New Hampshire Hunting Guide 2025-2026 – Seasons, Tags & Public Lands
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide for New Hampshire’s upcoming 2025-2026 game calendar! Whether you’re a seasoned Granite State sportsman or an out-of-state visitor planning your next outdoor adventure, this resource covers everything you need to know about permits, wildlife management units, and important dates for the upcoming year.
The Live Free or Die state offers incredible opportunities for pursuing everything from whitetail deer in the White Mountains to waterfowl along the seacoast. We’ve broken down all the essential information to help both local enthusiasts and visiting outdoorsmen plan successful trips. Make sure to bookmark this page and double-check the official New Hampshire Fish and Game website before heading out, as regulations can change.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance overview of the major species and their key dates for the 2025-2026 cycle:
Big Game Highlights:
- Archery (Deer/Turkey): September 15 – December 15, 2025
- Youth Deer Weekend: October 25-26, 2025
- Muzzleloader: November 1-11, 2025
- Regular Firearms (Deer): November 12 – December 7, 2025
- Black Bear: Starting September 1, 2025
- Moose: October 18-26, 2025 (permit only)
Small Game Season Openers:
- Gray Squirrel: September 1, 2025
- Ruffed Grouse & Pheasant: October 1, 2025
- Youth Pheasant Weekend: September 27-28, 2025
Spring Opportunities:
- Youth Turkey Weekend: April 26-27, 2025
- Spring Gobbler: May 1-31, 2025
Big Game Overview
White-tailed Deer Seasons
| Method | Dates | Wildlife Management Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept. 15 – Dec. 15, 2025 | All WMUs | Closes Dec. 8 in WMU A |
| Youth Weekend | Oct. 25-26, 2025 | Statewide | Ages 12-15, adult supervision required |
| Muzzleloader | Nov. 1-11, 2025 | Statewide | Modern inline muzzleloaders permitted |
| Regular Firearms | Nov. 12 – Dec. 7, 2025 | All WMUs | Closes Nov. 30 in WMU A |
Bag Limits: One deer per day, season limit varies by license type. Antlerless permits available through lottery system for specific units.
Black Bear Opportunities
Bear season opens statewide on September 1st, with varying end dates depending on your chosen method and wildlife management unit. Both archery and firearms are permitted, and baiting is allowed with proper permits. Remember that all bears must be registered within 48 hours of harvest.
Moose Permits
The coveted moose tags are available only through the permit lottery system. The 2025 dates run from October 18-26, with applications typically opening in spring. Non-residents pay significantly higher fees, but the experience of pursuing these massive animals in New Hampshire’s wilderness is unmatched.
Turkey Season Details
Spring Gobbler Season
| Season | Dates | Method | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Weekend | April 26-27, 2025 | Shotgun/Archery | 1 bearded bird |
| Regular Spring | May 1-31, 2025 | Shotgun/Archery | 1 bearded bird |
Fall Turkey Opportunities
| Method | Dates | Wildlife Management Units |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept. 15 – Dec. 15, 2025 | WMUs B-M (Sept. 15 – Dec. 8 in WMU A) |
| Shotgun | Pending rulemaking | Select WMUs: D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M |
Fall shotgun turkey regulations are currently under review, so check the official Fish and Game website for updates before making plans.
Furbearer Opportunities
New Hampshire provides excellent year-round opportunities for furbearer enthusiasts. Starting in 2025, all furbearing animals taken by pursuing methods must be registered within 24 hours through an online system.
| Species | Season | Method | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Firearm/Archery | Night pursuit with landowner permission |
| Red Fox | Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 | Firearm/Archery/Trapping | No bag limit |
| Gray Fox | Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 | Firearm/Archery/Trapping | Protected in some areas |
| Bobcat | Dec. 1 – Feb. 28 | Firearm/Archery/Trapping | Limited permits |
| Raccoon | Oct. 1 – March 31 | Firearm/Archery/Trapping | No closed period for trapping |
Trapping requires separate licensing and has different regulations than pursuit methods.
Small Game Calendar
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Wildlife Management Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Sept. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | 5 | All |
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 | 4 | All |
| Pheasant* | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 | 2 | All |
| Youth Pheasant | Sept. 27-28, 2025 | 2 | All |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Oct. 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026 | 4 | H2, K, L, M (restricted areas) |
| Snowshoe Hare | Oct. 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 | 3 (northern units), 2 (southern units) | All |
| Quail/Chukar | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 | 4 | All |
*Pheasant license required for regular season. Youth weekend doesn’t require special pheasant license.
Important Pheasant Safety Note: Due to stocking operations, pheasant areas close until 2:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays during October 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17.
