Got this email from the NH F&G this weekend. Thought some of you might be interested.
CONTACT:
Linda Verville: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
January 25, 2008
TRY YOUR LUCK IN THE 2008 N.H. MOOSE LOTTERY
CONCORD, N.H. -- Lottery applications are now available for the adventure of a lifetime - hunting moose in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's 2008 moose hunt lottery is open! The entry fee is $15 for New Hampshire residents and $25 for nonresidents (nonrefundable). New Hampshire's moose hunt is nine days long, starting the third Saturday in October. This year's hunt runs from October 18-26, 2008. The odds of being selected in last year's lottery were about 1 in 20 for new Hampshire residents and 1 in 55 for nonresidents, some of the best odds in the nation for moose hunting.
Visit the Fish and Game website at http://www.HuntNH.com to enter the moose hunt lottery online or print out an application to mail in. Applications can also be picked up from Fish and Game license agents statewide. Moose hunt lottery applications for 2008 must be postmarked or submitted online by midnight Eastern Time, May 30, 2008, or they may be delivered to N.H. Fish and Game headquarters in Concord prior to 4:00 p.m. that day. Winners will be selected through a computerized random drawing on June 20.
Last year (2007), more than 16,700 applicants entered the lottery for the chance to win one of 675 permits. Those who are lucky enough to take part in the hunt have an excellent chance of success. Last year almost three-fourths of New Hampshire permit holders got their moose. Permit holders can choose another hunter of any age to accompany them on the hunt, but only one moose may be taken per permit.
Each applicant can enter the moose hunt lottery once each year. A bonus point system improves the chances for unsuccessful applicants who apply each consecutive year. Hunters who get permits are not eligible to enter the lottery for the following three years. It is not necessary to have a current hunting license to enter the lottery, but hunters who are offered and accept a permit must buy a $150 resident or $500 nonresident moose hunt permit, as well as a New Hampshire hunting license.
Both state residents and nonresidents may enter the moose lottery. The number of permits available to nonresidents is capped, based on the prior year's sales of nonresident hunting licenses (about 15 to 17 percent of the total).
On the Fish and Game website, you can find more information on moose hunting at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm, including a moose hunt Q&A, regional success rates and photos and stories from past New Hampshire moose hunts.
The state's current moose population is estimated at about 6,000 animals.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works in partnership with the public to conserve, manage and protect the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats; inform and educate the public about these resources; and provide the public with opportunities to use and appreciate them. Visit http://www.HuntNH.com.
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Hey Bill.......ssshhhhhh.....gotta try and better my odds this year..... :bigsmyl:
Bill's right though, these are pretty good odds as permit drawings go, good luck to all who apply.
David
Thanks Bill.Putting mine in right now.I saw more moose this year while hunting,even had one in the yard.Good luck,Leon
Do you guys know if nonresidents need a guide?
Just applied on line. Thanks Bill. I used to apply each year to Vt. NH and ME then just kinda only kept up applying to ME. How is the hunting in NH for moose? Wanna be my guide?
Do you guys know if there is a map that shows whereabouts and size of state land by unit? Thanks Greg
Greg, no guide needed. If you go the the NH F&G web site you will be able to find a map by unit, it starts with Unit A-1 and goes I think through M, the best units by far are A's, B and C's.
Mike if you get drawn and Bill can't help, I will if you want. Heck, if he can help, I'll still do what I can to help you or anyone else from TradGang. (Unless of course I get drawn....)
David
I'm feeling lucky this year......
I have a friend in NH who keeps inviting me. Just wish I could get the time. Thanks for all of that great info.
Thanks David :bigsmyl: :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Minimum bow weight for moose is 60# in NH and 50# in Alaska, where the moose are bigger. What's up with that?
Yeah, that's always been a sticking point with me JP. The way it is written you can have a 25" draw and pull 60# and you are fine, I draw 29" with the same poundage.....who has a more efficient bow, all other things being equal? The powers that be here, in my opinion were shortsighted when they passed that legislation, but then again most of that is driven from the wheelbow guys.......and was passed when the moose lottery first started back in the late 80's.
David
It's 65#'s in VT. We must have "really" big moose. I got drawn for a VT cow only tag in '04 in section D2. I saw 10 moose during the season. 3 of them were antlerless, naturally I was within bowrange of 1 of the bulls I saw but not the cows. I can start applying again this year. I hope it dosn't take another 11 years.
darn bill....I was just resigning myself to a winter of yote hunting, now I gotta dream of moose! (moose and caribou are my short list for dream hunts)...
I just might have to send an app in....
