New Hampshire 2025 Hunting Zones & Seasons – Deer to Bear
Welcome to your complete guide for the 2025 outdoor sporting calendar in New Hampshire! Whether you’re a seasoned sportsperson or just starting your wilderness adventures, this comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know about the Granite State’s wildlife pursuits. From white-tailed deer to wild turkey, from waterfowl to small game, we’ve gathered all the essential information on open dates, wildlife management units (WMUs), licensing requirements, and more to ensure your excursions are both successful and compliant with state regulations.
New Hampshire 2025 Season Calendar: Quick Reference
| Species | Season Type | Opening Date | Closing Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Spring | May 1, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | Shotgun/Bow |
| Turkey | Youth Weekend | April 26, 2025 | April 27, 2025 | Shotgun/Bow |
| Bear | Various | September 1, 2025 | Varies by WMU | Various |
| Deer | Archery | September 15, 2025 | December 15, 2025* | Bow |
| Deer | Youth Weekend | October 25, 2025 | October 26, 2025 | Various |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | November 1, 2025 | November 11, 2025 | Muzzleloader |
| Deer | Firearms | November 12, 2025 | December 7, 2025* | Firearms |
| Moose | Regular | October 18, 2025 | October 26, 2025 | By permit only |
| Pheasant | Regular | October 1, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Various |
| Small Game | Various | September 2025 | March 2026 | Various |
*Note: Seasons close one week earlier in Wildlife Management Unit A
🦌 Big Game Opportunities in the Granite State
Deer Pursuit: Archery & Firearms
New Hampshire offers diverse opportunities for whitetail enthusiasts throughout the fall season. The archery period begins September 15 and extends through December 15, 2025, giving bow hunters an extensive window to take to the woods. However, if you plan to pursue deer in Wildlife Management Unit A (northern NH), note that the season concludes one week earlier.
For those who prefer traditional firearms, the regular firearms season runs from November 12 through December 7, 2025, with the same early closure exception for WMU A. Muzzleloader enthusiasts can enjoy an earlier opportunity from November 1 to November 11, 2025.
Youth sportspeople have their special weekend dedicated to mentored experiences on October 25-26, 2025 – a perfect opportunity to introduce the next generation to the traditions of responsible outdoor recreation.
Black Bear Opportunities
🐻 Bear pursuits begin September 1, 2025, though specific closing dates vary depending on your preferred method and the Wildlife Management Unit where you’ll be active. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department adjusts these regulations to ensure sustainable wildlife management across different regions of the state.
Moose Adventures (Limited Access)
The moose season runs from October 18 through October 26, 2025. However, this is strictly a permit-only opportunity. The state’s lottery system for moose permits ensures careful management of this majestic species. Applications typically become available in the spring, so mark your calendar to apply early if you hope to participate in this limited opportunity.
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, and Youth Opportunities
New Hampshire divides turkey opportunities into several distinct seasons:
Spring Season
The spring gobbler season runs from May 1 to May 31, 2025, when the woods come alive with the sound of gobbling toms. This period provides excellent opportunities for both shotgun and bow hunters to harvest a bearded bird.
Youth Weekend
Before the regular spring season opens, young sportspeople (ages 15 and under) accompanied by licensed adult mentors can participate in the special youth weekend on April 26-27, 2025. It’s an excellent chance for experienced adults to pass along their knowledge to the next generation.
Fall Opportunities
For autumn turkey pursuits, New Hampshire offers both archery and shotgun options:
- Archery: September 15 through December 15, 2025 (WMUs B-M); September 15 through September 8, 2025 (WMU A)
- Shotgun: Currently pending the rulemaking process and limited to specific Wildlife Management Units (D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M)
🦊 Furbearer Regulations
The Granite State provides opportunities for furbearer management from September through March, though specific dates vary by species and region. These seasons are carefully regulated to ensure sustainable populations while addressing nuisance and damage concerns. Whether you’re interested in fox, coyote, beaver, or other furbearers, consulting the complete NH Hunting and Trapping Digest (published each August) is essential for the most current rules.
🐿️ Small Game & Upland Bird Opportunities
Pheasant Season
Pheasant enthusiasts can enjoy an extended season running from October 1 through December 31, 2025. These birds are stocked in specific locations throughout the state to provide quality recreational opportunities.
Other Small Game
Various small game species, including rabbit, hare, grouse, and squirrel, are available from September through March, with specific regulations for each species. These pursuits offer excellent ways to extend your outdoor adventures throughout the fall and winter months.
🦆 Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons in New Hampshire typically run from September through January, with specific dates varying by species and zone. The state follows federal frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service while adapting them to local migration patterns and habitat conditions.
Duck, goose, and other migratory bird regulations are typically finalized in late summer each year, so be sure to check the most current Hunting Digest for specific details on bag limits, zones, and required stamps.
🗺️ 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:
- Maine Hunting Seasons
- Vermont Hunting Seasons
- Massachusetts Hunting Seasons
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!
