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Where can I hunt in NH
2008 Fishing & Hunting Licenses now available
TROUT STOCKED FOR WINTER ANGLERS CONCORD, N.H. -- Many of New Hampshire's waterbodies are open to the taking
of trout and other fish year round, whether anglers are fishing through man-made
openings in the ice or in open water. Only certain lakes -- those designated as
"Lake Trout and Salmon Lakes" by the New Hampshire Fish and Game
Department -- are restricted to ice-fishing-only from January 1 to March 31. The
unseasonably warm weather will make ice conditions vary greatly, so play it safe
and make sure the ice is thick enough before you venture out on it. In addition,
designated Trout Ponds are closed until the fourth Saturday in April. Winter anglers in New Hampshire have some trout stocked especially for them.
New Hampshire Fish and Game stocks trout every year during the fall months,
mostly to bolster the winter ice fishery. Last fall (2006), Fish and Game
stocked a greater number of fish into more waterbodies than are usually stocked
late in the year. Before Fish and Game began stocking fish in the fall several
years ago, any trout caught in the winter ice fishery were holdovers from spring
stocking. For anglers specifically going after trout, you can find a list of lakes and
ponds that remain open to the taking of trout year round at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/year_round_trout_ponds.htm,
and a list of rivers and streams open to the taking of trout year round at
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/year_round_trout_streams.htm. Rules for waterbodies with special regulations are listed in the N.H.
Freshwater Fishing Digest, available from license agents or at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm. During the fall of 2006, Fish and Game stocked trout into a total of 24 New
Hampshire lakes and ponds managed for trout with no closed season -- putting in
more than 11,230 rainbow trout, 6,000 eastern brook trout yearlings and 2,950
brown trout. Following is a list of New Hampshire lakes and ponds managed as a
"two-tier" fishery (i.e., bass and trout) with no closed season that
were stocked during the fall of 2006 (please note that many more N.H.
waterbodies are open for year-round fishing than are included on this list): Beaver Lake, Derry Massabesic Lake, Manchester Opechee Lake, Laconia Waukewan Lake, Meredith Winona Lake, Center Harbor Chocorua Lake, Tamworth Wentworth Lake, Wolfeboro Crystal Lake, Gilmanton Akers Pond, Errol Cedar Pond, Milan Martin Meadow Pond, Lancaster Sunapee Lake (Little), New London Stinson Lake, Rumney Pearl Lake, Lisbon Laurel Lake, Fitzwilliam Mirror Lake, Woodstock Gustin Pond, Marlow Newell Pond, Alstead Warren Lake, Alstead Big Pea Porridge Pond, Madison Webster Lake, Franklin Tewksbury Pond, Grafton Little Dan Hole Pond, Ossipee White Lake, Tamworth Fall stocking is welcomed by winter anglers, but it also contributes to
biological research done by Fish and Game. Biologists mark the fish and then
perform creel surveys to determine what percentage, of various species, of fish
are caught through the ice. For example, fisheries biologist Gabe Gries in Fish
and Game's regional office in Keene has documented, from Laurel Lake winter
creel survey data, that 13.7% and 26.7% of the winter trout harvest from Laurel
Lake for 2005 and 2006, respectively, was made up of fall-stocked rainbow and
brown trout. This kind of information is useful in making management decisions
about the fishery. Purchase or renew your New Hampshire fishing (and hunting) licenses soon, so
you won't miss out on this winter's fishing action. New Hampshire licenses for
2007 are available online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from license agents
statewide. Please visit web sites CONCORD, N.H. - Boaters and anglers should use
caution in any attempt to use New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
boat access sites around the state, because some boat launch ramps and
access roads are under water or may have been damaged by recent heavy
rains and flooding. "We urge boaters and anglers to avoid using any
boat ramp or access road that is flooded," said Daniel Lynch,
Assistant Director at Fish and Game. "We appreciate the public's
cooperation while we assess the situation. After the waters recede,
we'll complete structural evaluations as needed. Public safety must be
our first consideration." The following public access sites are closed as of
May 19, 2006, until further notice because ramps are under water or
