reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:9 - Protection of Beaver.

210:9 Protection of Beaver. –
I. No person shall destroy or disturb or interfere in any manner with the dams or houses of beaver, without first obtaining a special permit from the executive director.
II. Notwithstanding paragraph I or any other provision of law or rule, a landowner, the landowner's agent, or any town or municipal or state official or employee, may destroy beaver, remove beaver dams, or install one or more flow devices on property under their control to protect property, public highways, or bridges from damage or submersion. The landowner or property owner shall be responsible for maintaining the flow device. Complete or partial dam removal or the installation or removal of a flow device shall be allowed without a permit under RSA 482-A if machinery does not enter the water and filling or dredging in or adjacent to surface water, wetlands, or their banks does not occur and shall be done in a gradual manner that does not allow a sudden release of impounded water so as to cause erosion, siltation, or a safety hazard downstream.
II-a. For purposes of paragraph II, the term "flow device" means one or more fence structures or other combination of fencing and piping used to discourage beaver damming, maintain water flow through an existing beaver dam, or minimize the risk of flooding by preventing the further impoundment of water behind a beaver dam.
III. The executive director may require the reporting of beaver taken pursuant to paragraph II by rules made in accordance with RSA 541-A.
IV. Skins or unskinned carcasses taken under this section shall be sealed pursuant to RSA 210:8 before such skins or unskinned carcasses are sold or given away.
V. The executive director or his agents shall provide advice relative to beaver control techniques when requested.
Source.
1939, 81:2. RL 244:10. 1943, 64:3. RSA 210:9. 1967, 441:3. 1988, 79:1. 1996, 228:42. 2009, 257:1, eff. Sept. 14, 2009. 2019, 125:1, eff. Aug. 24, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:10 - Penalty.

210:10 Penalty. –
Whoever violates any of the provisions of this subdivision shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1939, 81:2. RL 244:11. RSA 210:10. 1973, 531:52, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:11 - Setting Traps.

210:11 Setting Traps. –
I. No person shall set, arrange or tend any trap upon any land or from the shores of any waters of which he is not the owner or occupant, except such traps as may be placed under water from a boat or canoe or through the ice on any public body of water as defined in RSA 271:20 or on the following named rivers, Androscoggin, Ammonoosuc, Ashuelot, Bear Camp, Contoocook, Connecticut, Cocheco, Exeter, Lamprey, Mascoma, Merrimack, Merrymeeting, Islinglass, Pemigewasset, Pine, Saco, Soucook, Suncook, Winnipesaukee and their navigable tributaries, until he has secured from the owner or occupant a permit in writing signed by said owner or occupant, and until he shall have filed with the conservation officer in whose district said person is going to trap, a copy thereof, together with a description of the land on which trapping is to be done. Navigable tributary as used in this section shall be defined as those waters from the mouth of said tributary to a point upstream where a person can row a boat or paddle a canoe when the water in the stream is in its ordinary condition.
II. All metal traps shall have the name of the person setting them, either stamped or engraved in a legible and permanent manner on the trap or on a durable tag securely affixed to the metal trap or chain holding said trap.
III. No person shall set or arrange any trap in a public way, cart road or path commonly used as a passageway by human beings or domestic animals.
IV. The executive director, with the approval of the commissioner of the department of transportation in the case of Class I, II or III highways, and of the municipality in the case of Class IV, V or VI highways, is authorized to issue special permits allowing the setting of traps for a specified period of time and in a specific location under or in the vicinity of bridges or in artificial or natural ditches or drainage systems or in the vicinity of any combination of such within the limits of the right-of-way of any public highway if such trapping is desirable to protect the highway.
Source.
1935, 124:4. 1937, 188:15a. 1939, 125:1. RL 244:12. 1951, 195:1. RSA 210:11. 1975, 12:1. 1977, 24:1. 1979, 49:1. 2004, 257:34, eff. June 15, 2004.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:12 - Time for.

210:12 Time for. –
No person shall set or arrange any trap prior to the first day of the open season for trapping any particular fur-bearing animal.
Source.
1947, 42:1, eff. Mar. 18, 1947.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:13 - Visiting Traps.

