New Hampshire Hunter Licensing Guide 2026: Permits, Fees & Rules
Getting a New Hampshire hunting license for 2026-2027 is straightforward once you know the types available, the exact fees, and where to buy them. All licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31, 2026, and the 2026-2027 hunting seasons run from early September 2026 through late winter 2027 depending on species. Resident hunters pay $32.00 for a standard hunting license, while non-residents pay $113.00, with additional species-specific permits and a mandatory $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee required annually. Whether you’re chasing whitetail deer, black bear, wild turkey, or small game in the Granite State, this guide gives you every fee, rule, purchase method, and season detail you need before you head into the field.
New Hampshire’s hunting rules are managed by the NH Fish and Game Department, and compliance is non-negotiable. From hunter education certificates to antler restrictions, understanding the full scope of requirements before purchasing your license protects you from costly violations and ensures you can enjoy everything the state’s forests and wildlife management units have to offer. Read on for a complete breakdown organized by license type, price, eligibility, seasons, and key regulations.
Who Needs a Hunting License in New Hampshire?
Before diving into specific license types, it helps to know the baseline requirements that apply to nearly every hunter in the state.
- Age requirement: Anyone 16 years of age or older must hold a valid hunting license to hunt in New Hampshire
- Minors under 16: Not required to purchase a general hunting license BUT must buy special licenses for deer archery, turkey, bear, and Unit M/L deer permits
- Residency proof: Applicants for resident-priced licenses must hold a valid New Hampshire driver’s license or NH non-driver photo ID and cannot claim residency in another state
- Hunter education: First-time buyers must present either a previous hunting license from any state/year or a certificate of completion from an approved hunter education course (NH requires an in-person field day)
- First-time purchases: Must be completed in person at a traditional license agent — not online and not at Walmart
- Non-resident students: Full-time students attending NH schools (minimum 12 credit hours/semester) may purchase licenses at resident rates, but only through Fish and Game Headquarters or by mail
2026 New Hampshire Hunting License Fees — Full Price Breakdown
Resident License Prices
| License Type | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Hunting License | $32.00 |
| Combination Hunting & Freshwater Fishing | $56.00 |
| Archery License | $32.00 |
| Special Archery Deer Permit | $26.00 |
| Muzzleloader License | $16.00 |
| Wild Turkey Permit (Spring & Fall) | $16.00 |
| Bear License | $16.00 |
| Additional Bear Tag | $16.00 |
| Pheasant License | $31.00 |
| Migratory Waterfowl License | $11.00 |
| Senior Combination Hunting & Fishing (68+) | $7.00 |
| Senior Archery (68+) | $3.00 |
| Senior Muzzleloader (68+) | $3.00 |
| Special Unit L Deer Permit | $26.00 |
| Special Unit M Deer Permit | $36.00 |
| Trapping License | $36.00 |
| Guide License | $100.00 |
| Newborn Lifetime Combination License | $304.50 |
| Dog Training Permit | $5.00 |
Non-Resident License Prices
| License Type | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Hunting License | $113.00 |
| Combination Hunting & Freshwater Fishing | $151.00 |
| Archery License | $83.00 |
| Special Archery Deer Permit | $26.00 |
| Muzzleloader License | $41.00 |
| Wild Turkey Permit | $31.00 |
| Bear License | $48.00 |
| Additional Bear Tag | $48.00 |
| Small Game Hunting License (Annual) | $53.00 |
| Small Game Hunting License (3-Day) | $25.00 |
| Pheasant License | $31.00 |
| Migratory Waterfowl License | $11.00 |
| Special Unit L Deer Permit | $26.00 |
| Special Unit M Deer Permit | $36.00 |
| Trapping License | $301.00 |
| Guide License | $100.00 |
| Dog Training Permit | $5.00 |
Important fee notes:
- A $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee is charged once annually for all hunting license holders (exceptions: minors, permanent/lifetime license holders)
- A $2.00 transaction fee applies per license when purchased at an agent; $2.75 when purchased online
- All listed prices already include a $1.00 agent fee
For a deeper look at what each season covers, visit New Hampshire Hunting Seasons – State Outdoors for updated dates and zone-specific information.
