What a Resident Combination License Covers

A resident combination hunting and fishing license in New Hampshire lets you hunt and fish in the state under a single license. You do not need to buy separate licenses for each activity — one purchase covers both. The license is valid for one year from the date of issue.

The combination license includes the right to hunt most game species (deer, upland birds, waterfowl, and small game) and to fish for freshwater species in New Hampshire's lakes, rivers, and streams. You still need to follow all state hunting and fishing regulations, including season dates, bag limits, and gear restrictions. Some activities — like hunting certain waterfowl or fishing for certain species — may require additional stamps or permits beyond the base license.

This license is the most economical option if you plan to do both activities during the year. Buying a hunting license and fishing license separately costs more than purchasing the combination.

Key Takeaways

  • A combination license covers both hunting and fishing for one year and costs less than buying the two licenses separately.
  • You must be a New Hampshire resident to purchase a combination license, which means you have lived in the state for at least one year.
  • You can buy a combination license online through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, by phone, or in person at license agents throughout the state.
  • Additional stamps for waterfowl, turkey, or trout are sold separately and are required for those specific activities.
  • The license is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually if you want to continue hunting and fishing.

Who Qualifies as a New Hampshire Resident

To purchase a resident combination license, you must be a New Hampshire resident. The state defines a resident as someone who has lived in New Hampshire for at least one year immediately before applying for the license. You must also have a New Hampshire address on file.

If you have moved to New Hampshire within the past year, you are not yet considered a resident for licensing purposes. You would need to purchase a non-resident license instead. Once you have lived in the state for a full year, you become may be able to access for resident rates.

Active military members stationed in New Hampshire may be considered residents for licensing purposes even if they have not lived there for a full year. Contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department directly to confirm your status if you are military.

Cost and Where to Buy

The cost of a resident combination license varies slightly depending on your age and how you purchase it. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department sets the price annually. You can find the current cost on their official website or by calling their licensing office.

You can purchase a combination license through three main channels: online at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website (the fastest option), by phone at the licensing office, or in person at any authorized license agent. License agents include sporting goods stores, town clerk offices, and other retailers throughout the state. Buying online typically processes immediately, while in-person purchases are ready the same day.

When you buy online or by phone, you will receive your license by email or mail, depending on the method. Print your license or keep the digital copy on your phone — you must carry proof of your license while hunting or fishing.

What You Need to Bring or Provide

To purchase a resident combination license, you will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, New Hampshire address, and a valid form of identification. If buying in person, bring a driver's license or state ID. If buying online or by phone, you will enter this information into the system.

You do not need to provide proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) at the time of purchase, but the state may ask for it later if your residency is questioned. Keep documentation of your New Hampshire residency available if you are asked to verify it.

If you are purchasing a license for the first time, you may also need to provide information about your hunting or fishing experience. Some states require this for safety reasons, though New Hampshire's requirements vary by age and activity.

Hunting and Fishing Seasons and Regulations

Your combination license gives you the right to hunt and fish, but you must follow New Hampshire's specific seasons and rules for each species. Hunting seasons vary by game type — deer season, for example, runs at different times than grouse season, and waterfowl seasons are set by federal regulation. Fishing seasons also differ by species and location.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department publishes an annual digest that lists all open seasons, bag limits (the number of fish or game you can take per day), and gear restrictions. You can download this digest from their website or pick up a printed copy at any license agent. Reading the digest before you hunt or fish is essential — ignorance of the rules is not a defense if you break them.

Some activities require additional stamps beyond your base combination license. A waterfowl stamp is required to hunt ducks, geese, or mergansers. A turkey stamp is required to hunt wild turkey. A trout stamp may be required for certain trout fishing. These stamps are sold separately and must be carried with your license.

Additional Stamps and Permits You May Need

Beyond the combination license, New Hampshire offers several optional stamps and permits for specific activities. The waterfowl stamp is mandatory if you plan to hunt any duck, goose, or merganser species. The turkey stamp is required for turkey hunting during the spring and fall seasons. Both stamps are sold annually and cost less than a full license.

A trout and salmon stamp may be required depending on where and what you fish. Some waters in New Hampshire are designated trout waters, and fishing them requires the additional stamp. Check the fishing digest or contact the Fish and Game Department to confirm whether the waters you plan to fish require it.

If you plan to fish for certain species or in certain locations, you may also encounter special regulations or restricted-access areas. Some ponds and streams have catch-and-release-only rules, slot limits (a range of sizes you can keep), or gear restrictions. These rules are listed in the annual digest and on the Fish and Game website.

How to Renew Your License

Your combination license expires one year from the date of issue. To continue hunting and fishing, you must renew it before it expires. You can renew online, by phone, or in person at a license agent using the same methods you used to purchase your original license.

Renewing online is the fastest option — you can renew your license in minutes and receive it immediately. The renewal process is simpler than the initial purchase because the state already has your information on file. You will simply confirm your details, pay the fee, and receive your new license.

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally hunt or fish until you purchase a new one. There is no grace period. If you plan to hunt or fish near the expiration date, renew early to avoid any gap in coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a combination license if I only plan to hunt or only plan to fish?

Yes, but it may not be the best value. If you only plan to do one activity, a single-activity license (hunting-only or fishing-only) costs less. The combination license is the better deal only if you plan to do both during the year. Compare the prices on the Fish and Game website to decide which option saves you money.

What happens if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

Contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to request a replacement. You will need to provide your name and license number if you have it. There is usually a small replacement fee. In the meantime, you may be able to print a temporary proof of license from your online account if you purchased it digitally.

Do I need a separate license if I fish in a different state?

Yes. Your New Hampshire resident license is valid only in New Hampshire. If you travel to another state to fish or hunt, you must purchase a non-resident license for that state. Each state manages its own licensing system and does not recognize licenses from other states.

Can I buy a combination license as a gift for someone else?

You can purchase a license for someone else if you provide their information and they meet the residency requirements. However, the license must be issued in their name, and they must carry it while hunting or fishing. Contact the Fish and Game Department or a license agent to confirm the process for gift purchases.

What if I move out of New Hampshire during the year?

Your license remains valid for the remainder of the year you purchased it, even if you move. However, you can only use it to hunt and fish in New Hampshire. If you move to another state and want to hunt or fish there, you will need to purchase a non-resident license for that state or a resident license if you establish residency.