210:13 Visiting Traps. –
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a person shall visit his or her traps at least once in each calendar day, provided, however, that a person trapping for beaver through the ice during the open season therefor, shall visit his or her traps once in each 72 hours. Trappers shall be permitted to use artificial lights during the hours of darkness to facilitate the checking of traps under this section, subject to the following restrictions: no person shall check traps at night by the use of a rifle, revolver, or pistol larger than a .22 caliber long rifle, or air rifle larger than .25 caliber, or by use of shotgun shells carrying shot larger than number 4 birdshot; and checking traps by the use of lights from a motor vehicle shall be prohibited. Only a person whose name is either stamped or engraved on the traps or on a durable tag securely affixed to the traps shall have the authority to tend the traps. In case of an emergency, the owner of the traps may grant written permission to another duly licensed trapper to tend the traps.
Source.
1935, 124:4. 1937, 188:15. 1941, 126:14. RL 244:13. 1951, 11:3. RSA 210:13. 1977, 76:1. 1994, 51:1, eff. July 1, 1994. 2018, 77:7, eff. July 1, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:14 - Disturbing Traps of Another.

210:14 Disturbing Traps of Another. –
No person shall disturb the trap of another, nor take a fur-bearing animal from the trap of another unless an owner shall have complied with the authorization provisions of RSA 210:13. Any person taking a fur-bearing animal from a trap set by another without complying with RSA 210:13 shall be deemed guilty of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer and punishable accordingly.
Source.
1935, 124:4. RL 244:14. RSA 210:14. 1977, 76:2, eff. June 27, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:15 - Protection of Bear Traps.

210:15 Protection of Bear Traps. –
A person who sets or causes to be set a bear trap shall build in a suitable manner, and maintain around the same, a railing or guard not less than 3 feet high, and shall post not less than 2 painted signs, with the words "Bear Trap" thereon in letters not less than 3 inches in height, on such railing or guard.
Source.
1935, 124:4. 1937, 188:16. RL 244:15.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:16 - Spring Guns.

210:16 Spring Guns. –
No person shall set or use at any time any device, the object of which is to discharge a firearm, for the purpose of taking game or fur-bearing animals.
Source.
1935, 124:4. RL 244:16.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:17 - Snares.

210:17 Snares. –
The executive director may adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, relative to the use of snares for the taking of wildlife.
Source.
1935, 124:4. RL 244:18. RSA 210:17. 1986, 233:1, 3, I. 2001, 92:1, eff. Aug. 20, 2001.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:18 - Damage to Domestic Animals.

210:18 Damage to Domestic Animals. –
I. Any person causing injury or damage to domestic animals, except for dogs at large pursuant to RSA 466:33, by the aid or use of traps shall be liable to the owner therefor. An injury to a licensed dog at large shall be reported to the town or city listed on the dog's tag, and to the owner of the dog if identifiable.
II. Any person engaged in the act of trapping in violation of the laws or rules governing trapping under this title resulting in the death of a domestic animal shall be guilty of a violation. Upon conviction, and in addition to any other penalty, the person's trapping license shall be revoked for a period up to 3 years. Prior to the restoration of such person's ability to apply for a license or permit to trap, the person shall show successful completion of a trapping education program pursuant to RSA 210:25.
Source.
1935, 124:4. RL 244:18. 2004, 65:1, eff. July 3, 2004. 2014, 155:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:19 - Fines.

210:19 Fines. –
Any person who violates a provision of this chapter is subject to the following penalties:
I. For each offense under RSA 210:1-4 inclusive, and RSA 210:11-14, inclusive, a person shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person; and for each otter, mink, muskrat, raccoon, sable, marten or fisher taken or possessed contrary to the provisions thereof, any person shall be guilty of an additional violation.
II. For each offense of RSA 210:15 and 210:16, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person, and such person shall be liable for twice the amount of the damage caused by his act, to be recovered by the person or his estate sustaining the injury or loss.
III. For each offense under RSA 210:17, a person shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1935, 124:4. 1937, 188:17. 1939, 81:3. RL 244:19. 1945, 131:3. RSA 210:19. 1967, 33:2. 1973, 529:40, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:20 - Expiration Date.

210:20 Expiration Date. –
Notwithstanding any of the general provisions for the expiration of fish and game licenses, any license to trap fur-bearing animals and any license to buy furs under RSA 214:24 shall expire on June 30 of each year.
Source.
1969, 93:1, eff. June 30, 1970.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:23 - Authority of Fish and Game Executive Director.

210:23 Authority of Fish and Game Executive Director. –
The executive director of the fish and game department with the approval of the commission may declare an open season or closed season on any fur-bearing animals in any town and county in the state. The executive director may make such other rules as necessary as to lengthening or shortening the seasons, bag limits, reporting requirements, and the method and manner of taking, in accordance with RSA 541-A.
Source.
1977, 111:2. 1981, 148:5. 2001, 92:2, eff. Aug. 20, 2001.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:24-a - Season for Taking of Fur-Bearing Animals.

