New Hampshire Hunting Laws

What makes land legally posted in New Hampshire?

Landowners can post land against hunting or trespass with durable signs in block letters at least 2 inches tall, showing the owner's or lessee's name and address. Signs go no more than 100 yards apart on all sides and at gates, bars and commonly used entrances. Unposted land is not off-limits under the posting law, but knowingly entering any place without permission is still trespass.

Landowners who post against hunting may lose eligibility for the state wildlife damage program unless they post only near buildings or post 'Hunting by Permission Only' (RSA 207:22-a).

Source: RSA 635:4 · official source

Does New Hampshire have a purple paint law?

New Hampshire's posting statute provides only for signs, not paint marks. Purple paint is not a recognized way to post land.

Source: RSA 635:4 · official source

Do you need written permission to hunt private land in New Hampshire?

Hunting itself does not require written permission. Written permission is required for certain activities on someone else's land: baiting (signed permit filed with Fish and Game), tree stands that damage trees or use screw-in steps, pit blinds, and cutting trees. You must carry the written permission in the field.

Portable tree stands that don't damage trees may be placed on another's land Aug 1-Dec 31 and Apr 25-Jun 1 (RSA 207:36-a, VI). Game cameras on another's private land need consent or a 'Game Cameras Allowed' sign (RSA 207:63).

Source: RSA 207:36-a; RSA 207:3-d, II; Fis 1102.10 · official source

What is the penalty for hunting trespass in New Hampshire?

Knowingly entering land posted under the legal sign requirements, or staying after being told to leave, is criminal trespass and a misdemeanor. Other criminal trespass is a violation. Trespass that causes more than $1,500 in damage can be a felony for repeat offenders.

Posted land is 'secured premises' under RSA 635:2, V.

Source: RSA 635:2 · official source

How close to a house can you hunt in New Hampshire?

You may not fire a gun or air rifle (.22 caliber or larger) while hunting, or shoot a bow or crossbow, within 300 feet of a permanently occupied dwelling. The exception is if you have permission from the dwelling's owner or occupant, or from the owner of the land you are shooting from.

Violation for an individual. Also: no bait within 300 feet of a dwelling or public road, path or trail (RSA 207:3-d, V).

Source: RSA 207:3-a · official source

Can you hunt from or near a road in New Hampshire?

You may not shoot a gun, bow, air rifle or crossbow from within 15 feet of the traveled portion of, or across, any class I-V highway. Shooting from or across the right-of-way of listed major highways (I-93, I-89, I-95, the Everett and Spaulding Turnpikes, and others) is also banned. Taking wildlife from a motor vehicle is illegal.

Loaded rifles or shotguns and cocked crossbows may not be carried in a moving vehicle (RSA 207:7, II).

Source: RSA 207:3-c; RSA 207:7 · official source

What are legal shooting hours in New Hampshire?

Deer may be taken from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Taking any wild bird or animal outside those hours is generally illegal night hunting.

Source: Fis 301.03(b); RSA 208:8 · official source

What are the blaze orange requirements in New Hampshire?

Hunter orange is recommended but not required in New Hampshire. The law suggests an orange hat, vest or similar item visible from all sides at 200 feet for anyone hunting with a firearm or bow (except waterfowl hunters).

Source: RSA 207:38-b · official source

Is night hunting legal in New Hampshire?

Taking wildlife between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise is a misdemeanor. So is using a light at night to find wildlife while you have a weapon. Using a light to locate wildlife from September 1 through December 31 is a violation even without a weapon.

Exceptions: the coyote night season set by rule (RSA 208:1-e), raccoon hunting, checking traps, and limited moose viewing in Coos County. Convicted night hunters forfeit their guns and lights.

Source: RSA 208:8; RSA 208:8-a · official source

Do you need a hunting license to hunt your own land in New Hampshire?

Yes. Resident landowners don't need a hunting license on their own land. Their children under 16 are also exempt when accompanied on that land by the owner or another licensed adult 18+.

Nonresident landowners are not covered. Any hunter under 16 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult 18+.

Source: RSA 214:2, I · official source

Who needs hunter education in New Hampshire?

There is no birth-date cutoff. Every first-time hunting license buyer must show a hunter education certificate or proof of a prior hunting license. Archery license buyers separately need bowhunter education or a prior archery license.

Courses from other states, provinces and countries are accepted. A hunting license does not count as proof for an archery license, and an archery license does not count for a hunting license.

Source: RSA 214:23-a · official source

Is Sunday hunting legal in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has no statewide Sunday hunting restriction. Hunting is allowed every day of the open season.

Special island deer permits (Governors Island and Long Island) restrict weekend hunting until after October 31.

Source: official source

Is it legal to bait deer in New Hampshire?

Deer baiting is legal with a free baiting permit. On someone else's land you need the owner's signed permission, filed with Fish and Game along with a map of the site. The deer bait season runs from 21 days before the firearm season to the third Wednesday in November in WMUs A-L, and September 15-December 15 in WMU M.

No bait within 300 feet of a dwelling or public road, path or trail. No baiting from April 15 to August 31. Turkey baiting is prohibited.

Source: RSA 207:3-d; Fis 307.01; Fis 307.03 · official source

Can you use a crossbow during archery season in New Hampshire?

Partly. Any archery licensee may use a crossbow during archery deer season in WMUs D2W, G1, G2, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L and M. Statewide, hunters 68 or older and permanently disabled crossbow-permit holders may use one in archery season. Anyone may use a crossbow during the muzzleloader and regular firearm seasons.

Youth under 16 may use crossbows during youth deer weekend.

Source: Fis 301.03(d)(3); RSA 208:7-a; RSA 207:10-c · official source

Can you use a drone to scout or recover game in New Hampshire?

You may not use a drone to take wildlife, locate or surveil it for hunting, relay its location to hunters, or drive or harass it. Using a drone to video lawful hunters without their written consent is also illegal.

Source: Fis 312.02; RSA 207:57 · official source

Are trail cameras restricted in New Hampshire?

Game cameras, including cellular ones, are legal for scouting. However, you may not take an animal on the same calendar day you remotely viewed an image of it from a camera in that area. On someone else's private land you need consent or a posted 'Game Cameras Allowed' sign, and every camera must be labeled with the owner's name and contact information.

No landowner permission is needed on state or municipal land, but labeling still applies. Permission expires December 31. Violation: up to $125 per offense.

Source: RSA 207:63 · official source

Is a landowner liable if someone gets hurt hunting on their land in New Hampshire?

Yes. Landowners owe no duty to keep land safe or to warn of hazards for people hunting or doing other outdoor recreation, and giving permission does not make the user an invitee. Owners who allow free recreational use are not liable for injury unless intentionally caused.

Protection does not cover willful or malicious failure to warn, or land used for a fee.

Source: RSA 212:34; RSA 508:14 · official source