserve the wildlife species and their habitat in the state for all residents and visitors to use and enjoy. Deer harvests in 2023 were strong, and the spring turkey season was just slightly off from the 2022 harvest which set a record. Check out the Wildlife Harvest Summary to learn more at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/hunting-reports-harvest-summaries.

For this hunting season, deer and turkey may be registered online or in person at a registration station. It is also no longer required that hunters register a harvested deer before taking a second one. It is however unlawful to take a second turkey before registering the first. Hunters also have new options for reporting harvested bears—at a specified registration station, with a Conservation Officer, or with specified Fish and Game personnel. Also effective September 1, 2024, hunters will have the ability to take a second bear in select WMUs (see Bear Hunting). Finally, beginning in 2025, there will be a waterfowl hunting weekend exclusively for veterans and active military personnel (see Waterfowl/Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons & Bag Limits).

It promises to be another great year out in the woods, fields and on the waters of the Granite State. Thanks for hunting and trapping in New Hampshire and be safe. Always be sure of your target, clean up after yourself, and display good sportsmanship. Remember, you are a guest of the landowner; treat the land with respect and express your appreciation and you will always be welcome. See you outdoors!

Daniel Bergeron

Wildlife Division Chief

N.H. Fish and Game Department