210:24-a Season for Taking of Fur-Bearing Animals. –
The executive director is authorized to set a season for the taking of fur-bearing animals for nonresident hunters and trappers which may be different from the season established for resident hunters and trappers.
Source.
1983, 263:2, eff. Aug. 17, 1983.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:24-b - Wildlife Control Operators.

210:24-b Wildlife Control Operators. –
I. The executive director may adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, for the licensure and regulation of wildlife control operators engaged in the practice of the trapping of nuisance animals. Such rules may include, but shall not be limited to:
(a) The establishment of license types and fees.
(b) Minimum license requirements.
(c) The manner and method of taking.
(d) The wildlife species which may be controlled.
(e) Transportation and disposition of the wildlife.
(f) Reporting and sale requirements.
(g) Exceptions to RSA 210:11.
(h) License reciprocity.
II. The provisions of this section, and any rules adopted under this section, shall not apply to officers and employees of the department, the state, or of a municipality, where such persons are acting in their official capacity.
Source.
2001, 92:3, eff. Aug. 20, 2001.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 210 - Fur-Bearing Animals › Section 210:25 - Trapping Education.

210:25 Trapping Education. –
There is hereby established a program to provide education to the citizens of the state of New Hampshire on the practice of trapping fur-bearing animals as a recognized conservation and management tool as well as a traditional sport avocation. The program shall be established within the department of fish and game and shall be administered by the executive director, with the approval of the fish and game commission.
Source.
1981, 197:1. 1983, 48:2. 2007, 134:2, eff. July 1, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:1 - Violation of Rules and Regulations.

211:1 Violation of Rules and Regulations. –
A person who violates any provision of the rules and regulations promulgated under the provisions of RSA 206:10 to 13 shall be guilty of a violation and in addition shall be guilty of a violation for each fish taken, possessed, bought or sold in violation thereof.
Source.
1935, 124:1. 1937, 188:8. RL 245:41. RSA 211:1. 1959, 29:1. 1973, 531:54, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:1-a - Fin Fish.

211:1-a Fin Fish. –
A person who violates any provision of the rules and regulations promulgated by the executive director relative to either fresh water or salt water fin fish shall be guilty of a violation and guilty of an additional violation for each such fish taken, possessed, bought or sold in violation of such rules and regulations; provided, however, if all violations for which said person is convicted are the result of the actions of said person on a single complaint, the maximum total fine for all violations resulting from such actions shall, notwithstanding RSA title LXII, be $100 plus $10 for each fish taken in violation of this section.
Source.
1973, 36:2. 1975, 250:1, eff. June 6, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:2 - Carp.

211:2 Carp. –
Carp may be taken and possessed from Mascoma lake by the use of long bow and arrow with cord attached.
Source.
1953, 193:3, eff. May 1, 1953.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:2-a - Repealed by 1996, 108:20, II, eff. July 14, 1996.

211:2-a Repealed by 1996, 108:20, II, eff. July 14, 1996. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:2-b - Repealed by 1996, 108:20, III, eff. July 14, 1996.

211:2-b Repealed by 1996, 108:20, III, eff. July 14, 1996. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:2-d - Repealed by 1986, 214:24, eff. Jan. 1, 1988.

211:2-d Repealed by 1986, 214:24, eff. Jan. 1, 1988. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:2-e - Freshwater Smelt.

211:2-e Freshwater Smelt. –
I. Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, no person shall take smelt (Osmerus mordax) from the fresh waters of this state by any method other than by angling, unless the executive director determines that other methods of taking smelt would not be detrimental to the smelt resources of the state.
II. The executive director shall have the authority to open and close the season for the taking of smelt, to fix the daily bag and possession limits, and any other conditions governing the methods and manner of taking and reporting of smelt. All rules adopted by the executive director shall be in accordance with RSA 541-A.
III. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1991, 193:1, eff. May 28, 1991.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:4 - Lake or Pond Partly in Another State.

