reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:5-b - Special Deer Permits.

208:5-b Special Deer Permits. –
The executive director may issue special deer permits to a person licensed with the applicable license to hunt issued under RSA 214, RSA 208:5, or RSA 208:5-a. The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to fixing the number and sex limitations for wild deer and any other conditions governing the location, method, and manner of taking as well as the issuance and fee for special deer permits.
Source.
1994, 369:2. 1998, 225:1. 2001, 180:1, eff. July 1, 2001; 252:5, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; 252:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2003. 2015, 186:8, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:6-a - Special Hunting Areas for Certain Disabled Persons.

208:6-a Special Hunting Areas for Certain Disabled Persons. –
Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 208:2, relating to the taking of deer upon islands, the executive director may designate in accordance with this section one or more islands and other designated areas, other than islands, upon which deer may be taken by paraplegics, persons suffering from the loss of, or use of, both lower extremities or persons confined to wheelchairs. An eligible person desiring to take advantage of the privilege afforded by this section, may, if properly licensed under the provisions of this title to take deer, apply to the executive director, at least 15 days before the beginning of the open season for deer, as prescribed in RSA 208:2, requesting authorization to hunt upon islands or other designated areas which the executive director in the executive director's discretion has determined to have an overpopulation of deer for the vegetation available upon the island or area. In granting these special licenses under this section, the executive director should bear in mind the physical limitations of those eligible under this section to hunt, and the relative difficulty such persons would have in gaining access to the area designated. Additionally, the executive director should consider the number of applications, and in the executive director's discretion limit the number of special licenses issued for any designated area, to prevent reduction of deer below desirable limits. Licenses issued under the provisions of this section shall be good only in the area specified upon such license or permit. The executive director may adopt rules governing the conduct of persons accompanying or assisting eligible persons. Permission granted under this section shall be evidenced by a permit or license in a form prescribed and issued by the executive director.
Source.
1963, 315:2. 1969, 137:1. 1971, 422:1. 1973, 359:1. 1996, 108:7, eff. July 14, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:7 - Manner of Hunting Deer.

208:7 Manner of Hunting Deer. –
I. No person shall knowingly take deer with the aid or by the use of a dog, trap, snare, salt lick, swivel, pivot or set gun.
II. No person shall knowingly drive deer by the use of horns, whistles, or other noise-making devices or by the use of an OHRV, snowmobile, aircraft, or other motorized vehicles.
III. It shall be unlawful for more than 6 persons to participate in a drive to take deer.
Source.
1935, 124:2. RL 242:5. RSA 208:7. 1967, 28:1. 1969, 198:1. 1981, 108:5. 1983, 449:20. 1987, 277:1. 2005, 210:8, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:7-a - Taking Game by Crossbow; Rulemaking.

208:7-a Taking Game by Crossbow;  Rulemaking. –
I. The executive director of fish and game, with the consent of the commission, may adopt rules under RSA 541-A to allow for the taking of deer by crossbow during the regular firearms season and the regular muzzleloader season, for persons holding a valid firearms or muzzleloader deer tag, or as specified in RSA 206:23-c. Persons 68 years of age or older holding an archery license under RSA 208:5 may use a crossbow as an alternative to traditional bow and arrow during the archery deer season without obtaining an additional permit.
II. The executive director of fish and game, with the consent of the commission, may adopt rules under RSA 541-A to allow for the taking by crossbow of any game bird or any game animal, other than deer, during the regular firearms season set for that species.
III. Rules may include, but not be limited to, conditions or limitations as to the portions of the state crossbows may be used, the manner and method of taking with a crossbow, mandatory education requirements for the use of a crossbow, and any additional licensing requirements and associated fees.
Source.
2001, 161:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2003. 2015, 123:1, eff. Aug. 7, 2015. 2016, 27:1, eff. June 24, 2016. 2017, 17:1, eff. June 16, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:8 - Illegal Night Hunting.

