This section of the website contains selected past news releases from Fish and Game dating 2003 and earlier.

For news releases from 2006 and 2007, CLICK HERE.

For news releases from 2004-2005, CLICK HERE.

NEWS RELEASES from N.H. Fish and Game
Click on headline to go to text of release

Ellis Hatch Jr., Fly-tying Master, Receives Governors' Arts Award
December 24, 2003 -- Fly-tying master Ellis Hatch Jr., has earned the 2003 Governors' Arts Award for New Hampshire Folk Heritage.

Sting Cracks Major Wildlife Poaching Ring in Maine and New Hampshire
December 16, 2003 -- A major wildlife poaching ring operating near the Maine/New Hampshire border was cracked by a sting on December 15, following a two-year covert investigation by Maine Fish and Wildlife. As a result of the raid, 15 individuals were charged with numerous wildlife crimes. The only New Hampshire resident arrested in the raid was John Hart, age 43, of Conway.

2004 Fishing and Hunting Licenses Now Available
December 16, 2003 -- Don't miss a minute of outdoor action next year -- 2004 fishing and hunting licenses, good from January 1 through December 31, are now available online at www.nhfishandgame.com and at license agents across the state.

Director Sought for Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin, N.H.
December 16, 2003 -- The UNH Cooperative Extension Service is seeking to fill the position of Director for the Barry Conservation Camp, a small 4-H camp operated jointly by Cooperative Extension and N.H. Fish and Game.

Congress Gives Boost to New Hampshire's Wildlife Programs
December 11, 2003 -- New federal funds amounting to $615,000 will flow into New Hampshire as its 2004 share of State Wildlife Grants, the nation's core program for preventing wildlife from becoming endangered. The funding is within the Interior Appropriations Bill signed by the President on Nov. 10.

Hit-and-run Snowmobile Operator Sentenced
December 9, 2003 -- Dennis Lancey, of Berlin, the operator of a snowmachine that hit and seriously injured Maine sled dog musher Stephen Hessert in February of 2003, has been sentenced by the Coos County Superior Court to serve a year in the House of Corrections and undergo alcohol and drug assessments.

Beware of Thin Ice, Even When Snow-covered
December 9, 2003 -- Fish and Game warns outdoor enthusiasts that thin ice conditions currently prevail statewide. While snowstorms have left small ponds and coves covered with an inviting layer of snow, in most cases that snow is covering a thin layer of ice -- much too thin to support a person's weight.

Hunter Ed Program Wins Volunteer Champion Award
December 4, 2003 -- Fish and Game's Hunter Education Program has been honored with a Volunteer Champion award from Volunteer NH! Each year, 600 dedicated volunteers provide more than 130 courses in hunter, trapper and bowhunter education to 3,000 students across the state.

Volunteers Needed for Winter Waterfowl Survey
November 25, 2003 -- Mark your calendars for the annual introductory meeting of the Great Bay winter waterfowl monitors on Thursday, December 11, at 7 p.m. at Fish and Game's Region 3 office in Durham. This will be the 13th year volunteers have braved the elements to count wintering waterfowl in the Great Bay estuarine system.

Hunters: You Can Help New Hampshire's Hungry
November 24, 2003 -- By sharing their fall harvest with the Hunt for the Hungry program, New Hampshire hunters are helping to lift the spirits and improve the nutrition of less fortunate folks this holiday season.

Cold Water Safety Reminder
November 21, 2003 -- Waterfowlers and other outdoor enthusiasts who venture out in small craft this time of year are reminded to make safety a priority. With few boaters on the water in the late fall, the chances of a quick rescue are greatly diminished, says Pete Lester, Administrator for Hunter Education at Fish and Game.

Work Underway on Osprey-viewing Site in Stratham
November 21, 2003 -- Work is underway on a project that will establish a "Watchable Wildlife" site for viewing an osprey-nesting platform in Stratham and an interpretive trail educating the public on the work of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which is managed by Fish and Game.

