New Hampshire 2025-2026 Hunting Zones & Seasons – Deer to Bear
Planning your next outdoor adventure in the Granite State? This comprehensive guide covers all the essential information you need for New Hampshire’s 2025-2026 game seasons, including specific dates, wildlife management units (WMUs), tag requirements, and prime opportunities across the state’s diverse landscapes.
From the White Mountains to the seacoast, New Hampshire offers exceptional opportunities for pursuing big game, waterfowl, upland birds, and small game species. Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman or just getting started, this guide will help you navigate the regulations and maximize your time afield.
📊 Quick Reference: NH Key Species Season Summary
| Species | Season Dates | Method | Bag Limit | Tags Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Sept 15 – Dec 8/15 | Bow/Crossbow | 1 | Deer Tag |
| Bear | Sept 1 – Nov 11/30 | Firearm/Bow | 1-2 | Bear License |
| Turkey (Spring) | May 1 – May 31, 2026 | Shotgun/Bow | 1-2 | Turkey License |
| Ducks | Oct 2 – Jan 18 (varies by zone) | Shotgun | 6 daily | Federal/State Stamps |
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Shotgun | 4 daily | Basic License |
🦌 Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons
White-tailed Deer
New Hampshire’s deer population provides excellent opportunities across all wildlife management units. The 2025 season brings exciting changes, including expanded crossbow use during archery periods.
Season Dates:
- Archery Season: September 15 – December 8 (WMU A) | September 15 – December 15 (WMUs B-M)
- Muzzleloader: November 1-11 (varies by WMU)
- Firearms: November 12 – December 7 (varies by zone)
- Youth Weekend: October 25-26, 2025 (Statewide) 🎯
Tag Requirements: Valid deer tag required; special antlerless permits available for Units L (lottery) and M (first-come basis, 4,000 permits). Registration within 24 hours mandatory.
Black Bear
The granite state’s bear population continues to thrive, offering multiple pursuit methods across different zones.
Season Dates:
- General: September 1 – November 11 (select WMUs) | September 1 – November 30 (remaining units)
- Baiting Period: September 1-28 or October 5 (zone dependent)
- Hound: September 22 – November 11 (closed in WMUs H2, K, L, M)
License Requirements: Bear license with tag; additional bears possible in WMUs C1, D2, E, F with extra tag (first bear must be registered).
Moose 🫎
Permit Only: October 18-26, 2025 Lottery system determines permit distribution – applications typically due in summer.
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth
Spring Season
May 1 – May 31, 2026 (Statewide) Certain WMUs allow second bird harvest – check specific zone regulations.
Fall Opportunities
- Archery: September 15 – December 8/15 (follows deer archery dates)
- Shotgun: October 13-19 (WMUs D2, H1, H2, I1, J2, K, L, M only)
Youth Special Season 👶
April 25-26, 2026 (Statewide) Young hunters may take second bird in designated WMUs (H1, H2, J2, K, L, M).
License: Turkey license includes two tags for the season.
🦊 Furbearers
The Granite State offers year-round opportunities for several furbearer species, with specific seasons for others.
Season Dates:
- Coyote: No closed season | Night activity January 1 – March 31 🌙
- Fisher: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (limit: 2 combined hunting/trapping)
- Fox (Red/Gray), Opossum, Skunk, Raccoon: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Mink, Muskrat, Weasel: October 15, 2025 – April 10, 2026 (WMUs A-F) | November 1, 2025 – April 10, 2026 (WMUs G-M)
Closed Species: Bobcat, Lynx, Pine Marten remain protected.
New Requirement: Online registration mandatory for all harvested furbearers starting 2025.
🐦 Upland Birds
Ruffed Grouse
Season: October 1 – December 31, 2025 New Hampshire’s state bird provides excellent upland opportunities across mixed forest habitats.
