DURHAM, N.H. -- A shellfishing season you don't often hear much about is now underway - the harvest of oysters in New Hampshire waters. The season for oysters runs from September through May. Only New Hampshire residents may participate, and the harvested oysters are for personal use only; no sale is allowed.

The current rule (Fis 605:016(b)) has been in place for more than 30 years and states that oysters shall be taken "by use of hand tongs or by hand." The public is reminded that, until there is a change to this rule, the use of rakes to harvest oysters in New Hampshire is not a legal method of harvest.

An article on oystering that appeared in the July/August 2013 New Hampshire Wildlife Journal was not clear on this issue. As mentioned above, the use of rakes for harvesting oysters in New Hampshire is not currently legal.

No shucked oysters may be possessed while on or leaving New Hampshire waters. The oyster license number must be permanently marked on the outside of the container, and the harvester must carry his or her oyster license on their person. The limit is ½ bushel of unshucked oysters per day.

For more information on oystering in New Hampshire, consult the N.H. Saltwater Fishing Digest, available on the Fish and Game website at http://wildnh.com/marine/index.htm.