New Hampshire is well-known for its waterfowl hunting tradition. It pulls in hunters nationwide thanks to the different terrains, from the Atlantic coastline to the north’s peaks. If you’re out for duck games, it’s the place to be. But, there’s a lot to consider. Rules, finding spots and trip prep need a good plan. This guide covers everything you need to get your New Hampshire duck trip in order.
Preparation for Your New Hampshire Duck Hunting Journey
Before venturing out, familiarizing yourself with the state’s duck seasons is crucial.
Duck Game Calendar
There’s a three-zone system in New Hampshire for ducks, with different start and end dates:
- Northern Zone: Its season is the longest. It starts on October 2nd and lasts until November 30th
- Inland and Connecticut River Zone: It begins a bit later, on October 9th. Then, it splits; closing on November 11th, but it resumes from November 27th to December 22nd.
- Coastal Zone: This one kicks off the earliest, on October 3rd. But it pauses on October 9th. Don’t worry, it restarts on November 27th and keeps going until January 18th next year.
Don’t forget: The seasons change. Make sure to always look for the newest updates from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/). They might have new changes or updates.
Licenses and Permits
| License/Permit | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual) | $28.00 | $100.00 |
| Small Game License (Annual) | $18.00 | $30.00 |
| Federal Duck Stamp (Required for all hunters 16 years or older) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Harvest Information Program (HIP) (Free) | N/A | N/A |
- Migratory Waterfowl Hunting and Harvest Information Program (HIP):
- Migratory Waterfowl Stamp: All waterfowl hunters, aged 16 and above, must have a federal Duck Stamp.
- Harvest Information Program (HIP): All migratory bird hunters in the U.S. need HIP approval. This no-cost system assists animal scientists in monitoring waterfowl numbers. Secure your HIP approval via the internet or buy it where you get your licenses.
NH Duck Regulations
It’s crucial to know and follow game rules for a secure and respectful hunting journey. Let’s look at important rules:
Daily Bag and Possession Limits
In New Hampshire, there are daily bag and possession restrictions for different duck species. These rules aid in keeping waterfowl populations thriving. It’s important to remember, limits can change, so it’s essential to check the official rules for the latest info. Here’s a basic rundown:
- Ducks (including sea ducks): You’ll usually find the daily bag limit is six ducks. You’re allowed to possess triple of that.
- Specific Species: For specific species, like pintails, mallards, black, wood ducks, there are more rules. No more than four mallards and only two hens. Black ducks and wood ducks have a limit of two and three, respectively. For pintails, just one. Make sure to check the official regulations for the details on all species limitations.
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mallard (including no more than 2 hens) | 4 | 12 |
| Black Duck | 2 | 6 |
| Wood Duck | 3 | 9 |
| Pintail | 1 | 3 |
| Common Merganser (male only) | 5 | 15 |
| Sea Ducks (combined) | 3 | 9 |
Legal Hunting Hours and Gear
You can start about 30 minutes before the sun peeks out, and stop about 60 minutes after it sets. Always check with the rules for exact times during the season.
General rules limit shotguns to three shells – two in the magazine and one ready to fire for hunting water birds. Plus, you can only hunt ducks and geese with non-toxic shot.
Top Locations
From the salty marshes of the Atlantic coast to the inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands, it’s a paradise for hunters. Let’s peek into some prime spots in each zone:
Coastal Zone Locations
- Great Bay Estuarine System: It spans over 7,000 acres of diverse natural environments. It includes tidal rivers, salt marshes, and large bodies of open water. It features areas like Great Bay, Little Bay, and Hampton Harbor. It’s essential to be aware of tidal changes and adjust plans accordingly.
- Hampton Harbor: It’s a bustling space with different habitats, both fresh and salty water. During season, the harbor witnesses an influx of diverse species. Locations such as the harbor shores, nearby tidal streams, and scattered islands become hunting hot-spots.
Inland and Connecticut River Zone Locations
- Nashua River Wildlife Management Area: The Area sprawls across more than 20,000 acres, shadowing the Nashua River pathway. It’s a sanctuary for water birds. There’s an array of game prospects in sodden forests, swamps, and open water reservoirs.
- Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge: Nestled in the heart of the state, this magnificent refuge presents top-notch duck hunting amidst a serene and isolated landscape. Numerous lakes, ponds, and marshes make up the refuge, drawing a multitude of water bird species.
Northern Zone Locations
- Colebrook Bog State Wildlife Management Area: A quiet haven for ducks in a distinctive bog ecosystem. You can search for ducks in open water locations, neighboring wooded marshlands, and winding bog streams.
- Pittsburg Landing Wildlife Management Area: Nestled near the Canadian line, this vast conservation space boasts varied inland water habitats. Discover spots in inundated woods, the homes of beavers, and around the edges of Lake Francis.
Resources for New Hampshire Duck Hunters
Having a fun and great duck adventure in New Hampshire means checking out different tools to get ready and keep updated. Let’s go over some vital tools to look at:
- Check out the NH Fish and Game Department Website: This site is packed with useful info about duck hunting in New Hampshire. It’s got the latest laws, season schedules, bag and possession limits, and maps you can download.
- Local Conservation Groups and Hunting Clubs: Get together with conservation groups and hunting clubs close by. They’re a great tool. They can clue you in about local hunting spots, give details about guided hunts, and help create a friendly atmosphere among hunters.
