NH Apprentice Hunting License FAQs

The New Hampshire Apprentice Hunting License allows people who are interested in hunting or bowhunting the chance to do so – under the guidance of an experienced hunter – without first having to take a Hunter/Bowhunter Education course.

The license gives hunters the opportunity to introduce friends and family to the hunting experience. It gives non-hunters a chance to buy the license and try hunting with an experienced hunter before committing to taking a Hunter/Bowhunter Education course.

You can buy a New Hampshire Apprentice Hunting License if you are age 16 or older.

You must be 18 years or older to accompany an apprentice hunter in New Hampshire.

More than 30 states have established some kind of apprentice hunting program.

Apprentice licenses can be purchased only at NH Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH, or by mail (print-and-mail application). Apprentice Hunting Licenses and permits are not available at license agents or online.

The NH Apprentice Hunting License costs the same as a regular hunting license. The additional cost of species-specific licenses, such as pheasant, bear or turkey, is also the same for apprentice hunters. These licenses must be purchased at NH Fish and Game headquarters. License fees for resident and nonresident hunting licenses are listed in the current NH Hunting and Trapping Digest or at www.wildnh.com/licensing/license-prices.htm.

Yes. The license is available to both state residents and nonresidents.

A person holding a NH Apprentice Hunting License is allowed to hunt, only when accompanied by a properly licensed hunter who is 18 years of age or older. The Apprentice Hunting License can be bought only once in a person's lifetime, and is valid from the date of purchase through December 31.

"Accompanied" means the experienced hunter maintains actual physical direction and control -- keeping the apprentice within sight and hearing at all times, without use of electronic devices.

The apprentice can hunt only under the direct supervision of a properly licensed hunter who is 18 years of age or older. While hunting, the experienced hunter must have the apprentice within sight and hearing, excluding electronic devices, and be able to maintain actual physical direction and control. The hunter accompanying an apprentice is fully accountable for any damage incurred or violations that may be committed by the apprentice while hunting. Apprentice hunter rules are similar to those governing youth hunters (under age 16) in New Hampshire.

Yes. If the accompanying hunter uses all the tags he or she has (tags out) for the species the apprentice is targeting, then they are no longer a legal accompanying hunter.

You do not always have to go with the same hunter, but you are allowed to hunt only when accompanied by a properly licensed hunter who is 18 years of age or older.

Yes. Apprentice Hunting License holders can purchase turkey, pheasant, bear and waterfowl licenses to use during their apprentice year; these may only be purchased at NH Fish and Game Department headquarters. The Apprentice Hunting License is not valid to take moose. It also does not apply to the 3-day small game license for nonresidents.

Yes. You would need to come to NH Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH, to purchase the additional license/permit.

Yes. The guide may serve as your accompanying hunter; the specific guidelines governing "accompaniment" must be followed.

No. The NH Apprentice Hunting License cannot be purchased as part of a combo license. If desired, a fishing license must be bought separately.

In this situation, in order to hunt unaccompanied, you would have to come to NH Fish and Game headquarters in Concord, surrender your Apprentice Hunting License and pay a fee to be issued a regular hunting license.

Absolutely not. You may purchase an Apprentice Hunting License only once in your lifetime. After that, you must take and pass a Hunter/Bowhunter Education class and purchase a regular NH hunting license if you wish to hunt in New Hampshire.

No.  The NH Apprentice Hunting License can be purchased only once in a lifetime. It is good from the time of purchase through the end of the calendar year. If Apprentice Hunters want to hunt in a future year, they must first complete a Hunter/Bowhunter Education course, then buy a regular New Hampshire hunting license.

To find and register for a Hunter/Bowhunter Education class, visit www.huntnh.com/hunter-ed.html. Traditional and online courses are available. You can access the online Hunter Education materials anytime to get started. The best time of year to take a class is during the spring and summer. Don't delay in signing up for Hunter Education once your Apprentice Hunting year is over. If you wait until fall, it may be too late.

No. In New Hampshire, youth under age 16 do not need a license or Hunter Education to hunt (although they do need licenses/permits to target certain species, such as turkey or pheasant); they may hunt only under the direct supervision of a properly licensed person who is 18 years of age or older. Learn more about youth hunting in New Hampshire.

No. You would have to purchase the Apprentice Hunting License at regular license prices.

Read tips on hunting with an apprentice.

Talk to people you know who hunt; they often are glad to introduce someone who's interested to a sport they love. Your local Fish and Game club can be a good place to meet other hunters and find someone to accompany you. Contact information for many clubs in New Hampshire can be found at www.huntnh.com/hunting/where-hunt.html