Pheasant Hunting in NH

New Hampshire’s pheasant hunting season runs from October 1 through December 31. This fall 11,538 adult ring-necked pheasants will be released in all 10 counties with an average of 135 pheasants per site.

The ring-necked pheasant is one of the most colorful of the game birds. It prefers to run rather than fly and can test the most skilled bird hunting dog with its hide-and-seek behavior.

Successful thirteen-year-old Chris Forsey, with Rick Orford, both from Webster, hunting in Hopkinton.

Photo by Eric Orff.

Pheasant hunting has a long history in New Hampshire – the first pheasants were stocked here over a hundred years ago. Today the time-honored tradition of pheasant hunting is possible in the state only because private landowners continue to allow hunters access to their land. The pheasant program relies heavily upon cooperative relationships with landowners. Please remember to respect the land and property owner’s rights to privacy and safety on all lands open to pheasant hunting and stocking. Respect farmland and do not drive on agricultural fields or block gates or bar ways to pastures and croplands with vehicles.

Responsible behavior towards other hunters and other outdoor users will keep property open for everyone for years to come. Please take the time to be courteous and thank these landowners for their generosity.

The former pheasant site on West Unity Road in Unity will be stocked this fall.

See Also:

• Landowner Relations