Hunting in New Hampshire: Are Safety Courses Required to Hunt in New Hampshire? How Do I Pass?

Standing on tradition, hunting in New Hampshire is open to all persons who meet the licensing requirements. The philosophy in the state is that New Hampshire state, federal, municipal, county, and private land is open to hunters unless otherwise posted against the activity. But before heading into the woods, hunters must successfully complete education and safety classes, conducted by the state New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

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These classes are required for anyone hunting in New Hampshire, and are designed to help develop the knowledge and skills needed to become safe hunters. Anyone applying for hunting, archery or trapping licenses in New Hampshire must complete the hunter and/or trapper education courses offered by the state. Classes are conducted from January to October. Students can register online.

Hunter education courses cover gun safety, including firing on a range, and field experiences. Other topics include state hunting laws, hunter ethics and responsibilities, outdoor survival skills, and wildlife identification. Hunter education involves completion of a written test and a demonstration of basic skills. Topics covered in the written test can be studied in person in a classroom, or via an online program.

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Students in onsite hunter education courses receive a course manual and are provided with lectures and activities that fill about 16 hours. A course exam is given at the end of the instruction. Online courses area available to accommodate busy schedules. This self-paced program enables anyone with web access to study the topics related to hunting in New Hampshire and take an online exam. An in-person field day is required to complete the hunter education requirements.

The classes are practical, and every hunter would benefit from the coursework. The classes also include an overview of laws pertaining to hunting in New Hampshire, led by a conservation officer. Topics can include tips for tree stand safety, turkey hunting precautions for hunters and firearm care. Outdoor survival techniques, map reading and compass use are also covered, giving hunters a comprehensive knowledge of topics pertaining to hunting in the forests.

Interested persons can find hunter education classes online, and early registration is recommended. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, hunters must pay a one-time fee.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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