New Hampshire Small Game Hunting Seasons Open September 1 – eagletimes.com | Serving the Twin State Valley

CONCORD, NH. – Small game hunting season for gray squirrel starts on September 1 and is a great way to introduce someone new to hunting. On October 1, ruffed grouse, woodcock, cottontail rabbit, pheasant, and snowshoe hare seasons each open, all of which are exciting species to pursue and make excellent table fare. Small game hunters will want to check out the 2023/2024 New Hampshire Small Game Summary Report, which presents data from the annual Small Game Hunter Survey. Participation in these surveys by hunters significantly enhances the Department’s management of these species. 

While the New Hampshire Small Game Summary Report includes a variety of species, the most data received and the primary focus is the Granite State’s two most sought-after small game birds: ruffed grouse and woodcock. The report provides long-term statistical trends for both species of birds, which comprised 90% of reported hunter effort during 2023. Other species of interest to small game hunters included in the report are snowshoe hare and gray squirrel. 

“Crisp fall air will be here soon, and hunting small game is a great way to kick off the season,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Small Game Program Supervisor Brett Ferry. “Pursuing small game provides a unique opportunity to introduce youth and novice hunters to the sport. Because small game species are habitat dependent, new hunters must learn about the food and cover requirements of the species which adds to the experience. Hunters have the ability to assist in our understanding and management of small game populations by providing data related to observations, harvest, and effort. These surveys are easy to obtain and complete, and they provide the Department with necessary data to promote small game populations and opportunities to enjoy this resource.” 

If you hunt small game, please take part in this year’s surveys: 

Everyone who completes either of these two surveys will be entered into a raffle to win a firearm donated by Sturm Ruger and the Ruffed Grouse Society, respectively. 

“A big thank you to all the small game hunters who participated in our survey efforts,” said Ferry. 

Learn more about small game hunting in New Hampshire at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/small-game-and-upland-bird-hunting.