Commercial Herring Fishery to Close for 2003 in Management Area 1A
November 17, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game will close the commercial fishery for herring in Management Area 1A, effective November 19, 2003, because 95% of the harvest allocation has been met.

Public Meeting on Winnicut River Restoration Study
November 10, 2003 -- A public "scoping meeting" will be held on November 10, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at the Greenland Town Hall, to talk about progress on the current Winnicut River restoration feasibility study. Another such meeting will be held on November 20 at 7 p.m. at the same location.

Winnicut River Study -- Public Meeting Nov. 20
November 7, 2003 -- A public "scoping meeting" will be held on November 20, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at Greenland Town Hall, to talk about progress on the current Winnicut River restoration feasibility study.

Gear Up for Snowmobile Safety; New Rules for Riders under Age 14
November 7, 2003 -- As snowmobilers gear up for a great season on the trails, Fish and Game officials offer a reminder to ride safely and responsibly. The Department's Conservation Officers will be out in full force this winter, patrolling the trails and urging riders to play it safe. Sign up now for snowmobile safety education classes.

Silverberg Earns Regional Environmental Education Award
November 6, 2003 -- This fall, the New England Environmental Education Alliance (NEEEA) honored Dr. Judith K. Silverberg of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department with its prestigious President's Award in recognition of her leadership and dedication to the field of environmental education over the past 27 years.

N.H. Fish and Game Commission to Meet November 19 at 2 p.m.
November 5, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Fish and Game headquarters on Hazen Drive in Concord. Open to the public.

Meet New Fish and Game Director at Biennial Public Hearings in November
October 31, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold its biennial hearings in November in Lancaster and Concord to hear the public's suggestions about any aspect of Fish and Game operations.

Wildlife Action Grants Available for Schools
October 31, 2003 -- Teachers interested in getting their students in on some "wildlife action" can apply to the Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program for start-up funds. The program provides mini-grants of up to $300 -- or $600 with matching funds -- for projects in which students and educators undertake activities to enhance habitat for wildlife. Next due dates are November 30 and February 15.

New Hampshire's Deer Hunt Begins
October 30, 2003 -- Firearms season for deer -- a favorite time of year for most New Hampshire hunters -- is almost here. Last year, hunters took a total of 11,089 deer in the state. Currently, New Hampshire has an estimated population of about 76,000 white-tailed deer.

Don't Tempt the Bears: Delay Birdfeeding until December
October 29, 2003 -- If you enjoy feeding the birds, resist the temptation to put out feeders before December or you'll risk habitual bear visitors that are likely to interfere with bird-feeding activities.

Body of Drowning Victim Recovered
October 28, 2003 -- The body of Bryan Richards, age 39, of Peabody, Massachusetts, was recovered today from the Pemigewassett River in Lincoln, N.H.

Shrimp Season to Be Set at Nov. 12 Public Meeting
October 28, 2003 -- The 2004 shrimp season will be set at a public meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Northern Shrimp Section at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, at the Urban Forestry Center at 45 Elwyn Road in Portsmouth. There will also be a vote on Amendment 1 to the interstate fishery management plan for northern shrimp.

Preliminary Moose Hunt Numbers Released
October 27, 2003 -- The numbers are not official yet, but a preliminary count shows that 74.5% of moose hunters in New Hampshire this year were successful, with 360 moose taken.

Hunting-related Shooting Incident Under Investigation
October 27, 2003 -- Saturday's hunting-related shooting of an archery hunter by a minor is under investigation. Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to wear "hunter orange" in the woods at this time of year.

Public Hearing Set on Fishing Tournament Rule Proposal
October 24, 2003 -- Proposed changes in the rules governing fishing tournaments in New Hampshire will be the topic of a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, at Fish and Game headquarters on Hazen Drive in Concord.

Shaw Brothers and Howard Lyons Concert to Benefit Search and Rescue, This Sunday in Lincoln, N.H.
October 23, 2003 -- New Hampshire artists The Shaw Brothers and Howard Lyons will perform in a benefit concert this Sunday, October 26, 7:00 p.m., at the Beacon Resort on Route 3 in Lincoln, N.H., to raise money for New Hampshire's Search and Rescue fund.

