Private landowners play an important role in sustaining New Hampshire's wildlife.
Beavers: Landscape Designers

Beavers are amazing rodents that change the water flow in order to design their ideal habitat conditions.  These highly territorial vegetarians construct dams within waterways creating ponds and higher water levels.  They typically feed on leaves, bark, and twigs of alders, aspen, birch, maple and willow trees.  But some of you reading this may be thinking "hmmph, ya right, landscape designers that ruin my land and roadways."  Yes, beavers don't give us any common courtesy to check if their dam will flood your property or roadway.  All tongue-in-check aside, what can you do about it?

First you need to understand that trapping and moving beavers does not fix your problem.....new beavers will move in if there is enough of a food source. 

However, there are some things that you might be able to try.
  • Beavers are attracted to areas with ample food and building materials. Eliminate food, trees and woody vegetation within approximately 100 feet of the water.  (Be aware of the Shoreland Protection Act.)
  • Encircle your trees with sturdy wire fencing at least 4 feet tall, made of heavy gauge steel wire.
  • Remove beaver dams.  (Using hand tools is generally okay.  Machinery may be used if not placed in a wetland.  Review these rules first: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xviii/210/210-9.htm AND see Env-Wt 303.05 Projects That Do Not Require a Permit:
  • Grating  or fencing culverts may help prevent internal damming and aid in debris removal. 
  • Learn to live with beavers!  In locations where beaver damming is tolerable, install a water level control device ( beaver deceiver pipes PDF) that runs under or through a beaver dam, allowing the beavers to dam the stream while maintaining the depth of the beaver "pond" at an acceptable level.
Learn more about how to deal with beavers:  http://wildlifehelp.org/animals/new-hampshire/beaver 
I found a tree stand on my property.  I don't want it there, what do I do?

Photo courtesy: NSSF
Written landowner permission is needed for putting up a tree stand that causes damage to a tree, such as a nails or screws. However, a portable climbing tree stand or ladder tree stand doesn't usually damage the tree and doesn't require landowner permission.  As a landowner you can decide to have the hunter or yourself remove the treestand, or leave it as is. 

First, check to see if there are any identifying marks, names or phone numbers for example, to determine who owns the tree stand.  It's then suggested that you put a note on the tree stand identifying yourself and asking that the tree stand be removed by a certain date.  (Tip: Be sure to date the note and put it inside a ziploc bag.) Some tree stands are abandoned, but most people will return to retrieve it.   Ask your neighbors or other hunters about whose tree stand it might be and determine what your time limit is for removing it from your property.    If possible, wait until fall hunting season before assuming it has been abandoned.  
 
If you've determined that the tree stand has been abandoned on your property and you feel safe doing so, you can remove it and report it to your local police department as abandoned property.  If you have any safety concerns or other questions regarding the tree stand, you should call your local Fish & Game Conservation Officer.  (Tip: Check with a local hunting and fishing club to see if they are interested in it. )  
Fall Hunting and Fishing 
 

Safety Zone Sign

This sign is used to restrict hunting around homes, buildings and other areas for safety purposes.   
 
How to get this sign: 
Download the Operation Land Share mail in with your request, www.wildnh.com/landshare participation agreement form    
-OR- 
If you're already enrolled in the program, just call or email with your request, 603-271-1137, landownerassistance@wildlife.nh.gov.   

Operation Game Thief
Operation Game Thief

Protect New Hampshire's Natural Resources - Report Wildlife Law Violators!
 
Operation Game Thief is a silent witness, anti-poaching program that encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge about a poaching violation.    
 
Report Violations: 1-800-344-4262 or www.nhogt.org .
Landowner Relations Program | NH Fish and Game | 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH
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