access roads are washed out: Boscowen -- Boat ramp closed and road washed out Bristol -- Newfound Lake boat ramp closed Deerfield -- Pleasant Lake boat ramp closed Dunbarton -- Gorham Pond boat ramp closed and
roadway washed out Hooksett -- Lambert Park boat ramp on the Merrimack
River closed Northfield -- Woodman Marsh access roadway washed
out Nottingham -- Fundy Cove boat ramp in Pawtuckaway
State Park closed Webster -- Knights Meadow Marsh access road washed
out Fish and Game is currently working to confirm
conditions at other public access sites around the state. Boaters and
anglers are urged to report any damage conditions at Fish and Game
facilities, such as boat ramps and access roads, to the Fish and Game
Land Resources Bureau at (603) 271-2224. When possible, additional
closures will be posted on the Fish and Game website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us. WHERE CAN I HUNT AND SHOOT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE? ONLINE RESOURCES INCLUDE WMA GUIDE, LIST OF FISH AND GAME CLUBS CONCORD, N.H. -- Longtime hunters often have their own special
places where they go year after year to tag a deer. For those new to
hunting or looking for a new area to explore, help is a mouse click
away. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us,
has several good resources to help you find places to hunt and target
shoot: * New! List of Fish and Game clubs and shooting ranges in New
Hampshire. Use this contact list to find a place to practice and meet
fellow sportsmen and women. Go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm
and click on "Where to Shoot." * The Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Guide offers detailed
information about the largest 24 WMAs in the state. One of New
Hampshire's best-kept hunting secrets, these areas include thousands
of acres of undeveloped public land owned by Fish and Game and
designated as areas for wildlife resource conservation, hunting and
fishing. * Guidelines for hunting Federal and state-owned lands. Most state
and federal lands in New Hampshire allow hunting, including the
751,000-acre White Mountain National Forest. The Department of
Resources and Economic Development (DRED) owns a total of 201,513
acres (117 state forests, 41 state parks and 63 other tracts). DRED
also manages three flood control areas totaling 13,446 acres and has
conservation easements on thousands of additional acres. (Note that
DRED has closed some state lands this fall because of flooding, so
before you head out, check on potential closures by visiting http://nh.gov/dred/divisions/forestandlands.)
Fish and Game offers answers to common questions about hunting on
state-owned lands at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm
(click on "Where can I hunt?"). * Tips on hunting private lands. Public lands are an important
resource, but more than three-fourths of hunting in New Hampshire
occurs on private property. This activity is only possible because of
the generosity of many landowners. Always use courtesy and common
sense when hunting on any private land, including timber and paper
lands. Personally ask for and gain permission before going hunting;
treat the land and the landowner with the highest respect; leave no
trace of your presence. Be extra careful on wet roads and trails,
which are prone to damage this year after record amounts of rain. The
Fish and Game website provides a helpful refresher on these and other
ideas for keeping up good relations with landowners. The "New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer" from the DeLorme
map company, available for purchase from most bookstores and from Fish
and Game headquarters, is an indispensable resource for hunters. It
shows many conservation easement properties, public lands and WMAs
throughout the state -- look for the shaded green parcels - as well as
the White Mountain National Forest lands in darker green. So, fire up your computer, get out your Gazetteer, and hunt New
Hampshire this fall. For online hunting license purchases and hunting season dates and
details in New Hampshire, visit the N.H. Fish and Game website at
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us. - ### Use of a gaff: Use of a gaff (a hand-held metal hook used on large
fish) to take fish in any fresh waters of the state is
prohibited. Manmade Openings: This rule clarifies the definition
of "manmade opening" to mean a hole in the ice made by
an ice-cutting tool, including, but not limited to, augers, chisels
and saws. Manmade openings shall not include areas that remain
ice-free because of current and movement created by dock aerators and
similar devices. Diamond River (Second College Grant): The fishing rules on the