211:4 Lake or Pond Partly in Another State. –
If, in the case of a lake or pond situated partly in this state and partly in another state, the laws of such other state permit fishing in that part thereof lying within such other state by persons licensed or otherwise entitled under the laws of this state to fish in that part of such lake or pond lying within this state, persons licensed or otherwise entitled under the laws of such other state to fish in the part of such lake or pond lying within such other state shall be permitted to fish in that part thereof lying within this state, and, as to such lake or pond, the operation of the laws of this state relative to open and closed seasons, limits of catch, minimum sizes of fish caught and methods of fishing shall be suspended upon the adoption and during the continuance in force of rules and regulations relative to those subjects and affecting that part of such lake or pond lying within this state, which rules and regulations the executive director is hereby authorized to make, and from time to time add to, alter and repeal. Before making, adding to, altering or repealing such rules and regulations, said executive director shall confer with the officer or board having like duties in such other state, in order to secure uniformity of law, rules and regulations as to the whole of such lake or pond, if practicable. Such rules and regulations shall prior to their effective date be printed and available for distribution at the office of the executive director and of the clerk of each city and town in this state in which any part of such lake or pond is situated or to which it lies adjacent.
Source.
1949, 69:1, eff. Mar. 16, 1949.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:5 - Fishing in Connecticut River.

211:5 Fishing in Connecticut River. –
If the laws of the state of Vermont permit fishing in that part of the Connecticut River lying within that state by persons legally licensed to fish in New Hampshire or otherwise entitled under the laws of this state to fish in that part of said river lying within this state, residents of Vermont legally licensed to fish in the state of Vermont or otherwise entitled under the laws of that state to fish in said part of the Connecticut River lying within the state of Vermont shall be permitted to fish in that part of the Connecticut River lying within this state. If the above reciprocal laws are in effect as to that part of the Connecticut River lying within the states of New Hampshire and Vermont the executive director is authorized to adopt special rules as to fishing in such waters, after consultation with the like officer of the state of Vermont, in the same manner and with the same effect as the executive director is authorized to do with respect to boundary lakes under the provisions of RSA 211:4.
Source.
1951, 116:1, par. 32-b. RSA 211:5. 1959, 263:1. 1990, 30:1. 1998, 113:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:5-a - Repealed by 1993, 50:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994.

211:5-a Repealed by 1993, 50:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:6 - Penalties.

211:6 Penalties. –
Any person who violates any of the provisions of RSA 211:2, 4 and 5 hereof or special rules and regulations made thereunder shall be guilty of a violation and in addition shall be guilty of a violation for each fish taken or possessed in violation thereof.
Source.
1951, 116:1, par. 32-c. RSA 211:6. 1973, 531:56, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:6-a - Repealed by 1996, 108:20, IV, eff. July 14, 1996.

211:6-a Repealed by 1996, 108:20, IV, eff. July 14, 1996. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:6-b - Repealed by 1996, 108:20, V, eff. July 14, 1996.

211:6-b Repealed by 1996, 108:20, V, eff. July 14, 1996. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:6-c - Repealed by 1996, 108:20, VI, eff. July 14, 1996.

211:6-c Repealed by 1996, 108:20, VI, eff. July 14, 1996. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:7 - Poison; Explosive.

211:7 Poison;  Explosive. –
No person shall take any fish by the use of any poisonous, stupefying or explosive substance. Possession of any such substance by any person on the waters, shores, or islands of this state, except for mining or mechanical purposes, shall be prima facie evidence that the same is possessed for use in violation of the provisions of this section.
Source.
RL 245:33.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:8 - Obstructions.

211:8 Obstructions. –
No person shall, by means of rack, screen, weir or other obstruction, in any stream or river, or the inlet or outlet of a public pond, prevent the passage of fish except as provided in RSA 211:8-c.
Source.
RL 245:34. RSA 211:8. 1971, 138:1, eff. July 25, 1971.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:8-a - Fishways at Existing Dams or Obstructions.

