New Hampshire 2026-2027 Hunting Zones & Seasons – Deer to Bear
If you’re gearing up for a fall or winter pursuit in the Granite State, you’ve landed in the right place. This guide pulls together everything you need for the 2026–2027 New Hampshire game season — verified dates straight from NH Fish & Game, tag and license costs, Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) zones, and species-specific rules that can make or break your trip afield. Whether you’re chasing a big whitetail through the White Mountains, waiting on a tom gobbler in May, or running a duck blind along Great Bay, it’s all here. Bookmark this page and check back — regulations can shift, and staying current keeps you legal and in the field.
🗺️ New Hampshire Hunting Season Overview 2026–2027
The Granite State continues to offer some of New England’s most diverse opportunities for sportsmen and women. NH Fish & Game has confirmed 2026 dates for most major species, including notable details worth knowing before you pack the truck:
- Firearm deer opener is November 11, 2026 — mark that Wednesday now.
- Moose permits are extremely limited — only 35 either-sex permits were issued statewide for the Oct. 17–25, 2026 window.
- Crossbows are now legal during archery deer season (new rule from 2025–26).
- All harvested furbearers taken by hunting must be registered online within 24 hours — a new requirement introduced in 2025 that’s still in effect.
- Fall turkey shotgun dates are restricted to select WMUs only (D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M).
- The additional bear tag in the White Mountains region (WMUs C1, D2, E, F) is still available, giving serious bear hunters a second shot.
If you hunt multiple states across New England, it’s worth checking out Connecticut, Maine, or Vermont hunting season guides for cross-border planning since season windows often overlap in the Northeast corridor.
📋 Quick-Reference Summary Table – Key Species 2026–2027
| Species | Open Date | Close Date | Primary Method | Tag/Permit Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🦌 White-tailed Deer (Archery) | Sept. 15, 2026 | Dec. 15, 2026 | Bow/Crossbow | Archery License |
| 🦌 White-tailed Deer (Firearms) | Nov. 11, 2026 | Dec. 6, 2026 | Rifle/Shotgun | Hunting License |
| 🦌 White-tailed Deer (Muzzleloader) | Oct. 31, 2026 | Nov. 10, 2026 | Muzzleloader | Muzzleloader License |
| 🐗 Black Bear | Sept. 1, 2026 | Nov. 30, 2026 | Varies by WMU | Bear License |
| 🫎 Moose | Oct. 17, 2026 | Oct. 25, 2026 | Firearms | Lottery Permit |
| 🦃 Turkey (Spring Gobbler) | May 1, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Shotgun/Bow | Turkey Permit |
| 🦃 Turkey (Fall Shotgun) | Oct. 12, 2026 | Oct. 18, 2026 | Shotgun | Turkey Permit |
| 🦆 Ducks (Northern Zone) | Oct. 2, 2026 | Nov. 30, 2026 | Shotgun | Waterfowl + Federal Stamp |
| 🐦 Ruffed Grouse | Oct. 1, 2026 | Dec. 31, 2026 | Shotgun | Hunting License |
| 🐦 American Woodcock | Oct. 1, 2026 | Nov. 14, 2026 | Shotgun | HIP Permit |
| 🐇 Snowshoe Hare | Oct. 1, 2026 | Mar. 31, 2027 | Shotgun | Hunting License |
| 🐿️ Gray Squirrel | Sept. 1, 2026 | Jan. 31, 2027 | Shotgun/Rifle | Hunting License |
| 🐺 Coyote | No closed season | — | Shotgun/Rifle | Hunting License |
🦌 Big Game — Deer, Bear & Moose
White-tailed Deer
Deer are the backbone of Granite State big-game culture, and the 2026 structure offers three distinct pursuit windows.