David...I don't know if I'll have a problem meeting that 60# minimum...I got a call from fedora's on thursday and he convinced me to up my lam thicknesses a lot....so I may end up with an 80# bow :-)
I'll shoot you a mail when the stuff comes in...
Yikes, I just hurt myself just thinking of drawing 80#!!!!! :scared:
I'll be waiting for the email, thanks Marc.
David
Yeah, thanks for posting this, the odds weren't bad enough as it was! I wouldn't get all excited about getting drawn I have been putting in for many MANY years and the closest I ever got was being drawn as 32nd alternate one year and no 32 people in front of me did not drop out!
I live in zone B,might be able too steer a lucky person in the right direction.
Thanks for the heads up Bill....is that offer to guide the lucky lotto winner still valid?
Here is the link for the Vermont lottery. Same price as NH to apply. I'd love to hear one of my trad brothers or sisters gets picked.
http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/library/forms_and_applications/hunting_and_fishing_license/lottery/2008_Moose_Lottery%20Package.pdf
ok...may be a silly question...but isn't the moose rut sometime in late august/september? why would they put the season in mid october?
A couple of things....
Rick: My wife was alternate #18 this year. When she was notified she was told that last year the alternates got all the way into the 50's somewhere. What happens is that those that get a southern zone often decline the permit. However, when Laura got the permit I told her to take it even though it was in Zone L as I knew where there were a small group and we had both seen a mud wallow in there in the early summer. We had a hunter lost in Bear Brook State Park this year (he still has not been found). I talked to one of the Wardens involved in the search and he said he could not believe the moose sigh in the swamps in there...and it is a bow hunting only area. So....the southern zone is not bad if you know where to go.
Hickstick: The rut is usually late Sept. to early Oct. However, the moose we hunted this year were still breeding after the season. The group of cows we were hunting had one two year old bull who had his way with all of them, as far as I know. I have no idea why they put the hunt where they do. It may have to do with avoiding conflict with Maine.
This year I can still apply as I shot our moose on Laura's permit. I am only going to put in for Zone L as I know there is a small bunch right where we left them. In addition, after I killed the cow I heard from a bunch of guys who saw lots of moose in the southern areas. They are as far south as Mass. so the herd is doing well all over the state.
Bill, I put in for ALL the zones. When I got drawn as 32nd alt. three years ago, they told me that typically they get up to the 20th alt.. I didn't want to wish anyone bad....... It would be nice if they drew earlier in the year though, tough to make plans.
I've been putting in for this the last few years - just got the 'reminder' card from NH F&G in the mail today.
One of these years :D
Hey Jeremy, You know of any place in NH that there might be a moose or two?????? :bigsmyl:
David
Now wouldn't that be funny if an Alaskan guy drew and traveled to NH to hunt moose!
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve H.:
Now wouldn't that be funny if an Alaskan guy drew and traveled to NH to hunt moose!
Are you that guy? There was actually an Alaskan drawn last year; I haven't heard anything about the hunt outcome.
That area where the hunter was lost was described to me by former SAR colleagues as some of the most difficult they've worked in NH, so best keep that in mind if you're planning on hunting there.
Maybe I'll start collecting my postcards, now that I have one with all of "1 point" noted on it.
David, I think I've seen a few up there, but I'd have to, uh, bribe a friend to do some scouting for me :D
Wasn't me! When I lived outside (lower 48 or any here else) I applied for Maine and had several points but letthem slip when I headed North.
If I draw and arrow a moose I know a few people on here will probably have freezers to benefit!
ok...I just dropped everyones chances of winning (by applying for the first time myself) :biglaugh:
kinda went counter intuitive and prioritied from south to north...hoping as bill mentioned I'd have better chances drawing a tag for somewhere others would decline (plus it'd be a shorter drive) :D
I did not read thru the regs, when is th edrawing dead line? Thanks! I have a friend who could guide me if I am drawn, right David! Shawn
Deadline for 2008 is May 30. You can find all the moose lottery info at Moose Lottery FAQs (http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Moose_hunt/moose_lottery_FAQs.htm) . At the bottom of that page you'll find a link to the other NH moose hunt info.
I might be able to find time to "show" you and Jeremy around if need be Shawn...... :bigsmyl:
David
The lottery draw is about to get a whole lot tougher. Fish and Game is proposing a reduction in permits from 675 to 515. Details are in the Wildlife Rules Notice for 2008 (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Legislative/NOTICES/Wildlife_Rules_NOTICE_0308.pdf) . There are changes in deer seasons as well, but nothing real drastic. (Winter severity measurement this spring might change deer seasons, though.)
EDIT: Wow, just read the fine print and saw that minimum bow weight for moose would drop to 40 pounds from 60 if approved.
