Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Hunting in New Hampshire
NH Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Season Dates, Bag Limits, and Resources
Waterfowl hunting is a long-standing tradition in New Hampshire, with opportunities from coastal waters to the North Country.
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. You also are required to have a free Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) Survey permit number.
Note on Federal Waterfowl Stamps: The Federal Waterfowl Stamp is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, not the State of New Hampshire. We have been made aware that many U.S. Post Offices do not carry the Federal Waterfowl Stamp or are out of them. You can order the federal stamps at: www.duckstamp.com.
Banded Birds
Report all banded birds at www.reportband.gov or by sending your information to: Bird Banding Lab, 12100 Beach Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708. The call center supporting the 1-800-327-BAND toll-free phone number was discontinued on June 30, 2017. People calling this toll-free number will be directed to report their bird bands using the reportband.gov website or by mail. We rely heavily on your cooperation in reporting banded birds to help in their management, and we would like to thank you for your continued support in this effort.
| Species | Northern Zone | Inland & CT River Zone | Coastal Zone | Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks A | Oct 2 -Nov 30 |
Oct 13 -Nov 11 Nov 27 -Dec 26 |
Oct 2- Oct 8 Nov 27- Jan 18 |
6 | 18 |
| Mergansers B | Oct 2 -Nov 30 |
Oct 13 -Nov 11 Nov 27 -Dec 26 |
Oct 2- Oct 8 Nov 27- Jan 18 |
5 | 15 |
| Coots | Oct 2 -Nov 30 |
Oct 13 -Nov 11 Nov 27 -Dec 26 |
Oct 2- Oct 8 Nov 27- Jan 18 |
15 | 45 |
| Sea Ducks C | Oct 2 -Nov 30 |
Oct 13 -Nov 11 Nov 27 -Dec 26 |
Oct 2- Oct 8 Nov 27- Jan 18 |
4 | 12 |
| Canada Geese (SEP) | Sep 1- Sep 25 | Sep 1- Sep 25 | Sep 1- Sep 25 | 5 | 15 |
| Canada Geese | Oct 2 -Nov 30 |
Oct 13 -Nov 11 Nov 27 -Dec 26 |
Oct 2- Oct 8 Nov 27- Jan 18 |
2 | 6 |
| Snow Geese | Oct 2 -Nov 30 |
Oct 13 -Nov 11 Nov 27 -Dec 26 |
Oct 2- Oct 8 Nov 27- Jan 18 |
25 | NONE |
| Brant | Oct 2- Oct 31 | Oct 13- Nov 11 |
Oct 2- Oct 8 Nov 27- Dec 19 |
1 | 3 |
| Falconry | Dec 1- Jan 12 |
Nov 12- Nov 26 Dec 27- Jan 23 |
Jan 27- Mar 10 | 3 | 9 |
| Woodcock | Oct 1- Nov 14 | Oct 1- Nov 14 | Oct 1- Nov 14 | 3 | 9 |
| Common Snipe | Sep 15- Nov 14 | Sep 15- Nov 14 | Sep 15- Nov 14 | 8 | 24 |
| Crow |
Aug 15- Nov 30, 2025 Mar 16- Mar 3, 2026 |
Aug 15- Nov 30,2025 Mar 16- Mar 31, 2026 |
Aug 15- Nov 30, 2025 Mar 16- Mar 31, 2026 |
NONE | NONE |
| Youth Waterfowl | Sep 27-28, 2025 | Sep 27-28, 2025 | Sep 27-28, 2025 | ||
| Veteran & Active Military Weekend | Jan 24-25, 2026 | Jan 24-25, 2026 | Jan 24-25, 2026 |
- A- Includes 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, 3 pintails, 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).
- B- The 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.
- C- Sea ducks are part of the general duck bag in all zones. The daily bag limit for sea ducks is 4 and the possession limit is 12. Sea duck species include common eider, surf scoter, white-winged scoter, black scoter, long-tailed duck, bufflehead and common goldeneye.
- D- Veteran & Active Military Personnel: Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, U.S. Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), may participate. All hunters must possess a Federal Duck Stamp. Proof of eligibility is required and must be carried on person while hunting. Applies to NH only. CT River Zone hunters must launch from NH.
- Shooting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Waterfowl hunters must obtain a federal duck stamp and a New Hampshire Migratory Waterfowl License, in addition to a New Hampshire hunting license.
- Avian Influenza - AI is a potential risk in waterfowl, and bird hunters in general should exercise some common practices to prevent exposure.