N.H. HUNTING REPORT — September 23, 2010

Fall is here at last, and here’s a few updates on how the hunting seasons are going in N.H.

Hunting licenses and permits are available online, anytime, at http://www.greatlodge.com/nh or visit one of 240+ friendly New Hampshire license agents near you.

NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY — Don’t miss these FREE New Hampshire Events, both occurring this Saturday, September 25, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

*SPORTING EXPO at the N.H. Fish and Game Department in Concord, N.H. (11 Hazen Drive): Giant outdoor sporting expo featuring the latest hunting gear and accessories, plus archery, dog demos, duck and goose calling, taxidermy, fly-tying and more. Buy a ticket for a chance to win over 50 raffle prizes include a muzzleloader, sausage maker, pheasant hunt for two (raffle benefits the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of N.H.). Visit http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q3/NHFDay_Expo_091710.html.

*OPEN HOUSE AT OWL BROOK HUNTER EDUCATION CENTER in Holderness, N.H. (387 Perch Pond Road): Family friendly event with hands-on activities related to the shooting sports, hunting and trapping. Free raffle for firearms donated by Thompson Center Arms and Sturm Ruger, and free ice cream thanks to the Granite State Dairy Promotion. Visit http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q3/NHFDay_Owl_Br_091710.html

N.H. BEAR SEASON UPDATE
As of September 15, hunters have taken 213 bears (129 males, 84 females). Bait hunters have harvested 157 bears and still hunters/stalkers have taken 56 bears. Currently, this year’s harvest is generally consistent (down 5%) with the 5-year in-season average of 223 bears for this time period. The harvest is 42% below the 2009 tally at this point in the season. What this suggests is that we are on track with a more average bear season this fall as compared to 2009, according to bear biologist Andy Timmins.

Mast surveys and conversations with bear hunters indicate that most mast crops are spotty, but generally average in their production throughout the state. Production has been most notable for oak, and to a lesser extent apple, and mast appears generally available in most areas. The bait hunting portion of the season has ended in the Central, Southwest-1, Southwest-2 and Southeast regions. Baiting in the North and White Mountains regions ends on September 28. Additionally, the entire bear hunting season has ended in the Southwest-2 and Southeast regions. Find more on bear hunting in New Hampshire at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_bear.htm

YOUTH WATERFOWL WEEKEND – Sept. 25-26, 2010
New Hampshire’s Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend will be held statewide this weekend — Saturday, September 25; and Sunday, September 26, 2010. Youths must be 15 years of age or younger and accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years or older. The adult must possess a current hunting license but may not hunt. The daily bag limits during the youth weekend are the same as those allowed in the open season; however, since the first day of the youth hunt overlaps with the last day of the September Canada goose season in 2010, the bag limit for these geese is 5 on Saturday and drops to 2 on Sunday. More at http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q3/youth_waterfowl_090910.html

WATERFOWL SEASON DATES for New Hampshire are posted at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_waterfowl.htm

GET SET FOR PHEASANTS
Pheasant season gets underway on October 1. New Hampshire Fish and Game will release 13,500 pheasants, purchased exclusively with revenues from the sale of pheasant licenses, at 77 stocking sites in 48 towns. See the list of stocking locations at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_pheasant.htm.

SMALL GAME AND GROUSE HUNTERS – WIN A GUN!
Many small game seasons, including grouse and snowshoe hare, start on October 1. Woodcock season runs from Oct. 6 – Nov. 4. Small game hunters can help Fish and Game learn more about our small game species — and have a chance at winning a quality firearm — by reporting your hunting activities on the Small Game Survey (now available online) and/or the Ruffed Grouse Wing and Tail Survey, which is statewide this year. Learn more and download a Small Game Survey form at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_small_game.htm.

UNIT M SPECIAL DEER PERMITS
Up to 4,000 hunters will be able to purchase Special Antlerless Deer Permits for Unit M in southeastern New Hampshire this year, with the option to purchase one tag for $13 or two tags for $26 at the time of initial purchase. Unit M Antlerless permits MAY NOT be used in September. Follow the links at http://www.wildnh.com/Hunting/Special_Unit_M_permits.htm.

EXPANDED FALL SHOTGUN TURKEY SEASON:
Four additional Wildlife Management Units in the south and eastern parts of the state have been added to the five-day fall shotgun turkey season, which runs from October 11-15, 2010. Find a map and more about fall turkey hunting in New Hampshire at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm.

