Unlock the Great Outdoors
Why limit yourself to public land when there are millions of acres of private land to explore.
Hunting in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Hunting at Glance
New Hampshire is a state rich in history and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for hunters from all over the country. The state offers a variety of hunting opportunities, from small game to big game, making it a great place to pursue your passion for hunting.
New Hampshire ranks #28 in the nation for hunting license per capita and has a strong hunting culture with over 4.1% of the population classified as registered hunters.
Key Insights
- New Hampshire is a popular hunting destination in the US.
- The most common type of hunting in New Hampshire is deer hunting, though bear, moose, and small game hunting are also popular.
- Popular small game animals to hunt in New Hampshire include squirrel, rabbit, grouse, pheasant, and quail.
- Big game animals that can be hunted in New Hampshire include moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, and coyote.
- Hunters in New Hampshire must possess a valid hunting license and follow state regulations on hunting seasons, bag limits, and methods of hunting.
Table of Contents
Hunters (Based on Hunting Licenses)
| Population: | 1,377,529 |
|---|---|
| Hunters | 56,479 |
| Hunter % | 4.10% |
| Hunters Rank | 28 |
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5,740,200 | ||
| Huntable Public | 991,000 | 17.26% | 14 |
| Private Land | 4,831,790 | 84.17% | 31 |
| Tribal Land | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
New Hampshire ranks #31 for the percentage of private land vs total acres and doesn’t have any tribal land.
New Hampshire Hunting Seasons & Requirements
For the most accurate information on New Hampshire Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the New Hampshire DNR. We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.
New Hampshire DNR
11 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
- (603) 271-3421
Popular Game to Hunt in New Hampshire
The most common type of hunting in New Hampshire is deer hunting. The state is home to a large population of whitetail deer, making it a popular destination for hunters looking to bag a trophy buck. Other common types of hunting in New Hampshire include bear hunting, moose hunting, and small game hunting.
Small Game Hunting in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a popular destination for hunters, thanks to its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes. The most popular game animals in the state are squirrel, rabbit, grouse, pheasant, and quail. Each species offers its own unique challenges, and hunters can often find great success by targeting one or more of these animals. Squirrels, for instance, are known for their speed and agility, making them a difficult but rewarding target. Rabbits, on the other hand, are relatively easy to spot but can be tricky to hit due to their small size. Grouse are prized by many hunters for their distinct call and their beautiful plumage, while pheasant and quail offer a delicious meal for those lucky enough to bag them. Whatever your preference, there is sure to be a small game animal that will suit your fancy in New Hampshire.
Big Game Hunting in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a variety of big game animals. The most popular species to hunt are moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, and coyote. Each of these animals offers a unique challenge, and all can be found in abundance in New Hampshire. Moose are the largest of the big game animals, and can weigh up to 1,600 pounds. They are mostly found in the northern part of the state, and are most active in the early morning and evening hours. White-tailed deer are the most populous big game animal in New Hampshire, and can be found in every county. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and are a popular target for hunters looking for trophy animals. Black bear are found throughout New Hampshire, but are most common in the southern and central parts of the state. They are opportunistic feeders, and will eat just about anything they can find. Bobcat are relatively small compared to other big game animals, but can be found in all parts of New Hampshire. They are most active at night, making them a challenging target for hunters. Coyote are also found throughout the state, but are most common in the eastern part of the state.
Unlock the profits in your land
The hassle free way to monetize your acreage.
Where are the Best Areas to Hunt in New Hampshire
The best place to hunt in New Hampshire depends on what type of animal you’re hoping to harvest. For deer hunters, the White Mountains region is a popular destination, as it offers a large number of deer. For bear hunters, the Great North Woods region is a good option, as it’s home to a healthy population of black bears. And for moose hunters, the Northern Region is the best bet, as it has the highest concentration of moose in the state.
Unlock the Great Outdoors
We’re working with landowners all across New Hampshire to provide private land access for more activities. Add your information below to stay up to date.
Popular Public Hunting Land in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to many beautiful state parks and wildlife refuges that offer excellent opportunities for hunting. Bear Brook State Park, for example, is a popular spot for bear hunting, as well as for deer and moose. The Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is also a great place to hunt waterfowl, including ducks and geese. Hampton Beach State Park is a popular destination for saltwater fishing, as well as for hunting deer, bear, and other game. And Pawtuckaway State Park is well known for its excellent hiking and camping opportunities, as well as for its abundance of whitetail deer. Finally, Umbagog Lake State Park is a great place to hunt black bear, as well as to fish for bass, trout, and other species.
1. Bear Brook State Park
2. Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge
3. Hampton Beach State Park
4. Pawtuckaway State Park
5. Umbagog Lake State Park
Hunting Private Land in New Hampshire
Since the majority of New Hampshire is private land getting access for hunting can be very appealing. When you hunt private land, it’s not only less crowded, the animals also tend to be less skittish and this means you’ll have a better day out in the field. Traditionally, accessing private land for hunting has been complicated and expensive. You either needed to join a club, hire a guide, or start knocking on doors.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying this for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some options great below.