Regular firearms deer hunting season fast approaching

Folks walking the back roads wearing blaze orange and carrying rifles will be the norm come Wednesday. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - The regular firearms deer hunting season opens Wednesday in New Hampshire, a big day for the state's 58,000 hunters.

The firearms deer season runs through Dec. 3 in most of the state. In the northernmost Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) A, it closes November 26.

Hunters should check the New Hampshire Hunting & Trapping Digest for WMU-specific regulations.

Hunters are reminded to NOT USE urine-based lures. These products can potentially spread Chronic Wasting Disease, a neurological disorder that is always fatal to white-tailed deer and moose. Synthetic lures are strongly recommended. If the bottle or package does not say "synthetic," the product is most likely natural urine. Do your part and keep the deer herd safe.

The archery deer season began Sept. 15, and the muzzleloader season runs through Tuesday.

Deer must be registered at the closest open registration station within 24 hours of harvest. A list of New Hampshire deer check stations, with contact information is available at www.huntnh.com/hunting/deer-check-stations.html. During the first two days of the muzzleloader season and three of the first four days of the firearms season, Fish and Game biologists are stationed at several of the busier registration stations around the state to collect more detailed biological data on the state's deer herd. Data collected at these biological check stations include body weights, antler measurements, reproductive measurements, and age estimates based on tooth wear. Such data is critical to help track the health of the state's deer population. A list of potential "bio-check" stations can be found in the deer check station table at the link above.

The public is encouraged to participate in protecting New Hampshire's wildlife resources by reporting wildlife crime. Tipsters can report violations to Fish and Game's Operation Game Thief online anytime at www.wildnh.com/ogt, or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-344-4262.