Black Bear Hunting in NH
|
September 1 marks the start of the bear hunting season in New Hampshire. Bears may be hunted over bait, by stalking or with hounds. The statewide bear population appears relatively stable at an estimated 4,800 animals. The population is strong throughout the state and abundant hunting opportunities exist in most areas. Bear densities are relatively consistent with population management objectives in all of the state's six bear management regions.
During the 2011 season, hunters took 418 bears in New Hampshire. Hunters typically harvest 8-10% (400-500 bears) of the state's bear population.
Topics of interest to bear hunters:
- New! 2011 bear harvest data by region
- 2011 season dates
- NH Hunting Digest
- 2011 bear season outlook, by Bear Biologist Andrew Timmins
- Bear density - by region
- Bear baiting permit application process
- Wildlife Management Unit Maps
- Bear dog hunting and training reciprocity list by state
- Click to download a printable BEAR TAG!
- Attention bear baiters! Avoid using chocolate as bait. Click here for more information.
2011 Bear Season Dates
| Method | Wildlife Management Units | Dates |
General Season |
WMUs: H2, K, L, M |
September 1 – September 21 |
WMUs: A, B, C2, D1, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2 |
September 1 – November 8 |
|
WMUs: C1, D2, E, F |
September 1 – November 22 |
|
Baiting Season
|
WMUs: G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, M |
September 1 – September 21 |
WMUs: A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F |
September 1 – September 28 |
|
Dog Season |
WMUs: A, B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, I1, I2, J1, J2 |
September 19 – November 8 |
WMUs: H2, K, L, M |
Dog season closed |
N.H. Bear Density Estimates and 2009 Harvest Distribution
Region |
Bears per square mile |
2009 Harvest |
North |
0.5 |
197 |
White Mountains |
1.0 |
247 |
Central |
0.5 |
230 |
Southwest-1 |
0.5 |
56 |
Southwest-2 |
0.4 |
25 |
Southeast |
0.1 |
0 |
Statewide - TOTAL |
0.5 |
755 |
N.H. Bear Harvest Tally, with Comparison to Previous Years
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011* |
679 |
434 |
352 |
615 |
440 |
758 |
707 |
418 |
Additional detailed harvest information is available in the N.H. Wildlife Harvest Summary


