New Hampshire Turkey Season 2026-2027: Hunting Dates and Laws
You’ve come to the right spot if you want to chase wild turkeys through the Granite State’s river valleys and hardwood ridges. From precise dates and bag limits to licensing requirements and legal hunting techniques, this guide explains everything you need to know about pursuing these cautious birds during the 2026–2027 hunting seasons. A successful outing or a frustrating morning in the woods depends entirely on having accurate and current information, regardless of your level of experience making calls.
Because of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s diligent management, the state’s wild turkey population has experienced a remarkable recovery in recent decades. These days, hunters have several chances all year long to put their abilities to the test against one of the hardest game birds in North America. Let’s get into the details so you can confidently plan your hunts.
Quick Overview
| Turkey Type | Season Dates (2026-2027) | Legal Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Youth) | April 18–19, 2026 | Shotgun, bow, crossbow |
| Spring (General) | April 27 – May 31, 2026 | Shotgun, bow, crossbow |
| Fall Archery | September 15 – December 15, 2026 | Bow, crossbow only |
| Fall (Youth) | October 24–25, 2026 | Shotgun, bow, crossbow |
| Fall Shotgun | November 2 – November 28, 2026 | Shotgun, bow, crossbow |
All Turkey Seasons: Detailed Breakdown
| Season Name | Exact Dates | Zones/Regions | Bag Limit | Permit Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Youth Weekend | April 18–19, 2026 | Statewide | 1 bearded bird | Youth hunting license required; adult supervision mandatory |
| Spring General Season | April 27 – May 31, 2026 | Statewide | 1 bearded bird | Valid hunting license + turkey permit |
| Fall Archery | September 15 – December 15, 2026 | Statewide | 1 bird (either sex) | Archery license + fall turkey permit |
| Fall Youth Weekend | October 24–25, 2026 | Statewide | 1 bird (either sex) | Youth hunting license; adult supervision mandatory |
| Fall Shotgun | November 2 – November 28, 2026 | Statewide | 1 bird (either sex) | Valid hunting license + fall turkey permit |
From my experience preparing for spring hunts in New England, timing your scouting trips a week or two before opening day can give you a real edge. Locating roost sites and understanding travel corridors early means you’re not fumbling around in the dark on opening morning.
More Bird Species 🕊️
New Hampshire offers opportunities to pursue other upland game birds beyond wild turkeys. Here’s a quick look at what else you can hunt during the 2026-2027 seasons:
- Ruffed Grouse: September 26, 2026 – January 4, 2027 (statewide); daily bag limit of 4 birds
- Pheasant: October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 (statewide); daily bag limit of 2 birds
- Woodcock: September 26, 2026 – November 9, 2026 (follows federal frameworks); daily bag limit of 3 birds
- Waterfowl (Ducks & Geese): Seasons vary by zone and species; consult New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for specific dates
These seasons can overlap with fall turkey hunts, so if you’re carrying appropriate hunting gear and licenses, you might have the chance to fill multiple tags on a single outing.
New Hampshire Turkey Regulations 🌾
Understanding the rules keeps you legal, ethical, and safe. Here’s what you need to know:
- Legal Weapons: Shotguns (10-gauge or smaller), archery equipment (bows and crossbows with minimum draw weights as specified), and muzzleloaders are permitted during designated seasons. Check current regulations for specific equipment standards.
- Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset (verify exact times for your hunt date and location).
- Bearded Birds Only (Spring): During spring hunts, only bearded turkeys may be taken. Fall seasons allow harvest of either sex.
- Electronic Calls: Use of electronic calling devices is prohibited for turkey hunting.
- Decoys: Legal to use, but always prioritize safety—other hunters may mistake decoys (or you) for live birds.
- Tagging Requirements: Immediately upon harvest, attach your transportation tag. Report your harvest through the New Hampshire Automated License System or by phone within required timeframes.
- Land Access: Always obtain permission before hunting private property. Respect posted boundaries and public land access rules on state wildlife management areas.
- Hunter Orange: Not required for turkey hunting, but wearing orange when moving through the woods (especially during fall seasons overlapping with deer hunting) is a smart safety move.
- Ethical Conduct: Take only clear, humane shots. Pass on questionable opportunities, and always prioritize safety over success.
If you’re planning a hunt in a neighboring state, you might want to compare rules—regulations in Maine turkey season or Massachusetts turkey season can differ significantly, especially regarding permitted equipment and season structures.
License & Tag Fees 🎟️
Licensing costs for the 2026-2027 period are set by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Here’s a breakdown of typical fees (always verify current prices before purchasing):
- Resident Hunting License: Approximately $32
- Resident Spring Turkey Permit: Around $18
- Resident Fall Turkey Permit: Around $18
- Non-Resident Hunting License: Approximately $102
- Non-Resident Spring Turkey Permit: Around $40
- Non-Resident Fall Turkey Permit: Around $40
- Youth Licenses: Reduced fees for hunters under 16 years old (often around $8 for residents)
- Senior Discounts: Residents aged 68 and older may qualify for discounted or free licenses
Licenses and permits can be purchased online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s website, at authorized agents (sporting goods stores, town clerks), or by phone. If you’re investing in quality hunting licenses and planning multiple trips, consider bundling permits during the purchase process to save time.