Here's the latest update from the NH F&G.
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
March 12, 2008
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us
* * * * * * *
CONTACT:
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
March 12, 2008
PUBLIC HEARINGS SET FOR PROPOSED WILDLIFE RULE CHANGES
CONCORD, N.H. -- Proposed rule changes affecting wildlife and wildlife management in New Hampshire for 2008 and 2009 will be discussed at three public hearings being held by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on the following dates and locations:
* Monday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. - N.H. Fish and Game Region 1 Office, North Country Resource Center, 629 B Main Street, Lancaster, N.H.
* Tuesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m. - Keene High School, 43 Arch Street, Keene, N.H.
* Thursday, April 3, 6:30 p.m. - N.H. Fish and Game Department Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.
"Hunters, trappers and other interested constituents are encouraged to attend the hearings and offer their input on the proposed rules. Public input is considered during the formulation of final department proposals," said Wildlife Programs Supervisor Mark Ellingwood.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reviews the state's hunting seasons every two years to ensure that they are in line with wildlife management objectives, including those specified in the state's Big Game Management Plan. The big game plan guides deer, moose, bear and turkey management in New Hampshire through the year 2015. Some of the highlights of the rule proposals, by species, include:
DEER: On the heels of a near-record deer hunting season, Fish and Game has proposed modest increases in either-sex days in 6 wildlife management units (WMUs).
Antler point restrictions that were implemented in WMU A during the 2007 season are proposed to continue in 2008/09 in a continued effort to achieve and retain an appropriate balance of mature antlered males in the local deer population. Fish and Game also proposes that the existing 1-week reductions in WMU A's archery and regular firearms deer seasons be retained, but that the muzzleloader season be returned to its pre-2007 length of 11 days.
The number of special antlerless-only deer permits issued in WMU M would increase from 5,500 to 6,000; and Fish and Game would for the first time issue an additional 500 antlerless-only permits in WMU L. Applicants would be required to state WMU preference on their application.
N.H. Fish and Game Deer Project Leader Kent Gustafson notes that the season proposals may need some last-minute adjustment, depending on how hard the rest of this winter is for deer. Deer populations in New Hampshire are heavily influenced by winter severity, which is measured from December through April. Winter severity often varies markedly in different parts of the state, and the length of winter weather plays a key role in overall herd impacts.
"Updated information is a critical consideration in determining the proper hunting season regulations to achieve deer population objectives. This initial proposal for deer seasons assumes average winter conditions," said Gustafson. "This winter appears more severe than average at this point, but we won't have the updated information we need to determine herd impacts until just before the public hearings on these rules. If necessary, we will discuss how we might have to adjust for severe winter impacts on the deer herd and how these data might affect the initial proposal."
MOOSE: Fish and Game proposes to reduce the number of moose permits issued from 675 in 2007, to 515 permits in 2008. This represents a net reduction of 160 permits, including 75 from the Connecticut Lakes Region and 80 from the North Region. These reductions reflect Fish and Game's desire to stop a measured decrease in the Connecticut Lakes Region moose population, as called for by the Big Game Management plan. The North Region population has dipped below the established goal for the region, so the number of permits is being reduced to reverse the decline and bring the moose population back to goal.
BEARS: Proposals for the North and White Mountains region black bear seasons provide for more days in the still-hunting season. In an effort to move the Central Region closer to its bear population goal, Fish and Game proposes to shorten the baiting season by one week. Bear populations in extreme southern New Hampshire are below management goals, so shorter seasons have been proposed in the Southwest-2 and Southeast regions in an effort to facilitate modest bear population growth.
SMALL GAME: The proposal would establish a statewide hare season from October 1 to March 31 (currently the season ends on March 15 or March 31, depending on WMU). Cottontail and snowshoe hare seasons have been simplified and modified to better reflect the current distribution and abundance of these species. Under the proposal, the gray squirrel season would open statewide (including 3 WMUs in northern New Hampshire that had previously been closed).
FURBEARER SEASONS: Trapping proposals are intended to simplify existing seasons and to accommodate management on a regional basis. Land mammal (red and gray fox, weasel, skunk, opossum and raccoon) seasons would run from November 1 to January 15 in the Central, Southwest and Southeast regions; and from October 15 to December 31 in the White Mountains and Northern regions. Aquatic mammal (beaver, muskrat, otter and mink) seasons would run statewide from November 1 through April 10. The fisher season bag limit would be reduced in all regions, except the North Region, to a total of 5 animals. This restriction reflects declines in regional fisher populations, based on catch rates over the past several years.