208:8 Illegal Night Hunting. –
I. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person:
(a) Knowingly takes wild birds or wild animals between
1/2 hour after sunset and
1/2 hour before sunrise.
(b) Knowingly uses an artificial light between
1/2 hour after sunset and
1/2 hour before sunrise to illuminate, locate, or attempt to locate wild birds or wild animals while possessing on the person or in a motor vehicle, OHRV, snowmobile, boat, aircraft, or other craft propelled by mechanical power, a bow and arrow, crossbow and bolt, rifle, pistol, revolver, shotgun, or muzzle-loading firearm with live ammunition to fit the weapon, whether loaded or unloaded.
II. Any person convicted of illegal night hunting shall forfeit such firearms, lights, or any other equipment used or usable in the illegal night hunting at the time of such offense.
III. The knowledge or belief required for paragraph I is presumed in the case of a person who:
(a) Uses or is found in the possession of a bow and arrow, crossbow and bolt, a muzzle-loading firearm with live ammunition components to fit, or a rifle, revolver, or pistol larger than .22 caliber long rifle; or
(b) Uses shotgun shells carrying shot larger than number 4 birdshot.
IV. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of lights for checking traps as permitted in RSA 210:13.
Source.
1935, 124:2. 1941, 29:1. RL 242:6. 1947, 161:1. 1951, 119:1. RSA 208:8. 1955, 62:1. 1959, 25:1. 1983, 449:21. 1987, 277:2. 1989, 33:2, 3. 1993, 237:1. 1994, 51:3. 1996, 108:8, 9. 2004, 40:3. 2005, 210:9, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:8-a - Penalty for Illegal Use of Light.

208:8-a Penalty for Illegal Use of Light. –
I. Any person who deliberately uses an artificial light during the period from September 1 through December 31 to illuminate, jack, locate or attempt to locate wild birds or wild animals shall be guilty of a violation.
I-a. The provisions of paragraph I shall not apply to a person using an artificial light to locate or view a moose from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on any day during the period of September 1 through the second Monday of October. In addition, the exception in this paragraph shall be limited to the following roads in Coos county:
(a) Class I, II, and III state highways.
(b) Class IV, V, and VI city or town roads, with the permission of the local governing body.
II. The taking of raccoons pursuant to RSA 210:2 shall be an affirmative defense, as defined in RSA 626:7, I(b), to an alleged violation of this section.
III. The checking of traps pursuant to RSA 210:13 shall be an affirmative defense as defined in RSA 626:7, I(b) to an alleged violation of this section.
Source.
1979, 19:1. 1981, 9:1. 1993, 72:1. 1994, 51:4. 2001, 131:1. 2005, 6:1, eff. July 2, 2005.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:8-b - Feeding of Wild Deer.

208:8-b Feeding of Wild Deer. –
I. (a) No person shall knowingly place food for consumption by wild deer if the fish and game department has determined such feeding would be detrimental to the health of the deer population or a threat to public safety.
(b) The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A that include but shall not be limited to the definition of food, the time of feeding, and the locations for feeding that would be detrimental for consumption by wild deer and the criteria by which the department will determine if feeding would be detrimental to the health of the deer population or a threat to public safety.
II. The fish and game department shall provide informational materials concerning the harmful or fatal feeding of wild deer to businesses and establishments in this state which sell or offer for sale wild animal feed.
III. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be given a warning for a first offense and shall be guilty of a violation for any subsequent offense.
IV. This section shall not apply to baiting permitted under RSA 207:3-d and agriculture as defined in RSA 21:34-a.
Source.
2016, 302:1, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:9 - Possession of a Deer or Moose.

208:9 Possession of a Deer or Moose. –
I. No person shall possess the carcass or any part of the carcass of wild deer or moose without the deer or moose tag or registration seal attached to it or by special permission of the executive director or the executive director's agent.
II. Notwithstanding paragraph I, no person shall possess a deer or moose or any parts of the carcass of a wild deer or moose given to the person by another unless each piece or package given to such person is clearly marked or labeled with the date of its receipt and the name and address of the donor.
III. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation for the first offense and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.
Source.
1935, 124:2. RL 242:7. 1943, 143:1. 1951, 131:1. RSA 208:9. 1957, 250:1. 1967, 84:2. 1971, 226:1. 1985, 371:2. 1987, 277:3. 1996, 108:10, eff. July 14, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:9-a - Larceny of Deer or Bear.

208:9-a Larceny of Deer or Bear. –
Any person who shall steal, take and carry away a deer, bear or any part thereof, of another without permission shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
Source.
1969, 62:1. 1973, 528:119, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:10 - Lumber Camps.

208:10 Lumber Camps. –
No owner or keeper of any camp, house, or other building, used partly or wholly in lumbering operations, and no person connected with or employed in or about such camp, house, or building, shall use, consume, permit to be served as food, store or have in possession at any time, in, at, or about such camp, house, or building, any deer or part thereof.
Source.
1935, 124:2. RL 242:8.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:11 - Buying or Selling.

208:11 Buying or Selling. –
No person shall buy, sell, or offer or expose for sale a deer, moose, or bear or part thereof except the head, hide, or feet.
Source.
1937, 188:9. RL 242:9. RSA 208:11. 1986, 79:1. 1993, 99:1, eff. April 29, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:12 - Transportation by Residents.

