News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
July 25, 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:
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-2461
July 25, 2005


GET SET FOR FALL HUNTING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONCORD, N.H. -- Though summer heat is sizzling, many of New 
Hampshire's hunting seasons have been set, and it's none too soon to start 
planning for hunting trips in the brisk days of autumn. September 1 is the 
start of New Hampshire's hunting seasons for black bears. Our ruffed 
grouse season and several other small game seasons open on October 1. Of 
particular interest are the 2005 archery deer season, from September 15 
through December 15; the muzzleloader deer season, from October 29 
through November 8; and the regular firearms season for deer, from November 
9 through December 4. More details on these and other hunting and 
trapping seasons are available at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm. 

"New Hampshire is blessed with diverse and abundant wildlife. 
Science-based management ensures that we can actively hunt New Hampshire 
wildlife and, at the same time, safeguard these invaluable resources for the 
enjoyment and benefit of future generations," said N.H. Fish and Game 
Wildlife Programs Administrator Mark Ellingwood. "In fact, revenue 
associated with hunting pays for wildlife management and protection, and 
represents our best means of manipulating populations to satisfy diverse 
public expectations. I encourage all of our citizenry to share in our 
proud heritage, unplug from your computers, cell phones and video games, 
and enjoy an invigorating day in pursuit of great exercise, knowledge of 
our natural world, lifetime memories with friends and family, and if 
you're lucky, healthy, lean, organic food for the table." 

Highlights of New Hampshire's 2005 fall hunting seasons, at a glance:
  * White-tailed deer**:
         --Archery -- Sept. 15 - Dec. 15
         --Youth deer weekend -- Oct. 22 - 23
         --Muzzleloader -- Oct. 29 - Nov. 8
         --Firearms -- Nov. 9 - Dec. 4
   * Black bear**: Starts Sept. 1; end varies by WMU
   * Ruffed grouse: Oct. 1- Dec. 31
   * Fall wild turkey**: Archery only, Sept. 15 - Dec. 15
   * Pheasant: Oct. 1- Dec. 31
   * Snowshoe hare**: Oct. 1 - March 15 or 31 (varies by WMU)
   * Moose: By permit only, Oct. 15 - 23
   * Youth waterfowl weekend: Sept. 24 - 25
   * Waterfowl: Varies by species and zone. By law, season details and 
dates are not set until later in the year. Details will be posted on 
the Fish and Game website when finalized. 

**Season dates vary according to Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). For 
maps, check stations and more on New Hampshire's hunting seasons, visit 
the Fish and Game website at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm. 

If you've held a hunting license in New Hampshire in the year 2000 or 
later, you can purchase hunting licenses and permits online at Fish and 
Game's website, http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us. Hunting licenses and 
permits are also available at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord or 
from license agents statewide. 

If you're looking to purchase your first hunting license, be aware that 
you must complete a hunter education course before you hunt; a list of 
available classes is online at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunter_ed.htm.

Hunting is a recreational activity enjoyed by nearly 80,000 people in 
the Granite State each year, supporting the state's economy by 
generating $71 million in revenue and providing more than 1,400 jobs. In 
addition to these benefits, regulated hunting has allowed New Hampshire to 
maintain stable and healthy wildlife populations in recent years, 
according to Ellingwood.

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.