Seasons, regs, local trails, OHRV access, and where to find big game in the White Mountains. Community knowledge built over decades.
Bath, NH sits in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) D2. Surrounding towns vary across D1 and D2. Check your WMU before you tag out.
Mixed terrain: hardwood ridges, hemlock swamps, agricultural valleys along the Connecticut and Ammonoosuc Rivers. Strong deer numbers in the river valleys, with bigger bucks moving along ridge transitions. Bear and moose populations are healthy.
The Ammonoosuc and Wild Ammonoosuc river corridors are productive year-round. Public access via NH state lands, White Mountain National Forest, and various town conservation lands.
Fall Turkey Shotgun: D2 is one of only 8 WMUs in the state that gets a fall shotgun season for turkey. Lucky us.
Always cross-check with NH Fish and Game before heading out. We check in deer and turkey at the Way Station. For bear and moose, bring it by and we'll snap a photo for the Hunter Wall.
| Species | 2026 Dates | Method / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer | Sep 15 - Dec 15 | Archery, statewide |
| Deer | Oct 31 - Nov 10 | Muzzleloader, 11 days statewide |
| Deer | Nov 11 - Dec 6 | Firearms (regular) |
| Turkey | April 25 - 26 | Spring Youth Weekend (15 and under) |
| Turkey | May 1 - May 31 | Spring Firearms & Archery, bearded only. Limit 2, but only 1 in D2 (2nd must come from H1, H2, J2, K, L, M) |
| Turkey | Sep 15 - Dec 15 | Fall Archery, either sex |
| Turkey | Oct 13 - 19 | Fall Shotgun, our WMU D2 qualifies |
| Bear | Sep 1 - Nov | Varies by method and WMU. Check NH F&G. |
| Moose | Mid Oct (9 days) | Permit lottery only |
| Grouse / Woodcock | Oct - Dec | Upland |
| Pheasant | Oct - Dec | Stocked locations |
| Waterfowl | Sep - Jan | Varies by zone |
Always cross-check with NH Fish & Game before heading out. Dates and WMU rules change.
A few things we tell hunters who stop in. Stop by, ask Phil, swap notes.
White Mountain National Forest is the big one. Plus state lands along the Ammonoosuc, Bath town conservation parcels, and several active timber lots that allow hunting with permission.
The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail runs through Bath. Local OHRV access connects to the broader White Mountain trail network. Hauling out a big deer on a quad is legit around here.
The Wild Ammonoosuc is fordable in low water at a few spots locals know. We're happy to point them out, but use judgement. October water is cold.
Required during firearms seasons. NH F&G rules: at least 250 square inches of blaze orange visible from any direction (head and chest covered).
We sell NH hunting licenses and tags right at the counter. Walk in, get licensed, walk out ready to hunt. Hunting, Combination, Archery, Muzzleloader, Turkey, Bear tag, Pheasant, Youth. Same-day issue, no appointment needed.
Strong bear population in this WMU. Watch for sign at oak stands, apple trees, and along old logging roads. We see harvested bears come through every fall.
The best hunting info isn't on a website. It's standing at the counter at 5 AM with a coffee in your hand, swapping notes with the guy who's been hunting these woods his whole life.
Contact Us NH Fish & Game