Archery Season:
- WMU A: Sept. 15 – Dec. 8, 2026 (closes one week early)
- WMUs B–M: Sept. 15 – Dec. 15, 2026
- Crossbow is now legal during archery season statewide
Youth Deer Weekend (Statewide): October 24–25, 2026
Muzzleloader Season (Oct. 31 – Nov. 10, 2026):
| WMUs | Any-Deer Window | Antlered-Only Window |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C1, C2, D1 | — | Oct. 31 – Nov. 10 |
| D2E, E | Oct. 31 only | Nov. 1 – Nov. 10 |
| F, G2, I2 | Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 | Nov. 2 – Nov. 10 |
| I1 | Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 | Nov. 3 – Nov. 10 |
| H1, H2, J1, J2, K | Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 | Nov. 4 – Nov. 10 |
| D2W | Oct. 31 – Nov. 4 | Nov. 5 – Nov. 10 |
| G1 | Oct. 31 – Nov. 5 | Nov. 6 – Nov. 10 |
| L, M | Oct. 31 – Nov. 10 | — (any deer full window) |
Firearms Season (Opens Nov. 11, 2026):
| WMUs | Any-Deer Window | Antlered-Only Runs Through |
|---|---|---|
| A | Nov. 11 only | Nov. 12 – Nov. 29 (closes early) |
| B, C1, C2, D1 | Nov. 11 only | Nov. 12 – Dec. 6 |
| D2E, E, F, G2, I2 | Nov. 11–12 | Nov. 13 – Dec. 6 |
| I1 | Nov. 11–13 | Nov. 14 – Dec. 6 |
| J1, K | Nov. 11–14 | Nov. 15 – Dec. 6 |
| H1, H2, J2 | Nov. 11–15 | Nov. 16 – Dec. 6 |
| D2W, G1 | Nov. 11–16 | Nov. 17 – Dec. 6 |
| L, M | Nov. 11–22 | Nov. 23 – Dec. 6 |
Special Antlerless Permits: 3,500 permits in WMU L and 4,000 permits in WMU M.
Baiting: Allowed Oct. 21 – Nov. 18 in WMUs A–L; Sept. 15 – Dec. 15 in WMU M (additional restrictions apply).
⚠️ Online deer registration is unavailable the first 2–3 days of muzzleloader and firearm seasons — use an in-person registration station during those windows.
🐗 Black Bear
NH’s bear population is healthiest in the central part of the state and through the White Mountains corridor. Three pursuit methods are available — general (stalking), baiting, and dog season.
- General Season: Sept. 1 – Nov. 10, 2026 (most WMUs); through Nov. 30 in WMU M
- Baiting Season: Sept. 1 – Sept. 28 in WMU M; dates vary by WMU elsewhere
- Bear License required for all ages; hunters 16+ also need a base Hunting or Archery license
- An Additional Bear Tag is available for WMUs C1, D2E, D2W, E, F (White Mountains region)
- Bears must be registered at an official station or with a Conservation Officer within 24 hours of harvest
🫎 Moose
Moose are permit-only — full stop. The 2026 window is short and slots are tight.
- Season Dates: October 17–25, 2026
- Total Permits Issued: 35 either-sex statewide
- Lottery applications typically open in late January; the 2026 drawing was held June 19
- Application fees: Resident $15 / Nonresident $25
- No permits issued in several WMUs due to ongoing population management
🦃 Turkey Season
Spring Season
- Youth Turkey Weekend: April 25–26, 2026 (Statewide)
- Spring Gobbler: May 1–31, 2026 (Statewide, ends at noon daily)
- Legal methods: Shotgun (28 ga. and .410 only usable with archery license), archery
Fall Turkey
- Fall Archery (WMU A): Sept. 15 – Dec. 8, 2026
- Fall Archery (WMUs B–M): Sept. 15 – Dec. 15, 2026
- Fall Shotgun: Oct. 12–18, 2026 — restricted to WMUs D2, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M only
🎟️ A Wild Turkey Permit (spring and fall combined) is required: Resident $16 / Nonresident $31
🦊 Furbearers Season
These dates reflect the 2026–2027 season for hunting-method take. All furbearers harvested by hunting must be registered online within 24 hours.
- 🐺 Coyote: No closed season. Night hunting permitted Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2027 (shotgun, .22 rimfire, muzzleloader, or archery only; lights allowed but NOT from a motor vehicle). Electronic calls are legal.
- 🦦 Fisher: Dec. 1, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 (2-animal statewide combined bag limit — hunting + trapping combined); fisher must be sealed and lower jaw submitted
- 🦝 Fox (Red & Gray), Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk: Sept. 1, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2027
- 🦦 Mink, Muskrat, Weasel: Oct. 15, 2026 – Apr. 10, 2027 (WMUs A–F); Nov. 1, 2026 – Apr. 10, 2027 (WMUs G–M)
- 🚫 Bobcat, Lynx, Pine Marten: CLOSED statewide
⚠️ A Small Game license alone does not authorize furbearer pursuit — a regular Hunting, Combination, or Archery license is required.
🐦 Upland Birds Season
NH’s upland bird opportunities are modest but rewarding, especially for ruffed grouse and woodcock in mixed hardwood cover.
| Species | Season Dates | WMUs | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse 🍂 | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 | All | 4 | No limit |
| American Woodcock 🐦 | Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 | Statewide | 3 | 9 |
| Ring-necked Pheasant 🐔 | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 | All | 2 | 10 (season) |
| Youth Pheasant Weekend | Sept. 26–27, 2026 | All | 2 | 10 |
| Quail, Chukar, Partridge | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 | All | 4 | No limit |
🎟️ Pheasant License required ($31 resident / $31 nonresident) for hunters 16+. Pheasant season is closed statewide until 2 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays (safety rule). Woodcock requires a HIP permit (free).
