Bear Hunting in New Hampshire

NH Bear Season Dates and Resources

Map of NH regionsNew for 2024: Hunters are now able to purchase a second bear tag that may be used in the White mountains region, this region includes wildlife management units C1, D2, E, F. This additional tag is only valid for the specific management units listed above. This additional tag can be purchased at any time throughout the year and does not need to be purchased at the same time as the statewide bear tag. Season dates and methods of take remain unchanged for the additional tag. 

Successful bear hunters may bring their bears directly to a NH Bear Registration Station or contact a Conservation Officer for reporting.  Hunters should contact a registration station (provided in the list below) to determine hours of operation.  To register a bear with a Conservation Officer, call 603-271-3361 or contact a CO electronically to make arrangements.    

Successful bear hunters are no longer required to report their harvest within 12 hours of take to the Law Enforcement Division but are required to present the bear to a NH Registration Station, Fish and Game regional Office (call ahead to check availability), or Conservation Officer within 24 hours of take for registration.

Hunters are encouraged to periodically check this webpage, or call the Wildlife Division at 603-271-2461, for the most up to date list of NH Bear Registration Stations as additional stations may be added.

NH Bear Registration Stations

  • L.L. Cote – Errol (800) 287-7700
  • John’s Archery – Northumberland (603) 636-6140
  • Barn Store of New England – Salisbury (603) 648-2888
  • Tackle Shack – Newbury (603) 763-5508
  • Lucky 7 Farm – Washington (603) 933-3774
  • Morse Sporting Goods – Hillsboro (603) 464-3444
  • Wildlife Sport Outfitters – Manchester (603) 625-9958
  • Trader John’s Gun Shop – Winchester (603) 239-4032
  • Brookline Cutting Barn – Brookline (603) 316-7957
  • Aubuchon Hardware – Center Ossipee (603) 539-6513
  • Berry’s Bait – Alton (603) 875-0169

Black Bear in New Hampshire

2024 Bear Season
Method Wildlife Management Units
General Season (Sept. 1 - Nov. 12) A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K
General Season (Sept. 1 - Nov. 30) C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2, L, M 
Baiting Season (Sept. 1 – Sept. 28) A, B, C2, D1, H1, H2, I2, K, L, M 
Baiting Season (Sept. 1 – Oct. 5) C1, D2, E, F, G, I1, J1, J2 
Dog Season - (Sept. 23 – Nov. 12) A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2
Dog Season (Closed) H2, K, L, M
Second Tag (all season dates apply) C1, D2, E, F

 

 

Bears Per Square Mile
Region 2016-2025 Management Goal Current Population Estimate Management Required
North 0.6 0.64 Stabilize
White Mountains

0.8

1.43 Decrease
Central 0.5 0.55 Stabilize
Southwest-1 0.5 0.48 Stabilize
Southwest-2 0.5 0.6 Decrease
Southeast 0.05 0.17 Decrease
Statewide 0.52 0.7 Decrease