CONTACT: 
Steve Weber: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
December 30, 2011                          

New for 2012: 
Change in Allowable Turkey Shot Size

CONCORD, N.H. – A new rule effective January 1, 2012, changes the allowable shot size for taking wild turkey from #2, #4, #5 and #6 to a shot size of #2 or smaller. This legalizes the use of modern, heavier-than-lead loads that utilize a blend of shot sizes, including the popular #7 shot.

While lead shot smaller than #6 is now legal to use, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department recommends that lead shot loads in #4, #5, or #6 are most appropriate for hunting turkeys.

New Hampshire's spring gobbler season runs from May 3-31, 2012, with a youth turkey weekend held just prior to the opening of the spring gobbler season (April 28-29, 2012). The state also offers a fall shotgun turkey hunting opportunity in many Wildlife Management Units, in addition to a 3-month autumn archery season (September 15-December 15).

For more information on turkey hunting in New Hampshire, visit www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm.

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