New Hampshire enters its most popular autumn outdoor pursuit with high participation numbers and a strong white-tailed deer population.
As deer hunting seasons get underway, state wildlife officials report that license sales remain steady following pandemic-era increases, setting the stage for another active season in the Granite State.
Last year, hunters across New Hampshire harvested 14,387 white-tailed deer, marking the largest harvest in nearly a century of records dating back to 1922. The strong numbers reflect shifting hunting methods, with archers accounting for roughly one-third of the total and muzzleloader users taking about one-sixth.
State data shows that license sales have held steady over the past decade. New Hampshire Fish and Game reported that nearly 30,000 licenses were sold by Aug. 1, representing an increase of about 1,000 permits compared to pre-pandemic averages. Officials note that participation often climbs significantly as the autumn rifle season approaches.
Deer Populations Show Regional Surplus in Southeast New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s overall deer population stands at an estimated 100,000 animals, supported by state surveys, camera monitoring, and harvest data. While the statewide population remains stable, suburban growth has created distinct regional concentrations.
The southeast corner of the state—stretching from Concord east to Portsmouth and south to Nashua—features a notable deer surplus. To manage local populations, Fish and Game permits hunters in this region to take an additional deer beyond the standard limit. This year, special Unit L antlerless permits are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis rather than through the traditional lottery system.
Meanwhile, chronic wasting disease has not been detected in New Hampshire. State wildlife authorities maintain strict regulations regarding the transportation of deer carcasses across state lines to prevent the introduction of the fatal neurological condition, which has been identified in 37 states but remains absent northeast of Pennsylvania.
Adult Buck Harvest Reaches Highest Level Since 1922
The 2025 season established several historical benchmarks alongside the record overall harvest. The adult buck harvest reached 8,673 animals, the highest level documented since 1922. Archery hunters secured 4,922 deer, youth weekend participants took 375, and muzzleloader and regular firearm hunters accounted for 2,375 and 6,715 deer respectively.
The NH Trophy Deer Program, administered by the NH Antler and Skull Trophy Club, tracks exceptional harvests of deer weighing 200 pounds or more. The largest specimen recorded during the 2025 season weighed 248 pounds and was harvested by James Cannon of Brentwood using a firearm.
The upcoming regular rifle season opens on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and runs through Dec. 6, anchoring the remainder of the autumn hunting calendar in New England.
