Hunting Seasons & Licensing · NH
New Hampshire Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonNew Hampshire offers white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, wild turkey, and small game hunting across its mountains, forests, and river valleys. The state is over 80% forested, providing extensive habitat. Moose hunting is available through a lottery system — approximately 50 to 75 permits are issued annually. The White Mountain National Forest provides significant public hunting access. New Hampshire has a strong tradition of grouse and woodcock hunting in its northern forests.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 15 – Dec 15, 2025 | 1 deer per tag (additional tags available) | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | Nov 12 – Dec 7, 2025 | 1 deer per tag | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct 25 – Nov 4, 2025 | 1 deer | Muzzleloader only |
| Moose | General | Oct (varies by zone — typically 9 days) | 1 moose | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Black Bear | General | Sep 1 – Nov (varies by method) | 1 bear per year | Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader |
Moose (General): Permit by lottery — approximately 50–75 permits per year. Northern NH only.
Black Bear (General): Baiting and hound hunting permitted in designated seasons
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | May 1 – May 31, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall (shotgun) | Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2025 | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | 4 daily | Shotgun |
| Woodcock | General | Oct 1 – Nov 14, 2025 | 3 daily / 9 possession | Shotgun |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on select WMAs
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Dec | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowshoe Hare | General | Oct 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Gray Squirrel | General | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $15 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $103 | — |
| Resident Deer Tag (firearms) | $12 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Tag | $58 | — |
| Moose Application Fee | $15 (resident) / $25 (non-resident) | — |
| Moose Permit (if drawn) | $150 (resident) / $570 (non-resident) | — |
| Youth (under 16) | Free with hunter education | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most New Hampshire hunting licenses are available over the counter. Moose permits are issued through a random lottery drawing — approximately 50 to 75 permits per year. Applications are due in May. There is no preference point system — all drawings are random. Additional antlerless deer permits may be available in select Wildlife Management Units.
Harvest Reporting
New Hampshire requires mandatory registration of all deer, moose, bear, and turkey at registered check stations or through the NH Fish and Game online system within specified timeframes. CWD has not been detected in New Hampshire but surveillance is ongoing.
New Hampshire Wildlife Resources
- New Hampshire Fish and Game Department — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Operation Game Thief: 1-800-344-4262
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.