The 2019 moose season wrapped up with hunters taking a total of 38 moose, 31 bulls and 7 cows, according to preliminary numbers from Henry Jones, moose biologist, and new moose project leader.
That means that hunters achieved a 76% success rate during the nine-day season. A total of 50 hunters took part in the hunt including 48 lottery permit holders, 1 permit auctioned by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, and 1 Hunt of a Lifetime participant. In 2018, the overall success rate was 77% and has averaged 72% over the previous 5 years.
“It’s very exciting to see such a successful season throughout the state,” Jones said. “Moose populations throughout the state have been relatively stable over the last few years and this year’s success rates are likely a reflection of those trends. The cooler morning and evening temperatures likely contributed to increased moose movement in the field which also benefited hunter success rates.”
Throughout the Granite State this season, preliminary numbers show moose hunters having a 100% success rate in the Connecticut Lakes Region, 87% in the North Region, 70% in the White Mountain Region, 50% in the Central Region, 67% in the Southwest Region, and 40% in the Southeast Region.
More than 5,800 people entered the moose hunt lottery this year for a chance to win a permit for the New Hampshire moose hunt. Additional information will be available in a future hunting report once all registration data has been verified and analyzed.