Diamond River, from the Dead Diamond River and Swift Diamond River
confluences down to the mouth at the Magalloway River confluence will
change to catch-and-release regulations. This means there is no
closed season, all fish must be immediately released; only single-hook
artificial lures and flies can be used; and, all hooks must be
barbless or have all barbs pinched. Dublin Lake (Dublin): The daily limit for brook trout caught from
Dublin Lake will be modified to 3 fish or a total of 5 pounds of fish,
whichever limit is reached first. South Pond (Stark): The minimum length for lake trout will be
reduced from 18 inches to 15 inches. Umbagog Lake: The portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line
between Molls Rock; Errol, N.H.; and the red post between Spillman and
Glassby Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine, is closed to ice-fishing. Interstate waters between New Hampshire and Maine: The ice
fishing season for all species except salmon will run from January 1
to March 31 in these waters. Lower Kimball Pond in Chatham, N.H., and Fryeburg,
Maine: During the open season, smelt can be taken up until 12
midnight. Horn Pond and Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, N.H., and Acton,
Maine: The northern terminus of Horn Pond will be delineated by
signage in Wakefield, N.H. and Acton, Maine. The upper reach of the
Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, Milton, Rochester, Somersworth and
Rollinsford, N.H., and Acton, Berwick and South Berwick, Maine, will
be defined as beginning at the outlet dam of Great East Lake (also
known as State Line Canal) and extending to a point downstream marked
by signage delineating the northern terminus of Horn Pond. Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, Milton, Rochester, Somersworth,
and Rollinsford, N.H. and Acton, Berwick and South Berwick, Maine: The
open water season will run from January 1 to December 31. For more information on New Hampshire fishing rules, consult the
2008 New Hampshire Fishing Digest, available at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm
(click on the blue publication cover) or from license agents across
the state. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the
state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their
habitats. Visit http://www.FishNH.com. - ### -
CONCORD, N.H. -- 2007 fishing and
hunting licenses are now available; get yours today and
be ready to enjoy a full year of outdoor adventure in
the Granite State, from winter ice-fishing to April
trout fishing to tracking whitetail deer next fall. Good
from January 1 through December 31, 2006, licenses can
be purchased online at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us,
or from license agents statewide. Your license is your ticket to the
great outdoors - and always a great deal. For New
Hampshire residents, an annual fishing license costs
$35; basic hunting licenses are $24.50; and combination
(hunting and fishing) licenses are $48.50. Nonresidents
can buy annual fishing licenses for $53; hunting
licenses for $105.50; and combination hunting/fishing
licenses for $143.50. Coming to New Hampshire for a
shorter visit? One-, three- or seven-day fishing
licenses are an option for nonresidents. New in 2006,
residents can buy a one-day fishing license for just
$10. Gift certificates for 2006 licenses
make a great gift for any hunter or angler on your list.
Certificates are available at Fish and Game headquarters
on Hazen Drive in Concord, or print an order form out at
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us. Fishing and hunting licenses are
family friendly. Be sure to take the kids along, because
children under the age of 16 can fish in New Hampshire
without a license. Youths under age 16 also can hunt
without a license in the company of a licensed hunter
over the age of 18. New Hampshire resident seniors age
68 and older can get a free license to fish and hunt in
New Hampshire. Make getting outside a family affair! Fishing and hunting license fees
directly support wildlife and fisheries management and
education. For online license sales and a list of local
license agents, visit New Hampshire Fish and Game's
website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us. - ### - Send us your news! We receive news releases from: SkiNH, NH Fish &
Game, Cohos Trail, NH Bass, NHSnowmobile Assoc., Amoskeag Fishways & Mt. Washington Observation. Your source for Outdoor News in the State. Copyright©
2008, NH
Outdoors, PO
Box 611, Londonderry,
NH 03053
Many NH waters open for fishing year round
Camping checklist: What kind of camper are you?
