2012 New Hampshire Deer Hunt Outlook

By Kent Gustafson, N.H. Fish and Game Deer Project Leader

2012 Deer Season Outlook
By Kent Gustafson, Deer Project Leader

The 2012 New Hampshire deer season should be the best we’ve seen since 2007, when 13,339 deer were taken by hunters (the second highest total recorded). In parts of the state, the deer population has recovered from declines following some severe winters beginning in 2007-08, and deer numbers are improving in many other areas. Last year, the deer kill bounced back to 11,109, from a recent low of 9,759 in 2010. Fall foods in 2011 were quite good, including both beechnuts and apples. Acorns, while not as abundant and widespread as in the fall of 2010, still did well locally and deer went into last winter in good shape.

An easy winter: On top of the good fall food production, the winter of 2011-12 turned out to be a great winter for deer. Temperatures were generally above normal and snow depths rarely exceeded 18 inches anywhere in the state, except in the far north. The worst snowstorm of the winter in much of the state occurred on October 29-30, 2011, the opening weekend of the muzzleloader season, but it rapidly melted. During the winter of 2011-12, the winter severity index (WSI), a measure of the affect of winter on deer survival based on snow depth and minimum temperature, tied the lowest statewide average value since Fish and Game began WSI monitoring in 1964-65. In most of the state, deer were not confined to wintering areas and were free to wander and take advantage of widespread food sources. Winter mortality was low and does came through the winter in good shape, so fawn production and survival in the spring of 2012 should have been well above average.

Population goals: In many of New Hampshire’s Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), the deer population is still below goal and limited either-sex hunting will continue in an effort to help build the deer population. But, in addition, the fall and winter of 2011-12 should contribute significantly to increasing deer numbers in those areas. With increasing deer numbers, either-sex days have been increased in some WMUs for the 2012 season, and the archery season has been restored to either-sex hunting for its entire length, providing additional hunting opportunity. Be sure to check the “2012-13 New Hampshire Hunting & Trapping Digest” for 2012 season details, including WMU-specific regulations (click here and on publication cover).

Youth weekend: More abundant deer this fall will provide a great opportunity to take a young person deer hunting on New Hampshire’s youth weekend, October 27-28, 2012. Youth hunters took 475 deer during the 2011 youth weekend, and increased deer numbers will provide an exciting opportunity for kids under 16 to begin, or learn more about, deer hunting under the guidance of a licensed hunter age 18 or older.

Apprentice hunting license: New this year, an apprentice hunting license is now available that provides persons 16 and over, who have not yet completed a hunter education course, the opportunity to deer hunt under the guidance of a licensed hunter age 18 or older. This program gives people who may not have grown up with family or friends that hunted, or simply think they would enjoy the experience of being outdoors and learning the skills of deer hunting, the chance to give it a try. Click here to learn more about being an apprentice or accompanying an apprentice hunter.

Special Unit-M antlerless only permits: are again available for the 2012 season to help control deer numbers in the southeast portion of the state, where the potential for deer-human conflicts is the highest. Again in 2012, a total of 4,000 permits are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis; at the time of purchase, a hunter may opt for a permit with either one or two antlerless deer tags. Permits are available online or at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord (click here for more information and to purchase).

Wildlife Harvest Summary: Hunters can begin their scouting for this fall now in air-conditioned comfort by reviewing the “2011 N.H. Wildlife Harvest Summary.” This publication provides information and additional detail on last year’s deer and other big game seasons, and is available for review on the NH Fish and Game website (click here and on publication cover). Hard copies are available at Fish and Game regional offices and at headquarters in Concord.

Great outlook for 2012: Increased deer numbers this fall should provide both experienced and beginning deer hunters a good opportunity to scout for deer sign, see deer and take home fresh venison. Hunt New Hampshire; it's a whole new season!