Woodcock in New Hampshire
hunting regulations.
Hunting regulations change. The information on this page reflects what we know about species presence and hunt availability based on state agency listings. For current season dates, bag limits, weapon restrictions, tag requirements, and reporting obligations, verify directly with New Hampshire Fish and Game. You are responsible for confirming current regulations before hunting.
Woodcock is general season in New Hampshire. The agency above sets season dates, bag limits, and zone boundaries — those change yearly. Verify before you hunt.
About the species
American woodcock are migratory shorebirds (in the same family as snipe) that hunters pursue as upland gamebirds. They breed across the Northeast and Upper Midwest and migrate through the Mid-Atlantic and Mississippi flyway to wintering grounds in the Gulf states. They feed almost exclusively on earthworms and concentrate in young, wet hardwood thickets.
Federal frameworks under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act allow most range states to run woodcock seasons with daily bag limits typically 3 birds. Pointing dogs are nearly required — woodcock hold tight under cover and flush in twisting, fluttering flight that's notoriously hard to hit.
Other upland birds in New Hampshire
Want the picture for this species across every state? See Woodcock regulations by state. Or browse every huntable species in New Hampshire.