What the Nonresident Combination License Covers
New Hampshire's nonresident combination hunting and fishing license is a single permit that lets you hunt and fish in the state during the same calendar year without buying two separate licenses. It covers freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and hunting for most game species — deer, upland birds, waterfowl, and small game — all under one document.
The combination license does not include special permits. If you want to hunt turkey, fish for salmon in specific waters, or use certain methods like falconry, you will need to purchase those endorsements separately. The base license is your foundation; everything else layers on top of it.
This license is valid only for the calendar year in which you purchase it. If you buy it in November, it expires on December 31 of that year, not twelve months from your purchase date. Plan accordingly if you are planning a late-season trip.
Key Takeaways
- The nonresident combination license covers both hunting and fishing in New Hampshire for one calendar year and costs less than buying the licenses separately.
- You must be a nonresident of New Hampshire — typically defined as someone who has not lived in the state for at least one year — to purchase this license.
- The license is valid only through December 31 of the year you purchase it, so buying in late fall means a shorter season of use.
- Special permits for turkey, salmon, or other restricted species must be purchased in addition to the base combination license.
- You can buy the license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, by phone, or in person at authorized vendors.
Who Qualifies as a Nonresident
New Hampshire defines a nonresident as anyone who has not established residency in the state. In practical terms, this means you do not hold a New Hampshire driver's license or state ID, and you have not lived in New Hampshire for the required period to claim residency for tax or voting purposes.
If you own property in New Hampshire but live elsewhere, you are still a nonresident for licensing purposes. If you recently moved to New Hampshire and have not yet updated your driver's license, contact Fish and Game directly — they can verify your status based on your actual residency, not just your ID.
Residents of other states, Canadian citizens, and international visitors can all purchase the nonresident combination license. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need to follow all state hunting and fishing regulations.
Price and Where to Buy
The nonresident combination license costs a set fee each year; the exact amount varies, so check the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website for the current price. Buying the combination license is cheaper than purchasing a nonresident hunting license and a nonresident fishing license separately, which is why many out-of-state visitors choose this option.
You can purchase the license three ways: online through the Fish and Game website (the fastest option, often with immediate delivery as a printable document), by phone through their licensing office during business hours, or in person at authorized vendors throughout the state. Sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some town clerk offices sell licenses in person.
If you buy online, print your license immediately and carry it with you. If you buy by phone or in person, ask whether you receive a physical license card or a temporary receipt while the permanent card is mailed. Either way, you must have proof of your license when you are hunting or fishing.
What You Can Hunt and Fish For
The combination license covers freshwater species including trout, bass, pike, and panfish. It also covers saltwater fishing in New Hampshire's Atlantic coastal waters — striped bass, bluefish, and other saltwater species. Fishing regulations vary by water body and season, so check the Fish and Game fishing guide before you go.
For hunting, the license covers deer (both archery and firearm seasons), upland birds like pheasant and grouse, waterfowl including ducks and geese, and small game such as rabbit and squirrel. Seasons and bag limits differ by species and region within the state, and some seasons overlap while others do not.
Turkey hunting requires a separate turkey permit, even with the combination license. Salmon fishing in certain designated waters also requires an additional permit. If you are targeting a specific species, verify the current season dates and any special requirements on the Fish and Game website before your trip.
Seasons and Timing Considerations
New Hampshire's hunting and fishing seasons run on different schedules. Trout season typically opens in April, while deer season begins in fall and runs through winter. Waterfowl season is in fall and early winter. Because the combination license is valid for the full calendar year, you can use it across multiple seasons without renewal.
The catch: if you purchase your license late in the year, you are paying the full annual fee for only a few weeks of use. A nonresident who buys the combination license in December gets the same price as someone who buys it in January, even though the January buyer has eleven more months to use it. If you are planning a single late-season trip, compare the cost of the annual combination license against the cost of a short-term license if one is available.
New Hampshire does not currently offer short-term nonresident licenses (such as 3-day or 7-day options) for the combination permit, so you are committed to the full-year price regardless of how long you stay.
What to Bring When You Hunt or Fish
Carry your printed or physical license with you at all times while hunting or fishing. A digital copy on your phone is not sufficient — Fish and Game wardens will ask to see the actual license. If you purchased online and printed it, bring that printout. If you received a physical card, bring the card.
You will also need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Wardens may check both your license and your ID to confirm you are the person named on the permit. If you are hunting, wear the required amount of blaze orange or pink as specified in the hunting guide — this is a separate legal requirement from having your license.
Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag, especially if you are fishing. Licenses get damaged easily, and a warden cannot accept a license that is too worn or wet to read.
Special Permits and Add-Ons
Several hunting and fishing activities require permits beyond the base combination license. Turkey hunting requires a turkey permit, which has its own application process and season dates. Salmon fishing in certain waters requires a salmon permit. Some waterfowl hunters need a federal duck stamp in addition to their state license.
Archery and crossbow hunting may require separate endorsements depending on the season and species. Check the Fish and Game website or call their licensing office to confirm what additional permits you need for your specific plans. Buying the combination license does not automatically include these add-ons — you must purchase them separately.
The cost of special permits varies. Some are inexpensive add-ons; others cost nearly as much as the base license. Factor these into your budget when planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a nonresident combination license if I own property in New Hampshire?
Yes. Property ownership does not make you a resident for licensing purposes. You must hold a New Hampshire driver's license or have established residency through living in the state to be considered a resident. If you own land but live out of state, you purchase the nonresident license.
What happens if I lose my license while I'm hunting or fishing?
Contact the Fish and Game Department immediately to report it lost. They can issue a replacement, though there may be a small fee. In the meantime, if a warden stops you, explain the situation and provide your ID. Having your name and license number on file helps prove you purchased a valid license.
Can I use my nonresident combination license to hunt on private land without permission?
No. The license permits you to hunt and fish legally; it does not grant you access to private property. You must have the landowner's permission to hunt or fish on their land, regardless of whether you hold a valid license. Always ask permission before entering private property.
Do I need a separate license if I'm fishing in New Hampshire's saltwater areas?
No. The nonresident combination license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You do not need a separate saltwater license. However, some saltwater species and areas may have additional restrictions or permit requirements — check the current saltwater fishing guide.
What if I buy the license and then decide not to use it?
New Hampshire does not offer refunds for unused licenses. Once purchased, the license is valid for the remainder of that calendar year. If you are unsure whether you will use it, wait until you have confirmed your travel plans before buying.