Bear Hunting Seasons to Close Early in Northern New Hampshire
October 23, 2003 -- The hunting seasons for black bear in northern New Hampshire will close in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) A, B, C2, D1 and D2 effective November 1, for the remainder of 2003.

Increased Opportunities for Archery Hunters This Season
October 22, 2003 -- New Hampshire's archery hunters will have more time this year to hit their mark in some parts of the state. In 2003, archery hunters may take antlerless deer through the entire archery season, which started September 15 and lasts through December 15, in parts of the northern and southeastern regions.

Youth Deer Hunting Weekend Is October 25 and 26
October 22, 2003 -- For New Hampshire hunters, a perfect opportunity is approaching to share the excitement of deer hunting and pass a tradition on to the next generation. This Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, mark the state's Youth Hunting Weekend for Deer, when young people can go deer hunting with their adult mentors, without the pressure of competing with thousands of other hunters.

Body of Missing Child Found
October 17, 2003 -- The search for 10-year-old Patric "J.J." McCarthy, of Bourne, Massachusetts, ended on a somber note today when his body was discovered in the wilderness area near the Village at Loon Condominiums in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

Bear Harvest Unusually High; Emergency Season-shortening Measures May Occur Next Week
October 16, 2003 -- The number of black bears harvested by hunters is breaking records in northern New Hampshire. The high harvest -- 622 bears statewide as of October 10 -- is the result of unusual environmental conditions, primarily limited natural food sources, which have made bears more vulnerable than normal during the early part of the season.

Moose Hunt Starts This Weekend
October 14, 2003 -- New Hampshire's 16th annual moose hunt starts this Saturday, October 18, for 485 lucky permit holders and their hunting partners. The moose hunt runs through Sunday, October 26.

Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Partnership Receives International Conservation Award
October 10, 2003 -- On behalf of the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Partnership, U.S. Senator Judd Gregg today accepted the Wildlife Management Institute's 2003 Touchstone Award.

Online Wildlife Magazine for Kids Debuts at www.WildNewEngland.org
October 9, 2003 -- For students and educators in New Hampshire, the web is getting wilder! N.H. Fish and Game and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife have joined forces to produce Explore Wild New England, an online children's magazine at www.wildnewengland.org.

Conservation Officer Trainees on Board at Fish and Game
October 9, 2003 - Two new Conservation Officer trainees have joined the ranks of Fish and Game: Eric Hannett of Rumney, and Michael Matson of Derry.

U.S. Senators Gregg and Sununu and Governor Benson to Join Residents, Officials in Celebrating the Protection of Connecticut Lakes Headwaters
October 9, 2003 -- Tomorrow, October 10, U.S. Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu and Governor Craig Benson will join state and local officials, nonprofit organizations, and area residents at a ceremony marking the permanent protection of the 171,000-acre Connecticut Lakes Headwaters property in Pittsburg, Clarksville and Stewartstown, N.H. The celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Francis State Park in Pittsburg, N.H. and will be open to the public.

Brood Stock Atlantic Salmon Offer BIG Fall Fishing Adventure
October 8, 2003 -- Anglers who are ready for some challenging catch-and-release sport fishing while they're out enjoying the fall foliage should head to the Merrimack River to hook what many anglers consider the "King of Fish," Atlantic salmon.

Winnicut River Drawdown for Dam Maintenance Begins Oct. 14
October 7, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and Department of Environmental Services will start a gradual drawdown of the Winnicut River impoundment in Greenland, N.H., starting October 14, 2003, for dam maintenance.

Hunter's Purchase Puts Fish and Game Online Sales Over Half-Million Mark
October 1, 2003 -- In the wee hours of September 30, Peter Loveland of Marblehead, Mass., bought his New Hampshire hunting license for 2003 on his home computer -- boosting N.H. Fish and Game's "e-gov" initiative over the half-million dollar sales mark for the year.