For those exploring guided hunts or structured outings, some outfitters may assist with licensing, but the responsibility ultimately falls on you to ensure all paperwork is in order before heading afield.
License Requirements
Who needs a license, and what are the prerequisites?
- Age Requirements: Hunters aged 16 and older must possess a valid hunting license. Youth hunters (under 16) need a youth hunting license and must be accompanied by a licensed adult during youth-only seasons.
- Hunter Education: New Hampshire requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1938, to complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Courses cover firearms safety training, wildlife identification, and ethical hunting practices.
- Landowner Exemptions: Residents hunting on their own land may be exempt from certain licensing requirements, but turkey permits are still required. Verify specifics with Fish and Game to avoid surprises.
- Non-Resident Hunters: Must purchase non-resident licenses and permits. No residency waiting period applies, but fees are higher.
- Online Licensing: The state’s automated system makes it easy to buy, print, and manage your credentials from home. Keep digital and physical copies handy while hunting.
Taking a hunter education course isn’t just a legal checkbox—it builds foundational skills and confidence that make every hunt safer and more enjoyable.
FAQs Section
Q: What’s the best time of day to hunt wild turkeys in New Hampshire?
A: Early morning, right around sunrise, is prime time during spring. Gobblers are vocal on the roost and eager to respond to calling once they fly down. Late afternoon can also produce action as birds head to roost sites. In fall, midday movements and feeding patterns shift, so staying flexible pays off.
Q: Can beginners hunt turkeys in New Hampshire?
A: Absolutely. Youth hunts offer a great entry point, and many seasoned hunters welcome newcomers as hunting partners. Completing your hunter education course and spending time practicing with calls and your firearm will set you up for success. Consider starting during the fall shotgun period when the woods are less crowded.
Q: Are electronic calls allowed?
A: No. New Hampshire prohibits the use of electronic or recorded calls for turkey hunting. Stick to mouth calls, box calls, slate calls, and other manual devices. This rule levels the playing field and maintains the traditional challenge of the hunt.
Q: Can I hunt on public land?
A: Yes. New Hampshire offers numerous wildlife management areas and state forests open to hunting. Research access points, parking, and any special regulations ahead of time. Competition can be stiff on popular tracts during opening week, so scouting less-pressured areas can improve your odds.
Q: Do I need separate permits for spring and fall hunts?
A: Yes. Spring and fall turkey permits are separate purchases. If you plan to hunt both seasons, budget accordingly and buy both permits when you get your hunting license.
Q: What happens if I harvest a bird but forget to tag it immediately?
A: Tagging violations can result in fines and loss of hunting privileges. Always carry your tags and attach them to your bird as soon as it’s recovered. Reporting your harvest promptly is also required—most hunters use the online system for quick, hassle-free reporting.
Q: Can I use a crossbow during the spring season?
A: Yes, crossbows are legal during all designated turkey seasons in New Hampshire. Just make sure your equipment meets state specifications for draw weight and bolt length.
Conservation & Safety: Why Regulations Matter
New Hampshire’s turkey hunting rules aren’t arbitrary red tape—they’re designed to sustain healthy bird populations and ensure fair, safe hunting opportunities for everyone. The state’s biologists monitor harvest data, habitat quality, and population trends to set seasons and bag limits that keep the flock thriving.
By limiting spring harvests to bearded birds, managers protect hens during nesting periods, ensuring reproductive success. Fall seasons, which allow either-sex harvests, help balance populations and prevent overpopulation in areas with abundant habitat.
Hunters also play a conservation role through license and permit fees, which fund habitat projects, wildlife research, and law enforcement. Every tag you buy supports the landscapes and species you love to pursue.
Quick Safety Reminders:
- Always positively identify your target and what’s beyond it.
- Never stalk a gobbling bird—set up, call, and let the bird come to you.
- Wear gloves, a facemask, and camouflage to conceal movement, but avoid full-body turkey costumes that could confuse other hunters.
- Let someone know your hunting plans, especially if you’re heading into remote areas.
- Carry a first aid kit, map, compass or GPS, and a reliable way to communicate.
- Respect other hunters—if someone’s already set up in an area, move on quietly.
Conclusion
Three things are essential to organizing a successful wild turkey hunt in New Hampshire: being aware of the dates, comprehending the rules, and being well-prepared. Opportunities abound during the spring and fall seasons of 2026–2027, whether you’re calling in a ferocious gobbler on a May dawn or bowhunting on a calm September morning.
Prior to your hunt, always confirm the most recent regulations with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Since regulations are subject to change, staying informed keeps you morally and legally upright. Prepare to enjoy some of the greatest turkey hunting the Northeast has to offer by gathering your equipment and practicing your calling.
For more regional guides and hunting insights, explore resources like New Hampshire hunting seasons and Vermont’s turkey regulations to compare neighboring opportunities.