MOOSE SEASON
For 395 lucky hunters who got drawn in the moose hunt lottery, New Hampshire’s 9-day moose season gets underway October 16. We’ll keep you posted on the season results.

ARCHERY REMINDER
New Hampshire’s archery seasons for turkey and white-tailed deer opened on September 15. Archery hunters are reminded that, new for this year statewide, only ANTLERED deer may be taken by bow and arrow from September 15-30. From October 1 through the end of the archery season, deer of either sex may be taken with bow and arrow by properly licensed archers.

HELP RESTORE BARRY CONSERVATION CAMP
The push is on to renovate and re-open the N.H. Fish and Game Department’s summer camp in Berlin, N.H., where thousands of youth have had the chance to learn to hunt, fish, camp and appreciate nature. Donations are needed by December 2010. The last fall volunteer work session is this weekend — September 25-26, 2010. Check out the progress and see how you can help at http://www.wildnh.com/barrycamp.

The N.H. Hunting Report is produced monthly in-season by the N.H. Fish and Game Department. For more hunting information, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunting.htm

Reminder: Archery Deer Season Is Bucks-Only Sept. 15-30

CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire’s archery seasons for turkey and white-tailed deer open September 15. Archery hunters are reminded that, new for this year statewide, only ANTLERED deer may be taken by bow and arrow from September 15-30. From October 1 through the end of the archery season on December 15, deer of either sex may be taken with bow and arrow by properly licensed archers.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Deer Biologist Kent Gustafson explains the change: “The deer population in most of New Hampshire has decreased after a couple of bad winters beginning in 2007-2008. To help the herd recover more quickly, either-sex hunting days during the muzzleloader and firearm seasons were reduced for 2010 in many Wildlife Management Units. To have archery hunters also participate in the efforts to promote herd recovery, the September 15-30 portion of the 2010 archery season has been designated as antlered bucks only statewide.”

Since only antlered deer may be taken by archers from September 15-30, Special Unit M Antlerless-only Deer Permits may not be used in September. “We recognize that it might seem odd to restrict the take of antlerless deer in WMU M in September, since the whole point of the Special Unit M Deer Permits is to increase the antlerless kill to help stabilize the deer herd in that part of the state,” said Gustafson. “However, we felt it would be too confusing to have different season structures in just a single unit. Also keeping just Unit M open to archery hunting for antlerless deer might have caused an influx of hunters to the unit during September, which has previously resulted in landowner issues that ultimately work against the desire for a higher deer kill. It is our hope that more effort will be expended later in the season on antlerless deer in unit M to offset the somewhat shorter season.”

Other notes for archery hunters in WMU A:

* Archery hunting in WMU A is closed to turkey hunting.

* Archery hunting in WMU A ends 1 week early for deer hunters, concluding on December 8.

For more information on deer hunting and deer management in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.htm.

New Hampshire hunting licenses and permits can be purchased online anytime at http://www.huntnh.com.

Grouse Talk; Youth Waterfowl; Boat Ramps Close; Snowmobile Van Decals

The outlook for hunting New Hampshire’s premiere game bird, the ruffed grouse, is excellent this year. Learn more about grouse hunting at a free talk, “Upland Bird Hunting Primer” on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. Fish and Game’s fall series of Tuesday evening hunting talks continue through September. Admission is free. Read more:

http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q3/Hunt_talk3_grouse_090910.html

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N.H. YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNT WEEKEND — SEPTEMBER 25-26, 2010

New Hampshire’s 2010 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend will be held statewide on Saturday and Sunday, September 25-26, 2010. To participate, youth must be age 15 or under and must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older. The adult may not hunt. The youth does not need a hunting license or duck stamp. Read more: http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q3/youth_waterfowl_090910.html.