211:8-a Fishways at Existing Dams or Obstructions. –
Fish passage facilities shall be constructed and maintained at existing dams or obstructions in accordance with the following procedure:
I. After the executive director of the fish and game department has made a determination that a fish passage facility is needed at an existing dam or obstruction, and upon his request, the governor, with the advice of the council, shall appoint a commission of 3 disinterested citizens of the state to review this determination.
II. Said commission shall hold public hearings to determine the need and desirability of providing fish passage facilities over the dam or obstruction, and the deliberations of the commission shall include a careful consideration of the economic values associated with the project. Upon completion of its study, the commission shall report its findings to the governor and council; the report shall include any recommendations for special conditions to be associated with the project and a recommendation for the distribution of cost between the owner and the state for construction and maintenance of the fish passage and a recommendation as to whether the owner or the fish and game department shall operate and maintain said fish passage facilities.
III. Upon receipt of said report, the governor, with the advice of the council, shall determine the share of the cost of construction and the share of the cost of maintenance to be borne by the owner and by the state. The state's share shall be a charge on the fish and game fund.
IV. The actual design and location of fish passage facilities authorized under this section shall be determined by the executive director of the fish and game department.
V. The owner of the dam or obstruction at which a fish passage facility is constructed as provided in this section or the fish and game department, as determined by the governor and council shall, consistent with the primary purpose of the dam or obstruction, operate the fish passage facility to allow for the passage of fish species present during the period of their normal migration as determined by the executive director of the fish and game department.
VI. Any party to the action or proceedings under this section may apply for a rehearing or appeal under the procedure as provided by RSA 541.
Source.
1971, 138:2, eff. July 25, 1971.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:8-b - Inspection.

211:8-b Inspection. –
The executive director or his representative may, from time to time, enter and inspect any dam or impoundment in any river or stream, or inlet or outlet of any pond located within the state of New Hampshire to insure the adequate installation, maintenance and operation of fish passage facilities required by RSA 211:8-a.
Source.
1971, 138:3, eff. July 25, 1971.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:8-c - Federal Power Commission.

211:8-c Federal Power Commission. –
The provisions of RSA 211:8-a shall not apply to those dams under license by the federal power commission.
Source.
1971, 138:4, eff. July 25, 1971.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:9 - Nets; Traps.

211:9 Nets;  Traps. –
A dip net held in hand may be used to assist in the taking of fish attached to a hook. A circular drop net, not more than 48 inches in diameter, or a square net of equal area, may be used for taking minnows for bait, from waters not inhabited by brook trout. Minnow traps may be set for taking minnows for bait, in water inhabited by trout, provided that no such trap shall exceed 18 inches in length, and that the aperture therein for the entrance of fish shall not exceed one inch in diameter.
Source.
1941, 126:15. RL 245:35.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:11 - Notice.

211:11 Notice. –
No person by means of opening gates or dams, other than in the ordinary use of an established water privilege, shall draw down or lower the water in any stream, lake or pond in the state to a degree which will endanger fish life therein until notice in writing has been given to the executive director of such intention 2 weeks prior to such drawing down or lowering so that the department may take out the fish in the waters to be so drawn down or lowered.
Source.
1949, 91:1, par. 36-a, eff. Mar. 22, 1949.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:12 - Exception.

211:12 Exception. –
The provisions of RSA 211:11 shall not apply to privately owned lakes or ponds.
Source.
1949, 91:1, par. 36-b, eff. Mar. 22, 1949.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:13 - Prohibited Devices.

211:13 Prohibited Devices. –
No person shall use, have in his possession for use, or furnish for another's use, for taking fish in the fresh waters of this state, except as specifically permitted in this title, a net of any kind or description, set line, fishing otter, trawl, grapple, spear, jack, jack light or electrical or other device for killing or stunning fish. A person found on any such waters of this state, or the shores or islands thereof, having in his possession any of the aforesaid devices, shall be prima facie guilty of a violation of the provisions of this section. Such devices are declared to be public nuisances and may be summarily seized and destroyed by any person. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the executive director or any person acting under his direction.
Source.
RL 245:37.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:13-a - Repealed by 1967, 12:1, eff. Dec. 31, 1967.

211:13-a Repealed by 1967, 12:1, eff. Dec. 31, 1967. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:13-b - Lead Fishing Sinkers and Jigs; Use Prohibited.

211:13-b Lead Fishing Sinkers and Jigs;  Use Prohibited. –
I. No person shall use any lead sinker or lead jig for the taking of fish in any fresh water, except as otherwise specifically permitted in this title.
II. A person using any such lead sinker or jig shall be guilty of a violation. Notwithstanding RSA 651:2, the penalty for a violation of this section shall not exceed $250.
III. The prohibition under this section shall apply to interstate waters pursuant to RSA 211:4 and 211:5.
IV. For purposes of this section, "lead sinker" means any sinker made from lead that weighs one ounce or less, and "lead jig" means a lead weighted hook that weighs one ounce or less. Prohibited fishing tackle shall include lead sinkers with a total weight of one ounce or less and lead jigs with a total weight of one ounce or less, regardless of whether they are painted, coated, or covered by some other substance or by attached skirts. Lead sinkers and lead jigs shall not include lead fishing related items including but not limited to lead core line, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, poppers, plugs, or flies.
Source.
1998, 312:3. 2004, 172:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005. 2013, 193:1, eff. June 1, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:14 - Selling Fry.

