CONCORD, N.H. -- Highlights of final wildlife rule changes for the 2014-2015 hunting seasons were announced today by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The Department has recently concluded its biennial season-setting review of the rules.
Highlights of the 2014-2015 New Hampshire Wildlife Rule Changes:
The number of either-sex deer days during the muzzleloader and/or regular firearm seasons has increased in several wildlife management units (WMUs). To view a chart showing WMU-specific either-sex hunting days, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.htm.
When taking deer, no person shall possess more than one muzzleloading rifle or one muzzleloading handgun.
500 special Unit L antlerless only permits will be available beginning July 1 at 9 a.m., each with 1 tag ($13 plus a transaction fee).
All special unit M permits will now come with 2 tags at a cost of $26 plus a transaction fee. A total of 4,000 Unit M permits will be issued. Unit M permits will be available July 1 at 9 a.m.
The length of the season to bait for deer has been reduced in WMUs A-L. The 2014 deer baiting season in these WMUs will run from October 22 through November 19. In WMU M, where the deer population is above goal, the deer baiting season will still run from September 15 through December 15. Bait permit applications for private land must be submitted by October 1. (This is a brief summary - additional regulations apply. For more information, go to http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunting_PDFs/Baiting_Rule_Changes_2014-15.pdf).
From the close of the bear baiting season through December 15, baiting for coyote will be restricted to the use of meat, animal parts, carrion or fish.
A baited area will not be considered an active bait site when all containers used to hold bait, such as barrels, plastic bags, pails and boxes, and all bait material are completely removed.
The still hunting/stalking season for bear in WMUs H2, K, L and M has been lengthened by 7 days, to run from September 1-28.
The still hunting/stalking season for bear in WMUs G, I1, J1 and J2 has been lengthened by 14 days, to run from September 1 through November 25.
A fall archery turkey season has been established in WMU A, to coincide with the archery deer season and will run from September 15 through December 8.
Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education are now combined into one course, referred to as Hunter Education.
For specific dates for the 2014 hunting seasons, visit:
Deer, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.htm
Bear, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_bear.htm
Turkey, visit http://wildnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm
Additional information will be available in the 2014-2015 N.H. Hunting and Trapping Digest, which is published in August.
The complete final wildlife rulemaking notice can be viewed at http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works in partnership with the public to conserve and manage the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com.
CONTACT:
Kent Gustafson: 603-271-2461
Dan Bergeron: 603-271-2461
Jane Vachon: 603-271-3211
