Firearms Deer Season to Begin

A day that many of us hunters have been waiting for is the opening of the firearms deer season, November 11 through December 6. Hopefully, we may have a little snow on the ground for tracking and allow us to see where the deer are wandering. The firearms deer season end dates will vary depending upon the Wildlife Management Unit area you intend to hunt (see chart at end of this column). Be sure to check the 2009 edition of the New Hampshire Hunting Digest. Also note that some townships may only allow the use of muzzleloaders and/or shotguns only.

New Hampshire’s 2008 hunter kill of deer typifies an excellent year for the state’s deer hunters and is reflective of a healthy deer population. According to Kent Gustafson, New Hampshire’s Deer Project Leader, the year’s total was 19% below the final deer kill for the 2007 season, which was the second highest in New Hampshire’s history, only exceeded in 1967 when 14,204 deer were taken.

Gus says, “The winter of 2008-2009 started out looking like it might be another severe winter for deer in New Hampshire. Snow came early and often and was accompanied by cold temperatures into February. However, conditions improved dramatically in late winter, with little snow and warmer weather in March and April. In the end, winter severity was average to below average and deer survival and productivity in the spring of 2009 was good.”

“As a result of the less than severe winter in 2008/09, deer numbers in the state have begun to recover. Either-sex hunting opportunities in 2009 will remain the same as in 2008 in order to allow the recovery to continue. The 2009 season should see increased deer numbers and harvest, especially in more southern and western areas of the state, where winter impacts on the deer herd have generally been less than severe,” Kent said.

Kent also noted that hard mast production, especially acorns, in much of New Hampshire was good during 2008 and deer were feeding on them extensively during the fall. Red oak productivity was considerably better than white oak. In much of the state, abundant acorns from the fall of 2008 were still available in the spring of this year. Red oak acorn production this year will be reduced from that of 2008, but it appears that some red oak and white oak will still produce good nut crops this fall. So, the deer will have plenty to eat.

New Hampshire has more than 200,000 acres of state land, 750,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest and thousands of acres of private lands open to hunting. Overall, our state has a strong record for hunter safety, largely attributable to New Hampshire’s effective hunter education programs. The average number of hunting-related incidents per year has gone down each decade since mandatory hunter education classes became required in the 1960s. However, hunters should always remember to strictly follow the 10 commandments of hunting safety:

1. Treat every firearm with the same respect due a loaded firearm.
2. Always control the direction of your firearm’s muzzle.
3. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of any obstructions.
5. Unload firearms when not in use.
6. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
7. Never climb a tree (or a tree stand), a fence, jump a ditch or log with a loaded firearm.
8. Never shoot a bullet at a hard, flat surface or water.
9. Store your firearms and ammunition separately.
10. Avoid alcohol beverages or other mood-altering drugs before or while shooting.

And, another reminder. To assure your safety and that of others in the field, wear a jacket and hat of Hunter Orange color. Tests have long ago proven that this color does not spook deer at all. However, it does make you visible to other hunters who may be in the area and assures you of not being mistaken for a deer or other game. Also, avoid wearing any white or brown colored clothing if possible. 

Good luck and safe hunting.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com

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