New Hampshire Hunting Licenses
Getting New Hampshire hunting licenses is a requirement to engage in the sport of hunting in any authorized location in the state. Hunting permits are regulated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG). Documents must be kept on the holder’s person at all times while out on a hunting trip. Licenses to hunt are categorized by certain factors such as the applicant’s age, residency status, the type of game the applicant plans to hunt and how long the applicant would like the license to be valid. The NHFG has many types of hunting licenses from which both nonresidents and residents may choose. The types of licenses available include those for hunters who trap, practice archery or use muzzleloaders to catch their game. Avid hunters who also enjoy angling will find the combination hunting and fishing license to be to their liking, as it allows the holder to also engage in freshwater fishing for one fee. Other types of NH hunting licenses include those that are classified by the species of game hunted. The Granite State is home to plentiful pheasant, wild turkey and bear, among others. New Hampshire hunting licenses may only be obtained by those who have completed a hunter education course. This requirement must be fulfilled by hunters of all ages and skill levels in order to apply for a hunting license. Completing a hunter education course is easy, as an online option is offered in addition to the traditional classroom format. To find out more about how to get hunting licenses in New Hampshire, read through the topics covered below:
- Types of hunting licenses in New Hampshire
- How to buy hunting licenses in New Hampshire
- Hunter education in New Hampshire
- Replacing hunting licenses in New Hampshire
Hunting Related Topics
What types of hunting licenses are available in New Hampshire?
The NHFG Department offers hunting licenses in a variety of categories to both residents and non-residents alike. Features that may factor into your decision include the length of validity of the hunting permit, the type of animal you plan to hunt and your choice of weaponry.
Seniors 68 years of age and older can purchase some of the main types of hunting licenses and packages at a special rate. Senior hunting and freshwater fishing combination licenses, senior archery and senior muzzleloader hunting licenses are all available for qualifying applicants.
As for types of licenses based upon the form of weapon used, hunting licenses for muzzleloaders and bowhunters are sold separately. Special licenses designated for archery deer hunting are also available. Finally, trapper licenses are sold, which allow individuals to trap furbearing animals.
Permits to hunt game such as bear, turkey and migratory waterfowl are issued annually. Both annual and three-day small game hunting licenses can be purchased as well. The remaining types of New Hampshire hunting license options include:
- Hunting/freshwater fishing combination licenses.
- Archery hunting licenses.
- Pheasant hunting licenses.
- Small game hunting licenses.
One species of game that is available to hunt in New Hampshire that is not mentioned above is moose. Moose hunting permits are issued on a limited basis. Only applicants who have been selected in the lottery drawing may obtain a license to hunt moose.
How do I purchase hunting licenses in New Hampshire?
Buying hunting licenses in New Hampshire requires that you complete the application process through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The NHFG offers multiple options for buying hunting licenses. Applicants may purchase hunting credentials online, in person and by mail.
Online applicants may print their hunting license directly from the web-based portal site upon completing their purchase. Mail-in hunting license applications are also available online. Users must download, fill out and print the application form and send it to the designated address.
To be eligible for a hunting permit in New Hampshire, you must meet certain hunter safety requirements. You may also be required to submit certain documentation during the application process.
Am I required to take any hunting classes in order to purchase a New Hampshire hunting license?
All NH hunting license applicants must complete a hunter education course prior to receiving their hunting permit. Applicants who have completed their requirement through another state may proceed with their hunting license application process with their current credential. The NHFG offers a variety of course options for prospective hunters, including a hunter education course and a trapper education course. Basic hunter education courses are offered both online and in person. Both formats of the hunter education course include curriculum in bow hunting as well as firearms.
The traditional classroom hunter education course is taught by trained instructors. Experienced hunters volunteer their time to teach students the practical application of standardized hunting principles. Both resident and nonresident hunting license applicants are eligible. Online hunter education courses are open to New Hampshire state residents 15 years of age and older. Participants are required to attend an in-person field day following the completion of their online lessons to complete their certification.
Trapper education is specifically for teaching students how to harvest furbearing animals responsibly. The trapper education course takes place in a classroom setting as well as outdoors. To gain certification to trap, students must score a 70 percent or higher on the final written examination.
Hunter education courses are designed to help future hunters get used to the conditions they will face during a hunt, while also teaching them how to stay safe and ethical. Topics discussed include: safe gun handling, hunter responsibilities, hunter ethics and firearms/ammunition knowledge.
How do I replace a lost New Hampshire hunting license?
In the event that a hunting permit holder has his or her document lost, stolen or damaged, he or she can purchase a duplicate hunting license through the NHFG department. To do so, visit the license agent where the original credential was purchased and request a hunting license replacement. Applicants can also get a duplicate license online if their original was purchased online. The Fish and Game department’s headquarters office issues hunting license duplicates for applicants, no matter where the original was purchased.