🐇 Upland Animals Season
| Species | Season Dates | WMUs | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit 🐇 | Oct. 1 – Mar. 15, 2027 | H2, K, L, M only | 4 |
| Snowshoe Hare 🐇 | Oct. 1 – Mar. 31, 2027 | A–D2, E, F, G, J1 | 3 |
| Snowshoe Hare 🐇 | Oct. 1 – Mar. 31, 2027 | H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M | 2 |
| Gray Squirrel 🐿️ | Sept. 1, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 | All WMUs | 5 |
Note: Some areas are closed to cottontail rabbit hunting. Check the NH Fish & Game closed-area map before heading out.
🦆 Migratory Birds & Waterfowl Season
Ducks, Mergansers & Coots
NH waterfowl dates are set in coordination with the Atlantic Flyway Council and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The 2026–2027 framework is confirmed.
| Zone | Duck Season | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Zone | Oct. 2 – Nov. 30, 2026 | 6/day, 18 possession |
| Inland & CT River Zone | Oct. 13 – Nov. 11, 2026 AND Nov. 25 – Dec. 24, 2026 | 6/day, 18 possession |
| Coastal Zone | Oct. 6 – Oct. 12, 2026 AND Nov. 26 – Jan. 17, 2027 | 6/day, 18 possession |
Merganser dates follow the same framework as ducks (bag limit: 5/day, 15 possession — in addition to the duck bag). Coots follow duck dates (15/day, 45 possession).
Special Duck Restrictions (all zones): No more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup per day. Harlequin duck season is closed.
🪿 Geese Season
- Canada Geese (Early Season): Sept. 1–25, 2026 — Statewide | Bag: 5/day
- Canada Geese (Regular): Same dates as ducks by zone | Bag: 2/day
- Snow Geese: Same dates as ducks | Bag: 25/day (no possession limit)
- Brant: Oct. 2–31 (Northern Zone); Oct. 13–Nov. 11 (Inland/CT River); Oct. 6–12 and Nov. 26–Dec. 18 (Coastal) | Bag: 1/day
🦆 Other Waterfowl
- Sea Ducks (eider, scoters, long-tailed duck, bufflehead, common goldeneye): Dates same as ducks by zone | Bag: 4/day (sea ducks are part of the general duck bag)
- Youth Waterfowl Weekend: Sept. 26–27, 2026 — Statewide (same bag limits as regular)
- Veteran & Active Military Weekend: Jan. 23–24, 2027 — Statewide (same limits; proof of eligibility required on person)
- Falconry (Ducks, Mergansers, Coots): Dec. 1 – Jan. 12, 2027 (Northern Zone); Nov. 12–24 and Dec. 25 – Jan. 23 (Inland/CT River); Jan. 27 – Mar. 10 (Coastal)
🎟️ Waterfowl hunters 16+ need: NH Hunting or Combination license + NH Migratory Waterfowl license ($11) + Federal Duck Stamp (purchase at duckstamp.com) + HIP permit number. Non-toxic shot is mandatory. Firearms must be plugged to 3 shells.
🐦 Other Small Game & Migratory Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Snipe 🐦 | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, 2026 | 8/day, 24 possession | HIP permit required |
| American Woodcock | Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, 2026 | 3/day, 9 possession | HIP permit required |
| Crow 🪶 | Aug. 15 – Nov. 30, 2026 AND Mar. 16–31, 2027 | No limit | No plug or non-toxic shot required |
🗺️ Game Units & Public Access
New Hampshire is divided into 13 primary Wildlife Management Units (WMUs A through M), with several sub-units (C1, C2, D1, D2E, D2W, G1, G2, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2). Unit boundaries track county lines, major rivers, and geographic features.
🔗 New Hampshire WMU Interactive Maps — NH Fish & Game
Access rules are hunter-friendly: The default rule in NH is that all state, federal, municipal, county, and private land is open to hunting unless posted against it. State parks, state forests, and NH Fish & Game-managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are almost universally open. The Connecticut Lakes region (far north, WMU A) is particularly popular for deer, bear, and moose country.
For neighboring state comparisons — say you’re also planning a trip south — the New York hunting season guide is a useful benchmark for Northeast big-game frameworks.
