CONTACT:
Brett Ferry: (603) 744-5470
Andy Timmins: (603) 271-2461
August 22, 2025
Concord, NH – Small game hunting season for gray squirrel starts on September 1 and is a great way to introduce someone to hunting. On October 1, ruffed grouse, woodcock, cottontail rabbit, pheasant, and snowshoe hare seasons each open, all of which are exciting species to pursue and make excellent table fare. The opportunity to hunt Eastern cottontail is expanding this year. Due to an increase in species population, the season is now extended to March 15 with a daily bag limit of 4 rabbits. Small game hunters should check out the 2024/2025 New Hampshire Small Game Summary Report, which presents data from the annual Small Game Hunter Survey. Participation in these surveys by hunters significantly enhances the Department’s management of these species.
While the New Hampshire Small Game Summary Report includes a variety of species, the primary focus is the Granite State’s two most sought-after small game birds: ruffed grouse and woodcock. The report provides long-term statistical trends for both species of birds, which comprised 90% of reported hunter effort during 2024. Other species of interest to small game hunters included in the report are snowshoe hare and gray squirrel.
“Crisp fall air will be here soon, and hunting small game is a great way to kick off the season,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Small Game Program Supervisor Brett Ferry. “Pursuing small game provides a unique opportunity to introduce youth and novice hunters to the sport. Because small game species are habitat dependent, new hunters must learn about the food and the cover requirements of the species which add to the experience. Hunters can assist in our understanding and management of small game populations by providing data related to observations, harvest, and effort. These surveys are easy to obtain and complete, and they provide the Department with necessary data to promote small game populations and opportunities to enjoy this resource.”
If you hunt small game, please take part in this year’s surveys:
- Grouse hunters can participate in the Wing and Tail Survey by picking up grouse sample packets from participating locations listed at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/small-game-and-upland-bird-hunting/ruffed-grouse-wing-and-tail-survey.
- Download the Small Game Survey form at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/small-game-and-upland-bird-hunting/small-game-survey, call 603-271-2461, or email wildlife@wildlife.nh.gov (include your name and mailing address and mention the Small Game Survey).
Everyone who completes either of these two surveys will be entered into a raffle to win a firearm donated by Sturm Ruger and the Ruffed Grouse Society, respectively.
“A big thank you to all the small game hunters who participated in our survey efforts,” said Ferry.
Learn more about small game hunting in New Hampshire at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/small-game-and-upland-bird-hunting.
Wildlife research and management activities in New Hampshire are funded through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration, a user-pay, user-benefit program supported by the purchase of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment.
