The number of moose-hunting permits would remain almost unchanged under proposals being considered by New Hampshire Fish and Game, dropping slightly in the White Mountain Region and increasing slightly around Keene and in Hillsborough County.
Overall, the number of permits issued to hunters would decline from 51 to 49 under the proposal, which was the subject of a hearing Monday.
This will be the third year in a row that the number of hunting permits has been roughly stable after declining sharply for a decade, reflecting sharp declines in the state’s moose population due largely to infestations by winter tick. The number of moose in the state seems to have leveled off, according to biologists.
However, the number of permits is less than one-tenth of the 675 permits that were issued in 2005, reflecting declines in the moose population that have also been seen in other northern states. Vermont and Maine have also cut back on moose-hunt permits in recent years while Minnesota has virtually eliminated them.
The new rules will establish permit numbers to be issued in the 2019 moose-permit lottery, which will be held in June. The season will take place in October, probably for one week.
Under the proposal, the three hunting units that cover much of Cheshire and Hillsborough counties would receive a total of three permits; last year, they had none at all.
“The estimated moose density in the Southwest Region … has increased to levels which meet criteria established in the Moose Management Plan,” Fish and Game said in an announcement.
The rulemaking notice with original and proposed rule language, can be viewed at wildnh.com/legislative/proposed-rules.html.
Written comments must be received by April 16, emailed to comments@wildlife.nh.gov using the subject line “Comments on Moose Permits,” mailed to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H., 03301, or sent by fax to 271-1438.
The Wildlife Division will present the rule package to the Fish and Game Commission at its April 18 meeting. The rules then go before the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) for approval.
