Black Bear Hunting in NH
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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 2012 season, hunters took 806 bears in New Hampshire.
Topics of interest to bear hunters:
- NEW! 2012 bear harvest data by region
- NH Hunting Digest
- 2012 season dates
- 2012 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
- NEW: Permit To Use Dogs To Take Bear (PDF)
- Click to download a printable BEAR TAG!
- Attention bear baiters! Avoid using chocolate as bait. Click here for more information.
2012 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 13 | |
| WMUs: C1, D2, E, F | September 1 – November 27 | |
| 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 24 – November 13 |
| WMUs: H2, K, L, M | Dog season CLOSED |
N.H. Bear Density Estimates and 2012 Harvest Distribution
Region |
Bears per square mile |
2012 Harvest |
North |
0.6 |
180 |
White Mountains |
1.0 |
229 |
Central |
0.6 |
263 |
Southwest-1 |
0.6 |
76 |
Southwest-2 |
0.3 |
57 |
Southeast |
0.1 |
1 |
Statewide - TOTAL |
0.6 |
806 |
Additional detailed harvest information is available in the N.H. Wildlife Harvest Summary.