Planning a trip to the backcountry? Before you head out to that campsite, consider making a camping checklist that you can use every time you’re getting ready for your next adventure. A little advanced planning will make your camping trip safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. You can use the list over and over, so you’ll never forget to take important camping supplies. But how much and exactly what should you include? That’s a tough question. Part of the answer lies in figuring out what kind of camper you are, what your comfort level is and what style of camp you want to have. This is the first step to making a comprehensive camping checklist. There are several categories of gear you’ll need: basics, fire building, dining and cooking, lighting and miscellaneous extras you might not think of. We’ll cover all these categories in this article.
The minimalist style of camping.
Are you a minimalist who can do without creature comforts and a lot of extra (and to you, extraneous) equipment? The minimalist is willing to take the wilderness as it comes, adapting as needed to weather conditions and terrain. Minimalists disdain all the extras favored by other many campers, preferring to sleep on the ground, rather than on camping cots. The minimalist’s camp is sparse, with a fire rather than a stove and small candles rather than lanterns. These campers try their best to experience the outdoors on its own terms. Their camping checklist is short and sparse by choice.
The gear-oriented style of camping.
Gear-oriented campers are the people who like to be comfortable and prepared for anything. Their campsites are fully “furnished” with tables, chairs, stoves, cots and other conveniences. While enjoying and respecting the outdoors, gear-oriented campers also prefer the little amenities that make a backcountry trip safe and secure – a home away from home. Their camping checklist will be much more extensive than the minimalist’s. In this article, we’ll focus on the gear-oriented camping list. It’s always easier to remove items from a list than it is to realize you’ve forgotten some crucial piece of camping equipment on a cold rainy night.
Gather the basics first.
It goes without saying that you’ll need some basic items: a tent (preferably with a rain fly and at least one window), a good-quality sleeping bag, camping stove, camping food and water. Here’s a list of some other gear that can make your campsite more accommodating:
• Plastic sheeting for tent floor
• Air mattress or pad for under sleeping bag
• Large plastic boxes or buckets for food and equipment storage
• Emergency blanket; also called space blanket
• Tent seam sealer
• Folding tables
• Folding chairs
• Outdoor furniture – lightweight aluminum lawn chairs are a good choice
• Stools
• Pillows
• Binoculars
• First aid kit with blister treatment products
• Tarp(s) with grommets – can be rigged for shade or used to keep firewood dry
• Rope and twine or string
• Cots
• Small shovel
• Sunscreen
• Portable toilet
• Toilet paper
• Moist towelette or baby wipes
• Personal care items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
• Insect repellent
• Tool (such as a hammer or axe) to pound in tent stakes
• Backpack, daypack, or fanny pack
• Towels and washcloths
Next, get ready to build a homey, welcoming fire.
Sounds easy doesn’t it? Gather some wood and build a fire. If you’ve ever arrived at your campsite on a dreary, rain-soaked day, you know how hard it can be to get a fire going. Even though the outside of the wood may be wet, the inside of larger pieces is probably dry. So bring a small axe and be prepared to split some logs. Also, store your matches in a waterproof container, or better, carry a butane lighter. Dry kindling is harder to find than dry wood. The easiest solution is to bring a supply of kindling from home to get that first fire started without a hitch. Some campers bring a few dry logs as well. A small bow saw can also be very helpful. All these items should be included on your camping checklist.
Dining al fresco in style.
