Public Hunting Land in New Hampshire
New Hampshire may be small in size, but it offers a rich tradition of hunting and hundreds of thousands of acres of public and accessible private land. From whitetail deer and moose to black bear, grouse, and turkey, the Granite State provides a wide range of opportunities for public land hunters.
Types of Public Land Available in New Hampshire:
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): These are managed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and are open for public hunting under seasonal regulations.
State Forests & Parks: Many allow hunting outside of designated safety zones or recreation areas.
White Mountain National Forest: This offers vast access in the northern part of the state for big game and upland species.
Private Lands Open to Hunting: New Hampshire’s tradition of “unposted” land access allows hunting on private land unless signs prohibit it.
Seasons & Access Info
New Hampshire offers both general and permit-based hunting opportunities. All hunters must have a valid license, and special permits are needed for moose, bear, turkey, and certain firearms seasons.
Key Resources:
Pro Tip: New Hampshire’s archery seasons open early and provide lower-pressure access to public lands and private tracts not yet posted.
Explore New Hampshire Hunting Access
Use these tools to scout WMAs, forests, and national lands:
From the rugged North Woods to the wooded southern zones, New Hampshire’s blend of public and traditionally accessible private lands make it a sleeper state for East Coast hunters.