News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
August 15, 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: 
Ed Robinson: (603) 271-2641 
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
August 15, 2005


EARLY MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SEASONS SET

CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has 
announced 2005 hunting season dates and bag limits for early season migratory 
game birds, with no major changes from last year. The 2005 seasons for 
these birds are as follows:

Resident Canada geese: The bag limit is five birds per day during the 
September season, which extends from the day after Labor Day (September 
6) through September 25. As was true last year, New Hampshire's 
resident Canada goose population continues to grow and has a statewide 
distribution. 

Crows: The crow season is unchanged. The fall crow-hunting season runs 
from August 15 to November 30. Next spring's two-week crow season will 
be March 16-31, 2006. 

Sea ducks: The sea duck season will run from October 1, 2005 - January 
15, 2006; the bag limit is 7 birds per day, with no more than 4 
scoters, 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks (formerly "oldsquaw"). 

Woodcock: October 1 - October 30; bag limit is 3 birds per day. 

Common snipe: Sept. 15 - October 30; bag limit is 8 birds per day. 

Youth waterfowl weekend: Last weekend in September (Saturday and 
Sunday, September 24-25, 2005). All regular season waterfowl regulations, 
including bag limits, shooting hours, use of non-toxic shot, etc., apply 
during the youth weekend.

Hunters of all migratory game birds must have a 2005 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. 
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 throughout the country, allowing biologists to make 
decisions about hunting seasons, bag limits and population management. A 
random selection of hunters is asked to complete a voluntary harvest 
survey. Separate HIP permits are needed in each state. Licensed hunters 
should call 1-800-207-6183 to receive a permit number. Write this permit 
number on your license. There is no charge for a HIP permit. Through 
the cooperation of hunters, the HIP program provides biologists with the 
facts they need to ensure that our migratory bird resources - and h
 unting tradition - will be around for future generations to enjoy. 

Waterfowl hunters must also obtain a federal and a state duck stamp. 

Hunters are asked to report all banded birds using the toll-free phone 
number, 1-800-327-BAND. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will send a 
certificate with information about the bird.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the 
state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more 
information on New Hampshire hunting season dates and regulations, as well 
as online license and permit sales, 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.