Granite Staters poised for start of deer hunting season on Wednesday

CONCORD - The regular firearms deer hunting season opens on Wednesday in New Hampshire, marking a significant day for the state's more than 60,000 hunters.

The firearms deer season runs from Nov.13 through Dec. 8 in most of the state. In the northernmost region of the state the season closes on Dec. 1. Hunters should consult the New Hampshire Hunting & Trapping Digest for WMU-specific regulations. This essential publication is available online at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh, at license agents statewide, and at the Fish and Game headquarters in Concord.

Additional information about deer hunting in New Hampshire can be found on the Fish and Game Department website at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/deer-hunting-new-hampshire.

For the second consecutive year, deer hunters have the option of registering their harvest online. To register your deer online or to learn more about what to do following a successful harvest, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/deer-hunting-new-hampshire/how-register-your-deer.

Physical registration stations are also available for those who prefer to register in person. To allow for the collection of biological data, online registration will not be available during the first three days of the firearms season. During this time, hunters must register their deer in person at a registration station. Refer to page 28 of the New Hampshire Hunting & Trapping Digest or visit huntnh.com for a list of registration stations in New Hampshire.

Hunters are reminded not to use urine-based lures, as these products can potentially spread Chronic Wasting Disease, a neurological disorder that is always fatal to white-tailed deer and moose. Synthetic lures are strongly recommended. If the bottle or package does not indicate "synthetic," the product is likely natural urine. Hunters traveling out of state should also remember that whole deer carcasses cannot be brought into New Hampshire from any jurisdiction where CWD has been documented.

A full list of CWD-positive areas and guidelines on what can be brought back into the state can be found on the Fish and Game website at www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/wildlife-related-diseases/deer-diseases.

The public is encouraged to participate in protecting New Hampshire's wildlife resources by reporting wildlife crimes. Violations can be reported to NH Fish and Game's Operation Game Thief Program online anytime at www.wildnh.com/ogt or by calling the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-344-4262.