Waterfowl Season Dates and Bag Limits
Season Dates
License Requirements for Waterfowlers
To hunt waterfowl in New Hampshire, you are required to have a Migratory Waterfowl License and a current NH Hunting, Combination or Small Game License (available at any Fish and Game license agent), as well as a Federal Waterfowl Stamp (available at some U.S. Post Offices; Fish and Game headquarters in Concord; and at Fish and Game's Region 2 office in New Hampton). You also are required to ave a free Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) Survey permit number.
License Requirements for Woodcock, Snipe, and Crow
In order to hunt woodcock, snipe, and crow (listed on this page because they are migratory), you are required to hold a current NH Hunting, Combination or Small Game License. For woodcock and snipe, you also are required to have a free Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) Survey permit number.
- BANDED BIRDS: Report all banded birds at www.reportband.gov
- Ducks at a Distance - A Waterfowl Identification Guide
- Waterfowl Identification
- Waterfowl Zone Map
- See also: Areas Closed to Hunting
2023-2024 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons
| Species | Northern Zone | Inland & Ct. River Zone | Coastal Zone | Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DucksA | Oct. 2 - Nov. 30 | Oct. 3- Nov. 5 Nov. 22 - Dec. 17 |
Oct. 4 - Oct. 10 Nov. 22 - Jan. 13 |
6 | 18 |
| MergansersB | Dates same as ducks | 5 | 15 | ||
| Coots | Dates same as ducks | 15 | 45 | ||
| Sea Ducks*C | Dates same as ducks | 4 | 12 | ||
| Canada Geese (Sept) | Statewide Sep. 1 - Sep. 25 | 5 | 15 | ||
| Canada Geese (Regular) | Dates same as ducks | 2 | 6 | ||
| Snow Geese | Oct 2 - Nov. 30 | Oct. 3 - Dec. 17 | Oct. 4 - Jan. 13 | 25 | NONE |
| Brant | Oct 2 - Oct 31 | Oct 3 - Nov. 1 |
Oct. 4 - Oct. 10 Nov. 22 - Dec 14 |
1 | 3 |
| Falconry | Dec. 1 - Jan. 14 |
Nov. 6 - Nov. 21 Dec. 18 - Jan. 15 |
Jan. 26 - Mar. 10 | 3 | 9 |
| Woodcock | Statewide: Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 | 3 | 9 | ||
| Common Snipe | Statewide: Sep. 15 - Nov. 14 | 8 | 24 | ||
| Crow | Statewide: Aug. 15 - Nov. 30, Mar. 16 - Mar. 31 |
NONE | NONE | ||
| Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend | September 23 & 24, 2023 | ||||
AIncludes all species of ducks, with the following restrictions: No more than 4 mallards (2 of which may be a hen), 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup, and no more than 3 scoters, 3 long-tailed ducks, or 3 eiders (1 of which may be a hen). The harlequin duck season is closed. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit (e.g. The mallard possession limit is 12, of which 6 may be hens).
BThe daily bag limit of 5 mergansers is in addition to the daily bag limit of 6 ducks. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit.
*The species-specific restriction of 2 hooded mergansers was removed in the 2022-23 season.
CThe special sea duck season was eliminated starting in the 2022-23 season. Sea ducks are now part of the general duck bag. The daily bag limit for sea ducks is 4 and the possession limit is 12.
Requirements for Migratory Bird Hunting in New Hampshire
| Species | NH Hunting License | NH Waterfowl License | Federal Duck Stamp | HIP Permit | Non-Toxic Shot | Firearm Plug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks, mergansers, brant, geese |  |
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| Woodcock and snipe | |
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| Crow | |
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