208:12 Transportation by Residents. –
A resident of the state may transport within the state, during the open season and for 10 days thereafter, a deer legally taken by the resident, when accompanied by such resident, and to which the deer tag has been attached as provided in RSA 208:16 and to which the registration seal has been attached. If the deer or carcass is placed in the custody of a licensed common carrier it shall, in addition to the deer tag and registration seal, have attached a tag, plainly marked, with the name of the consignor, the name of the consignee, the point of shipment, and the destination.
Source.
1935, 124:2. 1937, 188:10. RL 242:10. RSA 208:12. 1967, 84:3. 1994, 10:1. 1996, 108:11, eff. July 14, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:13 - Transportation by Nonresidents.

208:13 Transportation by Nonresidents. –
The holder of a nonresident hunting license may transport within the state or from a point within the state to a point outside the state, a deer legally taken by the nonresident, when accompanied by such nonresident and to which the deer tag has been attached as provided in RSA 208:16 and also to which the registration seal has been attached. If the deer or carcass is placed in the custody of a licensed common carrier, it shall in addition to the deer tag and registration seal have attached another tag plainly marked with the name of the consignor, the name of the consignee, the point of shipment, and the destination. The agent of the common carrier shall see that the deer tag attached to the deer or carcass bears the same number as written on the license by the issuing license agent.
Source.
1935, 124:2. 1937, 188:11. RL 242:11. RSA 208:13. 1967, 84:4. 1987, 62:1. 1994, 10:2. 1996, 108:11, eff. July 14, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:14 - Special Permit.

208:14 Special Permit. –
I. Any transportation of deer not covered in RSA 208:12 and 13 shall be allowed only under the terms of a special permit, signed by the executive director or an agent of the executive director, except that a person under 16 years of age, hunting without a license but accompanied by a licensee 18 years of age or over or a person with a valid hunting license issued pursuant to RSA 214:7-a or RSA 214:9-c or a bow and arrow license issued pursuant to RSA 214:9-cc, or a resident landowner pursuant to RSA 214:2, may transport a deer killed by such person, by identifying it with a tag bearing such person's name, residence, and the date taken.
II. Any person needing a special permit shall notify a conservation officer within 24 hours of the taking of the deer.
III. No person described in this section shall possess or transport a deer without a special permit or deer tag attached. This paragraph shall not apply to the 24 hour period allowed in paragraph II, and thereafter, if such person has notified a conservation officer as required in paragraph II.
Source.
1935, 124:2. RL 242:12. RSA 208:14. 1961, 121:1. 1973, 72:20. 1993, 237:2. 1996, 108:12. 2008, 79:1, eff. July 20, 2008. 2011, 13:1, eff. June 24, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15 - Possession as Evidence.

208:15 Possession as Evidence. –
The possession of a deer or any part thereof by a person or common carrier, otherwise than as herein prescribed, shall be prima facie evidence that such person or common carrier is guilty of a violation of the provisions of this subdivision.
Source.
1935, 124:2. RL 242:13.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-a - Deer Registration Stations.

208:15-a Deer Registration Stations. –
The executive director shall cause to be established such number of deer registration stations as the executive director may deem necessary for the purpose of registering deer killed in the state. Each such station shall be in charge of an agent designated by the executive director. Once each year a list of such agents and the location of registration stations shall be published in one or more newspapers in the state.
Source.
1967, 84:1. 1996, 108:13, eff. July 14, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-b - Registration and Fees.

208:15-b Registration and Fees. –
The registration agent shall register each deer legally presented for registration and shall attach a registration seal to each deer in the manner prescribed by the executive director. The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to registration agent fees.
Source.
1967, 84:1. 1975, 40:1. 1996, 108:14, eff. Jan. 1, 1997.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-c - Records.

208:15-c Records. –
The agent shall keep such records as may be prescribed by the executive director which records shall be subject to inspection at anytime by the executive director or an agent of the executive director.
Source.
1967, 84:1. 1996, 108:15, eff. July 14, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-d - Presentation for Registration.

208:15-d Presentation for Registration. –
Any person killing a deer shall present the same for registration at the first open deer registration station on the route taken by the person who killed the deer, or by using the online registration process established by the executive director under RSA 208:15-h. No person shall present for registration, or allow to be registered in such person's name, a deer which such person did not kill.
Source.
1967, 84:1. 1996, 108:15, eff. July 14, 1996. 2022, 135:1, eff. Aug. 6, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-e - Prohibition.

208:15-e Prohibition. –
No person shall keep a deer in the person's home, or any place of storage, except at a deer registration station, for a period of more than 24 hours unless the deer has been legally registered.
Source.
1967, 84:1. 1996, 108:15. 2001, 22:1, eff. July 14, 2001.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-f - Leaving Deer in Woods.