🎟️ License & Permit Fees 2026–2027
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting | $32.00 | $113.00 |
| Archery | $32.00 | $83.00 |
| Hunting + Fishing Combo | $56.00 | $151.00 |
| Muzzleloader | $16.00 | $41.00 |
| Black Bear | $16.00 | $48.00 |
| Additional Bear Tag | $16.00 | $48.00 |
| Wild Turkey Permit | $16.00 | $31.00 |
| Pheasant | $31.00 | $31.00 |
| Migratory Waterfowl | $11.00 | $11.00 |
| Small Game (nonresident only) | N/A | $53.00 |
| Small Game 3-day (nonresident only) | N/A | $25.00 |
| Senior Archery | $3.00 | N/A |
| Senior Muzzleloader | $3.00 | N/A |
| Special Deer Archery | $26.00 | $26.00 |
| Moose Permit Application | $15.00 | $25.00 |
💡 All licenses are subject to a $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee (not included above) plus a $2.00 transaction fee ($2.75 online). Full-time students attending NH schools may purchase nonresident licenses at resident rates. Apprentice Hunting Licenses are available at the same price as regular licenses — great for first-timers heading out with a licensed mentor.
❓ FAQ – Granite State Game Regulations
Q: Do I need a tag for deer in New Hampshire?
A: There is no separate “tag” system for standard deer — your archery, muzzleloader, or firearm license serves as your authorization. Antlerless deer require a special permit (lottery-based in WMUs L and M). You must register your deer at an in-person station or via the online portal after harvest.
Q: Can I hunt public land without special permission?
A: Yes. The general rule is that unposted land — including most state forests, WMAs, and federal lands like White Mountain National Forest — is open. Always verify current postings and check for any unit-specific closures on the NH Fish & Game site before your trip.
Q: Is night hunting legal in New Hampshire?
A: Only for coyote, and only Jan. 1 – March 31. Lights are permitted but not from a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or OHRV. Written landowner permission filed with the local conservation officer is mandatory for night coyote hunting. All other species are restricted to one-half hour before sunrise through one-half hour after sunset.
Q: Can youth hunters participate without a regular license?
A: Yes. NH offers dedicated youth weekends for deer (Oct. 24–25) and pheasant (Sept. 26–27), and the youth turkey weekend (April 25–26). Youth pheasant hunters don’t need a pheasant license, though the accompanying adult does.
Q: Do I need a Federal Duck Stamp for waterfowl?
A: Absolutely — all waterfowl hunters aged 16+ must carry a signed Federal Duck Stamp. Post offices frequently run out, so order directly at duckstamp.com to avoid last-minute scrambles.
Q: What’s new for furbearers in 2026–2027?
A: The mandatory online harvest registration rule — introduced in 2025 — remains in effect. Within 24 hours of taking any furbearer by hunting, you must complete an online report and record the confirmation number on your license. Fisher also require physical sealing and lower jaw submission.
🎒 Prepare for Your New Hampshire Hunt
A few things specific to hunting in the Granite State that deserve a direct mention before you head out:
The WMU A deer season closes a full week earlier than the rest of the state — both in archery (Dec. 8 vs. Dec. 15) and in firearms (Nov. 29 vs. Dec. 6). If you’re hunting the far north, plan your final-week trip carefully so you don’t get caught in an unintentional violation. Similarly, online deer registration goes dark for the first 2–3 days of both muzzleloader and firearm openers, so know your nearest physical registration station before you leave the driveway.
For bear hunters eyeing a second tag, the White Mountains Additional Bear Tag (WMUs C1, D2E, D2W, E, F) can be purchased independently and at any time — you don’t have to buy it alongside your main bear license. That flexibility is genuinely useful if the primary draw turns cold early.
NH’s fall shotgun turkey dates (Oct. 12–18) are geographically restricted. If your usual property sits in WMU B, C, or D1, fall turkey by shotgun isn’t an option — but fall archery is statewide through mid-December, so a recurve or compound fills that gap nicely.
Finally, waterfowl hunters working the Coastal Zone get a longer overall season with two split windows running into mid-January — one of the better sea duck setups in New England. Great Bay and the Hampton/Seabrook area are legendary for their eider and scoter concentrations. Just don’t forget that non-toxic shot is non-negotiable, and the firearm plug rule is federally enforced, not just a state courtesy.
Check the official NH Fish & Game regulations at wildlife.nh.gov for any last-minute rule updates before the season opens. Conditions on the ground — and rulemaking processes — can shift between press time and opening day.
Good luck out there. The Granite State rewards the prepared hunter. 🦌