Pheasant Season Opens October 1
September 29, 2003 -- With the October 1 start of pheasant hunting season comes a reminder from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to hunt carefully.

Public Hearing on Moose Hunt Point System
September 29, 2003 -- The point system in the New Hampshire moose hunt lottery will be the topic of a public hearing on October 15 at 7 p.m. at Fish and Game headquarters. The proposal would change the identifying information applicants must provide and also clarifies when an applicant would lose points.

Explore New Hampshire's Outdoor Wonders on WILDLIFE JOURNAL
Second Season of Series Premieres Thursday, October 2, at 9 p.m.
September 24, 2003 -- Get ready for more wild New Hampshire wonders when the second season of WILDLIFE JOURNAL premieres Thursday, October 2, at 9 p.m. on New Hampshire Public Television. The award-winning series is co-produced by NHPTV and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

N.H. Fish and Game Promotes Law Enforcement Officers
September 19, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has announced promotions for several officers in its Law Enforcement Division.

Prescribed Burn in Concord Airport Area to Improve Wildlife Habitat
September 17, 2003 -- New Hampshire Fish and Game and the N.H. Department of Resources and Economic Development Division of Forests and Lands, with support from the N.H. Army National Guard, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and City of Concord, will be conducting a "prescribed burn" along the southeastern perimeter of the Concord Municipal Airport.

New Fish and Game Commissioners Begin Duties
September 16, 2003 -- Two new members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission begin their duties this week when the commission meets on Wednesday, September 17, at 9:30 a.m. at Fish and Game headquarters. The new commissioners are Walter Morse of Hillsboro, representing Hillsborough County; and Sharon Guaraldi of Lebanon, representing Grafton County.

Venomous Snakes Seized by N.H. Fish and Game
September 12, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game, assisted by the Merrimack Police, seized five venomous snakes from the residence of a Merrimack man yesterday evening. The owner of the snakes is expected to be charged today with five counts of possessing venomous reptiles without a permit, which could incur fines of up to $6,000.

Pleasant Lake Boat Ramp Improvements Begin Today
September 12, 2003 -- As a necessary first step in the development of a new access facility at Pleasant Lake in Deerfield, Fish and Game will close the boat access facility at this location for approximately four weeks beginning today, September 12.

Bearcamp River Dam to Be Removed; River restoration success through public-private partnership
September 10, 2003 -- The dam's eight 20-foot high piers rise from the picturesque Bearcamp River like giant concrete teeth, and their removal will take place throughout the month of September. Removing the Bearcamp River Dam in South Tamworth will allow 28 miles of river to flow unobstructed by manmade structures.

Gov. Benson Proclaims Sept. 27 "Hunting and Fishing Day in N.H."
September 9, 2003 -- Governor Craig Benson has proclaimed Sept. 27 as "Hunting and Fishing Day in New Hampshire" to recognize local sportsmen and sportswomen for their vital commitment to wildlife conservation.

Moose Research Underway in North Country; Wildlife Watchers Can Report Tagged-Moose Sightings
September 4, 2003 -- If you spot a pink or yellow ear tag and a collar on a moose up north, your eyes aren't fooling you. The animal is part of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and New Hampshire Fish and Game Moose Research Project in Coos County, a study that is providing critical management data about the rates and causes of mortality and the habitat needs of moose in this region of New Hampshire.

New Fish and Game Director Lee Perry Will Be Sworn In at 11:00 Today
September 2, 2003 -- Governor Craig Benson will today swear in Lee E. Perry as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The swearing-in will take place in the Governor's office in the State House at 11:00 a.m.

Fall Hunting Seasons Underway
August 29, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game reminds outdoor enthusiasts that various hunting seasons start in September and run throughout the fall. The hunting season for bear begins statewide September 1, as does the fall crow season, and the goose season opens statewide September 2. Archery seasons for deer and turkey -- as well as sea duck hunting -- open September 15.

