Small game hunting season for gray squirrel starts Sept. 1 and is a great way to introduce someone new to hunting. On Oct. 1, ruffed grouse, woodcock and snowshoe hare seasons open, all exciting species to pursue that make excellent table fare.
Small game hunters will want to check out the New Hampshire Small Game Summary Report, conducted by the NH Fish and Game Department. The 2020 report is now available online.
The Small Game Summary Report covers a variety of species, but the primary focus is on the state’s two most sought after small game birds: ruffed grouse and woodcock. The report looks at long-term trends for observation rates and breeding surveys for both grouse and woodcock. Ruffed grouse and woodcock remain the most popular small game species hunted in New Hampshire, comprising 85% of reported hunter effort. Other species of interest to small game hunters include snowshoe hare and gray squirrel.
“With a better understanding of small game populations, we hope to achieve improved management and provide enhanced opportunities for public enjoyment of our small game species,” said Small Game Project Leader Karen Bordeau. “We would very much like to see an increase in survey responses this fall from the northern and central tiers of the state to better understand our small game populations across New Hampshire.”
To learn more about small game hunting in New Hampshire, click here.