News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
November 4, 2005
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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CONTACT:
Kent Gustafson: (603) 271-2461 
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
November 4, 2005


REGULAR FIREARMS SEASON FOR DEER STARTS NOVEMBER 9 

CONCORD, N.H. -- November 9 is opening day for regular firearms deer 
hunting in New Hampshire, ushering in the season most hunters look 
forward to all year. Many of the state's estimated 63,000 deer hunters will 
go afield during the 26-day season, which continues through December 4.

"For many New Englanders, this season represents a traditional 
opportunity to get together with family and friends, enjoy our bountiful 
resources and put natural, healthy food in the freezer before the onset of 
our long winter," said Kent Gustafson, Deer Project Leader for the New 
Hampshire Fish and Game Department. "It should be a good season, since 
deer numbers continue to recover from the harsh winters a few years 
back." 

Acorns and apples are more abundant than during the past two years, 
Gustafson says, noting that deer use of these fall foods will make the 
animals' activity and movements somewhat less predictable. 

In 2004, hunters in New Hampshire registered a total of 10,133 deer 
during the firearms, archery, youth and muzzleloader seasons. Early 
reports from the 2005 muzzleloader deer season now in progress indicate that, 
as of October 30, the 2005 statewide total estimated deer take is 
2,783, very similar to the 2004 results at this point in the season. The 
muzzleloader season runs through November 8. New Hampshire's Youth Deer 
Hunt weekend took place on October 22-23. The unofficial reported harvest 
total for the 2005 youth weekend was 263 deer, similar to recent years 
(294 in 2004, and 289 in 2003). 

Hunters should check the 2005-06 New Hampshire Hunting Digest for 
Wildlife Management Unit and season-specific either-sex day regulations and 
additional details. Download the digest at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm, or pick up a copy 
from license agents or Fish and Game offices. 

If you haven't purchased your license yet, you can buy it online (if 
you've purchased a N.H. hunting license since 2000) at 
http://www.nhfishandgame.com. Licenses also may be purchased at Fish 
and Game headquarters or from license agents across the state. The basic 
New Hampshire hunting license costs $22 for residents and $103 for 
nonresidents. Hunters under age 16 don't need a license, but must be 
accompanied by a properly licensed adult who is at least 18 years old. All 
deer taken, including youth deer, must be registered. 

All hunter-killed deer are registered at one of many official deer 
registration stations in the state. About 10 percent of those deer will be 
examined by wildlife biologists, providing Fish and Game with important 
information on the health of the state's deer herd. New Hampshire's 
deer population is estimated at about 85,000 animals, with greater numbers 
in the southern half of the state. 

This is also an excellent time for hunters to help those less fortunate 
by sharing their harvest with the "Hunt for the Hungry" program run by 
the New Hampshire Food Bank. For more information on donating game 
meat, contact the food bank at (603) 669-9725.

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.wildlife.state.nh.us.

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Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.