Last Chance to Sign Up to Be a "Wonders of Wildlife" Volunteer This Year
August 25, 2003 -- If you're interested in being a Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) volunteer educator for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the deadline is approaching soon for signing up. A nine-month training course for new volunteers begins September 11. Click here for a printable application form.

Public Informational Meeting Set on Proposed Fishery Management Changes
August 22, 2003 -- Recreational and commercial fishermen are encouraged to attend a public informational meeting on the draft Amendment 13 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3, at the Urban Forestry Center at 45 Elwyn Road in Portsmouth.

Fish & Game Officers Earn Gold at World Police and Fire Games
August 20, 2003 -- New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers James MacKenzie and Mark Hensel brought home the gold in the Tenth World Police and Fire Games, held recently in Barcelona, Spain.

Federal Fisheries Funds to Support Coastal Law Enforcement and Research Efforts
August 18, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game has signed a Joint Enforcement Agreement with the National Marine Fisheries Service, which allocates $500,000 to Fish and Game for the enforcement of Federal and State fisheries regulations offshore of the State of New Hampshire.

USDA Revises Import Ban on Canadian Ruminants -- Again; Hunters May Import Meat With Permit
August 13, 2003 -- U.S. residents hunting in Canada will be allowed to bring home their harvest, now that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has lifted restrictions on importing most hunter-harvested wild ruminant products intended for personal use, with certain conditions.

Lee Perry Confirmed as Fish and Game Executive Director
August 13, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Executive Council today unanimously confirmed Lee E. Perry as the new Executive Director for the state's Fish and Game Department. Perry is expected to begin his duties at Fish and Game on September 5.

Public Scoping Meeting to be Held on Winnicut River Restoration Feasibility Study
August 7, 2003 -- A public "scoping meeting" will be held on August 11, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at Greenland Town Hall, to talk about a river restoration feasibility study for the Winnicut River in Greenland, N.H.

'Tis the Season to Sign up for Hunter Education Classes
July 31, 2003 -- With the hunting season fast approaching, N.H. Fish and Game today issued a reminder that every first-time hunter must complete a mandatory hunter education course. Click here to find a hunter education course near you.

Free Training Offered for "Wonders of Wildlife" Volunteers
July 30, 2003 -- If you enjoy learning about wildlife, like kids, and have time to volunteer during the day, consider becoming a "Wonders of Wildlife" (WOW) educator for N.H. Fish and Game. A 9-month training course for new volunteers begins September 11.

Hearings Set for Haddock, Spiny Dogfish Rules
July 28, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game will hold a public hearing to consider changing the haddock fishing restrictions on Monday, August 4, at 9 a.m. at Fish and Game's Region 3 Office at 225 Main Street in Durham. Immediately following the haddock hearing, there will be a public hearing regarding spiny dogfish.

Fish and Game to Move Forward on Sunapee Boat Launch
July 18, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department today announced its intention to move forward with plans to establish a public boat access facility at the "Wild Goose" site on Lake Sunapee.

Wildlife and Crossbow Rules Finalized
July 18, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game announced final state rules regarding wildlife and wildlife management, as well as crossbow hunting. The new rules decrease the number of days during which muzzleloader or firearms hunters may hunt antlerless deer in some parts of the state during the upcoming deer hunting seasons.

Some Antlers, Hides and Capes Exempt from Canada Ruminant Ban
July 17, 2003 -- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a memo clarifying import restrictions for ruminants and ruminant products from Canada. The restrictions apply to all ruminants including hunter-killed deer, elk, moose and caribou.

Sand Pond Boat Ramp (Marlow) Closed for Repairs July 21-25
July 17, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game today announced that the boat launch at Sand Pond in Marlow will be closed for repairs from July 21- 25.

Lee Perry Appointed Fish and Game Executive Director
July 16, 2003 - The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department today announced that Lee E. Perry, of Wayne, Maine, has been nominated by Governor Craig Benson to serve a four-year term as Executive Director for the Department.

