New Hampshire Bow Hunting: Seasons, Lands & Rules
Preliminary Guide — Pending Official Verification
Some season dates, license fees, and regulation details for New Hampshire are pending final verification against official New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) publications. Always consult official state regulations before hunting.
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
[TODO: Verify 2026 NH date - typically Sept 15]
Archery Season Close
[TODO: Verify 2026 NH date - typically Dec 15 (Dec 8 in WMU A)]
Min Draw Weight
[TODO: Verify NHFG draw weight requirement - typically 40 lbs]
Resident License
$32/yr [TODO: Verify NH resident hunting license and archery permit fees]
Non-Resident License
$113/yr [TODO: Verify non-resident license and archery fees]
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Moose
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
White Mountain National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear
Massive federal public forest offering rugged wilderness valleys and mountain hardwood benches.
Bear Brook State Park
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
Southern NH park in WMU K/L with extensive trail systems and rolling oak-pine forest.
Nash Stream Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear
North Country wilderness tract with managed timber stands, spruce-fir flats, and low hunting pressure.
⚖️ New Hampshire Archery Regulations
- •Archery permit: Separate archery permit required in addition to basic hunting license [TODO: Verify NHFG permit rules]
- •Minimum draw weight: 40 lbs for deer, bear, and moose [TODO: Verify equipment specs]
- •Broadheads: Must have at least two sharp cutting edges with a minimum 7/8 inch cutting width [TODO: Verify mechanical broadheads]
- •Tree stands on state lands: Tree stands on state-owned lands cannot damage trees and must be removed at season end [TODO: Verify labeling rules]
- •Harvest reporting: Mandatory deer registration at an official check station or online system within 24 hours [TODO: Verify NH online check-in]
💡 Expert Tips for New Hampshire
- →New Hampshire boasts a three-month archery season from September 15 to December 15; take advantage of the undisturbed October lull
- →Southern units (WMUs J2, K, L, M) hold significantly higher deer densities than the northern big woods
- →Scout oak ridges in early October; acorn mast drops dictate deer concentrations throughout central and southern NH
- →Combine bear hunting with deer hunting in September; NH permits bowhunters to harvest bear with the proper tag
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: [Pending Verification - TODO]
New Hampshire Bowhunting FAQ
How long is New Hampshire's archery deer season?
New Hampshire's archery season runs for three months, typically from September 15 through December 15 statewide (closing December 8 in northern WMU A), offering exceptional bowhunting opportunity.
Can I hunt with a crossbow during archery season in New Hampshire?
Crossbows are legal for all hunters during the regular archery season in New Hampshire with a Crossbow Permit or Archery License with crossbow option. Verify current NHFG rules.
Do I need a special permit to hunt White Mountain National Forest?
No special federal permit is needed; a valid New Hampshire hunting license and archery permit cover hunting across White Mountain National Forest.