Hunters can expect a reduction in moose lottery permits

Moose lottery permits expected to be decreased. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold public hearings on proposed rules to reduce moose permit issuance for the 2017 moose season. Wildlife season-setting rules are subject to the state's rulemaking process. Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

• March 30 - N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, 6:30 p.m.
• April 4, - Fish and Game Region 1 Office, 629B Main Street, Lancaster, 6:30 p.m.

Written comments must be received by April 11, 2017, and sent to Executive Director, NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to (603) 271-5829.

After considering public comment, the Wildlife Division will present the final rule package to the Fish and Game Commission at its April 12 mmeeting. The rules then go before the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) for approval. The new rules will establish permit numbers to be issued in the 2017 moose permit lottery in June.

Proposal Highlights

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has proposed to reduce statewide moose hunt permit issuance from 71 in 2016 to 51 in 2017. The estimated moose density in the South West Region, comprised of Moose Management Units H2-North, H2-South and K has declined to the "cut-off threshold," established in the Moose Management Plan, at which permit issuance will be suspended. As a result, the proposal would suspend permit issuance in these three units (no permits would be issued) during the 2017 lottery.

The initial proposal also would reduce permit numbers in the North Region (units B, C2, and D1) from 25 to 15, and in the White Mountain Region (units C1, D2, E1, E2, E3, and F) from 20 to 15, with some permits continuing to be issued in all moose management units in these regions.