Types of New Hampshire Hunting Licenses Explained
Understanding what each license covers prevents costly mistakes in the field. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| License | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| General Hunting | All wildlife and small game during open seasons; includes one deer tag |
| Combination Hunting & Fishing | All hunting privileges + freshwater fishing (excludes saltwater) |
| Archery | Deer hunting during archery season using bow; includes one archery deer tag |
| Special Archery Deer | Second antlered deer during archery season — must be purchased at same time as archery license |
| Muzzleloader | Deer during special muzzleloader season only; requires current hunting/combo license; no deer tag issued |
| Wild Turkey | Spring and fall turkey seasons; two tags issued; requires base hunting/combo/archery license |
| Bear | Bear season hunting; requires base hunting license; separate bear tag issued |
| Additional Bear | A second bear in specific WMUs; requires current bear license |
| Pheasant | Pheasant season only; requires base hunting, combo, small game, or archery license |
| Migratory Waterfowl | Ducks and geese; also requires Federal Waterfowl Stamp and HIP permit |
| Small Game (Non-Resident) | Small game only; no deer tags issued; available annual or 3-day |
| Apprentice Hunting | Same cost as regular license; allows hunting without hunter education under direct supervision of licensed hunter; not valid for moose; can only be used once |
2026–2027 New Hampshire Hunting Season Dates
Planning your hunts around confirmed season windows is critical. Below are the general NH season dates. Always verify specific Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) variations in the official NH Fish and Game Hunting & Trapping Digest.
| Species / Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth Turkey Weekend | Late April (April 26–27, 2025 cycle; similar dates apply in 2026) |
| Spring Gobbler (Turkey) | May 1 – May 31 annually |
| Black Bear | Starts September 1 (dates vary by method and WMU) |
| Deer – Archery | September 15 – December 15 (closes one week early in WMU A) |
| Fall Turkey – Archery (WMUs B–M) | September 15 – December 15 |
| Fall Turkey – Shotgun (Select WMUs) | Pending rulemaking; applies to WMUs D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M |
| Small Game & Furbearers | September – March (dates vary by species and region) |
| Pheasant | October 1 – December 31 |
| Moose (by permit only) | Approximately October 18–26 |
| Youth Deer Weekend | Late October (Oct. 25–26 in 2025 cycle) |
| Deer – Muzzleloader | November 1 – November 11 |
| Deer – Regular Firearms | November 12 – December 7 (closes one week early in WMU A) |
| Waterfowl | September – January (varies by species and zone) |
Key Hunting Rules and Regulations in New Hampshire
Deer Hunting Rules
- One antlered buck is the statewide limit per hunter per season
- Antlered deer are defined as deer with at least one antler measuring 3 or more inches
- Antlerless deer are those without antlers or with antlers under 3 inches
- Doe and antlerless deer require a separate antlerless permit (Unit L or Unit M special permits)
- Deer may only be taken from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
- Some towns have special restrictions — bow-and-arrow only in certain municipalities
- 2026 rule update: Regulations now allow hunters in specific units to pursue antlerless deer, including does
Bear Hunting Rules
- Requires a valid base hunting or combination license plus a bear license
- Bear hunting in specific WMUs allows for an additional bear tag
- Season opens September 1 with method-specific and zone-specific dates
Turkey Rules
- A wild turkey permit covers both spring and fall seasons; two tags are issued
- Spring season: May 1–May 31 (shotgun, bow, and crossbow)
- Fall season: Archery available statewide; shotgun only in select WMUs pending rulemaking
- Turkey is not classified as small game — a standard hunting license alone doesn’t cover it
Moose Hunting Rules
- By special permit only — not available with a general hunting license
- Moose permits are awarded through a draw system
- Season is approximately 10 days in October
Waterfowl Hunting Rules
- Hunters must possess:
- NH Migratory Waterfowl License
- Federal Waterfowl Stamp (available at U.S. Post Offices)
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) Survey Permit Number
- Regular duck season is 60 days with a daily bag limit of 6 birds
- Canada goose season is 60 days with a daily limit of 2 birds
Small Game Rules
Small game species covered under a hunting license include:
- Snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbits, gray squirrel
- Ruffed grouse, pheasant, quail, chukar, European partridge
- Migratory game birds (require HIP permit)
Senior, Youth, and Apprentice License Details
Senior License Options (NH Residents Only)
| License Type | Eligibility | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Combination Hunting & Fishing | Born 1948 or later; age 68+ | $7.00/year |
| Senior Archery | Born 1948 or later; age 68+ | $3.00/year |
| Senior Muzzleloader | Born 1948 or later; age 68+ | $3.00/year |
| Permanent Milestone License | Born 1947 or earlier | Free (one-time, permanent) |
| Permanent Clam/Oyster License | NH residents age 68+ | Free |
- Milestone/Permanent licenses must be obtained at Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord or select regional offices
- Permanent license holders must create their own deer tags or use the generic tag in the hunting digest
Youth (Under 16) Requirements
- No general hunting license required for minors under 16
- Must purchase: Special Archery Deer, Turkey permit, Bear license, Unit L/M deer permits (if applicable)
- Non-resident minors must also purchase a muzzleloader license
- Minors are exempt from the Wildlife Habitat Fee and HIP survey
Apprentice Hunting License
- Same price as a regular hunting license
- Allows a new hunter to participate without completing hunter education — but only once
- Must be under the direct supervision of a licensed, experienced hunter at all times
- Not valid for moose hunting
- Cannot be used as proof of a previous license when applying for a future regular license
- Must be purchased in person at a traditional license agent
How to Buy a New Hampshire Hunting License in 2026
Step-by-Step Purchasing Guide
Option 1 — Online (Most Convenient)
- Visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/licenses-and-permits
- Create or log into your Fish and Game account
- Select your license type, enter residency and personal information
- Pay the $2.75 online transaction fee per license
- Print or save your digital license — valid immediately
⚠️ First-time buyers cannot purchase online. You must appear in person at a licensed agent.