While the minimalist is content to rehydrate a pouch of dried field rations, the gear-oriented camper enjoys hearty, camp-cooked meals. There is a variety of easy-to-prepare camping foods available, but many people like cooking from scratch in the outdoors. So, a more elaborate camping stove is required – something with more than one burner and adjustable flame. Or bring some iron bars to rig a pot hanger right over the fire for slow-simmering that 3-alarm chili. You’ll also need a cooler and ice or ice packs for your fresh food. Other equipment for the cooking portion of your camping checklist includes:
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Cutlery for food preparation and serving – sharp knife, large spoon, large fork, ladle
• Cookware – cast iron works well
• Messkits or other eating vessels and implements – forks and spoons
• Extra camping stove fuel
• Camping recipes
• Small charcoal or propane grill – a cast-iron hibachi is small and efficient
• Appropriate fuel for grill
• Dishrack and dishwashing detergent
• Pot lifter or pot holders
• Coffee maker
• Cutting board
• Colander
• Tongs
• Thermos
• Tablecloth
• Storage containers
• Plastic cutlery, paper plates, plastic or paper cups
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Trash bags
• Aluminum foil
Light up the night.
Be sure to bring several flashlights and plenty of extra batteries. A lantern or two will cast some welcome light in camp. Your lamps can run on a battery, liquid fuel or propane. Be sure to have some extra mantles on hand if any of your lights use them. Lighting is important – don’t underestimate its value, especially if there are children in your party. Children should have their own water-resistant flashlights. What child doesn’t remember playing camping games in their tent late at night by the glow of a lantern or flashlight? Kids also enjoy glow sticks.
More essential equipment.
If you’re planning on hiking, you’ll need a backpack, compass, travel guide, map, suitable shoes, extra socks and a hat. Another indispensable piece of camping gear is the multifunction pocket knife. These handy little tools often include:
• Screwdriver – flathead and phillips
• Bottle opener
• Can opener
• Corkscrew
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Awl
• One or two super-sharp blades.
One model pocket knife even comes with a reusable plastic toothpick, something you might never think of including on your camping checklist. All backpacks should contain such a knife. If you’re going to swimming or bathing in a lake or stream, which often have rock bottoms, some type of waterproof footgear, like the popular “jellies,” is essential. Other miscellaneous items to bring:
• Duct tape
• Safety pins
• Sewing kit
• Small battery-operated radio
• Camera or camcorder with extra film and batteries
• Reading material
• Playing cards, checkers, chess set, etc.
• Paper and pen
• Battery-operated clock
• Basic tools: pliers, screwdriver, hammer
Camping is great recreation.
From campgrounds that are more like resorts to the challenge of true wilderness camping, you’re bound to find some “level” of camping that’s just right for you. Bringing the right outdoor equipment is the best way to ensure your trip will be a memorable one.
A camping checklist will streamline your packing and preparation. Although experience is the best teacher, a good, comprehensive checklist can help make the difference between an enjoyable camping trip and a disastrous one. Your checklist will be dynamic – you’ll add items and remove items with every trip. Just be sure to keep it up to date. Whether you’re a minimalist or a gear-oriented camper, camping provides many challenges. A thoughtfully-devised checklist will enable you to sleep dry and warm, build a welcoming fire, enjoy a great camp-cooked dinner, light your camp effectively and handle any miscellaneous small emergencies that might occur.
Rita Liotta is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers.
Her many articles give information and tips to help people save money and make
smarter decisions.
Where can I hunt in NH
Use of Cusk Fishing Devices: The use of cusk
fishing devices is restricted to the following waters: First
Connecticut Lake, Second Connecticut Lake, Third Connecticut Lake and
Lake Francis (all in Pittsburg); Newfound Lake (Bristol, Alexandria,
Bridgewater, Hebron); Silver Lake (Madison); Big Squam Lake
(Holderness, Center Harbor, Sandwich, Moultonboro); Little Squam Lake
(Holderness, Ashland); South Pond (Stark); Sunapee Lake (Newbury, New
London, Sunapee); Lake Winnipesaukee (Alton, Center Harbor, Gilford,
Laconia, Meredith, Moultonboro, Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro); and Winnisquam
Lake (Belmont, Sanbornton, Laconia, Tilton, Meredith).
2008 Fishing & Hunting Licenses now available
