Staff reports 1:38 a.m.
Friday, November 25, 2016 1:37 pm
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CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire would have an additional free fishing day on the third Saturday in January under rules proposed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
A public hearing will be held on the proposal at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH.
The State Legislature authorized the addition of a second free fishing day earlier this year in order to provide an opportunity for those interested in trying ice-fishing. On free fishing days, people can fish without a license. All other regulations must be followed, and anyone participating in a fishing tournament must hold a license. Currently, there is a single free fishing day each year in New Hampshire, occurring on the first Saturday in June.
Another proposal to be discussed at the hearing would make it illegal to mutilate (tag, brand, fin clip or otherwise mark) freshwater fish that are caught and then released back into the waters of the state.
The complete rulemaking notice, with original and proposed rule language, can be viewed at www.wildnh.com/legislative/proposed-rules.html (select "Free Fishing Days and Marking of Freshwater Fish Prohibited").
Those who want to submit written comments must have them received by Dec. 15. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use the rule name in your subject line); write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to (603) 271-5829.