2025 NH Fish and Game Licenses: Ultimate Guide & Best Deals

Planning to fish or hunt in New Hampshire in 2025? Securing the appropriate licenses and understanding state regulations are essential for a successful and legal outdoor experience. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on license types, fees, regulations, and special opportunities to help you navigate New Hampshire’s fishing and hunting landscape.

Types of NH Fishing and Hunting Licenses

New Hampshire offers a variety of licenses to accommodate both residents and non-residents. Here’s a breakdown of the primary options:

Fishing Licenses:

• Resident Freshwater Fishing License: Required for residents aged 16 and older.
  Fee: $45.00
  This license allows residents to fish in New Hampshire’s freshwater bodies. Proof of New Hampshire residency is required (e.g., valid driver’s license or utility bill).
• Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing License: For out-of-state anglers aged 16 and older.
  Fee: $63.00
  This option is available for non-residents who wish to fish in New Hampshire’s freshwater. You must be at least 16 years old to qualify.
• Youth Fishing License: Available for children under 16 years old.
  Fee: Free
  While not required, this free license encourages young anglers to participate in the sport and follow responsible fishing practices.
• One-Day Fishing License: Ideal for short trips.
  Fee: $10.00 for residents; $15.00 for non-residents
  This temporary license allows both residents and non-residents to fish for a 24-hour period, making it a great option for tourists or spontaneous trips.
• Saltwater Fishing License: Required for fishing in coastal waters.
  Fee: $11.00 for both residents and non-residents
  This endorsement is necessary for anglers targeting species in New Hampshire’s coastal and estuarine waters, in addition to the freshwater license.
• Combination Fishing and Hunting License: A cost-effective option for those interested in both activities.
  Fee: Variable (based on individual fishing and hunting preferences)
  This license bundle is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who plan to hunt and fish during the same year.

Hunting Licenses:

• Resident Hunting License: Required for residents aged 16 and older.
  Fee: $32.00
  This license is necessary for small game hunting. If you want to hunt big game, such as deer or bear, additional permits are required.
• Non-Resident Hunting License: For out-of-state hunters aged 16 and older.
  Fee: $113.00
  Non-residents can purchase this license for general hunting privileges in New Hampshire, including small game hunting.
• Youth Hunting License: Available for hunters under 16 years old.
  Fee: Free
  This free license promotes safe and ethical hunting practices among young people. It is a great opportunity for youth hunters to start learning about responsible hunting.
• Archery License: Required for bow hunting.
  Fee: $28.50 for residents; $53.00 for non-residents
  This license is necessary for participating in bow hunting seasons, which generally start earlier in the fall.
• Muzzleloader License: Necessary for muzzleloader hunting seasons.
  Fee: $17.00 for residents; $42.00 for non-residents
  If you’re interested in participating in the traditional muzzleloader hunting season, you must obtain this additional permit.
• Bear License: Special permit for bear hunting.
  Fee: $16.00 for residents; $31.00 for non-residents
  This license is required for hunting bears during the designated season.
• Turkey Permit: Required for turkey hunting seasons.
  Fee: $16.00 for residents; $31.00 for non-residents
  A permit for turkey hunting is essential for both spring and fall hunting seasons.

Additional Considerations:

• Senior Licenses: Residents aged 68 and older may qualify for discounted or free licenses. Proof of age and residency is required.
• Lifetime Licenses: Available for residents, offering long-term value for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. These licenses can be purchased for fishing or hunting, providing a lifetime of outdoor activities without the need for annual renewals.
• Conservation Licenses: Special reduced-fee licenses are available for seniors and disabled veterans. These conservation licenses contribute to habitat conservation efforts and provide affordable outdoor recreation opportunities for qualified individuals.
• Online Purchase: Most licenses can be conveniently purchased through the NH Fish and Game Department’s website.
  Visit the NH Fish and Game Website for online purchasing options and more details about the licenses available.

Free Fishing Days in 2025

New Hampshire designates two free fishing days each year, allowing both residents and non-residents to fish without a license:

• January 18, 2025
• June 7, 2025

On these days, all other fishing regulations apply. However, participants in fishing tournaments must still hold a valid license on free fishing days. To get more details about free fishing days, visit:
Free Fishing Days in NH

How to Obtain a Fishing License in NH

Securing a fishing license in New Hampshire is straightforward and can be done through several methods:

• Online: Visit the NH Fish and Game Online Licensing System to purchase your license anytime, day or night. It’s the fastest method to get a license.
• In-Person: Licenses are available at the Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord, as well as regional offices and numerous license agents statewide, including sporting goods stores, town offices, and bait shops.
• By Phone: Call 603-271-3422 to purchase a license using a credit card. This method is ideal if you prefer not to do online transactions.

Required Information:

When purchasing your license, be prepared to provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Eye color

For residents: Proof of NH residency (e.g., NH driver’s license, utility bill) is required to confirm eligibility for resident rates.