Option 2 — In Person at a License Agent
- Locate your nearest agent (town clerks, sporting goods stores, and select retailers)
- Bring your NH driver’s license or non-driver ID
- Present your hunter education certificate or prior license
- Pay the $2.00 in-person transaction fee per license
Option 3 — Fish and Game Headquarters (Concord)
- Required for milestone/permanent licenses, apprentice licenses, and non-resident student rates
- Address: NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301
Lost or Destroyed License Replacement
- Reprints must be obtained at the original purchasing agent or at Fish and Game HQ
- If at least one week has passed since purchase, or if purchased online, you may reprint from the online licensing portal
- No charge for reprints, but there is a limit on the number of reprints allowed per year
Where to Hunt in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s hunting access rules are relatively hunter-friendly:
- Nearly all state parks and state forests are open to hunting
- Fish and Game Department lands are open to hunting
- Private land: You may hunt posted land only with verbal or written permission from the landowner
- Unposted private land is generally accessible without explicit permission, but always verify current local ordinances
If you’re also planning a fishing trip around your hunt, check out the New Hampshire Fishing License guide — a combination license can save you money if you pursue both activities.
2026 Bag Limits at a Glance
| Species | Daily/Season Limit |
|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | 1 antlered buck statewide (season); antlerless with special permit only |
| Black Bear | 1 per season (additional with extra permit in select WMUs) |
| Wild Turkey | 2 tags per permit (spring and/or fall) |
| Duck | 6 birds per day |
| Canada Goose | 2 birds per day |
| Moose | 1 per permit (by draw only) |
| Pheasant | See current NH Hunting Digest for daily limits |
| Snowshoe Hare | See current NH Hunting Digest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much is a hunting license in New Hampshire for 2026?
A resident hunting license costs $32.00. Non-residents pay $113.00. Both fees are subject to an additional $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee and a transaction fee of $2.00 (in person) or $2.75 (online).
Q2: Can I buy a New Hampshire hunting license online?
Yes — returning hunters can purchase at www.wildlife.nh.gov/licenses-and-permits. However, first-time buyers must purchase in person at a traditional license agent and cannot complete their first purchase online or at a Walmart.
Q3: Do I need hunter education to get a license in NH?
Yes. You must present either a prior hunting license from any state or a hunter education certificate that includes an in-person field day component. New hunters without these credentials can apply for a one-time Apprentice Hunting License.
Q4: Are minors under 16 required to buy a hunting license in NH?
They do not need a general hunting license, but they must purchase special licenses for deer archery, turkey, bear, and Unit L/M permits if they intend to hunt those species.
Q5: What is included in a combination hunting and fishing license?
It covers all hunting privileges (including small game) and all freshwater fishing privileges. It does not include saltwater recreational fishing, which requires a separate $11.00 license.
Q6: How long is a New Hampshire hunting license valid?
All licenses are valid for the calendar year only, from January 1 through December 31, 2026. They do not carry over into 2027.
Q7: What is the Wildlife Habitat Fee?
It’s a mandatory $2.50 annual fee charged once per year when purchasing any hunting license. Minors and permanent/lifetime license holders are exempt. The fee funds wildlife habitat conservation programs statewide.
Q8: Can non-residents purchase a small game license without buying a full hunting license?
Yes. Non-residents who only want to pursue small game can purchase a Non-Resident Small Game License for $53.00 annually or a 3-Day Small Game License for $25.00, which is a cost-effective option for short visits.