CONTACT:
Mark Beauchesne: (603) 271-6355
April 4, 2025
Concord, NH – Spring turkey season (May 1–31) is only 4 weeks away, and hunters on a quest for gobblers can do a lot to help promote positive landowner relations, according to Mark Beauchesne, Landowner Relations Coordinator for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “Remember that access to private land is a privilege provided through the generosity of the landowner,” said Beauchesne. “With more than 70% of New Hampshire’s land in private ownership, practicing good landowner relations is key to maintaining access to private property now and for future generations.”
Here are some tips:
- Even if you had landowner permission to hunt last year, check back in with property owners to discuss the spring hunting season dates and to make sure nothing has changed over the winter.
- Demonstrate good landowner relations in front of youth before, during, and after youth turkey-hunting weekend, April 26 and 27. Ask permission and follow landowner requests.
- Remember that you are the guest of the landowner. Treat their property with the same care and respect that you would if it were your own.
- Never park on lawns or block roadways, trails, crossings, or gates. Leave all gates and barriers as you found them.
- Written landowner permission is needed to drive an OHRV on private property. If you are granted permission, understand clearly where you are allowed to drive and carry proof of permission on your person.
- Become familiar with boundaries of the land you have permission to hunt, surrounding properties, and adjacent recreation areas, farms, and active logging operations.
- Do not hunt near buildings, livestock, active logging operations, or hiking trails.
- Make an effort to express your appreciation to the landowner. Follow up with a note of thanks, a small token of appreciation, or offer up assistance with a task or chore. Your ongoing communication with landowners makes a world of difference.
For more information about turkey hunting, visit http://www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/turkey-hunting-new-hampshire. For more information about NHFG’s Landowner Relations Program, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/landowner-relations-program.