Is it Safe to Eat the Fish? Reminder About Fish Consumption Guidelines
June 18, 2003 -- With fishing season well underway, state Fish and Game and health officials remind anglers about guidelines for eating freshwater fish.

Endangered Wildlife Program Enters 15th Year
June 13, 2003 -- For the past 15 years, the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program has worked to protect New Hampshire's 24 endangered and 12 threatened species and their habitats. You can help to keep this important work going by sending in contributions by June 30.

Before You Boat -- Know What You Tote
June 13, 2003 -- Fish and Game today issued an advisory to boaters launching craft into New Hampshire waterways to take care not to bring along nuisance plants and animals.

Maine Reciprocal OHRV Registration Rescinded
June 5, 2003 -- New Hampshire off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) users headed for trails in Maine must now register their wheeled vehicles to ride in Maine or face penalties for being unregistered.

New Coastal Access Site Dedicated
June 5, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department recently dedicated its newest public saltwater access site, the Goat Island Access Facility in New Castle.

Gray Takes Charge as Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief
May 13, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department today recognized Jeffrey M. Gray's promotion to the position of Chief of Law Enforcement for the Department in an official pinning ceremony at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord. Colonel Gray's promotion comes after nearly a quarter of a century of service devoted to Fish and Game.

Learn to Fish!
May 12, 2003 -- Want to learn to fish? Take advantage of several free classes and events offered by N.H. Fish and Game in May and June.

Gray Is New Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief
May 9, 2003 -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department announces that Jeffrey M. Gray has been selected to fill the vacant Chief of Law Enforcement position.

Striped Bass Limit Increased
May 8, 2003 -- Anglers fishing for striped bass this season can now take home two fish instead of one under new rules issued by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The regulations became effective on May 1, 2003.

Young Derry Artist Earns Top State Honors in Junior Duck Stamp Contest
May 1, 2003 -- Elizabeth Beaudoin, age 16, of Derry, has won top honors among young New Hampshire artists in the 2003 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Contest.

Wildlife Journal TV Series Earns Seven New England Emmy Nominations
April 29, 2003 -- Wildlife Journal, the television series produced in partnership by N.H. Fish and Game and New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV), has picked up seven Emmy nominations from the Boston/New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Tips for a Safe and Successful Spring Turkey Hunt
April 18, 2003 -- In New Hampshire, the spring firearms season for hunting wild turkeys extends from May 3-31. Turkey hunting is growing in popularity around the state, and, with abundant birds, more hunters are succeeding in bringing home a gobbler. New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds hunters going after wild turkeys to think of safety first.

Learn to Fish!
April 16, 2003 -- Spring is prime fishing time in New Hampshire, and Fish and Game is sponsoring two upcoming opportunities to help you get in on the fishing fun this year. If you're still a beginner at fishing, get an introduction to the sport at a free, four-part class starting May 7 in Laconia. Another great chance to introduce your family to the fun and excitement of fishing is Family Fun Learn to Fish Day on May 31 at the Amoskeag Fishways in Manchester.

Workshops Explore Wildlife Habitat in Piscassic, Lamprey River Watersheds
April 7, 2003 -- Two community workshops will explore the results of an effort to map significant wildlife habitats in the Piscassic and Lower and Upper Lamprey River watersheds. April 22 at the Newmarket Town Hall and April 30 at the Epping Town Hall.

GO FISH!!! April 1 marks start of open-water season for landlocked salmon and lake trout
March 31, 2003 -- Enthusiastic anglers have been waiting for what they consider the true start of spring -- April 1, which marks the beginning of the open-water season on lakes managed for landlocked salmon and lake trout.

Learn to Fish in Free "Let's Go Fishing" Class
March 20, 2003 -- It's spring fishing time! Sign up for a free "Let's Go Fishing" class at New Hampshire Fish and Game, to be held Tuesday evenings April 8-29. Presented in partnership with Merrimack County 4-H.

Lifesaving Medals Awarded to Conservation Officers
March 19, 2003 -- Two conservation officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Samuel Sprague and Brian Abrams, today received Lifesaving Medals from the department in recognition of the remarkable endurance and professionalism they demonstrated during the successful rescue of Michael Lynn in Crawford Notch in February.

