New Hampshire Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 1 – December 31, 2025

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Ruffed Grouse: October 1 – December 31, 2025
  • Ring-Necked Pheasant:
    • Regular Season: October 1 – December 31, 2025
    • Youth Season: September 27–28, 2025 (new for 2025)
  • Bobwhite Quail: October 1 – December 31, 2025
  • Hungarian/European Partridge: October 1 – December 31, 2025
  • Chukar: October 1 – December 31, 2025
  • American Woodcock: October 1 – November 14, 2025
  • Common Snipe: September 15 – November 14, 2025

Note: Quail, chukar, and Hungarian partridge are not naturally occurring in New Hampshire and are typically found near private preserves due to pen-raised releases.

Required Licenses and Costs

To hunt upland birds in New Hampshire, hunters need the appropriate licenses, and specific permits are required for certain species like pheasant. Costs and requirements vary based on residency and age. Below are the details:

  • Basic Hunting License:
    • Resident: $32.00
    • Non-Resident: $151.00
    • Non-Resident Small Game (3-Day): $25.00
    • Senior (Combo, Resident): $7.00
    • Youth (Under 16): No basic hunting license required when accompanied by a licensed adult over 18.
  • Pheasant License (required for pheasant hunting, ages 16+):
    • Resident and Non-Resident: $31.00
  • Wildlife Habitat Fee: $2.50 (required for all hunters purchasing a license).
  • Migratory Waterfowl License and Federal Duck Stamp: Required for woodcock and snipe, as they are migratory birds.
    • NH Migratory Waterfowl License: Cost not specified in sources, but required for hunters 16+.
    • Federal Duck Stamp: Approximately $25 (available at www.duckstamp.com, as many post offices may not carry them).
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit: Free, required for migratory bird hunting (woodcock, snipe).
  • Hunter Education: Required for all hunters purchasing a license unless under 16 or using a one-year apprentice license. Can be completed online with an in-person field day.

Licenses can be purchased online at www.wildlife.nh.gov or through authorized agents.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated (typically 2-3 times the daily limit, so likely 8-12).
  • Ring-Necked Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2
    • Season Limit: 10 (possession limit typically 2-3 times daily, so likely 4-6).
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated (likely 8-12).
  • Hungarian/European Partridge:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated (likely 8-12).
  • Chukar:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated (likely 8-12).
  • American Woodcock:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9
  • Common Snipe:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 8
    • Possession Limit: 24

Additional Notes

  • Pheasant Stocking: New Hampshire stocks approximately 10,000 pheasants annually at various locations. Hunting is prohibited before noon on specific stocking dates (e.g., October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2025) to allow for stocking.
  • Youth Hunting: Youth under 16 can hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult (18+). They require a pheasant license for pheasant hunting if 16 or older.
  • Regulations: Always check the New Hampshire Hunting and Trapping Digest (published August 2025) for the most current regulations, as some WMU-specific rules apply. Online registration is mandatory for certain species starting in 2025.
  • Hunting Locations: Upland bird hunting is permitted on public lands (e.g., White Mountain National Forest, state WMAs) and private lands with permission. Always verify land access and local restrictions.

For the most up-to-date information, consult the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s website (www.wildlife.nh.gov) or the 2025-26 NH Hunting and Trapping Digest.