Raccoon Hunting in New Hampshire

Raccoon hunting in New Hampshire is a popular pastime for many hunters. The state is home to a large population of raccoons, and they can be found in nearly every county. There are a few different ways to go about hunting raccoons in New Hampshire. You can either trap them or shoot them. Trapping is the most common method, as it is more efficient and allows you to target specific areas. Shooting raccoons is also an option, but it is important to remember that it is illegal to shoot them with a shotgun within 150 yards of any dwellings. If you are going to shoot raccoons, you must use a .22 caliber rifle or smaller. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods of hunting raccoons in New Hampshire. We will also provide tips on how to be successful in your hunt.

Raccoon Hunting Laws in New Hampshire

In order to hunt raccoons in New Hampshire, hunters must follow the state’s hunting laws. These laws are designed to ensure that hunting is conducted safely and ethically, and to protect the state’s wildlife population.

All hunters must have a valid hunting license in order to hunt in New Hampshire. Raccoon hunting season runs from October 1st through March 31st. During this time, hunters are limited to taking two raccoons per day.

Raccoons may be hunted with firearms, bows, or crossbows. When using firearms, only lead-free ammunition may be used. All hunters must wear fluorescent orange clothing while hunting, in order to make themselves visible to other hunters.

The use of dogs is permitted when hunting raccoons, but all dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Dogs must also be equipped with a collar that displays the name and address of their owner.

Hunters are required to check their raccoon kills with a game warden within 24 hours of taking the animal. The game warden will issue a kill tag for each animal, which must be attached to the carcass before it is transported from the site of the kill.

Do you need a license to hunt Raccoons in New Hampshire?

If you’re planning on hunting raccoons in New Hampshire, you’ll need to make sure you have a valid hunting license. You can obtain a hunting license by visiting the New Hampshire Fish and Game website or by purchasing one at a licensed agent. A hunting license allows you to hunt small game, including raccoons, on state-owned land or with written permission from the landowner. If you plan on hunting raccoons on private property, be sure to get written permission from the landowner before heading out.

Raccoon Hunting Seasons in New Hampshire

Raccoon hunting seasons in New Hampshire vary depending on the game animal involved. In general, the season for hunting raccoon opens on the first Saturday in October and runs through the last day of February. Small game animals such as rabbits and squirrels may be hunted during the entire season.

However, there are specific regulations that must be followed during raccoon hunting season. For example, only certain types of firearms are allowed to be used, and hunters must wear blaze orange or pink clothing while hunting. Additionally, all dogs used for hunting must be registered with the state prior to the start of the season.

The best time to hunt raccoon is at night when they are most active. However, daylight hours can also be productive if hunters know where to look for them. Raccoons will typically stay close to their dens during the day, so looking for dens in likely areas can help lead hunters to their quarry.

Can you hunt Raccoons at night in New Hampshire?

As of July 1, 2020, it is now legal to hunt raccoons at night in New Hampshire! Raccoons are most active at night, so this is the best time to hunt them. Here are a few tips to make your nighttime raccoon hunting successful:

– Use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see in the dark.
– Make sure you have a good quality rifle or shotgun and ammunition.
– Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are shooting.
– Wear bright clothing so that other hunters can see you.
– Have a plan for what you will do with the raccoon once you kill it.

Bag limits for hunting Raccoons in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s bag limit for hunting raccoons is two per day. This means that a person can kill and possess no more than two raccoons in a 24-hour period. A person can only hunt raccoons with a shotgun or a muzzleloader that is .22 caliber or smaller. A person cannot use any type of trap to hunt raccoons.

Legal ways to hunt Raccoons in New Hampshire

There are several legal ways to hunt raccoons in New Hampshire. The first is with a permit from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. You can apply for a permit online or at a local fish and game office. The second way to legally hunt raccoons is on private property with the permission of the landowner. Finally, you can also trap raccoons on your own property without a permit.

If you plan to hunt raccoons on public land, you will need to obtain a permit from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. You can apply for a permit online or at a local fish and game office. When hunting on public land, you must follow all state and federal regulations, including season dates and bag limits.

If you want to hunt raccoons on private property, you must have written permission from the landowners before doing so. It is important to respect the rights of private property owners, and to only hunt on land where you have been given explicit permission to do so.

You can also trap raccoons on your own property without a permit in New Hampshire. However, there are some regulations that you must follow when doing so, such as using live traps that are at least 10 inches by 12 inches by 32 inches in size. You must also check your traps daily, and immediately remove any captured animals from the trap to prevent them from suffering unnecessarily.

Can you use dogs to hunt Raccoons in New Hampshire?

Yes, dogs can be used to hunt raccoons in New Hampshire. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so the best time to hunt them is at night. You will need a flashlight and a good pair of boots to track them down. Once you find a raccoon, your dog will chase it up a tree and you can shoot it. Make sure you have a good rifle or shotgun with ammunition that can kill the animal quickly.

Can you hunt Raccoons from a vehicle in New Hampshire?

Yes, you can hunt raccoons from a vehicle in New Hampshire. You will need a hunting license and a permit to do so. The best time to hunt them is at night when they are most active. You can use a spotlight to look for them in trees or on the ground. If you see one, you can shoot it with a rifle or shotgun.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to raccoon hunting, New Hampshire is one of the best states in the country. The state has a large population of raccoons, and the hunting season is long. There are also a variety of methods that can be used to hunt them, which makes it a great state for both beginners and experienced hunters.

If you’re thinking about going raccoon hunting in New Hampshire, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you have a valid hunting license. You can get one from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Second, familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting regulations. These can be found on the department’s website or in the Hunting Digest, which is available at most sporting goods stores.

Third, choose a method of hunting that best suits your skills and experience level. If you’re new to raccoon hunting, it might be a good idea to start with trapping. This method requires patience and careful planning, but it can be very effective. If you’re more experienced, you might want to try still-hunting or calling. These methods can be more challenging, but they often result in more successful hunts.

Finally, be prepared for anything when you go out on your hunt. Raccoons are notoriously difficult animals to hunt, so don’t expect an easy kill. Be patient, stay safe, and have fun – that’s what raccoon hunting is all about!