Hunting License Requirements

To obtain a hunting license in New Hampshire, you must meet specific criteria and understand various permit options:

• Age Requirement: Hunters must be at least 16 years old to purchase a hunting license independently.
• Hunter Education: Hunter education courses are mandatory for anyone born on or after January 1, 1958. These courses cover firearm and archery safety, ethics, outdoor survival, and wildlife conservation. You can complete the course in person or online with a field day component.
• Residency Requirements: To qualify for a resident hunting license, you must be a legal New Hampshire resident for at least 6 months. Proof of residency can be a NH driver’s license, NH vehicle registration, NH voter ID card, or utility bill with your NH address.
• Specialized Licenses and Permits: If you’re interested in hunting specific types of game such as bears, turkeys, or using archery or muzzleloaders, additional permits are required. These specialized permits are necessary for participation in those seasons.

For more information on obtaining hunting licenses, visit: Hunting Licenses in NH

Fishing and Hunting Seasons in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a diverse array of fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the year, with carefully regulated seasons designed to promote sustainable wildlife populations and ethical practices. Here’s a breakdown of key seasons:

Freshwater Fishing Seasons:

• Lake Trout and Landlocked Salmon: January 1 – September 30
  This season is open for catching lake trout and landlocked salmon, with the season ending on September 30.
• Rainbow Trout: January 1 – October 15
  Anglers can target rainbow trout in New Hampshire’s lakes and streams through mid-October.
• Brook and Brown Trout: January 1 – October 15
  Brook and brown trout are available from January 1 through October 15. Be sure to consult local regulations for specific water bodies.
• Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Year-round, with catch and release from May 15 – June 15
  Bass fishing is permitted year-round, but during the period from May 15 to June 15, fishing must be limited to catch-and-release only.
• Pickerel: Year-round
  Pickerel fishing is open all year, with no specific season restrictions.

Note: Some water bodies may have specific regulations. Always check the current NH Freshwater Fishing Digest for detailed information.
For more information, visit: NH Freshwater Fishing Regulations

Saltwater Fishing Seasons:

Along New Hampshire’s 18 miles of coastline and in its estuaries, anglers can enjoy several saltwater species:

• Striped Bass: April 1 – December 31
  Striped bass fishing is available from April 1 to December 31, with specific regulations on size limits and bag limits. Check for any seasonal restrictions.
• Cod and Haddock: Year-round, with potential seasonal closures
  Cod and haddock fishing are allowed year-round, but there may be seasonal closures based on population assessments and federal guidelines.
• Tuna: Year-round, subject to federal quotas and regulations
  Tuna fishing is open year-round, but subject to federal quotas and specific fishing methods. Ensure you’re compliant with federal regulations to prevent overfishing.

For specific saltwater fishing regulations, visit: Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Big Game Hunting Seasons:

• Black Bear: September 1 – November 24
  The black bear hunting season is open from September 1 through November 24. Hunters must follow the specific regulations and obtain the necessary tags.
• White-tailed Deer:
  • Archery: September 15 – December 15
  • Muzzleloader: November 2 – November 12
  • Firearms: November 13 – December 8
    For white-tailed deer, archery hunting starts on September 15, muzzleloader hunting begins on November 2, and firearms hunting runs from November 13 to December 8.
• Moose (permit only): October 19 – October 27
  Moose hunting is only allowed through a lottery permit system, with the hunting season running from October 19 to October 27. Permits are extremely limited, so applying early is crucial.

Small Game and Migratory Bird Seasons:

• Pheasant: October 1 – December 31
  Pheasant hunting season lasts from October 1 to December 31. Be mindful of daily bag limits and local hunting areas.
• Ruffed Grouse: October 1 – December 31
  Ruffed grouse season is open from October 1 to December 31, with regulations on hunting methods and bag limits.
• Waterfowl: October 1 – January 5
  The waterfowl hunting season spans from October 1 to January 5. Be sure to check specific zone regulations as they vary by area.

Regulations and Responsible Practices

To ensure sustainable wildlife populations and a fair experience for all outdoor enthusiasts, New Hampshire enforces various rules and guidelines. Be sure to:

• Always carry your fishing or hunting license and any required permits.
  Make sure to have your license on hand while fishing or hunting. Conservation officers may ask for it at any time.
• Familiarize yourself with bag limits, season dates, and specific regulations for the area where you’ll be fishing or hunting.
  Regulations vary by wildlife management unit (WMU) and specific water bodies, so always review the most up-to-date information.
• Abide by safety requirements, including wearing blaze orange during firearms seasons for hunters.
  During firearms season, hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of blaze orange. This ensures visibility and helps prevent accidents.
• Always check the current NH Fishing and Hunting Digest for up-to-date regulations.
  The NH Fish and Game Department releases annual digests with the most current regulations, so it’s important to stay informed before heading out.

For the most accurate and detailed regulations, visit the official New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website:
NH Fish and Game Regulations

By following these regulations and practicing responsible fishing and hunting, you contribute to the preservation of New Hampshire’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy.