reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:3 - Lawful Methods of Taking.

207:3 Lawful Methods of Taking. –
I. Wildlife shall be taken in the daytime between
1/2 hour before sunrise and
1/2 hour after sunset with a gun, firearm, muzzleloader, or air rifle, fired at arm's length, bow and arrow or crossbow, or a lever-action carbine chambered in .357, .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt in any area where hunting is restricted to handgun or pistol, unless otherwise specifically permitted. An air rifle may be used to take small game but shall not be used to take moose, bear, turkey, or deer. The executive director shall specify the method and manner of taking small game with an air rifle in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
II. A full automatic rifle shall not be used at any time. A semi-automatic rifle may be used provided it is loaded with no more than 6 rounds of ammunition at any time. A full jacketed metal case bullet shall not be used, either in its original form or any alteration thereof.
III. Paragraph II shall not apply to the use of .22 or smaller caliber rimfire firearms.
IV. A person may take wildlife during the open season therefor with the aid of a dog, unless otherwise specifically prohibited.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:3. 1945, 146:1. RSA 207:3. 1977, 247:2. 2006, 19:1, eff. May 22, 2006. 2018, 77:3, eff. July 1, 2018; 324:11, eff. Aug. 24, 2018. 2021, 12:1, 2, eff. June 22, 2021. 2022, 58:1, eff. July 19, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:3-a - Prohibition.

207:3-a Prohibition. –
It is unlawful for a person to discharge a firearm or a .22 caliber or larger air rifle when used for hunting purposes or to shoot with a bow and arrow or crossbow and bolt within 300 feet of a permanently occupied dwelling without permission of the owner or the occupant of the dwelling or from the owner of the land on which the person discharging the firearm or air rifle or shooting the bow and arrow or crossbow and bolt is situated. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person.
Source.
1967, 388:1. 1973, 530:59. 1996, 161:3. 2004, 40:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005. 2018, 77:4, eff. July 1, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:3-b - Town of Bow.

207:3-b Town of Bow. –
All hunting is forbidden in the following area of the town of Bow with any firearm other than a shotgun, muzzle loading rifle, bow and arrow, or crossbow as provided in RSA 208:7-a: Southeast from the Concord-Bow boundary line along the west bank of the Merrimack River, then westerly along the Bow-Hooksett boundary line, then northerly along Interstate 93, then westerly along Robinson Road, then northwest along Branch Londonderry Turnpike East, then southerly along Woodhill Road, then southwesterly along Dunbarton Center Road to the Bow-Dunbarton boundary line, then northwesterly along the Bow-Dunbarton boundary line to the Bow-Hopkinton boundary line, then easterly along the Bow-Hopkinton boundary line to the Bow-Concord boundary line, then southeasterly and easterly along the Bow-Concord boundary line to the west bank of the Merrimack River.
Source.
1975, 162:1. 1989, 32:1. 2003, 35:1, eff. July 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:3-c - Use of Firearms, Bow, or Crossbow in or Across Highway Prohibited.

207:3-c Use of Firearms, Bow, or Crossbow in or Across Highway Prohibited. –
I. No person shall discharge a firearm, bow and arrow, air rifle, or crossbow and bolt from within 15 feet of the traveled portion of or across any class I through V highway of the state. This section shall not apply to those persons holding a special permit pursuant to RSA 207:7-a.
II. No person shall discharge a firearm, bow and arrow, air rifle, or crossbow and bolt from or across the following public highways of the state including the rights of way thereof:
(a) Route 93 from the New Hampshire/Massachusetts state line in the town of Salem to the New Hampshire/Vermont state line in the town of Littleton;
(b) Route 89 from the intersection with Route 93 in the town of Bow to the New Hampshire/Vermont state line in the town of Lebanon;
(c) Route 95 from the New Hampshire/Massachusetts state line in the town of Seabrook to the New Hampshire/Maine state line in the town of Portsmouth;
(d) Route 293 from the intersection with Route 93 in the city of Manchester to the intersection with Route 93 in the town of Hooksett;
(e) Route 393 from the intersection with North Main Street in the city of Concord to the Concord/Chichester town line;
(f) Route 202/9 from the intersection with Route 114 in the town of Henniker to the junction with Route 31 in the town of Hillsborough;
(g) Route 16, commonly known as the Spaulding Turnpike, from the intersection with Route 95 in the town of Portsmouth to the Milton/Middletown town line;
(h) Route 3, commonly known as the F.E. Everett Turnpike, from the New Hampshire/Massachusetts state line in the city of Nashua to the intersection with Route 101 in the town of Bedford;
(i) Route 101 from the intersection with Route 114 in the town of Bedford to the intersection with Route 1 in the town of Hampton.
III. Any person convicted of discharging a firearm, bow and arrow, air rifle, or crossbow and bolt prohibited under the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1979, 37:1. 2004, 40:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2005. 2018, 77:5, 6, eff. July 1, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:3-d - Baiting.

207:3-d Baiting. –
I. The executive director shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the opening and closing of the season for the practice of baiting for coyote, furbearing animals, game birds, or game animals with the exception of gray squirrel.
II. No person shall engage in the act of baiting on the property of another unless he has secured from the owner or occupant of the property upon which the bait is to be deposited a permit in writing, signed by the owner or occupant, and until he has filed a copy of the permit with the conservation officer in whose district the person plans to bait, together with a topographic map or copy thereof showing the specific location of the bait site.
III. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, persons holding a valid trapping license who have complied with the landowner permit requirements of RSA 210:11 shall be allowed to place bait for the trapping of fur-bearing animals during the open season.
IV. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the executive director may grant a special permit for scientific purposes, animal damage control, or for any other purpose at the discretion of the executive director.
V. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no person shall place bait less than 300 feet from a dwelling or public roadway, pathway or trail.
Source.
1991, 224:2. 1995, 59:1. 2008, 65:2, eff. July 20, 2008.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:3-e - Use of Telemetry Equipment Restricted.

207:3-e Use of Telemetry Equipment Restricted. –
No person shall use a telemetry receiver to locate trail or tree hounds from
1/2 hour before sunrise to
1/2 hour after sunset while in any motorized vehicle or within 300 feet, as measured from the center of the traveled position, of any public highway or any private road open to use by the public. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person.
Source.
1991, 363:2, eff. July 2, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:5 - Limit on Possession.

207:5 Limit on Possession. –
No person may have in his possession at one time more wildlife than he may lawfully take in 2 days, unless otherwise provided in this title.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:4. RSA 207:5. 1977, 247:3, eff. Aug. 19, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:6 - Ferrets.

207:6 Ferrets. –
No person, while hunting or obviously on his way to or from hunting, shall have a ferret in his possession, custody or control.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:5.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:7 - Hunting from Motor Vehicle, OHRV, Snowmobile, Boat, or Aircraft.

207:7 Hunting from Motor Vehicle, OHRV, Snowmobile, Boat, or Aircraft. –
I. No person shall take or attempt to take wild birds or wild animals from a motor vehicle, OHRV, snowmobile as defined in RSA 215-C:1, boat, aircraft or other craft propelled by mechanical power.
II. No person shall have or carry, in or on a motor vehicle, OHRV, snowmobile, or aircraft, when moving, a cocked crossbow, a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun, muzzleloader, or air rifle, except a person or a person's agent while in the act of protecting his or her interest in their livestock or crops. Except when crossing or traveling on a public way, such person or the person's agent may carry a loaded rifle or shotgun, muzzleloader, or air rifle while traveling through or between farming or agricultural areas while in the course of protecting his or her interest in their livestock or crops.
III. No person shall have in or on a boat or other craft while being propelled by mechanical power, or in a boat or other craft being towed by a boat or other craft propelled by mechanical power, a cocked crossbow, a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun, muzzleloader, or air rifle.
IV. The provisions of this section shall not apply to law enforcement officers carrying guns or firearms in the line of duty.
Source.
1935, 124:1. 1937, 188:4. RL 241:6. 1947, 47:1. 1949, 16:1. RSA 207:7. 1969, 11:1. 1971, 308:1. 1983, 449:19. 2003, 35:3. 2005, 210:6, eff. July 1, 2006. 2018, 324:7, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:7-a - Disabled Persons.

207:7-a Disabled Persons. –
I. RSA 207:7 shall not apply to a disabled person who is suffering from paraplegia or who is suffering from the loss of, or the loss of the use of, both lower extremities and who has obtained a current license to hunt; provided, however, that such person must first obtain from the executive director a special permit entitling said person to hunt while using a motor vehicle, not to include boats with motor attached or aircraft. For purposes of this section, "motor vehicle" shall include off highway recreational vehicles and all terrain vehicles as defined in RSA 215-A:1, and snowmobiles as defined in RSA 215-C:1. No loaded firearm, shotgun, or rifle shall be carried or transported with a cartridge in the chamber, magazine, or clip attached to the firearm, shotgun, or rifle, while the vehicle is in motion. The executive director may issue such a permit upon application in person or upon documentary proof of such disability by a licensed hunter. Such permit shall be carried upon the person of the permittee while hunting and shall be produced for inspection upon the demand of any law enforcement officer. A $10 administrative fee shall be charged once, upon application to the executive director for such permit.
II. The permit shall be perpetual. The executive director shall retain the records for such permits for a period not less than 7 years. Loss or destruction of the permit after 7 years shall obligate the permittee to re-establish eligibility.
Source.
1957, 188:1. 1963, 81:1. 1988, 95:1. 1996, 202:1. 2005, 210:7, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:7-b - Penalty.

207:7-b Penalty. –
Any person who violates a provision of RSA 207:7 shall be guilty of a violation and shall be guilty of an additional violation for each wild bird or animal taken or possessed contrary to said provision.
Source.
1959, 32:1. 1977, 588:35, eff. Sept. 16, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:8-a - Remote Control or Internet Hunting Prohibited.

207:8-a Remote Control or Internet Hunting Prohibited. –
I. No person shall offer for sale, take, or assist in the taking of wildlife by use of remote control or Internet hunting. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor if a natural person and guilty of a felony if any other person. In addition, the executive director may impose a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 for each violation of this section, with the moneys received from imposition of such civil penalty to be deposited in the fish and game fund.
II. For the purpose of this section "remote control or Internet hunting" shall mean the use of a computer or other electronic device, equipment, or software, to remotely control the aiming or discharge of a firearm or other weapon, that allows a person, not physically present, to take wildlife.
Source.
2006, 73:1, eff. April 28, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:8-b - Use of Tranquilizers Prohibited.

207:8-b Use of Tranquilizers Prohibited. –
No person shall take game using a tranquilizer propelled from a bow, crossbow, or firearm. This shall not apply to the executive director of fish and game or the executive director's authorized agents.
Source.
2007, 23:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:8-c - Use of Drugs on Wildlife.

207:8-c Use of Drugs on Wildlife. –
I. In this section:
(a) "Drug" means any chemical substance, other than food or mineral/vitamin supplements, that affects the structure or biological function of any mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian under the jurisdiction of the fish and game department.
(b) "Normal animal husbandry practices" means practices related to the production and care of animals in accordance with RSA 21:34-a, II(a)(4).
II. No person shall administer any drug, including but not limited to drugs used for fertility control, disease prevention or treatment, immobilization, or growth stimulation, to any mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian under the jurisdiction of the fish and game department without the written authorization from the executive director or his or her designee, except as provided in paragraph III or IV.
III. This section does not apply to the use of a drug as an aid in normal animal husbandry practices.
IV. This section shall not be construed to limit employees or agencies of the state or the United States, or local animal control officers or licensed wildlife rehabilitators in the performance of their official duties related to public health, wildlife management, wildlife rehabilitation, or wildlife removal. However, a drug shall not be administered by any person for fertility control or growth stimulation without the written authorization of the executive director or his or her designee, except as provided in paragraph III.
V. An officer of the fish and game department may take possession of any mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian under the jurisdiction of the department, if the officer has probable cause to believe the animal has been administered drugs in violation of this section.
VI. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Source.
2008, 82:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:9 - Angling, Restriction of Fishing to.

207:9 Angling, Restriction of Fishing to. –
Fish shall be taken only by angling unless otherwise specifically permitted. If a fish is unintentionally taken contrary to the prohibitions or restrictions contained in a provision of this title, such fish shall be immediately liberated and returned to the water without unnecessary injury.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:8.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:10 - Prohibited Devices.

207:10 Prohibited Devices. –
A trotline, tips-ups, set and trap lines, crossbows, spears, grappling hooks, naked hooks, snatch hooks, eel wires, eel pots, and nets, shall not be used in any fresh waters of the state to take fish, unless otherwise specifically permitted. No person shall possess, while hunting or trapping any wild bird, or wild animal, including bear, any snare, jack or artificial light, swivel, pivot or set gun, except as otherwise permitted. Any person convicted of illegal night hunting shall forfeit such firearms, jacks or other equipment used or usable in the illegal night hunting at the time of the violation. Prohibited articles, upon conviction of a violation of illegal night hunting, shall become the property of the fish and game department, and shall be sold at auction by the executive director within one year of the forfeiture. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of lights for checking traps as permitted in RSA 210:13.
Source.
1935, 124:1. 1937, 188:5. RL 241:9. 1945, 74:1. RSA 207:10. 1955, 48:1. 1971, 23:1. 1994, 51:2. 1997, 8:1. 2001, 161:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:10-a - Exception.

207:10-a Exception. –
The provisions of RSA 207:10 relative to use of certain prohibited devices shall not apply to the fish and game executive director or his authorized agents when engaged in removing nuisance animals, birds or fish.
Source.
1969, 45:1, eff. May 12, 1969.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:10-b - Tracking Wildlife; Permission Required.

207:10-b Tracking Wildlife;  Permission Required. –
No person shall at any time of the year affix tags, markers, or radio transmitters on any fish, game, or fur-bearing animals, or any wild animals or birds without first procuring written permission of the executive director or his agent. It shall be unlawful to locate or attempt to locate any such wildlife tagged with the permission of the executive director with the aid and use of a radio receiver, except by the person authorized by the executive director to do so.
Source.
1981, 10:1, eff. May 10, 1981.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:10-c - Crossbows Permitted for Certain Persons with a Disability.

207:10-c Crossbows Permitted for Certain Persons with a Disability. –
I. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 207:10, a crossbow permit may be issued to a person who has a permanent physical disability and as a result of that disability the person cannot operate a conventional longbow or compound bow safely. Such permit shall allow that person to take any species permitted to be taken by bow and arrow pursuant to RSA 208:5, provided that the bow and arrow license under RSA 208:5 and the necessary licenses under RSA 208, RSA 209, and RSA 214 have been acquired each year. The permit applicant may be required to appear before the executive director, the director's designee or designated medical consultant or consultants to substantiate the presence of the disability and demonstrate the ability to safely use a crossbow. The applicant shall be responsible for submitting medical documentation as required by the executive director. The executive director may require a second medical opinion from a medical consultant or physician designated by the executive director to verify the disability. Any costs associated with obtaining the medical documentation, re-evaluation of the information or a second medical opinion, upon recommendation of the medical consultant or consultants, are the responsibility of the applicant. The executive director shall determine the eligibility of the applicant, and the executive director's decision shall be final.
II. The crossbow permit shall be perpetual. The executive director shall retain the records for such permits for a period not less than 7 years. Loss or destruction of the permit after 7 years shall obligate the permittee to re-establish eligibility.
III. The medical documentation requested under paragraph I shall consist of:
(a) Signed application and statement of disability by the applicant; and
(b) Signed medical section to be completed by the applicant's physician or advanced practice registered nurse providing applicant's medical history, physical examination findings and attesting to the disability and its permanence.
IV. The fee for taking deer shall be the same as provided in RSA 208:5, and the fee for taking bear, wild turkey, or carp shall be the appropriate fee established under RSA 214:9.
V. An administrative fee set by the executive director pursuant to RSA 206:10, I shall be charged once, upon application to the executive director for such permit.
VI. [Repealed.]
Source.
1981, 88:1. 1990, 140:2, I. 1993, 44:1. 1996, 202:2. 1999, 108:1. 2007, 52:1, eff. July 21, 2007. 2011, 7:1, eff. June 24, 2011. 2015, 186:3, eff. July 1, 2015. 2017, 17:2, eff. June 16, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:12-a - Dog Training; Fee.

207:12-a Dog Training;  Fee. –
I. Any person who is licensed to hunt within the state may be issued a training permit for the training of bird dogs and trail or tree hounds during the closed season on any wildlife, except deer, moose, caribou, elk, lynx, cougar, bobcat, and turkey, upon application and the payment of a fee. The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the amount of the fee for the training permit and the period for the training of bear dogs. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, field trials shall be permitted pursuant to RSA 207:13.
II. Permits issued pursuant to this section shall contain information pertaining to the breed of dogs to be trained, the township and location where training is to take place, the days of the week, and times in which training will take place. Members of a bona fide dog club who maintain and stock a specific area of club grounds for the training of dogs or conducting of field trials, and whose right to use said land for this purpose is derived through ownership, lease or club-land owner agreement, shall not be required to have a permit under this section but shall be required to meet the requirements for a breeder's license as provided in RSA 212:25.
III. Dogs being trained pursuant to this section shall be accompanied by the permittee. "Accompanied" for the purpose of this section shall mean that the permittee must be able to see or hear the dog, or both, or have reasonable knowledge of where the dog is hunting. Nothing in this section shall require that the dog be within sight at all times.
IV. Anyone violating a provision of this section shall be subject to the penalty provided for in RSA 207:46 and shall, in addition, have his license to hunt suspended for a period of one year; and the license to train dogs under the permit provided for in this section shall be suspended for a period of 3 years.
V. Any protected species accidentally killed during dog training under this section shall be turned over to the fish and game department intact within 48 hours of the time of taking.
VI. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the executive director of fish and game shall have the authority to issue special permits for the use of bear dogs to control agricultural and property damage.
Source.
1973, 410:1. 1975, 113:1. 1977, 94:1; 113:3. 1981, 498:8. 1985, 247:1. 1993, 234:1, 2. 1995, 59:2. 1996, 126:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1997. 2015, 186:4, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:12-b - Restriction on Nonresident's Dog Training and Use of Dogs for Hunting Bear.

207:12-b Restriction on Nonresident's Dog Training and Use of Dogs for Hunting Bear. –
I. Notwithstanding RSA 207:12-a, nonresidents from states or provinces or territories of Canada which allow the training or taking of bear with dogs, and who do not limit or prohibit New Hampshire residents from training or hunting bear with New Hampshire dogs, shall be the only nonresidents allowed to bring dogs into New Hampshire to train or take bear.
II. For the purposes of this section, the executive director shall determine the states, provinces or territories which prohibit or limit New Hampshire residents from the training or use of dogs for hunting bear. Such determination as to the degree of reciprocity shall be final.
Source.
1986, 100:1. 1991, 363:1, eff. July 2, 1991. 2012, 32:1, eff. July 1, 2012.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:12-c - Use and Training of Leashed Tracking Dogs.

207:12-c Use and Training of Leashed Tracking Dogs. –
Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, a handler with a leashed dog may track wounded deer, moose, or bear. The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the method and manner of take, time periods for training or using leashed tracking dogs, licensing requirements and fees, possession of recovered deer, moose, or bear, notification requirements, and other provisions deemed necessary to effectively regulate this practice. No person shall use an intact carcass of a deer, moose, or bear for training purposes, but may use samples of blood, tissue, and hide of a deer, moose, or bear legally taken or acquired in this state.
Source.
2006, 65:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:13 - Field Trials.

207:13 Field Trials. –
I. Field trials for dogs may be held at such times, in such manner, and under such restrictions, as may be prescribed by the executive director. Any person wishing to hold a field trial shall first obtain a written permit from the person on whose land it is proposed to hold the trial, present the same to the executive director, and pay a fee set by the executive director pursuant to RSA 206:10, I, including field trials for coon dogs and such night hunts for coon dogs as authorized by paragraph II. The executive director may thereupon issue a permit for such field trial. The executive director or his duly authorized agent shall supervise the holding of such field trial, enforce the terms of the permits, and the rules for its conduct. The executive director shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A for the conduct of field trials as in his or her opinion are necessary to safeguard the interest of the wildlife of the state, provided that the executive director shall issue permits for beagle trials to any beagle club recognized by the American Kennel Club for trials to be run under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club. The fee for this permit shall be set by the executive director pursuant to RSA 206:10, I. The executive director or his or her authorized agent shall enforce the terms of such permits.
II. The executive director shall issue permits for night hunts to any coon club recognized by the United Kennel Club. Such night hunts shall be run under the rules and regulations of the United Kennel Club. Night hunts may take place in various selected locations throughout the state except on posted lands. Anyone may participate in the night hunts.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:12. RSA 207:13. 1955, 78:1. 1963, 299:2. 1977, 94:2. 1978, 10:1. 1981, 498:9. 1986, 214:1, eff. Nov. 15, 1986. 2015, 186:5, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:13-a - Signs.

207:13-a Signs. –
Any person, when hunting with dogs is permitted, may post along highways not more than 2 signs reading "Caution Hunting Dogs". These signs shall be 12 inches wide by 12 inches high with blaze orange letters on a yellow background and must be 40 inches over-all height, and shall be posted no more than 1,000 feet apart. Such hunter shall bear the cost and maintenance of his signs and shall not block driveways, intersections or rights of way with said signs. No such signs shall be posted on private roads or lands without permission of the owner. When not hunting, the owner of said signs shall remove the same.
Source.
1969, 452:2, eff. Sept. 1, 1969.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:13-b - Treed Animals.

207:13-b Treed Animals. –
It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot any wildlife which has been treed or cornered by a dog, unless the owner of said dog, or a member of his hunting party, is present when the animal is shot. Persons violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1971, 21:1. 1973, 528:113. 1977, 247:4, eff. Aug. 19, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:14 - Import, Possession, or Release of Wildlife.

