Waterfowl Season Dates and Bag Limits
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 have 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.
- View the 2018-19 New Hampshire Waterfowl Season Dates and Regulations
Summary of State & Federal)- Federal Regulations for Migratory Bird Hunting
(Extended Version)
- Federal Regulations for Migratory Bird Hunting
- American Black Duck - Changes in Hunting Regulations 2017-18
- Changes in American Black Duck Hunting Regulations, 2017-18 FAQs
- 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
2018-2019 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons | |||||
Species | Northern Zone | Inland & Ct. River Zone | Coastal Zone | Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
DucksA | Oct. 2 - Nov. 30 | Oct. 2 - Nov. 4 | Oct. 3 - Oct. 14 | 6 | 18 |
Nov. 21 - Dec. 16 | Nov. 21 - Jan. 7 | ||||
MergansersB | Dates same as ducks | 5 | 15 | ||
Coots | Dates same as ducks | 15 | 45 | ||
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. 2 - Dec. 16 | Oct. 3 - Jan. 7 | 25 | NONE |
Brant | Dates same as ducks | 2 | 6 | ||
Sea Ducks*C | In all coastal waters Nov. 15 - Jan. 13 | 5 | 15 | ||
Falconry | Dec. 1 - Jan. 14 | Nov. 5 - Nov. 20 | Jan. 25 - Mar. 10 | 3 | 9 |
Dec. 17 - Jan. 14 | |||||
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 29 & 30, 2018 |
A Includes all species of ducks, with the following restrictions: No more than 4 mallards (2 of which may be hens), 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, and no more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders, or 4 long-tailed ducks. 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).
B The daily bag limit of 5 mergansers is in addition to the daily bag limit of 6 ducks and may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers. Possession limits are three times the daily bag limit.
*In all coastal waters, rivers & streams seaward from the 1st upstream bridge. In all other areas of the state, sea ducks may be taken only during the regular season for ducks.
C The daily bag limit for sea ducks, while hunting in all coastal waters* (described above) shall include no more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders, or 4 long-tailed ducks and possession limit shall be 15 birds with no more than 12 scoters, 12 eiders, or 12 long-tailed ducks. In all other areas of the state, sea ducks shall be included in the regular season daily bag and possession limit.
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 | ![]() |