CONTACT:
Dan Bergeron: (603) 271-1126
Allison Keating: (603) 271-2461
September 23, 2021

Concord, NH – The Granite State’s fall turkey hunting season opened on September 15 for archers, while the fall shotgun season runs October 11–17. The fall shotgun season is restricted to WMUs D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, and M. Hunters may harvest one bird during either the fall archery or the fall shotgun season, and will continue to have the option of registering harvested birds either in person or online. Regardless of registration method, hunters must register their turkey within 24 hours of harvest.

Check Station Registration: It is recommended that hunters contact their local registration stations to determine if the location is operating and to confirm that they are registering birds during the fall season. Turkeys registered at a check station will continue to receive the official leg seal. For a list of registration stations in New Hampshire visit https://wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/deer-check-stations.html.

Online Registration: If birds are not registered in person, they must be registered online within 24 hours of taking. The tag that is issued with the hunter’s turkey license must be affixed to the bird. To expedite online registration, hunters must have a reliable internet connection and should have the following information readily available:

  • Hunting/turkey license information
  • License plate number of the vehicle used while hunting
  • Town and Wildlife Management Unit where the turkey was harvested
  • Sex of the bird
  • Age of the bird (adult vs. juvenile)
  • Weight of the bird (to the nearest 1/4 pound)
  • Beard length (to the nearest 1/4 inch)
  • Spur lengths (to the nearest 1/16 inch)

Successful online registration will result in a confirmation email upon completion. Hunters must retain a copy of this confirmation as proof that their turkey was legally registered online by saving a digital version or printing a copy of the email. Accurately entered registration data is imperative as the information is relied upon by wildlife biologists and conservation officers who depend upon its accuracy. To register turkeys online, and for tips on how to age, weigh, and measure birds visit https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/turkey-reg.html.

Help Monitor the State’s Flocks for West Nile Virus This Fall: New Hampshire is participating in a regional effort to document the levels of West Nile virus present in wild turkeys this year. New Hampshire Fish and Game is asking willing hunters to collect blood samples from their harvested turkeys this fall. Those interested in participating should contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Region 4 office by calling 603-352-9669 to request that a sampling kit be mailed to them.

Declining population trends in ruffed grouse across their eastern range has led numerous state wildlife agencies to initiate research to assess the effect of West Nile virus on this species. Preliminary results suggest ruffed grouse are highly susceptible to West Nile virus, however the effects of the virus on wild turkeys remains unknown. While the turkey population in New Hampshire remains stable, data collected through this effort will help to further wild turkey management efforts on a broader, regional level. All hunters who are passionate about the long-term health of the Granite State’s eastern wild turkey population are encouraged to participate this year during the fall turkey seasons. Collected blood samples will be supplied to the Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Project for testing. To learn more visit the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study.