TITLE XVIII
FISH AND GAME

CHAPTER 207
GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO FISH AND GAME

Definitions, Inclusions, Methods of Taking, Etc.

Section 207:3

    207:3 Lawful Methods of Taking. –
I. Wildlife shall be taken in the daytime between 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset with a gun, firearm, muzzleloader, or an air rifle which produces a quantity of foot-pounds of kinetic energy at the muzzle set by the executive director in rules adopted under RSA 541-A, fired at arm's length, bow and arrow or crossbow, or a rifle chambered in a straight-walled pistol cartridge of .357 caliber or greater in any area where hunting is restricted to handgun or pistol, unless otherwise specifically permitted. An air rifle may be used to take small game. An air rifle may be used to take moose, bear, or deer, however, the foot-pounds of kinetic energy at the muzzle required for each type of animal shall be set by the executive director in rules adopted under RSA 541-A. The executive director shall specify the method and manner of taking small game, moose, bear, or deer with an air rifle in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A.
II. A full automatic rifle shall not be used at any time. A semi-automatic rifle may be used provided it is loaded with no more than 6 rounds of ammunition at any time. A full jacketed metal case bullet shall not be used, either in its original form or any alteration thereof.
III. Paragraph II shall not apply to the use of .22 or smaller caliber rimfire firearms.
IV. A person may take wildlife during the open season therefor with the aid of a dog, unless otherwise specifically prohibited.

Source. 1935, 124:1. RL 241:3. 1945, 146:1. RSA 207:3. 1977, 247:2. 2006, 19:1, eff. May 22, 2006. 2018, 77:3, eff. July 1, 2018; 324:11, eff. Aug. 24, 2018. 2021, 12:1, 2, eff. June 22, 2021. 2022, 58:1, eff. July 19, 2022. 2024, 108:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2025. 2025, 21:1, eff. July 13, 2025.