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds
Waterfowl dates in New Hampshire run generally from September through January, but specific dates vary significantly by species and zone. The state follows federal frameworks for migratory birds, which means exact dates are finalized closer to each respective period.
| Species Group | Approximate Dates | Zones | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks (Regular) | Sept. – Jan. | Multiple zones | Federal duck stamp + HIP certification |
| Canada Geese | Sept. – Jan. | Varies by zone | Population management focus |
| Teal (Early) | September | Statewide | Short season, specific identification |
| Sea Ducks | Oct. – Jan. | Coastal zones | Specialized opportunity |
All waterfowl enthusiasts must complete Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification and purchase federal migratory bird stamps. Check the official waterfowl guide for exact zone boundaries and dates.
Additional Game Opportunities
| Species | Season | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodcock | Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 | Shotgun | Federal bag limit applies |
| Wilson’s Snipe | Sept. 1 – Dec. 16 | Shotgun | Wetland specialist |
| Crow | July 1 – April 11 (following year) | Firearm/Archery | No Sunday pursuit |
| Bullfrog | June 15 – Sept. 30 | Various methods | Size restrictions apply |
Some of these species require special attention to federal regulations that may differ from state rules.
Wildlife Management Units & Maps
New Hampshire divides the state into lettered wildlife management units (WMUs) from A through M. Each unit has specific regulations that can affect bag limits, weapon restrictions, and calendar dates.
Northern Units (A-F): Generally more restrictive due to lower deer populations
Central Units (G-J): Moderate regulations with good game populations
Southern Units (K-M): Often have more liberal limits and longer periods
You can access official WMU maps and detailed boundary descriptions on the New Hampshire Fish and Game website. Many mobile apps also provide GPS-enabled maps for field reference. Understanding your specific unit is crucial since some regulations vary significantly between zones.
Permits, Tags & License Information
Resident Licenses (2025 Fees)
| License Type | Cost | Age Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Pursuit | $32.00 | Ages 16-67 |
| Combination (Pursuit/Fishing) | $56.00 | Ages 16-67 |
| Archery Add-on | $17.00 | All ages |
| Pheasant Stamp | $17.00 | All ages |
| Muzzleloader Add-on | $17.00 | All ages |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Age Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Pursuit | $113.00 | Ages 16+ |
| Combination | $151.00 | Ages 16+ |
| 3-Day Short Term | $63.00 | Ages 16+ |
Additional Fees & Requirements
- Wildlife Habitat Fee: $2.50 annually (all license holders except minors)
- Transaction Fee: $2.00 in-person, $2.75 online
- Federal Duck Stamp: Required for waterfowl (purchased separately)
- HIP Certification: Free, required for migratory bird species
Youth Exemptions: Minors under 16 don’t need regular licenses but require specific permits for certain species like deer, turkey, and bear. They must be accompanied by properly licensed adults.
Military & Student Discounts: Active military personnel and full-time college students may qualify for resident rates under specific circumstances.
New Hampshire Pursuit Quick FAQ
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in New Hampshire?
A: Yes, Sunday pursuit is legal in New Hampshire on both private and public lands, with few exceptions.
Q: Do I need hunter education to get a license?
A: Yes, first-time license buyers must show proof of hunter education completion or a previous valid license from any state.
Q: Can I hunt my own property without a license?
A: No, all residents 16 and older need proper licensing regardless of land ownership, except for specific exemptions like protecting crops.
Q: What’s the minimum distance from buildings?
A: You cannot discharge firearms or bows within 300 feet of occupied dwellings without landowner permission (RSA 207:3-a).
Q: Can I use air rifles for big game?
A: Starting in 2025, air rifles are legal for moose, deer, and bear, following new regulation changes.
Q: Do I need permission to hunt private land?
A: Yes, always obtain written landowner permission before pursuing on private property. Trespassing violations carry serious penalties.
Q: When do I need to register my harvest?
A: All big game must be registered within 48 hours. Furbearers taken by pursuing methods require online registration within 24 hours starting in 2025.
Essential Resources & Related Guides
- Official NH Fish and Game Website: Complete regulations and updates
- Online License Purchase: Available 24/7 through official portal
- WMU Maps: Downloadable PDF maps with GPS coordinates
- Hunter Education Courses: Required for first-time license applicants
- Harvest Reporting: Online systems for game registration
If you’re planning multi-state adventures, consider checking out opportunities in neighboring states like Maine or Massachusetts to extend your outdoor experiences.
Conclusion
New Hampshire’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from the challenging pursuit of mountain whitetails to relaxing small game expeditions. The state’s diverse habitats support healthy wildlife populations, making it a premier destination for both residents and visitors.
Remember that regulations can change throughout the year, so always verify current information before heading afield. Purchase your licenses early, especially for limited permit species like moose. Most importantly, pursue safely and ethically while respecting private property and fellow outdoorsmen.
The Granite State’s outdoor traditions run deep, and each trip afield is an opportunity to connect with both nature and that heritage. Whether you’re introducing someone new to the sport or adding another chapter to your own outdoor story, make this year’s adventures memorable and responsible.
Get your licenses, check your gear, scout your areas, and prepare for what promises to be an excellent year in New Hampshire’s woods and fields. The 2025-2026 schedule is packed with opportunities – now it’s time to make the most of them!