211:14 Selling Fry. –
No person shall buy, sell, offer for sale, carry beyond the limits of the state, or place in private waters, any fish or fry entrusted to his care by the executive director for distribution in the waters of this state.
Source.
RL 245:38.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:15-a - to 211:15-d Repealed by 1967, 12:1, eff. Dec. 31, 1967.

211:15-a to 211:15-d Repealed by 1967, 12:1, eff. Dec. 31, 1967. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:16 - Bait Prohibited.

211:16 Bait Prohibited. –
No person shall use carp or goldfish as live bait when fishing in any waters of this state. Possession of live carp or goldfish while fishing shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. No person shall use shad or whitefish for bait for cusk.
Source.
RL 245:40.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:16-b - Fishing Tournaments.

211:16-b Fishing Tournaments. –
I. No person shall promote or operate any fishing tournament in the waters under the jurisdiction of this state without first procuring a special permit from the executive director to do so.
II. The executive director shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to definitions, fees, conditions, requirements for waivers, including waivers of the fee, qualifications, and all other criteria relating to the operation of a fishing tournament on any waters of the state.
Source.
1977, 27:1. 1996, 73:1, eff. July 12, 1996. 2015, 186:10, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:17 - Penalties.

211:17 Penalties. –
A person who violates the provisions of this title relative to fishing shall be guilty of a violation unless a greater penalty is specified, and in addition shall be guilty of a violation for each fish taken in violation of this title; provided, however, that if all violations on a single complaint, the maximum total fine for all the violations resulting from such actions shall, notwithstanding RSA title LXII, be $100 plus $10 for each fish taken in violation of this title.
Source.
RL 245:41. RSA 211:17. 1973, 531:57. 1977, 27:2. 1996, 108:18, eff. Jan. 1, 1997.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:17-a - Ice Fishing.

211:17-a Ice Fishing. –
I. Any person owning or placing a smelt shanty or bob-house on the ice for the purpose of ice fishing shall mark clearly on the outside of the door of said structure the owner's name and address. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a violation, and his hunting and fishing privileges may be suspended for a period of 30 days.
II. Any owner of a smelt shanty or bob-house who shall allow the structure to remain on public property or public waters or on the property of another without permission after April 1 shall be guilty of a violation, and such owner's fishing license shall be suspended for one year. The fish and game department may claim such property and its contents and sell at a public auction to be held at the discretion of the executive director, or, if of no value and the owner cannot be apprehended, the structure and its contents may be destroyed.
III. No person owning or placing a smelt shanty or bob-house on the ice for the purpose of ice fishing shall conspire with another to burn said bob-house or smelt shanty thereon. Whoever violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1957, 82:1. 1963, 92:1. 1969, 38:1. 1971, 66:1. 1973, 531:58. 1993, 236:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:17-b - Operation of Motor Vehicles, Snowmobiles, or OHRVs on Ice on Great Bay.

211:17-b Operation of Motor Vehicles, Snowmobiles, or OHRVs on Ice on Great Bay. –
No person shall drive a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or OHRV on the ice on Great Bay, except that any person who holds a New Hampshire recreational saltwater license under RSA 214:9, XVI may do so, provided that he or she does not drive or park his or her vehicle any closer than 300 feet to any occupied so-called bob-house, fishing shanty, or fishing hole other than the one the person occupies. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person engaged in emergency rescue operations or public service of any description. No person driving a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or OHRV on the ice on Great Bay shall operate said vehicle at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour. Whoever violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1959, 306:3. 1969, 209:1. 1973, 531:59. 1983, 449:22. 2005, 210:10. 2009, 103:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; 144:132, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:17-c - Marking Fishing Holes in Ice on Great Bay.

211:17-c Marking Fishing Holes in Ice on Great Bay. –
Whoever by himself or others cuts a fishing hole larger than 112 square inches in area in the ice on Great Bay and leaves the same unattended, unless covered by a bob-house, without first marking the same with a stake extending at least 18 inches above the ice shall be guilty of a violation.
Source.
1963, 218:1. 1973, 531:60, eff. Oct. 31, 1973 at 11:59 p.m.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:18-a - Penalty, Loss of License.

