These clever, agile birds are a delight to have on the dinner table because of their exquisite taste and thrilling exercise of marksmanship. However, to successfully capture doves, you must be aware of the best hunting locations, regulations, and the dates of the season.
HereÂ’s your go-to guide unpacking all you need reÂlated to doves in New Hampshire for the 2024-2025 season.
New Hampshire Doves: A History (Not a Hunting Season)
New Hampshire’s history with dove hunting is a short and curious one. Back in 1983, the state dipped its toes into the world of dove season, offering a single day for hunters to target these swift-winged birds. However, the public outcry was so strong that the season was quickly scrapped.
Public opinion turned out to be a powerful force. An outcry from residents led lawmakers to reconsider the decision. Doves were reclassified as songbirds, effectively taking them off the game bird menu and putting a halt to any future hunting seasons.
Dove in New Hampshire is no longer accepted as a game bird and cannot be hunted as it is classified as song bird.
So, for New Hampshire bird hunters, doves are now off-limits. While some may miss the chance to pursue these fast-flying targets, the reclassification reflects the importance placed on songbirds within the state’s wildlife tapestry.
Understanding Regulations in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHF&G) designates specific hunting seasons for various wildlife species, including doves:
- Season Dates: Not Applicable
Hunting Regulations in New Hampshire
Before heading out on your hunting adventure, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the established regulations set forth by the NHF&G. Here are some key points to remember:
- Daily Bag Limit:Â Not Applicable
- Shooting Hours:Â Hunting hours for migratory birds coincide with general small game hunting hours, which typically begin half an hour before sunrise and end half an hour after sunset. Double-check the NHF&G regulations for any specific variations.
- Shotguns Only: Doves can only be hunted with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge.
- Shot Size:Â The use of shot sizes no larger than #7 1/2 is mandated for doves.
- Plugged Shotgun: Your shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shells in the chamber and magazine combined.
- Nontoxic Shot: Using nontoxic shot is mandatory for all migratory bird hunting, including doves.
Hunter Education Course: New Hampshire requires first-time hunters to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. However, experienced hunters from other states may be exempt from this requirement. Check the NH Fish and Game website for details on hunter education courses and reciprocity with other states.
Important Note: These are just some of the essential regulations. It’s your responsibility to stay updated on the latest NHF&G hunting regulations by referring to their official website or purchasing a copy of the Hunting and Trapping Digest.
Securing Your New Hampshire Hunting License
To legally hunt in New Hampshire, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate licenses. Here’s a breakdown of the licensing requirements:
- Hunting License: A valid New Hampshire hunting license is mandatory. Residents can purchase a general hunting license, while non-residents can obtain a non-resident hunting license.
- Small Game License (Optional):Â While not mandatory specifically for all games, a small game license grants you permission to hunt other small game species during your hunting trip.
- Migratory Bird Hunting Permit:Â A federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp is required for all hunters aged 16 and over. This federal permit can be obtained at most sporting goods stores or online through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) website.
Obtaining Your New Hampshire Hunting License
| License Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $32.00 |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $113.00 |
| Resident Combination Hunting & Fishing | $56.00 |
Licenses can be purchased online through the NHFG website, at NHFG headquarters in Concord, or at authorized license vendors across the state.
Important Note: In addition to the hunting license, a $2.50 Wildlife Habitat Fee is mandatory for all hunters.
Where to Purchase Your New Hampshire Hunting License
NHFG offers several convenient ways to purchase your hunting license:
- Online: Licenses can be purchased securely through the NHFG website https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/licenses-and-permits.
- In-Person: Licenses are available for purchase at NHFG headquarters in Concord, NH, as well as regional offices in Keene, Lancaster, and New Hampton.
- License Agents: Authorized license agents across the state sell hunting licenses. You can find a list of agents on the NHFG website.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Top Dove Locations in New Hampshire (Not for Hunting)
New Hampshire offers a diverse landscape with numerous potential dove spots. Here are a few popular areas known for their dove populations:
- Southern New Hampshire: The southern region of the state, including Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, boasts abundant agricultural fields that attract doves.
- Connecticut River Valley: The fertile Connecticut River Valley provides a haven for doves, with numerous fields and woodlots to explore.
- Coastal Areas:Â New Hampshire’s seacoast region offers another potential dove destination, with the birds frequenting agricultural fields near the coast.
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs):Â Several WMAs throughout the state can be excellent locations for dove watching. Some popular options include the Great Brook Farm WMA in Antrim, the Piscataqua River WMA in Newington, and the Stevens Brook WMA in Sutton.
Finding Public Hunting Lands: The NHFG website provides an interactive map tool to help you locate Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other public hunting lands in New Hampshire https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/wildlife-management-areas.