208:15-f Leaving Deer in Woods. –
If a person, after killing a deer, shall leave the location where the deer was killed without taking the deer the person shall notify a conservation officer within 12 hours as to the location of the deer and describe the circumstances necessitating such person's leaving the deer in the woods.
Source.
1967, 84:1. 1996, 108:15, eff. July 14, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-g - Registration Required.

208:15-g Registration Required. –
No person shall possess at anytime any deer, or part thereof, which has not been legally registered as herein provided. The provisions of this section shall not apply to either the possession of a deer between the time it was killed and the presentation of the deer at the registration station, or to the 24-hour period cited in RSA 208:15-e.
Source.
1967, 84:1. 1969, 90:1. 1996, 108:15. 2001, 22:2, eff. July 14, 2001.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-h - Online Deer Registration.

208:15-h Online Deer Registration. –
The executive director shall cause to be established an online registration system on or before September 1, 2023 for the purpose of registering deer killed in the state. The executive director shall act as the registration agent for deer registered through the online registration system. The requirements, procedures, and fees for online registration shall be similar to those used at deer registration stations. The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A specifying the necessary requirements, procedures, and fees for the use of the online registration system.
Source.
2022, 135:2, eff. Aug. 6, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:15-i - Emergency Closure; Limitation on Availability.

208:15-i Emergency Closure;  Limitation on Availability. –
The executive director may, by administrative rule adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A, limit the availability of online registration on days designated for biological sample collection and suspend online registration in the event of a wildlife or public health emergency, with the consent of the commission.
Source.
2022, 135:3, eff. Aug. 6, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:16 - Use of Deer Tag.

208:16 Use of Deer Tag. –
I. The holder of a license to hunt under RSA 214:9, I, III, VI, VII, and RSA 208:5 shall be provided with a deer tag attached to the license. The holder of a license shall, upon killing a deer, fill out and detach the deer tag from the license and then securely attach to the deer or carcass the deer tag bearing the name and address of the licensee. The deer tag shall remain attached to the deer or carcass thereof as long as the deer or carcass remains in the state, and the owner shall be entitled to transport it or have it transported as provided in RSA 208:12 and 13.
II. Only the deer tag issued to the licensee who killed the deer shall be attached to that deer carcass.
III. No person shall possess a deer tag that was not issued to that person.
IV. No person shall attach a deer tag to a deer the person did not kill.
V. No person shall possess a detached deer tag which has been validated, during the open season for deer, unless the validated deer tag is attached to a deer or its carcass as provided in this section. Any person who violates the provisions of this paragraph shall, if a natural person, be guilty of a violation, and any other person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1935, 124:2. 1941, 126:10. RL 242:14. 1951, 159:1. RSA 208:16. 1967, 84:5. 1969, 9:1. 1985, 291:5. 1987, 62:2. 1995, 115:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1996.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:16-a, 208:17 - Repealed by 1967, 84:6, eff. Sept. 1, 1967.

208:16-a, 208:17 Repealed by 1967, 84:6, eff. Sept. 1, 1967. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:21 - Penalties.

208:21 Penalties. –
A person who violates:
I. RSA 208:1, 1-b, 1-d, 7, I and II, and 8 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
II. RSA 208:3, 3-a, 3-b, 3-c, 4, 5, 5-a, 6-a, 7, III, 10, and 12-16 inclusive, shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person.
III. [Repealed.]
IV. RSA 208:11 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for each deer or moose or part thereof bought, sold, offered or exposed for sale if a natural person or guilty of a felony if any other person.
V. RSA 208:1-a or RSA 208:2 shall be guilty of a violation, unless the person is guilty of taking deer or moose during the closed season or exceeding the bag limit, then the person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1935, 124:2. RL 242:19. 1949, 279:1. RSA 208:21. 1955, 62:3. 1965, 83:2. 1967, 14:2. 1973, 528:120. 1975, 36:1, 2. 1977, 247:11. 1979, 33:1. 1981, 108:7. 1985, 371:3. 1986, 79:2. 1987, 277:4. 1988, 219:2, V. 1997, 9:1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1998.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:22 - Wild Black Bear.