Pheasant
- Regular Season: October 1 – December 31, 2025
- Youth Season: September 27-28, 2025 (NEW for 2025!) 🆕
Daily Limit: 2 birds | License: Pheasant license required for hunters 16+
Other Upland Species
- Quail, Chukar, Hungarian Partridge: October 1 – December 31, 2025
- Woodcock: October 1 – November 14, 2025 (Statewide)
🐿️ Upland Animals & Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Sept 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | 6 | All WMUs |
| Snowshoe Hare | Oct 1, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026 | 4 | Variable end dates by WMU |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Oct 1, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026 | 4 | WMUs H2, K, L, M only |
🐦 Other Small Game
Crow: August 15 – November 30, 2025 | March 16-31, 2026 Common Snipe: September 15 – November 14, 2025
🦆 Migratory Birds
Waterfowl Zone Information
New Hampshire divides waterfowl activity into three distinct zones, each with specific opening and closing dates.
Zone Dates:
- Northern Zone: October 2 – November 30, 2025
- Inland & Connecticut River Zone: October 13 – November 11 | November 27 – December 26, 2025
- Coastal Zone: October 2-8 | November 27, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Special Waterfowl Days 🎖️
- Youth Weekend: September 27-28, 2025
- Veteran & Active Military Weekend: January 24-25, 2026
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese
Duck Specifications
Daily Limit: 6 ducks | Possession: 18 Species Restrictions: Maximum 4 mallards (2 hens), 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 3 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup
Canada Geese
- September Season: September 1-25, 2025 (Statewide) – 5 daily limit
- Regular Season: Follows duck dates – 2 daily limit
Other Waterfowl
- Snow Geese: Same dates as ducks | 25 daily limit, no possession limit
- Mergansers: 5 daily (separate from duck limit)
- Sea Ducks: 4 daily (part of general duck bag)
🦢 Other Waterfowls
Brant: Zone-specific dates (October 2 – December 19, varying by area)
Coots: Follow duck dates | 15 daily limit
License Requirements: NH Migratory Waterfowl License, Federal Duck Stamp, HIP certification required for hunters 16+.
🎯 More Games & Additional Opportunities
Falconry Seasons
December 1, 2025 – March 10, 2026 (zone-dependent dates) Special regulations apply for birds taken via falconry methods.
Trapping Seasons
Multiple furbearer species available for trapping with separate dates from those listed above. Fisher trapping: December 1-31, 2025.
🗺️ Wildlife Management Units
New Hampshire divides the state into multiple Wildlife Management Units (WMUs labeled A through M) to facilitate region-specific conservation and management strategies. These boundaries allow biologists to set appropriate regulations based on local wildlife populations, habitat conditions, and human population densities.
Link to Official NH Wildlife Management Unit Map
🎟️ Licensing Requirements
All wildlife pursuits in New Hampshire require appropriate licensing. Here’s a quick overview:
- Resident licenses: Available for state residents at standard rates
- Non-resident licenses: Available at premium rates for visitors
- Youth licenses: Special rates for sportspeople under 16
- Additional permits: Required for specific species including moose (lottery), turkey, and bear
Licenses can be purchased online through the NH Fish and Game Department website or at authorized license agents throughout the state.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special tag for deer in New Hampshire?
Yes, your New Hampshire hunting license includes deer tags, but you’ll need additional permits for species like moose, turkey, and bear.
Can I hunt on public lands in the Granite State?
Yes, New Hampshire offers numerous public land opportunities including White Mountain National Forest, state forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. Always verify specific regulations for the property you intend to visit.
Is night hunting permitted in New Hampshire?
Night hunting is generally prohibited with limited exceptions for certain furbearer species. Always consult the current regulations before planning any after-dark activities.
When is the best time to hunt deer in New Hampshire?
Many experienced hunters prefer the rut period in mid-November when deer activity increases significantly, though opportunities exist throughout all seasons.
Related Resources
Looking for more information? Check out these helpful links:
Final Thoughts on Your New Hampshire Outdoor Adventure
As you prepare for your Granite State outdoor adventures, remember that regulations change annually to ensure wildlife conservation and quality sporting opportunities for future generations. Always verify the most current information in the NH Hunting and Trapping Digest, published each August.
Whether you’re pursuing whitetails in the White Mountains, calling turkeys in the southern woodlots, or setting decoys for waterfowl on Great Bay, New Hampshire offers diverse and rewarding outdoor experiences. Plan ahead, secure your licenses early, and most importantly, enjoy your time connecting with the state’s magnificent natural resources.
Be safe, respect landowner permissions, and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts that ensure these traditions continue for generations to come!