207:14 Import, Possession, or Release of Wildlife. –
I. (a) No person shall import, possess, sell, exhibit, or release any live marine species or wildlife, or the eggs or progeny thereof, without first obtaining a permit from the executive director except as permitted under title XVIII. The executive director shall have the authority to determine the time period and any other conditions governing the issuance of such permit. The chief of the wildlife division shall respond to a request for a permit within 60 days of a submission for a final request. The permit shall be granted within 60 days of the request, unless the chief of the wildlife division determines in writing that issuing a permit may pose a significant disease, genetic, ecological, environmental, health, safety, or welfare risk to persons, marine species, or wildlife.
(b) Any person who is denied a permit under subparagraph (a) may appeal the decision in writing to the executive director within 60 days of the denial. The executive director shall respond to the appeal within 60 days.
(c) The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A to implement the provisions of this paragraph.
II. The executive director shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, to administer this section and relative to the importation, possession, exhibition, sale or release of all marine species and wildlife, including, but not limited to:
(a) Size, sex, number and quantity.
(b) Transportation, within or through the state of New Hampshire.
(c) Sale, inspection, processing, recordkeeping and marking.
(d) Method of keeping.
(e) Areas of release.
(f) Method of release.
(g) Method of taking.
(h) Permit fee schedules.
(i) Appropriate definitions.
III. The executive director may establish a list of marine species or wildlife or the eggs or progeny of such marine species or wildlife which may be exempted from any or all of the provisions of RSA 207:14.
IV. Except where otherwise provided, any person who violates this section or any rule adopted under this section shall be guilty of a violation and guilty of an additional violation for each marine species or wildlife possessed contrary to the provisions of this section.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:13. RSA 207:14. 1963, 164:1. 1969, 71:1. 1973, 304:1. 1979, 90:1. 1986, 214:2. 1990, 122:2. 1992, 171:3. 2003, 112:4, eff. Aug. 5, 2003. 2022, 303:2, eff. Aug. 30, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:14-a, 207:14-b - Repealed by 1992, 171:12, I, eff. June 7, 1992.

207:14-a, 207:14-b Repealed by 1992, 171:12, I, eff. June 7, 1992. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:14-c - Prohibited Import of Animals and Fish; Risk of Zoonotic Disease Transmission.

207:14-c Prohibited Import of Animals and Fish;  Risk of Zoonotic Disease Transmission. –
The fish and game department shall monitor available information on animals and fish, not currently restricted under state and federal wildlife trafficking laws, that if transported into the state, will risk zoonotic disease transmission. The department may consult as needed with the department of health and human services, the state veterinarian, and scientific and educational institutions. The department shall make recommendation to the legislature on any legislation or rules needed for import or other restrictions on identified species, and to the governor if an executive order is deemed necessary.
Source.
2021, 208:2, Pt. III, Sec. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:15-a - Seizure.

207:15-a Seizure. –
All fish or the fry thereof, living wild birds or the eggs thereof or wild animals imported or released in this state contrary to the provisions of this subdivision shall be seized and forfeited as provided in RSA 207:17.
Source.
1961, 11:1, eff. April 28, 1961.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:16 - In Closed Season.

207:16 In Closed Season. –
Possession of fish, protected birds, game and fur-bearing animals during the closed season therefor, except as specifically permitted in this title, shall be prima facie evidence that the same were unlawfully taken by the possessor.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:14.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:17 - Seizures and Acquisitions.

207:17 Seizures and Acquisitions. –
I. All fish and wildlife protected by this title, found in the possession of any person and not legally taken or possessed, shall be seized and forfeited. All such fish and wildlife so forfeited shall be disposed of by a conservation officer upon instructions from the executive director.
II. The proceeds from the sale of seized and road-killed furbearers and coyotes acquired by the department of fish and game shall be deposited in the fish and game fund.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:15. RSA 207:17. 1961, 12:1. 1977, 247:5. 1985, 217:2. 2007, 134:1, eff. July 1, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:18 - Other Property upon Conviction.