208:22 Wild Black Bear. –
I. The executive director, with the consent of the commission, shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to opening and closing the seasons for the taking of wild black bear, fixing the number of wild black bear that may be taken and any other conditions governing the methods and manner of taking and reporting of the same. The authority of the executive director as granted by this section may be exercised with reference to the state as a whole or for any specified county or part of a county. Dog training shall be permitted in accordance with RSA 207:12-a.
II. No bear shall be taken at any time on any island or in any waters, lakes or ponds.
III. Dogs shall not be trained or used for taking bear from baited areas after a date as determined by the executive director in a rule adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
IV. [Repealed.]
V. Wild black bear may be taken by the aid and use of dogs, as permitted pursuant to RSA 208:22, I; by firearms; by crossbow; or by bow and arrow of at least 40 pound pull. No person shall take bear by the aid or use of a jack or artificial light, trap, snare, or set gun or .22 or smaller caliber rimfire firearm, unless otherwise provided in this section.
VI. Any person who kills a wild bear pursuant to this section shall report the kill in accordance with rules adopted under RSA 208:22, I.
VII. Landowners or their agents may set traps for bear doing actual or substantial damage to property. Such trapping shall only be permitted after the executive director or an agent of the executive director has been notified of damage and has investigated the complaint. The executive director or agent may then issue a special permit for the use of traps. The permit shall state the location of traps and the dates when trapping shall be allowed. Any traps set as described in this paragraph shall be arranged and set in accordance with RSA 210:15.
VIII. [Repealed.]
IX. (a) Whoever violates the provisions of paragraphs I, II, III, and VI shall, if a natural person, be guilty of a violation, and any other person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, except that any person who exceeds the bag limit as determined pursuant to RSA 208:22, I shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Whoever violates the provisions of paragraphs V, VII, VIII, and X shall, if a natural person, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and any other person shall be guilty of a felony.
X. [Repealed.]
Source.
1961, 126:1. 1963, 311:1. 1965, 143:2. 1967, 46:1. 1971, 85:1. 1973, 528:121. 1983, 49:2. 1985, 99:1. 1987, 63:2. 1988, 212:1. 1991, 224:3-5. 1993, 178:1. 1996, 108:16, 20, I. 2006, 19:3, eff. May 22, 2006. 2015, 123:2, eff. Aug. 7, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:24 - Black Bear Management Program.

208:24 Black Bear Management Program. –
I. The wild black bear has played a vital role in the development and history of the state and is recognized as a valuable game and wildlife resource. It is recognized that bears should be accorded such protection as is necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers.
II. No person shall take wild black bears in this state without first procuring a bear license and tag in addition to the applicable license to hunt issued pursuant to RSA 214 or RSA 208:5. The cost of the bear license and tag, for both residents and nonresidents, shall be set by the executive director pursuant to RSA 206:10, I.
III. The bear license and tag shall be in such form as determined by the executive director in rules adopted under RSA 541-A. The holder of a bear license and tag shall, upon killing a bear, fill out and securely attach to the bear's ear the bear tag bearing the name and address of the licensee and other information that the executive director determines to be appropriate. The bear tag shall remain attached to the bear as long as the bear carcass remains in the state. Only the bear tag issued to the licensee who killed the bear shall be attached to that bear. No person shall possess a bear tag that was not issued to that person. No person shall attach a bear tag to a bear the person did not kill.
III-a. A bear license shall not constitute satisfactory proof that the holder of such license previously had a hunting license issued to the holder in this state, or any other state, province or country as required under RSA 214:23-a.
IV. [Repealed.]
V. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1990, 178:1. 1991, 221:2, 3. 1996, 108:17. 1998, 38:1. 2001, 180:2. 2005, 81:1. 2007, 220:7, IX, eff. July 1, 2007. 2015, 186:9, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 208 - Game Animals › Section 208:25 - Disposition of Condemned Game Animal.

208:25 Disposition of Condemned Game Animal. –
The executive director may condemn, upon request of a licensee, the carcass of a lawfully taken and possessed game animal that is determined unfit for human consumption, provided the condition was not created by the actions of the person who took the animal. The entire game animal shall be surrendered to the department and repossessed. After surrender and condemnation of the game animal the licensee shall be given written notice by the department employee indicating that the department repossessed the animal and that the hunter's privilege to continue to hunt that species has not been jeopardized.
Source.
2005, 27:1, eff. July 9, 2005.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:4 - No Open Season.

209:4 No Open Season. –
There shall be no open season for spruce grouse, upland plover, ptarmigan, and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura).
Source.
1935, 124:3. 1937, 188:14. 1941, 115:1. RL 243:3. 1945, 182:2. RSA 209:4. 1967, 2:1; 170:2. 1971, 574:4. 1975, 41:1. 1977, 459:4. 1988, 155:1. 1999, 28:1. 2005, 11:2, eff. July 2, 2005.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:5 - Migratory Game Birds.

