Private landowners play an important role in sustaining New Hampshire's wildlife.
April 17, 2018
New Hampshire Fish and Game
Landowner Relations Program
Promoting respect, stewardship, and outdoor recreation on private lands.
Ask a Conservation Officer
"I post a safety zone around my home and yard and allow hunting on the rest of my property. Last fall, during hunting season, I saw a hunter walking by my house, now I'm worried about my safety. Should I be?"
Captain David Walsh (NHFG Law Enforcement):
First and foremost you should not be worried. After all it is hunting season. You should, however, be a bit perturbed. Although you have been gracious enough to allow hunting on your land, that does not come with an expectation to have hunters walking by your dooryard or within close proximity to your home. If your land and dwelling are in such a situation where hunters would need to be so close to access your land then they should have the decency to approach you before any hunting seasons start in order to broach the subject and introduce themselves. It should be noted, however, that many hunters are as hesitant and anxious to approach landowners as landowners are to approach them. What I would do if it were my home is simply approach the hunter and introduce myself. I would begin by informing them that I own the land they are about to hunt and inform them that I welcome them but I also like to meet and know who is hunting my land. This is the time where you can, if necessary, outline your wishes as to where you would like them to park and access your land. You can even inquire as to what type of vehicle they usually drive so you know it is them the next time they hunt your property. Often times meetings like this result in the hunter feeling a new found appreciation for the privilege to hunt your land and they will often offer assistance such as cleaning up litter on the property or even offer up some venison (if ever successful). For whatever reason, if you do not feel that your wishes were/will be followed, please feel free to contact your local Conservation Officer for further guidance via NH Fish and Game dispatch at 603-271-3361.
Do You Have Unused or Unwanted Firearms and Fishing Gear?
Donate them to support the programs of the NH Fish and Game Department!
The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH (
www.nhwildlifeheritage.org) has joined with Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. and Lang's Auction, Inc. to create a program where the proceeds of your equipment sale will go directly to the Foundation as a charitable contribution.
It's easy to do - just contact the Foundation office. They will review the program with you, send you the donor pledge letter, and then have the auction house contact you for an appraisal and arrange for the sale of your items. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, your
Download the
Operation Land Share participation agreement form and mail in with your request, www.wildnh.com/landshare
-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
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.