207:18 Other Property upon Conviction. –
I. When a defendant is convicted of violating any of the provisions of this title, all fishing tackle, guns, shooting or hunting paraphernalia, traps, dogs, boats, decoys, bob houses or other appliances and vehicles except motor vehicles designed for use on the highway and required to be registered under the provisions of RSA 261 used in such violation may be seized and held until the fine and costs for the violation have been paid in full.
II. One year after conviction under paragraph I, if the defendant has not paid the fine and costs imposed in full or when the seized or confiscated property is not claimed by the defendant, the executive director is authorized to sell at public auction any of the seized or confiscated property of said defendant. All receipts from said sale shall be credited to the fish and game fund.
III. If the seized or confiscated property is of no monetary value, and cannot be sold pursuant to paragraph II, said property may be destroyed under the instructions of the executive director.
IV. In the event that the owner of any confiscated or abandoned property is not known or cannot be located, said confiscated or abandoned property may be sold at public auction by the executive director after one year from the date said property came into the possession of the fish and game department.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:16. RSA 207:18. 1979, 17:1. 1981, 146:5, V, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:19 - Fish or Wildlife, by Residents.

207:19 Fish or Wildlife, by Residents. –
A resident of the state may transport, within the state, during the open season therefor, the number or limit of fish or wildlife, except deer, that he may lawfully take in 2 days. If such fish or wildlife is placed in the custody of a common carrier or transported in a package, said fish or wildlife, or the package containing the same, shall have attached thereto a tag or label plainly marked with the kind and number of such fish or wildlife, the name of the consignor, and the name of the consignee, the point of shipment and the destination.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:17. RSA 207:19. 1977, 247:6, eff. Aug. 19, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:20 - By Nonresidents.

207:20 By Nonresidents. –
A nonresident license holder may transport or have transported within the state, or from a point within the state to a point out of the state, the number or limit of fish or wildlife, except deer, that he may lawfully take in 2 days. If such fish or wildlife be placed in the custody of a common carrier or transported in a package, said fish or wildlife, or the package containing the same, shall have attached thereto a tag or label plainly marked with the kind and number of such fish or wildlife, the name of the consignee, the point of shipment and the destination. If such fish or wildlife is presented to a common carrier, the agent of said common carrier shall see that the license is properly endorsed before accepting such fish or wildlife for shipment.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:18. RSA 207:20. 1977, 247:7, eff. Aug. 19, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:21 - Special Permits.

207:21 Special Permits. –
Any transportation of fish or wildlife, except deer, not provided for in this subdivision, shall be allowed only under the terms of a special permit issued by the executive director, provided that a child under 16 years of age, hunting without a license but accompanied by a licensee 18 years of age or over, may transport fish or wildlife, except deer, killed by him, by identifying it with a tag bearing his name, residence, and the date taken or killed, until such time as he may be able to secure a special permit from the executive director.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:19. RSA 207:21. 1973, 72:18. 1977, 247:8, eff. Aug. 19, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:22-a - Limitations for Persons Posting Property.

207:22-a Limitations for Persons Posting Property. –
I. Any person whose land is posted pursuant to RSA 635:4 to prohibit hunting shall forfeit the right to participate in the wildlife damage control program established pursuant to RSA 207:22-c, or to receive payment pursuant to RSA 207:23-a, except that this limitation shall not apply in the following circumstances:
(a) To a person who posts only the person's land lying within 100 yards of a dwelling or other farm or outbuildings contiguous to the person's dwelling and used regularly by the person, or the person's family or tenant.
(b) To any person whose land is posted for the protection of crops only during the closed season for the type of game birds or animals for which the person seeks assistance from the wildlife damage control program.
(c) To any person who posts such person's land "Hunting by Permission Only", provided that the names and addresses of the hunters who have received permission to hunt that land in that year shall be furnished when requested by the executive director, and that in the judgment of the executive director, the history of hunter access and hunter density represents a good-faith effort by the landowner to allow hunting.
II. Any person who has received payment pursuant to RSA 207:23-a shall forfeit the right to receive payment in a future year or growing season unless such person implements measures to prevent or mitigate future conflicts with bear that have been recommended in writing by the executive director or the executive director's agent.
Source.
1973, 532:9. 1999, 344:3, eff. Nov. 18, 1999. 2021, 91:122, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:22-b - Repealed by 2010, 368:1(47), eff. Dec. 31, 2010.

207:22-b Repealed by 2010, 368:1(47), eff. Dec. 31, 2010. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:23-a - Damage by Bears.