209:5 Migratory Game Birds. –
Anatidae or waterfowl, including wild ducks and geese; Rallidae or rails, including coot and gallinules; Limicolae or shore birds, including plover, snipe and yellow legs; and Scolopacidae or woodcock are declared to be migratory game birds.
Source.
1935, 124:3. RL 243:4. 1945, 182:3. RSA 209:5. 1979, 97:1. 1985, 42:2. 1988, 155:2, eff. June 21, 1988.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:5-a - Connecticut River Zone.

209:5-a Connecticut River Zone. –
I. A person holding a Vermont resident hunting license which allows the taking of migratory waterfowl and coots, may take migratory game birds, as provided in RSA 209:5, except woodcock and snipe, from the Connecticut River zone, provided the state of Vermont grants the same right to a person holding a New Hampshire resident hunting license and waterfowl license which allows the taking of migratory game birds in the Connecticut River zone in Vermont pursuant to Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 10, sec. 4909.
II. The Connecticut River zone in New Hampshire shall include that portion of New Hampshire lying west of the line defined by New Hampshire Route 63 from the Massachusetts border north to Route 12; Route 12 north to Route 12-A; Route 12-A north to Route 10; Route 10 north to Route 135; Route 135 north to U.S. Route 3; U.S. Route 3 north to the intersection with the Connecticut River.
Source.
2003, 26:1. 2007, 298:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:6 - Taking; Federal Duck Stamp Required.

209:6 Taking;  Federal Duck Stamp Required. –
I. No person shall hunt, capture, kill, take, possess, buy or sell any migratory game bird or part thereof, except during such time and in such manner and numbers as may be prescribed by regulations promulgated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, an act of Congress approved July 3, 1918, which regulations are hereby made a part of the game law of the state.
II. No person who has attained the age of 16 years shall take any migratory waterfowl (brant, wild ducks, geese and swans) unless at the time of such taking he or she has on their person an unexpired federal migratory bird stamp (commonly called a duck stamp) validated by his or her signature written across the face of said stamp in ink, or confirmation of an electronic migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp, purchased within the previous 45 days. A person who has not attained the age of 16 years is not required to have a duck stamp. Said duck stamp shall be required in addition to a valid New Hampshire hunting license obtained pursuant to RSA 214:1. Regulations promulgated under the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934 are hereby made a part of the game law of the state.
Source.
1935, 124:3. RL 243:5. RSA 209:6. 1975, 39:1, eff. May 16, 1975. 2023, 50:1, eff. July 31, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:6-a - Back Channel.

209:6-a Back Channel. –
The area known as Back Channel, a body of tidal waters between the 2 New Castle bridges, so-called, and Goat Island and Shapleigh Island to the north; and the Wentworth hotel bridges, so-called, to the south; said body of water being bordered by the town of New Castle to the east; and Sagamore Creek to the Sagamore bridge, the city of Portsmouth and the town of Rye to the west; is closed to all duck hunting or the discharge of firearms. This section shall apply to all islands situated within the above stated boundaries.
Source.
1973, 472:1, eff. Aug. 29, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:6-b - Rules Relative to Migratory Birds.

209:6-b Rules Relative to Migratory Birds. –
I. The fish and game department shall be exempt from the provisions of RSA 541-A when setting the seasons and bag limits for migratory birds as permitted in RSA 209:6 when federal regulations require that a rule be adopted sooner than permitted by RSA 541-A. Such rules may be adopted after whatever notice and hearing the agency finds to be practicable. The agency shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that such rules are made known to persons who may be affected by them.
II. Rules adopted under this section shall be filed with the director of legislative services and with the legislative committee on administrative rules.
Source.
1985, 251:3, eff. June 7, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:7 - Pigeons.

209:7 Pigeons. –
No person shall take or interfere with any Antwerp or homing pigeon having the name of its owner stamped upon its wing or tail, or wearing a ring or leg band with its registered number stamped thereon, or any other distinguishing mark; nor shall any person remove such distinguishing mark from any such pigeon.
Source.
1935, 124:3. RL 243:11.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:8-a - Exceptions.

209:8-a Exceptions. –
A depredation permit is required before any person may kill migratory birds for depredation control purposes. Depredation permit applications for depredation permits shall be submitted to the executive director of the fish and game department and the appropriate special agent in charge, U.S. fish and wildlife service. Any person may take protected birds for educational or scientific purposes provided such person shall first obtain a written permit from the executive director of fish and game for such purpose. Such permit shall be in such form as the executive director of fish and game shall prescribe and may be suspended or revoked by him at any time. The provisions of RSA 214:30 to 33 inclusive shall apply to the permits granted under the provisions of this section.
Source.
1959, 72:2. 1977, 247:12, eff. Aug. 19, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:8-b - Back Lake; Pittsburg.

