Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
NH
New Hampshire Deer Hunting: Tags, Seasons & Rules (2026)
Deer hunting in New Hampshire starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $26 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $26 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 15 – Dec 15 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
New Hampshire Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for New Hampshire deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Muzzleloader.
This is the deer-specific support page owner for New Hampshire; general license questions belong on the state hub. For the June 21 zero-click deer-state rescue, this page answers tag cost, season dates, bag limit, draw status, and non-resident cost before sending broader license questions back to the state hub. For New Hampshire deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Firearms deer uses the base hunting license; archery deer permit is $26 for residents and non-residents, muzzleloader is $16 resident / $41 non-resident, and Unit L antlerless permits are $26 by lottery.. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. New Hampshire does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in New Hampshire
New Hampshire deer access should be read season by season. The base hunting license covers regular firearms deer hunting, while archery, muzzleloader, and Unit L antlerless opportunities require separate permits. New Hampshire has not detected CWD in wild deer, but the state continues surveillance and limits import of high-risk carcass parts from CWD-positive jurisdictions. For most deer hunters, the legal antlered deer definition is at least one antler three inches or longer, while antlerless opportunity depends on the applicable WMU and permit.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
New Hampshire Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
New Hampshire offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the NH Fish and Game Department — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
New Hampshire Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$26
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$26
Over-the-counter tag available
Firearms deer uses the base hunting license; archery deer permit is $26 for residents and non-residents, muzzleloader is $16 resident / $41 non-resident, and Unit L antlerless permits are $26 by lottery.
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right New Hampshire deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full New Hampshire license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags; general license questions belong on the state hub.
Compare New Hampshire with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in New Hampshire
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
New Hampshire restricts import of whole cervid carcasses or high-risk parts from CWD-positive jurisdictions; confirm the current NH Fish and Game list before transporting deer parts.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 antlered + antlerless by permit
Unit L antlerless lottery; rifles allowed; 3 deer seasons
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: NH Fish and Game Department . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in New Hampshire — FAQ
What is the true total cost to hunt deer in New Hampshire?
The true total cost is season-specific. The base hunting license covers regular firearms deer hunting, but archery deer requires the archery deer permit, muzzleloader season requires a muzzleloader permit, and Unit L antlerless access uses its own antlerless permit lottery. Non-resident hunters should add those deer permits to the annual non-resident hunting license instead of treating the $26 deer row as the complete checkout cost.
Is CWD testing mandatory in New Hampshire?
No statewide mandatory CWD testing rule is listed for routine New Hampshire deer hunters. CWD has not been detected in wild deer in the state, and NH Fish and Game continues surveillance and carcass-import restrictions.
What are the antler restrictions?
A legal antlered deer must have at least one antler measuring three (3) inches or more in length.
Are deer lures legal in New Hampshire?
While natural urine lures aren't aggressively banned yet, NHFG strongly advises using synthetic lures to avoid accidentally introducing CWD prions.
What deer species can I hunt in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in New Hampshire?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in New Hampshire. The annual non-resident hunting license covers regular firearms deer, but archery, muzzleloader, and Unit L antlerless opportunities require separate permits with their own fees.
Where should I compare the New Hampshire deer tag cost, deer season, and base hunting license?
Use this deer page for New Hampshire deer tag cost, deer season dates, bag limits, draw status, and non-resident deer permits. Use the New Hampshire hunting license page for the broader base license, online purchase path, hunter education, and non-deer add-ons.