207:23-a Damage by Bears. –
I. Any person engaged in the husbandry and sale of at least $1,000 in agricultural products as defined in RSA 21:34-a who suffers loss or damage to livestock, bees, orchards or growing crops,in an amount of $250 or more at the current wholesale value of the items, by bear shall, if he or she claims damage therefor, notify the executive director of fish and game in writing of such damage within 30 days of the discovery of such damage. The executive director or the executive director's agent shall investigate such claim within 30 days from the receipt of notice of such damage, and in accordance with RSA 541-A:29, determine whether such damage was caused by bear, and appraise the amount to be paid, and notify the claimant in writing of the determination.
II. If the person sustaining the damage claimed under this section is dissatisfied with the finding of the executive director, such person shall notify the executive director in writing, and an adjudicative proceeding shall be commenced pursuant to RSA 541-A:31.
III. If the person sustaining the damage is dissatisfied with the decision of the executive director following the adjudicative proceeding, a further appeal shall be available in accordance with RSA 541.
IV. The executive director, upon reaching final agreement with the claimant, or after the conclusion of an appeal, shall present a certificate of the amount of appraisal to the governor, who is authorized to draw a warrant upon any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated in payment therefor.
V. The executive director shall, in accordance with RSA 541-A, adopt rules to administer this provision, to include:
(a) Criteria to determine whether a person engaged in the husbandry and sale of agricultural products as defined in RSA 21:34-a qualifies to be a claimant hereunder, provided that any such person who shall document gross sales of any qualifying crop of at least $1,000 in a calendar year shall be deemed to qualify as a claimant.
(b) Procedures used to receive and document claims of damage by bear from claimants, to include when the damage occurred, which qualifying crop is affected, and what losses may be fairly attributed to action by such bear;
(c) A method to determine the current wholesale value of items covered by this section, to be used in the process of investigating and adjudicating any claim;
(d) Procedures to be used in the conduct of adjudicative proceedings hereunder; and
(e) Criteria to be used to recommend preventive measures and mitigating measures that claimants may use to prevent future harm, and that will be used to determine whether claims in future years shall be allowed for payment.
Source.
1895, 121:2. PL 150:1. RL 180:1. 1955, 324:4. RSA 470:1. RSA 207:23-a. 1967, 81:2, eff. June 26, 1967; 189:1, eff. Aug. 8, 1967. 2021, 91:123, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:26 - Killing by Land Owner of Bird or Animal Inflicting Damage.

207:26 Killing by Land Owner of Bird or Animal Inflicting Damage. –
A person may pursue, wound or kill, on land owned or occupied by such person, any unprotected bird or wild animal which the person finds in the act of doing actual and substantial damage to poultry, crops, domestic animals, or the person's property, and may authorize a family member, employee, or other person requested to do so under the provision of a depredation permit issued by the executive director pursuant to RSA 207:22-c, III.
Source.
1935, 124:1. 1937, 188:6. RL 241:24. RSA 207:26. 1977, 247:13. 1999, 344:6, eff. Nov. 18, 1999.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:27 - Report of.

207:27 Report of. –
The person by whom or under whose direction any game or fur-bearing animal is wounded or killed shall, within 12 hours, report all facts relative thereto to the nearest conservation officer or to the executive director. Such report shall state the time and place of wounding or killing and the nature and amount of property destroyed.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:25.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:28 - Investigation.

207:28 Investigation. –
The conservation officer who receives such notice shall immediately investigate the report and satisfy himself whether the game or fur-bearing animal has been wounded or killed, as reported.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:26.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:29 - Disposition of Game, Etc., Killed.

207:29 Disposition of Game, Etc., Killed. –
Any game or fur-bearing animal killed or wounded as provided in this subdivision shall, in the discretion of the executive director, be returned to the person who killed the same, be given to some charitable institution, or otherwise disposed of.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:27. 1999, 344:7, eff. Nov. 18, 1999.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:30 - Rights Reserved.

207:30 Rights Reserved. –
The provisions of this subdivision shall not impair the constitutional rights of persons to protect themselves or their property from injury or destruction by wild birds, game, or fur-bearing animals, protected by the laws of this state.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:28.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 207 - General Provisions as to Fish and Game › Section 207:31 - Declaring.

207:31 Declaring. –
The governor and council, upon the joint recommendation of the executive director of the fish and game department and the director, division of forests and lands, department of natural and cultural resources, when, in their opinion, the danger of starting fires in the woodlands of the state, during periods of protracted drouth or excessive dryness requires extraordinary precautions, may, by official proclamation, declare any or all of the woodlands of the state closed to hunters, fishermen, trappers and other persons whose presence in such woodlands might create a fire hazard under the circumstances, for such time as they may designate.
Source.
1935, 124:1. RL 241:29. 2017, 156:14, I, eff. July 1, 2017.