Tips for hunters to build good relationships with landowners during deer hunting season

CONTACT:
Mark Beauchesne: (603) 271-6355
26 August 2024

Concord, New Hampshire – Fall bow-and-arrow deer season (September 15-December 15) is less than four weeks away, and November is the start of muzzleloader and firearm hunting season. Hunters on the hunt for a trophy buck can do a lot to foster positive relationships with landowners. “Remember that access to private land is a privilege made possible by the generosity of the landowner,” said Mark Beauchesne, landowner relations coordinator for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “With more than 70% of New Hampshire’s land being privately owned, maintaining good relationships with landowners is key to preserving access to private property now and for future generations.”

Here are some tips:

Even if you had permission from your landowner to hunt last fall, you should contact him or her again to discuss this fall’s hunting season dates and make sure nothing has changed during the year.
Before, during and after the October 26-27 Youth Deer Hunting Weekend, demonstrate to youth that you maintain good relations with landowners. Ask for permission and follow landowners’ instructions.
Remember that you are the landowner’s guest. Treat his property with the same care and respect as if it were your own.
Never park on grassy areas or block roads, driveways, paths, intersections or gates. Leave all gates and barriers as you found them.
Do not hunt near buildings, livestock, active logging operations, or hiking trails.
Make an effort to express your appreciation to the landowner. Follow up with a thank you card, a small token of appreciation, or offer to help with a task or job. Your ongoing communication with landowners makes a big difference.

New laws regarding the placement of tree stands and game cameras have been in effect since January 1, making building proactive relationships with private landowners a priority for hunters:

Hunters must have written or verbal permission from the landowner to place trail cameras on their property. State and municipal lands are exempt. Permits issued expire on December 31 of each year unless renewed or revoked by the landowner.
From April 25 to June 1 and from August 1 to December 31, a portable or temporary tree stand or observation blind may be set up on another person’s property. All portable or temporary tree stands or observation blinds must be removed from the property by June 1, unless otherwise authorized by the property owner or his or her designee.
All tree stands or observation posts must be clearly marked with the name and contact details of the owner.

For more information about what’s new for all hunters in the 2024-25 season, as well as a complete list of Granite State hunting regulations, visit www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/hunting/.

For more information about deer hunting, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/deer-hunting-new-hampshire. For more information about NHFG’s Landowner Relations Program, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/landowner-relations-program.