211:18-a Penalty, Loss of License. –
In addition to any other penalty any lobster license holder convicted of assaulting an enforcement officer or wilfully damaging any boat or motor used by an enforcement officer shall lose his lobster license for one year.
Source.
1965, 170:2, eff. June 22, 1965.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:18-b - Repealed by 1997, 10:25, I, eff. Jan. 1, 1998.

211:18-b Repealed by 1997, 10:25, I, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:18-c - Crabs.

211:18-c Crabs. –
Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter to the contrary any person may take 12 crabs a day by angling, diving, or by hand without a license.
Source.
1971, 240:1. 1987, 62:5, eff. April 29, 1987.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:18-d - Penalty for Misuse of Lobster and Crab License.

211:18-d Penalty for Misuse of Lobster and Crab License. –
Any person who furnishes to another person or permits another person to have or use a lobster and crab license issued to himself or any other person or changes or alters such license or uses a license issued to another person or makes a false statement in application to obtain said license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Source.
1977, 286:2, eff. June 26, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:19-a - Rye Harbor, Prohibition.

211:19-a Rye Harbor, Prohibition. –
I. The taking of lobsters and crabs in Rye Harbor by any person is forbidden. No lobster or crab trap buoys may be placed in the harbor or the approach channel to the harbor. A fisherman has 24 hours to remove his or her gear from restricted areas after an authorized enforcement officer makes a verbal request to the fisherman to remove said gear. An extension may be granted in the case of rough seas or thick fog.
II. State conservation officers and persons appointed by the Pease development authority, division of ports and harbors shall enforce the provisions of this section, and may remove gear from the restricted area if the verbal request authorized in paragraph I of this section is ignored.
III. Rye Harbor as used in this section means the area below high water mark inside the northeast and southwest breakwater on the seashore at Rye, and an area west of an imaginary line beginning 200 feet seaward from the day marker on the northeast jetty on the northeast boundary of the channel and running northeasterly at right angles to the northeast boundary of the channel to Ragged Neck point. The harbor master may designate and buoy at his discretion a channel, at least 100 feet wide, running from the jetties at the harbor entrance to a point in the vicinity of the whistling buoy. Said channel as designated shall be the approach channel to Rye Harbor.
IV. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a violation and his license to trap lobsters shall be suspended for a minimum of 30 days.
Source.
1965, 170:1. 1969, 261:1. 1973, 531:61. 2001, 290:9, eff. July 1, 2001.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:20 - Helper's License.

211:20 Helper's License. –
Any person licensed under the provisions of RSA 211:18 may get a helper's license which entitles the person to have the help of a person in the taking of lobsters or crabs. The helper's license may be transferred to any one helper employed by the licensee, but may not be transferred to a person who previously had a lobster license which is under suspension. A helper may assist, set, or haul pots or traps or any other device used in the taking of lobsters and crabs only in the presence of and aboard the boat of a person licensed under the provisions of RSA 211:18, and who holds a valid helper's license. The executive director shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to the fee for a helper's license and the terms and restrictions of a helper's license to comply with lobster trap limits established under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management plan for American lobster relative to reduced fishing effort.
Source.
1953, 199:2. RSA 211:20. 1965, 305:2. 1971, 146:1. 1997, 10:3. 2000, 256:1, eff. Aug. 11, 2000. 2015, 186:12, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:21 - Revocation; Suspension.

211:21 Revocation;  Suspension. –
The executive director may revoke or suspend the lobster and crab license of any person who has been found guilty in any court of a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter by the executive director. If an appeal is taken the license shall be suspended pending the disposition of said case and for not more than one year thereafter from date of conviction by the higher court. The executive director shall revoke or suspend the license of any person who has been found guilty in any court a second time within 5 years of the first finding of guilt, of a violation of any such laws or regulations, for a period of not less than one, nor more than 3 years from the date of such finding or conviction. The executive director may order any license to be suspended or revoked, after due hearing, for any cause that he may deem sufficient. Any person whose license has been revoked or suspended shall not accompany any licensed fisherman or assist him in any way while he is engaged in taking or transporting lobsters or crabs.
Source.
RL 245:43. 1950, 12:3. RSA 211:21. 1955, 308:7. 2009, 11:2, eff. June 16, 2009.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:22 - Removal of Devices.

