CONTACT:
Andy Timmins: (603) 271-2461
Danielle Beard: (603) 271-2461
August 21, 2024

Concord, NH – New Hampshire’s fall hunting seasons kick off on Sunday, September 1, with the opening of black bear and gray squirrel seasons. Archery seasons for turkey and white-tailed deer get underway September 15, and the statewide resident Canada goose hunt runs September 1–25.

Highlights of New Hampshire’s hunting seasons can be found in the New Hampshire Hunting & Trapping Digest, which includes hunting season dates, bag limits, check station locations, and more. Hunters and trappers can pick up a free copy at New Hampshire Fish and Game Department headquarters, or at their local license agent. The Digest can also be viewed online at https://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/hunting. Other helpful online resources include the most recent Wildlife Harvest Summary Report and the Small Game Summary Report.

Hunters look forward to the opening day of deer season all year, and the much-anticipated regular firearms deer-hunting season starts on November 13. Both the archery and regular firearms seasons for deer will again end one week early in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) A. Check the Digest for WMU-specific either-sex deer hunting regulations and additional bear hunting opportunities, including the availability of an additional bear tag for WMUs C1, D2, E, and F. This fall’s shotgun turkey season will again run for 7 days (October 14–20) and includes a full weekend.

The following is a general overview of New Hampshire’s fall hunting seasons. Be sure to consult the Digest or visit www.huntnh.com for additional information.

2024 New Hampshire Hunting Seasons

  • WHITE-TAILED DEER:
    • Archery: September 15–December 15 (ends December 8 in WMU A)
    • Youth Deer Weekend: October 26–27
    • Muzzleloader: November 2–November 12
    • Firearms: November 13–December 8 (ends December 1 in WMU A)
  • BLACK BEAR: Starts September 1 (end date varies by WMU)
  • GRAY SQUIRREL: September 1, 2024–January 31, 2025
  • SNOWSHOE HARE: October 1, 2024–March 31, 2025 (bag limit varies by WMU)
  • RUFFED GROUSE: October 1–December 31
  • MOOSE: October 19–27 (by permit only)
  • FALL TURKEY:
    • Shotgun: October 14–20 (certain WMUs)
    • Archery: September 15–December 15 (ends December 8 in WMU A)

Apprentice hunting licenses are an option for people age 16 and older who want to try hunting but have not taken Hunter Education, or who have not been able to schedule a field day. The apprentice hunting license allows unlicensed people to hunt under the guidance of a licensed hunter age 18 or older. Apprentice licenses are available only at NH Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord. Learn more at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/hunter-education/apprentice-hunting-licenses.

As the fall hunting seasons begin, the NH Fish and Game Department asks hunters not to use natural urine-based deer lures. These products can potentially spread chronic wasting disease (CWD), a neurological disorder that is always fatal to white-tailed deer and moose. Synthetic lures are suggested. Do your part and help keep our deer herd free of CWD. Learn more at www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/wildlife-related-diseases/deer-diseases.

Hunters should remember to take proper care when handling wild game to minimize possible exposure to wildlife diseases. First and foremost, hunters should avoid shooting or handling any animal that appears sick. For more tips on safe handling of wild game, please visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/after-harvest/safe-handling-wild-game.

New Hampshire hunting licenses and permits can be purchased online anytime at www.nhfishandgame.com.

Get out and enjoy New Hampshire’s woods safely by wearing hunter/blaze orange. With more than a million acres of public land open to hunting and outdoor recreation, blaze orange is the safe choice for all outdoor enthusiasts this fall.