209:8-b Back Lake;  Pittsburg. –
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law to the contrary, the hunting of wild birds upon or within 50 feet inland from the shoreline of Back Lake in the town of Pittsburg is hereby prohibited.
Source.
1973, 173:1, eff. July 27, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:9 - Golden and Bald Eagles.

209:9 Golden and Bald Eagles. –
No person shall hunt, capture, kill, take, or possess any golden or bald eagle and no person shall molest or disturb the nest or young of any of said birds.
Source.
1939, 216:2. RL 243:7. RSA 209:9. 1977, 588:36, eff. Sept. 16, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:10 - Nests.

209:10 Nests. –
No person shall take, or have in possession or under control, or wantonly interfere with or destroy, any nest or eggs of any game birds or protected birds.
Source.
1935, 124:3. RL 243:8.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:11 - Trapping, Etc.

209:11 Trapping, Etc. –
No wild bird or bird for which a closed season is provided shall be trapped or snared or, if so taken, possessed. Any trap, snare, or other device in which any bird may be taken is declared to be a public nuisance, and may be summarily destroyed or abated by any person. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the setting of a trap on a pole for the purpose of taking unprotected birds under a permit issued by the executive director.
Source.
1935, 124:3. RL 243:9.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:12 - Sale.

209:12 Sale. –
The dead bodies of birds for which a closed season is provided shall not be sold, offered for sale, or possessed for sale, within this state, whether taken within or without the state, except as permitted to duly authorized game breeders.
Source.
1935, 124:3. RL 243:10.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:12-a - Wild Turkey.

209:12-a Wild Turkey. –
I. The executive director shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to:
(a) Establishing seasons and bag limits, and issuing wild turkey permits.
(b) Establishing registration stations and registration agent fees for wild turkey.
(c) Specifying the methods for taking and registering wild turkeys.
(d) The enhancement, protection, and propagation of wild turkeys.
II. No person shall possess at any time any wild turkey, or part thereof, which has not been legally registered pursuant to this section. This paragraph shall not apply to the possession of a wild turkey between the time a person kills it and the time the wild turkey is presented at a registration station.
III. In addition to wild turkey licenses and permits issued under RSA 214:9, XI, the executive director, with the consent of the commission, may adopt rules under RSA 541-A, relative to issuing permits for a special season for wild turkey, including bag limits, fees for applications and permits, and the establishment of a lottery for awarding the special permits.
Source.
1977, 459:1. 1979, 54:1. 1997, 9:3. 2005, 143:2, eff. July 1, 2005.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209 - Game Birds; Pigeons › Section 209:13 - Penalties.

209:13 Penalties. –
Any person who violates any provision of RSA 209 shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1935, 124:3. RL 243:13. RSA 209:13. 1973, 531:51, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209-A - Falconry › Section 209-A:1 - Definitions.

209-A:1 Definitions. –
In this chapter:
I. "Department" means the department of fish and game.
II. "Executive director" means the executive director of the department of fish and game.
III. "Falconry" means the sport of taking quarry by means of a trained raptor.
IV. "Raptor" means a live migratory bird of the family Accipitridae or of the family Falconidae.
Source.
1987, 130:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209-A - Falconry › Section 209-A:2 - Purpose.

209-A:2 Purpose. –
Notwithstanding RSA 207:3 or any law to the contrary, the general court recognizes that falconry is a legal means of taking game and a legal basis for keeping otherwise protected raptorial birds.
Source.
1987, 130:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 209-A - Falconry › Section 209-A:3 - Falconry.

209-A:3 Falconry. –
I. Notwithstanding RSA 207:14 and in accordance with any applicable federal regulations, the executive director may issue falconry permits for the capture and possession of raptors for falconry purposes, raptor propagation, or for salvage or rehabilitation purposes. No person shall engage in the sport of falconry without a valid falconry permit and applicable license to hunt issued under RSA 214. The initial fee for a falconry permit shall be $50 and renewal fees and procedures for issuance of permits shall be established under rules adopted by the executive director, with the approval of the fish and game commission, pursuant to RSA 541-A.
II. Revenues from fees and renewals under paragraph I shall be deposited in the nongame species account established in RSA 212-B:6.
III. The executive director, with the consent of the commission, may establish, by rules under RSA 541-A, an open season or closed season for the taking of certain game animals, game birds, and small game by the use of raptors in falconry in any county of the state, or any portion thereof. Such rules shall include, but not be limited to, the length of the season, bag limits, and methods of taking.
IV. Any person permitted under this section shall be exempt from the requirements of RSA 207:14, when the permittee's activities pertain to falconry.
Source.
1987, 130:1. 1990, 122:1. 2001, 180:3. 2003, 60:2, eff. July 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:2 - Raccoons.

