New Hampshire Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to New Hampshire hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through NH Fish and Game.
New Hampshire Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $32.00 — Non-Resident: from $113.00
- Managed by: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
- License year: 2025-2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/licensing
New Hampshire Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
New Hampshire offers excellent hunting in the heart of New England, managed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The Granite State features rugged White Mountain terrain, mixed hardwood forests, and river valleys supporting white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, wild turkey, and diverse small game. A resident hunting license costs $32, while non-residents pay $113. A $2.50 wildlife habitat fee is required for all hunters. New Hampshire has an active moose hunting program via lottery and is known for challenging backcountry hunting. The state offers discounted senior licenses for residents 68+ and free permanent licenses for residents born in or before 1947. Hunter education or proof of a previous license is required. Licenses are valid on a calendar year basis.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $32.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Hunting License | — | $113.00 | Calendar year | |
| Resident Hunt/Fish Combination | $56.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Hunt/Fish Combination | — | $151.00 | Calendar year | |
| Resident Archery | $32.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Archery | — | $83.00 | Calendar year | |
| Resident Bear License | $16.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Bear License | — | $48.00 | Season | |
| Resident Turkey Permit | $16.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Turkey Permit | — | $31.00 | Season | |
| Resident Muzzleloader | $16.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Muzzleloader | — | $41.00 | Season | |
| NR Small-game Hunting | — | $53.00 | Calendar year | |
| NR Small-game 3-Day | — | $25.00 | 3 days |
Prices from New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your New Hampshire license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Proof of hunter education or previously held hunting license required
How to Buy a New Hampshire Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to New Hampshire Fish and Game Department or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in New Hampshire.
Need help? Call New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at 603-271-3421
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
New Hampshire Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | September 15 | December 15 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | November 12 | December 6 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | October 25 | November 4 | |
| Moose | Lottery Draw | October 18 | October 26 | 9 days — lottery only |
| Black Bear | General | September 1 | November 12 | |
| Turkey | Spring | May 1 | May 31 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 1 | October 31 | |
| Duck | General | October 1 | December 31 |
View full New Hampshire season regulations on NH F&G
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced ($7) or Free | Residents 68+ (born 1948 or later): discounted. Born 1947 or earlier: free permanent license |
| Youth | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 may hunt with licensed adult supervision |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | NH veterans with permanent total disability |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in New Hampshire |
New Hampshire Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the New Hampshire official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- 400 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist required during firearms deer season.
- Wildlife Habitat Fee ($2.50) required for all hunting licenses.
- Moose permits allocated through annual lottery — limited tags available.
- Antlerless deer permits allocated by Wildlife Management Unit.
Read full New Hampshire regulations on NH F&G
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
New Hampshire Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
New Hampshire Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in New Hampshire?
A resident hunting license costs $32. The hunt/fish combination is $56. Non-residents pay $113 for hunting. All licenses include a $2.50 wildlife habitat fee.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in New Hampshire?
Yes, proof of hunter education or a previously held hunting license is required. NH accepts certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in New Hampshire?
Yes. Non-residents need a Hunting License ($113) or Small Game License ($53). Bear permits are $48 and turkey permits $31 for non-residents.
How do I get a moose permit in New Hampshire?
Moose permits are allocated through an annual lottery. The season is typically 9 days in late October. Apply through the NH Fish and Game Department.
Are there free hunting licenses in New Hampshire?
Yes. Residents born in or before 1947 get free permanent licenses. Veterans with permanent total disability also qualify. Youth under 16 hunt free with supervision.
Can I buy a New Hampshire hunting license online?
Yes, through the NH Fish and Game website or at authorized license agents throughout the state.