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BOAT RAMP AT BEAVER LAKE IN DERRY CLOSED FOR REPAIRS SEPT. 20-OCT. 8; LAKE DRAWDOWNS TO BEGIN OCT. 1 AT MERRYMEETING LAKE AND OCT. 11 AT BOW LAKE

The N.H. Fish and Game Department will be working on projects to improve several public water access site around the state this fall. Read more: http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q3/access_closures_090910.html

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SNOWMOBILE VANITY DECAL REGISTRATIONS AVAILABLE: DEADLINE OCTOBER 15

New Hampshire resident snowmobile owners take note — the deadline for submitting an application for a vanity snowmobile registration decal is October 15 for registration to be issued by December 1. Vanity registration decals are $84 for snowmobile club members (you must show proof of membership) and $114 for non-members. Read more: http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q3/OHRV_Vanity_Reg_090910.html

Visit Fish & Game Building-Hopkinton Fair; F&G Exhibit-Lancaster Fair

CONCORD, N.H. — While you’re at the Hopkinton State Fair this September 2-6, take time for a stroll through the “Discover Wild New Hampshire Building” presented by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. You’ll see wildlife mounts, exhibits, live falcons, hawks and fish! This is your chance to talk to wildlife biologists, fisheries experts and Conservation Officers. The “Discover Wild New Hampshire” building at the Hopkinton Fair will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2 through Sunday, September 5; and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 6, 2010. Stop in and check the schedule for special wildlife features daily. The exhibit is a great place to learn more about hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities in New Hampshire.

At the Fish and Game building, you can buy hunting and fishing licenses, get your 2011 New Hampshire Fish & Wildlife Calendar (hot off the press!) and purchase official Fish and Game merchandise, from camo hats to moose hunt sweatshirts and colorful wildlife tees for the whole family. On Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., meet Milo the Moose, official mascot of N.H. Motor Speedway. Other special attractions include live animal presentations by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center on Thursday and Friday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and an ongoing fly-tying demonstration all day Saturday.

Find Fish and Game fast at the Hopkinton Fair by parking at the Blue Gate. The Discover Wild New Hampshire Building will be on your left as you enter the gate. For more information on the Hopkinton State Fair in Contoocook, N.H., visit http://www.hsfair.org.

For those in northern New Hampshire, Fish and Game will also continue its long-standing tradition of staffing an exhibit at the Lancaster Fair from September 1-6, 2010. Housed in the 4-H Building, this year’s Fish and Game exhibit explores ongoing brook trout studies. Conservation Officers and Department biologists will be on hand to talk about fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, and more. Pick up Fish and Game publications such as the new 2010-2011 NH Hunting and Trapping Digest. Find out more about the Lancaster Fair at http://www.lancasterfair.com.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

Last Call for Hunter Education! Are You Ready for Hunting Season?

CONCORD, N.H. — The carefree days of summer may seem to go on forever, but for hunters the time to head afield is right around the corner. Are you ready for the hunting season? Don’t let your plans go awry because you need hunter or bowhunter education.

Here’s the last opportunity to get the certification you need! Go to http://www.HuntNH.com; click “Hunting,” and then “Hunter Education.” Under “Find a Class,” you’ll see links to traditional hunter and bowhunter education classes, as well as to the online hunter education course (keep in mind that you must complete the online course and exam, register for and attend a Field Day in order to achieve certification). Click the link you need, and browse the calendar for a nearby course. Simply click on the course of your choice, and complete the online registration form to officially join the class.

In New Hampshire, new hunters must take a hunter education course before they can purchase their first hunting license (those age 16 and older need a license to hunt). To meet this requirement, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department offers Hunter and Bowhunter Education classes around the state (as well as Trapper Education for those seeking a trapping license). To achieve certification in basic Hunter Education or Bowhunter Education, participants must be at least 12 years old; you must be at least 15 years old to take the online Hunter Education course for certification.

“It’s easier than ever to find a class, register, and get certified in time to have your best hunting season ever,” says Pete Davison, Hunter Education Coordinator. “Our hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education instructor teams are once again offering numerous classes all over the state to serve the needs of local hunters. But don’t wait! Classes are filling up fast!”

PLEASE NOTE: Registering for courses must be done online. Walk-in registrations at classes are no longer accepted. If you have questions, please call the Hunter Education Program at 603-271-3214.

TRADITIONAL HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES
Register at http://www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter_ed.htm.
All students must register online.