More Information on Hit-and-Run Snowmobile Case Arrest
March 5, 2003 -- At a press conference today, officers from N.H. Fish and Game spoke about today's arrest of Denis Lancey, 29, of Berlin, New Hampshire in connection with last month's hit-and-run snowmobile incident.

Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run Snowmobile Case
March 5, 2003 -- N.H. Fish and Game officials announced that Denis Lancey, 29, of Berlin was arrested this morning at the Berlin Police Department in connection with last month's hit-and-run snowmobile incident.

WANTED: Experienced Anglers to Teach "Let's Go Fishing" Classes
March 4, 2003 -- Do you love to fish? Put your experience to work and pass on your passion for fishing by becoming an instructor in the Let's Go Fishing program. A free training session for new instructors takes place Saturday, March 15, at N.H. Fish and Game headquarters in Concord.

Federal Grants Sustain N.H. Wildlife Programs
Feb. 27, 2003 -- New Hampshire will receive a $582,000 federal wildlife grant as part of the omnibus appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Bush last week.

Fishing and Hunting License Purchases Support Fish and Game Programs
Feb. 20, 2003 -- Planning to purchase a fishing or hunting license this year? If you do it now, says the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, you could help the agency continue to do its important wildlife work throughout the state.

Fishing for Winter Fun? Try Ice Fishing This Winter
Feb. 7, 2003 - The water's hard, the wind is blowing and the temperatures are a polar bear's dream... sound like a good time to hit the lakes? You bet -- It's prime time for ice anglers!

Snowmobile Trail Link Reopens on Trial Basis
Jan. 9, 2003 - Snowmobilers were reminded of an important lesson with the recent closing and reopening of Snowmobile Corridor 15: Respect for landowners is key to keeping trails open.

New Clam Rule: Clamming on Saturdays Only
Dec. 31, 2002 - Under a new rule adopted by Fish and Game, recreational clamming in New Hampshire is allowed only on Saturdays, effective January 1, 2003.

Fish and Game's John Nelson Elected ASMFC Chair
Dec. 31, 2002 - The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission elected John I. Nelson, Jr., chief of N.H. Fish and Game's marine fisheries division, as its new chair.

The Nature Conservancy and State Complete Transaction on 25,000-Acre Natural Area to be Managed by Fish and Game
Dec. 30, 2002 - Partnership between The Nature Conservancy and New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will leave the state with a lasting legacy for recreation, wildlife and natural communities.

New Cod and Haddock Rules for Recreational Anglers
June 28, 2002 - The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reminds all recreational anglers in the state's coastal waters about new rules aimed at protecting cod and haddock stocks.

New Projects Funded by the Moose Plate
June 26, 2002 - Several new historic and natural conservation projects will be funded by sales of New Hampshire's moose plate, including repairing Fort Constitution in New Castle and restoring common loons to the state's lakes and ponds.

Fishing License Sales and Info Now Online
April 9, 2002 - You can now wake up before dawn, purchase and print your license online and be on the water before many folks roll out of bed.

Don't Let Good Bears Do Bad Things
March 13, 2002 – It’s near the end of a mild winter and New Hampshire’s black bears are waking up hungry and looking for their first meals in months.

Discover Fish and Game's New Discovery Room
Oct. 11, 2001 - After many months of planning and preparations, the Discovery Room at Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord will open November 7 with a cool, natural new look. 

Fish and Game's New Holderness Archery Range is Open
June 15, 2001 - Bowhunters warming up for the September 15 deer season opener can now practice at the Department's new Owl Brook Archery Course in Holderness. It's part of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's long-term project to build a Hunter Education Center.

Keep Getting the Lead Out
April 26, 2001 - For the sake of the law - and the loons - anglers should safely dispose of their old lead sinkers and jigs and replace them with non-lead alternatives, according to officials from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the Loon Preservation Committee.