For avid hunters in the Granite State, investing in a New Hampshire lifetime hunting license is a smart choice that provides a lifetime of outdoor adventures. As a one-time purchase, these licenses offer significant savings over annual fees and the convenience of never having to renew again. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or planning to enjoy New Hampshire’s abundant hunting opportunities for years to come, a lifetime license is worth considering. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the types of lifetime licenses available, eligibility requirements, costs, how to apply, and the many benefits they provide.
Types of Lifetime Licenses Available
New Hampshire offers several types of lifetime licenses tailored to your specific hunting interests:
- Hunting Only: This license allows you to hunt all legal game species in New Hampshire, including deer, bear, turkey, and small game. It does not include fishing privileges.
- Freshwater Fishing Only: If your passion is fishing, this license grants you the right to fish in all of New Hampshire’s inland waters for your lifetime. It does not allow hunting.
- Combination Hunting & Freshwater Fishing: Get the best of both worlds with a combination license that includes all the privileges of both the hunting and fishing lifetime licenses in one package.
- Archery and Muzzleloader Endorsements: Bowhunters and muzzleloader enthusiasts can add these endorsements to their lifetime hunting or combination license for an additional fee, allowing them to participate in special archery and muzzleloader seasons.
- Resident Disabled Veteran Licenses: New Hampshire offers reduced-fee lifetime licenses for resident disabled veterans with a 60% or greater service-connected disability. These licenses are available for hunting, fishing, or a combination of both.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a New Hampshire lifetime hunting license, you must:
- Be a legal resident of New Hampshire at the time of purchase. Proof of residency, such as a valid New Hampshire driver’s license or non-driver ID, is required.
- Previously held a hunting license or completed hunter education. If you’re applying for your first hunting license, you must provide proof of a previously held license or a hunter safety certificate from New Hampshire or any other state or province.
- Meet additional requirements for archery and muzzleloader endorsements. If you wish to add these endorsements to your lifetime license, you must provide proof of completing the appropriate certifications or previously holding those licenses.
It’s important to note that lifetime licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable. Once purchased, they cannot be transferred to another person or refunded for any reason.
Costs and Fees
The cost of a New Hampshire lifetime hunting license depends on your age at the time of purchase. Rates are calculated based on actuarial tables, with higher fees for younger buyers to account for the additional years they will benefit from the license. As of 2023, the fees for each license type based on age are:
| Age | Hunting Only | Freshwater Fishing Only | Combination Hunting & Fishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $304.50 | $304.50 | $304.50 |
| 1-5 | $717.50 | $717.50 | $1,435.00 |
| 6-10 | $680.00 | $680.00 | $1,360.00 |
| 11-15 | $642.50 | $642.50 | $1,285.00 |
| 16-20 | $605.00 | $605.00 | $1,210.00 |
| 21-25 | $567.50 | $567.50 | $1,135.00 |
| 26-30 | $530.00 | $530.00 | $1,060.00 |
| 31-35 | $492.50 | $492.50 | $985.00 |
| 36-40 | $455.00 | $455.00 | $910.00 |
| 41-45 | $417.50 | $417.50 | $835.00 |
| 46-50 | $380.00 | $380.00 | $760.00 |
| 51-55 | $342.50 | $342.50 | $685.00 |
| 56-60 | $305.00 | $305.00 | $610.00 |
| 61-65 | $267.50 | $267.50 | $535.00 |
| 66-70 | $230.00 | $230.00 | $460.00 |
| 71-75 | $192.50 | $192.50 | $385.00 |
| 76+ | $155.00 | $155.00 | $310.00 |
Resident disabled veterans can purchase lifetime licenses at 50% of the regular rates based on their age.
In addition to the license fee, a one-time $10 habitat fee is required for all lifetime license purchases. This fee goes toward the management and conservation of wildlife habitats throughout the state.
How to Apply
Applying for a New Hampshire lifetime hunting license is a straightforward process, but it must be done in person or by mail through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department headquarters in Concord. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
- A completed lifetime license application form, available on the NH Fish and Game website or at the Concord office.
- Proof of residency, such as a valid New Hampshire driver’s license or non-driver ID.
- Proof of a previously held hunting license or hunter education certification. A copy of your previous license or hunter safety card from any state or province will suffice.
- Additional certifications for archery and/or muzzleloader endorsements, if applicable.
- Payment for the license fee and habitat fee. Checks should be made payable to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
Mail your completed application, required documents, and payment to:
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
ATTN: Licensing
11 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
Please allow 5-10 business days for processing. Your lifetime license will be mailed to you and must be signed to be valid. If you have any questions, you can contact the licensing office at (603) 271-3422.
Newborn Lifetime Combination License
New Hampshire offers a special opportunity for parents and grandparents to give the gift of a lifetime of outdoor adventures to the newest members of their family. The Newborn Lifetime Combination Hunting & Fishing License is available for purchase for any child under the age of one who is a resident of New Hampshire.
For a one-time fee of $304.50 (plus a $4.50 habitat and agent fee), your child will receive a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license that becomes valid when they turn 16 years old. This is a significant discount compared to regular lifetime license rates and guarantees that your child can enjoy hunting and fishing in New Hampshire for their entire life, regardless of future fee increases.
To apply for a newborn lifetime license, you must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and proof of residency for one parent or legal guardian, such as a New Hampshire driver’s license or non-driver ID. Gift certificates are mailed out and can be presented to the family. What a fantastic way to welcome a new addition and establish a family tradition of appreciating the great outdoors!
Benefits of a Lifetime License
In addition to the convenience of never having to renew your hunting license again, investing in a New Hampshire lifetime license provides many valuable benefits:
- Significant savings over time. Purchasing a lifetime license locks in the fee at today’s rates, protecting you from future price increases. Over the course of a lifetime, this can add up to thousands of dollars in savings compared to buying annual licenses.
- Comprehensive privileges. Your lifetime hunting license includes all the same privileges as an annual license, including deer, bear, turkey, and small game hunting. Archery and muzzleloader endorsements can be added for even more opportunities.
- Fishing included with combination license. If you opt for a lifetime combination license, you also get freshwater fishing privileges for all of New Hampshire’s lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. It’s a great value for those who enjoy both sports.
- Support for wildlife conservation. Revenue generated from the sale of lifetime licenses is deposited into a dedicated Fish and Game fund that supports critical wildlife conservation, habitat management, research, and education programs. Your purchase directly contributes to preserving New Hampshire’s outdoor heritage for generations to come.
- Simplified tagging and reporting. Lifetime license holders can create their own deer and turkey tags or use the generic tags printed in the annual NH Hunting & Trapping Digest. You also have the convenience of being able to report your harvests online or by phone.
- Reciprocal privileges in other states. New Hampshire has reciprocal license agreements with several other states, meaning your lifetime license may be recognized for certain hunting or fishing activities in those states. Be sure to check the regulations before you go.
Conclusion
For those who plan to hunt in New Hampshire for many years to come, a lifetime license is a smart investment that provides significant savings, convenience, and comprehensive privileges. By locking in today’s rates, you can enjoy a lifetime of hunting and fishing adventures while supporting critical conservation efforts in the Granite State.
As you consider purchasing a lifetime license for yourself or as a gift for a child or grandchild, remember that these licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable. Be sure to review the eligibility requirements and gather all the necessary documents before applying.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, don’t hesitate to contact the friendly staff at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department licensing office at (603) 271-3422 or visit their website at www.wildlife.nh.gov.
Here’s to a lifetime of unforgettable hunting and fishing memories in the beautiful state of New Hampshire!