Starts Thursday, September 2
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (4 Days)
Raymond Baptist Church, Raymond NH

7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (7 Days)
Marion Gerrish Community Center, Derry NH

7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (7 Days)
Hillsborough Police Station, Hillsborough NH

Starts Tuesday, September 7
6:15 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (5 Days)
Seabrook Recreation Center, Seabrook NH

6:30 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (7 Days)
Carroll County Fish, Game & Shooting Club, Madison NH

Starts Friday, September 10
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
White Mountains Community College, Berlin NH

7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Hudson Fish & Game Club, Hudson NH

Starts Monday, September 13
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (5 Days)
Nashua Fish and Game Club, Merrimack NH

Starts Tuesday, September 14
7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (7 Days)
Pinnacle Mt. Fish & Game Club, Lyndeborough NH

Starts Friday, September 17
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (5 Days)
Pittsburg Fire Station, Pittsburg NH

7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
TL Storer Scout Camp, Barnstead NH

Starts Tuesday, September 21
7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (6 Days)
Newport High School, Newport NH

Starts Friday, September 24
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Moultonboro Public Safety Building, Moultonboro NH

6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
White Mountain Regional High School, Whitefield NH

Starts Monday, September 27
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (5 Days)
Goffstown Fish and Game Association, Weare NH

Starts Thursday, September 30
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (6 Days)
Pelham Fish and Game Club, Pelham NH

TRADITIONAL BOWHUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES
Register at http://www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter_ed.htm.
All students must register online.

Starts Saturday, September 18
9:00 AM
Bowhunter Education Course (3 Days)
Nashua Fish and Game Club, Merrimack NH

ONLINE HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE FIELD DAYS
You must successfully complete the online Hunter Education Course and exam before you can register for a Field Day. To register, go to http://www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter_ed.htm. All students must be 15 years old or older. There is a $5 charge per student to attend a Field Day.

Saturday, August 28
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Raymond Sportsman’s Club, Raymond, NH

8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Horseshoe Fish and Game Club, Merrimack, NH

Saturday, September 11
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Pointers Fish and Game Club, Manchester NH

Saturday, September 18
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Monadnock Rod and Gun Club, Jaffrey NH

Saturday, September 25
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Dartmouth College, Hanover NH

Sunday, October 3
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Farmington Fish and Game Club, New Durham NH

9:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, Holderness NH

Saturday, October 9
9:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, Holderness NH

Sunday, October 17
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Pelham Fish and Game Club, Pelham NH

For more information on Hunter Education in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed.htm.

Hunter Education in New Hampshire is funded by federal Wildlife Restoration Funds, a user-pay, user-benefit program.

Unit M Special Antlerless Deer Permits Now Available

CONCORD, N.H. — Hunters who want the chance to take additional antlerless deer in Wildlife Management Unit M in southeastern New Hampshire during the fall hunting seasons can now buy a special permit from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

This year, a total of up to 4,000 hunters will be allowed to purchase Special Antlerless Deer Permits for Unit M. New this year, at the time of purchase, hunters may opt for a permit with 1 deer tag ($13) or two deer tags ($26). In addition, Special Antlerless Permits will not be valid for use by archers during September. Rather, archers can only use Special Antlerless Permits from October 1 through December 15. This is because of a new statewide requirement that only antlered deer may be taken by bow and arrow in September.

Interested hunters can purchase permits online at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Special_Unit_M_permits.htm; buy permits from Fish and Game headquarters in Concord; or print a mail-in application from the Fish and Game website; or call 603-271-3422 to request a permit application by mail.

Unit M permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $13 for a permit with one tag; or $26 for a permit with two tags. Applicants also must hold a current New Hampshire hunting or archery license. Muzzleloader and firearms hunters may use the special permit on any day during those seasons for which they are legally licensed, and archers may use the permit from October 1 through December 15. Youth hunters are eligible to buy a Unit M permit.

Special Unit M permits have been issued in New Hampshire since 1997. They reflect a long-term objective, outlined in the state’s Big Game Management Plan, to reduce deer numbers in southeastern New Hampshire in order to sustain regional herd health and to minimize deer-human conflicts, such as vehicle collisions and destructive browsing of agricultural and ornamental plants. High human densities and associated levels of development in southeast New Hampshire result in a greater potential frequency of deer-human conflicts and complicate deer population control efforts.

Specific boundaries for Unit M, and more information on the special permits, can be found at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Special_Unit_M_permits.htm.

For more information on hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunting.htm.

Waterfowl Season Meeting Set for August 18

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public meeting on proposed season dates and bag limits for the 2010 waterfowl hunting season on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord. Comments at the meeting will be considered in finalizing New Hampshire’s 2010 waterfowl season dates.