210:2 Raccoons. –
No person shall hunt raccoons at night by the use of a rifle, revolver, or pistol larger than .22 caliber long rifle or by the use of shotgun shells carrying shot larger than number 4. Lights may be used to take or attempt to take raccoons, except by use of a light from a motor vehicle.
Source.
1935, 124:4. 1937, 132:1. 1939, 215:1. RL 244:3. 1947, 116:1. 1953, 189:1. RSA 210:2. 1959, 151:1. 1967, 27:1; 208:1. 1969, 404:1. 1977, 23:1. 1981, 148:3. 1989, 33:1, eff. June 11, 1989.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:3-b - Marine Mammals.

210:3-b Marine Mammals. –
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or take any marine mammals except as provided for in the Marine Mammal Protection Act and under the rules adopted by the executive director pursuant to RSA 207:14 and RSA 211:62. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1969, 452:1. 1977, 588:37. 1993, 51:1, eff. June 15, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:4 - Muskrat House, Dens, Etc.

210:4 Muskrat House, Dens, Etc. –
No person shall at any time destroy or injure a muskrat house, den or burrow, or place a trap within 15 feet thereof. No person shall at any time injure or destroy the house, den or burrow used by any game animal or fur-bearing animal.
Source.
1935, 124:4. RL 244:5. RSA 210:4. 1975, 33:1, eff. May 16, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:7 - Trapping of Beaver and Otter.

210:7 Trapping of Beaver and Otter. –
I. During the open season beaver and otter shall be taken and possessed by resident trappers only and taken only by means of traps.
II. In addition to the restrictions imposed by RSA 210:12, no person shall pre-bait, cut holes in the ice or brush, or make any preliminary preparations in the trapping area for the taking of beaver or otter prior to the first day of the trapping season, in Coos county.
Source.
1939, 81:2. RL 244:8. 1945, 46:2. 1951, 11:2. RSA 210:7. 1979, 50:2. 1981, 148:4. 1985, 51:1, eff. June 18, 1985.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:8 - Sealing and Sale of Skins.

210:8 Sealing and Sale of Skins. –
I. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, give away, buy, possess, accept as a gift, offer for transportation, or transport raw skins or unskinned carcasses of any fur-bearing animal unless such skin or carcass bears an official New Hampshire fish and game department tag or seal. The executive director may adopt rules under RSA 541-A exempting any species of fur-bearing animal from the requirements of this section.
II. Nothing herein shall prohibit the transportation or possession of raw pelts or unskinned fur-bearing animals or coyotes when accompanied by the hunter or trapper or designee specified in writing with the signature of the licensed hunter or trapper.
III. All skins as specified in paragraph I shall be presented to a conservation officer, he shall tag or seal the same if legally taken. Such skins shall be presented for tagging or sealing during the open season in which they are caught or within 10 days after the closing of the open season thereof.
IV. Any of the skins as specified in paragraph I that come into this state in any manner from any other state, country or province shall bear the official tag or seal of such other state, country, or province.
V. If any of the skins as specified in paragraph I come into this state from another state, country, or province and said state, country, or province does not require an official tag or seal, the person possessing such skins shall have said skins tagged or sealed within 3 days of entrance into this state in accordance with this section, or the person shall possess an itemized bill of sale and said bill of sale shall be produced for inspection upon the request of any law enforcement officer.
VI. As a prerequisite of tagging or sealing, the executive director may require that the skinned carcasses of certain fur-bearing animals, or the skinned carcasses of coyotes be turned over to the fish and game department for analysis. The executive director shall notify all licensed trappers and hunters in advance of the opening of the season of the species of fur-bearers to be turned over to the department.
Source.
1973, 48:1. 1979, 62:1. 1993, 237:3, eff. Jan. 1, 1994. 2017, 160:3, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:8-a - Fur Seals.

210:8-a Fur Seals. –
I. No person shall sell, buy, give away, or possess any fur seals in this state unless such seals are legally affixed to skins or furs by a conservation officer or persons authorized by the executive director.
II. No person shall remove, alter, deface, or destroy any fur seals or place or cause to be placed any fur seals on any skins or furs without written permission of the executive director.
III. Nothing in the preceding paragraphs shall apply to a conservation officer or other fish and game personnel while acting in the performance of their duties.
IV. Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation for each offense committed under this section.
Source.
1981, 41:1, eff. May 17, 1981.