211:22 Removal of Devices. –
Any person whose license has been suspended shall within 5 days remove from the waters all lobster traps, pots, cars, or any device used in taking or storing of lobsters and crabs. Said lobster traps, pots, cars or devices shall be taken to a place of storage on the shore and shall be inspected by a conservation officer and such traps, pots, cars or devices shall not be placed in the water again by any other person until they have been inspected by a conservation officer and rebranded with the last name and initials of the new user in a manner satisfactory to the conservation officer.
Source.
1947, 278:1. 1950, 12:4, eff. May 18, 1950.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:23-a - Prohibited Methods of Taking.

211:23-a Prohibited Methods of Taking. –
No person shall at any time take from any waters under the jurisdiction of this state any lobsters by diving, spearing or dipping.
Source.
1955, 324:5, eff. Aug. 5, 1955.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:25 - Spawn, Etc.

211:25 Spawn, Etc. –
No person shall remove spawn from any female lobster and no person shall take, serve, have in his possession, sell, or offer for sale any female lobster carrying spawn or any lobster spawn.
Source.
RL 245:46. RSA 211:25. 1977, 189:1, eff. Aug. 13, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:26 - Female Lobsters.

211:26 Female Lobsters. –
Whoever takes, buys, sells, or has in his possession any female lobster bearing eggs shall be guilty of a violation and, in addition, shall be guilty of a violation for each additional oviparous female lobster involved. However, a person who takes any such female lobster and immediately returns it alive to the waters from which it was taken is not subject to the penalty. This section shall not apply to lobsters spawning in cars or pounds, if they are, upon discovery, immediately liberated alive in the coastal waters; nor shall anything herein contained be construed as prohibiting the executive director or his agents from possessing and transporting female lobsters carrying spawn for propagation purposes.
Source.
1950, 12:7. RSA 211:26. 1965, 305:3. 1973, 531:62. 1977, 189:2, eff. Aug. 13, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:27 - Legal Length; Rulemaking.

211:27 Legal Length;  Rulemaking. –
I. No person may transport, buy, sell, give away, or expose for sale, or possess for any purpose, any lobster less than the minimum legal length alive or dead, cooked or uncooked, measuring from the rear of the eye socket along a line parallel to the center line of the body shell to the rear end of the body shell. The minimum legal length shall be determined in rules adopted by the executive director under RSA 211:62. This paragraph shall not apply to uncooked shell-on lobster tails processed onshore in a New Hampshire facility permitted under RSA 211:38-a or a similar facility outside of New Hampshire.
II. (a) Whoever ships, transports, carries, buys, gives away, sells, or exposes for sale, or possesses for any purpose, lobster meat, which has been cooked, before or after the meat has been taken from the shell, without the tail meat being whole and intact, and of a length determined in rules adopted by the executive director under RSA 211:62, shall be guilty of a violation of this section.
(b) All lobster meat shall be delivered in containers marked as prescribed by rules adopted by the executive director.
(c) For the purpose of this paragraph cooked lobster meat taken from the shell shall be laid out straight and measured from end to end and it shall not include the small part that is on the body end of the tail meat.
III. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs I and II, no person licensed pursuant to RSA 211:18 shall take, possess, or land any lobster greater than the maximum legal length from or on the waters under the jurisdiction of the state.
(b) A person not licensed to take lobster in accordance with RSA 211:18 may possess, transport, or land in accordance with RSA 211:49-a, RSA 211:49-aa, RSA 211:49-b, RSA 211:49-c, and RSA 211:49-d lobster greater than the maximum legal length if the lobster was legally taken from waters outside the jurisdiction of the state.
(c) The maximum length shall be measured from the rear of the eye socket along a line parallel to the center line of the body shell to the rear end of the body shell. The maximum legal length shall be determined by rules adopted by the executive director under RSA 211:62.
(d) All lobster possessed in accordance with this paragraph shall be whole and intact.
Source.
RL 245:47. 1943, 114:1. 1950, 12:8. RSA 211:27. 1965, 305:4. 1967, 48:4. 1983, 85:1. 1989, 78:1. 1998, 349:1. 2010, 56:2, eff. July 1, 2010. 2015, 101:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XVIII - Fish and Game › Chapter 211 - Fish, Shellfish, Lobsters and Crabs › Section 211:28 - Exceptions.

211:28 Exceptions. –
Nothing in the provisions of RSA 211:27 shall be construed to prevent hotels or restaurants serving cooked lobster to guests for immediate consumption as food from chopping meat taken from lobster of legal length in reasonable quantities for current use; nor shall RSA 211:27 prevent an individual from chopping lobster meat for immediate consumption for himself, his family or his guests.
Source.
1950, 12:9, eff. May 18, 1950.