CONTACT:
Allison Keating: 603-352-9669
Andy Timmins: 603-271-1742
September 12, 2023
Concord, NH – The Granite State’s fall turkey hunting season opens on September 15 for archers, while the fall shotgun season runs October 16–22. The fall shotgun season is restricted to WMUs D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, and M. Hunters who did not fill their turkey tags during the spring season may harvest one bird during either the fall archery or the fall shotgun season, and will continue to have the option of registering their harvested birds either in person or online. Regardless of registration method, the tag that is issued with the hunter’s turkey license must be affixed to the bird and hunters must register their turkey within 24 hours of harvest.
Check Station Registration: New Hampshire Fish and Game works with many registration stations statewide to provide local places for hunters to register their birds. It is recommended that hunters contact their local registration station to determine the location’s hours of operation. For a list of registration stations in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/check-stations-registration.
Online Registration: If not registered in person, birds must be registered online within 24 hours of harvest. To expedite online registration, hunters must have a reliable internet connection and 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 registration, whether in person or online, will result in a confirmation number upon completion. Hunters must retain a copy of this confirmation as proof that their turkey was legally registered by saving the printed card received at a check station or a digital version received through the online process. Accurately entered registration data is imperative because the information is relied upon by wildlife biologists and Conservation Officers. To register turkeys online, and for tips on how to age, weigh, and measure birds, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/turkey-hunting-new-hampshire/registering-turkey-online.
Last fall hunters successfully harvested 805 turkeys, with 303 taken by archery and 502 taken during the one-week shotgun season. This was an increase compared with the fall of 2021 when 584 turkeys were reported. This fall should be on par with previous years’ harvests. Anecdotal mast surveys for the southwest portion of the state indicate a higher acorn yield this year compared with last year. Preliminary results from the summer 2023 Turkey Brood Survey show above average brood sightings and productivity despite the rainy, wet spring and summer.
Fall is a popular time for many outdoor enthusiasts. Hunters must always be aware of other people sharing the outdoors and be absolutely sure of their target and what lies beyond.
