Small Game and Upland Bird Hunting
NH Small Game and Upland Bird Hunting Dates and Resources
Small game and upland bird species in New Hampshire are: ruffed grouse, pheasant, quail, Hungarian/European partridge, chukar, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, gray squirrel.
Youth hunters under 16 do not require a license to hunt small game when accompanied by a properly licensed adult over the age of 18.
Woodcock Hunting
Woodcock are a migratory game bird and require a HIP (National Migratory Bird Harvest information) permit.
- Season: Statewide Oct 1- Nov 14
- Bag limit- 3
- Possession limit- 9
Pheasants
Ring-necked pheasants are stocked in limited supply by NH Fish and Game. In addition to a NH hunting license, a pheasant license is required to hunt pheasants.
Small Game Summary Report
Species Profiles
| Species (Inclusive Dates) | WMU's | Daily Limit | Season Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit1 (Oct 1- Jan 31, 2024) | H2, K, L, M | 2 | No |
| Cottontail Rabbit* (Falconry: Oct 1- Mar 15, 2024) | H2, K, L, M | 2 | No |
| Gray Squirrel (Sep 1- Jan 31, 2024) | All | 5 | No |
| Pheasant1 (Oct 1- Dec 31) | All | 2 | 10 |
| Ruffed Grouse (Oct 1- Dec 31) | All | 4 | No |
| Quail, Chukar, Partridge (Oct 1- Dec 31) | All | 4 | No |
| Snowshoe Hare (Oct 1- Mar 31, 2024) | A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, J1 | 3 | No |
| Snowshoe Hare (Oct 1- Mar 31, 2024) | H1, H2, I1, I2, J2, K, L, M | 2 | No |
1Some areas are closed to hunting Cottontail Rabbit. See Map of Closed Areas
1Due to safety concerns, pheasant season will be closed statewide until noon on Thursdays and Fridays