“Overall, spring breeding conditions for waterfowl were favorable again this year,” said Edward Robinson, N.H. Fish and Game’s waterfowl biologist. This year’s total U.S. duck population estimate from the traditional survey area in the prairies and parklands is 41 million birds, which is nearly identical to last year. In New Hampshire, weather and habitat conditions were also very good for nesting and brood rearing. Federal frameworks will allow for liberal waterfowl seasons in 2010.

New Hampshire’s proposed waterfowl season is very much like last year’s. N.H. Fish and Game is proposing a 60-day duck season with a 6-bird daily limit, and a 60-day Canada goose season with a 2-bird daily limit. Fish and Game also recommends continuing split seasons, including both ducks and Canada geese, in both the inland and coastal zones to allow early and late hunting opportunities:

* The proposed INLAND ZONE waterfowl season (ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada geese) would open on October 5 and run through November 17; then reopen November 24 through December 19.

* The proposed COASTAL ZONE season would open on October 6 and run through October 17; then reopen November 24 through January 10, 2011.

As the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works in partnership with the public to conserve, manage and protect these resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.HuntNH.com.

Early Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has finalized the 2010 hunting season dates and bag limits for early season migratory game birds, with no significant changes from last year. The 2010 seasons for these game birds are as follows:

Resident Canada geese: The bag limit is five birds per day, statewide, during the September season, which extends from the day after Labor Day (September 7) through September 25, 2010.

Youth Waterfowl Weekend: This year, the youth weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26, 2010. All regular season waterfowl regulations, including bag limits, shooting hours, use of non-toxic shot, etc., apply during the youth weekend; however, it should be noted that since the first day of the youth hunt overlaps with the last day of the September Canada goose season, the bag limit for geese is 5 on Saturday and drops to 2 on Sunday. (For more on youth hunting in N.H., visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/youth_hunting.htm.)

Woodcock: October 6 – November 4, 2010. Bag limit is 3 birds per day.

Snipe: September 15 – November 4, 2010. Bag limit is 8 birds per day.

Sea ducks: October 1, 2010 – January 15, 2011. Bag limit is 7 birds per day, with no more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks (oldsquaw).

Crows: The fall crow-hunting season runs from August 15 to November 30, 2010; next spring’s two-week crow season will be March 16-31, 2011.

Hunters of all migratory game birds must have a 2010 New Hampshire hunting license and are required by federal law to register for the National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). In New Hampshire, this includes all who hunt ducks, geese, snipe, woodcock and coots. Separate HIP permits are needed in each state. Licensed hunters should call 1-800-207-6183, or go to the “Buy Your License Online” section of the Fish and Game website http://www.HuntNH.com, to receive a permit number (there is no charge). This number should be written on the hunting license. Harvest information from HIP helps Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service make more reliable estimates of the number of all migratory birds harvested. Each year, a random selection of hunters is asked to complete a voluntary harvest survey.

Waterfowl hunters must also obtain a federal duck stamp and a New Hampshire Migratory Waterfowl hunting license.

Hunters are asked to report all banded birds by calling toll-free to 1-800-327-BAND. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will send a certificate with information about the bird.

For more information on waterfowl hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_waterfowl.htm.

For more information on other New Hampshire hunting seasons, or to buy licenses and permits online, visit http://www.HuntNH.com/Hunting/hunting.htm.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats.

Public Hearing August 10 on Proposed Fish and Game Rule Changes

CONCORD, N.H. — Proposed Fish and Game rule changes will be discussed at a public hearing being held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. Various rule changes to specify the information on Fish and Game Licenses and Permits are under consideration, and to clarify the exception to allow the use of more than one guide for permittees taking moose in the Hunt of a Lifetime program.

The complete rulemaking notice, with original and proposed rule language, can be viewed on the Fish and Game website. Go to http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm and click on “Fish and Game Licenses and Permits; Hunt of a Lifetime exception.”

Written comments must be received by August 20, 2010. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov. (use subject line “Comments on Licenses and Permits; Hunt of a Lifetime Exception”); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to (603) 271-1438.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

Register Online for Hunter Ed. and Bowhunter Ed. While You Can!

CONCORD, N.H. – Time is running out! If you need certification in Hunter or Bowhunter Education to hunt this fall, then RUN, don’t walk, to the nearest computer and register for your certification course before these classes fill up! Simply go to http://www.huntnh.com, click Hunting, and then Hunter Education. You will see links to traditional hunter and bowhunter education courses, as well as to the online hunter education course (you must complete the online course AND a Field Day in order to achieve certification).

New hunters must take a hunter education course before they can purchase their first hunting license in New Hampshire (those age 16 and older need a license to hunt). To meet this requirement, the N.H. Fish and Game Department offers Hunter and Bowhunter Education courses around the state, as well as Trapper Education for those seeking a trapping license.

To achieve certification in basic Hunter Education or Bowhunter Education, participants must be at least 12 years old, and must be 15 years old to take the online Hunter Education course.

PLEASE NOTE: Registering for courses must be done online. Walk-in registrations are not accepted. If you need assistance finding or registering for a course, call the Hunter Education Program at 603-271-3214.

ONLINE HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE FIELD DAYS
(You must successfully complete the online Hunter Education Course before you can register for a Field Day). To register, go to http://www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter_ed.htm. All students must be 15 years old or older. There is a $5 charge per student to attend a Field Day.

Saturday, July 17
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth, NH

Saturday, July 24
9:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center
Holderness, NH

Sunday, August 22
9:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center
Holderness, NH

Saturday, August 28
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Raymond Sportsman’s Club
Raymond, NH

Saturday, August 28
8:00 AM
Hunter Education Field Day
Horseshoe Fish and Game Club
Merrimack, NH

TRADITIONAL BOWHUNTER EDUCATION COURSE – Dates and Locations
Register at http://www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter_ed.htm. All students must register online.

Starts Friday, July 9
6:00 PM
Bowhunter Education Course (2 Days)
NH Fire Academy
Concord, NH

Starts Tuesday, August 3
9:00 AM
Bowhunter Education Course (3 Days)
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center
Holderness, NH

Starts Friday, August 6
7:00 PM
Bowhunter Education Course (2 Days)
Country Pond Fish and Game Club
Newton, NH

Saturday, August 7
7:30 AM
Bowhunter Education Course
Horse Pond Fish and Game Club
Nashua, NH

Starts Monday, August 9
7:00 PM
Bowhunter Education Course (5 Days)
Carroll County Fish Game & Shooting Club
Madison, NH

Saturday, August 14
8:00 AM
Bowhunter Education Course
Moultonborough Public Safety Building
Moultonborough, NH

Sunday, August 15
8:00 AM
Bowhunter Education Course
Belknap County Sportsman’s club
Gilford, NH

Sunday, August 15
7:00 AM
Bowhunter Education Course
Londonderry Fish and Game Club
Litchfield, NH

Starts Monday, August 16
6:30 PM
Bowhunter Education Course (5 Days)
Weare Bible Baptist Church
Weare, NH

Starts Friday, August 27
6:00 PM
Bowhunter Education Course (2 Days)
Pointers Fish and Game Club
Manchester, NH

Saturday, August 28
7:00 AM
Bowhunter Education Course
Newport High School
Newport, NH

Sunday, August 29
8:00 AM
Bowhunter Education Course
Horseshoe Fish and Game Club
Merrimack, NH

TRADITIONAL HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE – Dates and Locations
Register at http://www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter_ed.htm. All students must register online.

Starts Monday, July 12
6:30 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (9 Days)
Cheshire County Fish and Game Club
Sullivan, NH

Starts Monday, July 26
6:30 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (8 Days)
Weare Bible Baptist Church
Weare, NH

Starts Tuesday, August 10
9:00 AM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (4 Days)
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center
Holderness, NH

Starts Friday, August 13
7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Sunset Mountain Fish and Game Club
Canterbury, NH

Starts Thursday, August 19
5:30 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Ammonoosuc Valley Fish and Game Club
Bath, NH

Starts Friday, August 20
7:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Country Pond Fish and Game Club
Newton, NH

Starts Saturday, August 21
7:00 AM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (2 Days)
Peterborough Sportsmen’s Club
Dublin, NH

Starts Monday, August 23
6:30 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Owl Brook Hunter Education Center
Holderness, NH

Starts Friday, August 27
5:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Chester Rod and Gun Club
Chester, NH

Starts Friday, August 27
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (3 Days)
Horse Pond Fish and Game Club
Nashua, NH

Starts Monday, August 30
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (7 Days)
Grace Baptist Church
Merrimack, NH

Starts Tuesday, August 31
6:00 PM
Hunter Education Traditional Course (7 Days)
Farmington Fish and Game Club
New Durham, NH

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