WILD TURKEY: Fish and Game proposes that the spring gobbler season in WMU A be increased from 2 to 4 weeks, which would give New Hampshire a statewide spring turkey season from May 3-31. The minimum draw weight for bows used for taking turkey would be reduced from 40 to 30 pounds.
The complete rulemaking notice forms, with original and proposed rule language, can be viewed on the Fish and Game website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm
(click on "2008/2009 Wildlife Rules" or "Wild Turkey Rules").
Written comments must be received by April 14, 2008. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov. (use subject line "Comments on Wildlife Rules"); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to (603) 271-1438.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.HuntNH.com.
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I applied on-line last night. I agree with the reduction in required bow weight. I hope the Ferret notices this change because I think that requirement was holding him back from applying, and he has killed some big animals with bows drawing less than 60#..........
how to they determine the weight of the bow? What if the bow was labled 60#@30" and you only drew it to 28"(54#).
The (proposed) rule reads:
"No bow shall be used for hunting moose unless it will pull at least 40 pounds peak weight measured at 28 inches or less draw." The current version reads the same except that 60 is used instead of 40.
When I shot my moose this year they didn't even bother to ask to see the bow, arrow or any equipment. I showed it to them anyway and they were surprised it wasn't a compound.
see! as soon as I get involved in anything it goes downhill! :bigsmyl:
well...at least I put in for the southern zones first :D
I'm glad to see they're considering dropping the poundage requirement. That 60# @28 translated into 65# at my draw... a bit more than I like! (Though to be honest with you all, I had my Sharpie at the ready).
Too bad about the reduction in permits, but my chances at getting drawn aren't the most important factor here :D Glad to see they're looking at real management and not just $$.
What's the reasoning behind increasing the number of deer either sex days?? It seems with the deer population being what it is up there that's not the best of ideas. I've never seen such prime deer habitat with almost no deer sign, though I guess Dave didn't take me to all his honey holes! :biglaugh:
Jeremy: Your real problem is you live in CT...way more deer there than here. However, in the Southern areas of NH there are plenty of deer if you can get to them. We have a small herd that come into our feeder on a daily basis with about 20 animals all told as far as we can tell. Most of the land down this way is private and usually posted. This winter has been rough on the deer is some places so the regs will vary in relation to the winter kill, most likely in the more northern areas. Interestingly enough they are going to be giving our extra doe permits in the area I live in. My perception is that as the southern area of the state gets developed the deer herd actually improves...that's why they are giving out more doe tags down this way...more deer and fewer hunters.
Bill, I can't argue about the CT deer herd - it's out of control - but growing up in a heavily hunted area of upstate NY I still cut more deer sign walking through the woods than I did in my, admittedly only one, trip up to NH. I was up North though. Walking through broken fields with lots of apples for a morning and only cutting one or two deer tracks was something I wasn't used to. I also wasn't used to the amount of Moose sign :eek: :D
Deer do seem to like the 'burbs... all you can eat buffets at every house... "have you tried the tulips"
I can't wait to get back to NH... gorgeous hunting grounds you guys have up there!
Management decisions on wildlife populations are driven these days by the 2005 NH Wildlife Action Plan (http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/wildlife_plan.htm) . You can sort of anticipate upcoming decisions by reviewing the plan, the recent harvest info, winter severity, etc.
Reminder for those interested -- the NH moose lottery drawing is this Friday, June 20, starting at 9:00 a.m., at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord. If other obligations (or $4.00 gas) are deterrents to attending, you can listen to a live broadcast on WTPL-FM starting at 6:00. The station broadcasts on 107.7 FM, "which can be heard from Nashua to the Lakes Region; or in the Upper Valley, the broadcast can be heard on 94.3 FM or 1400 AM." Or you can listen to live streaming audio at http://www.WTPLFM.com/. Just leave some room on the server for me, please. :wavey:
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. ;)
Hopeing all my preference points pay off finally
good luck everyone
I know beginning in 2004, they started preference points and that they accumulate, although I missed the deadline that year.
Put in 2005 for preferences points only, but missed deadline 2006 and 2007, and now again in 2008.
What I'm wondering, do I still have my preference point from 2005 or did I loose it?
QuoteOriginally posted by Zbone:
I know beginning in 2004, they started preference points and that they accumulate, although I missed the deadline that year.
Put in 2005 for preferences points only, but missed deadline 2006 and 2007, and now again in 2008.
What I'm wondering, do I still have my preference point from 2005 or did I loose it?
Sorry to tell you -- from the Moose Lottery FAQ (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Moose_hunt/moose_lottery_FAQs.htm#bonus) : "Applicants lose all accrued points if they do not apply to the lottery for one year or if they accept a moose permit."
Good Luck to all that apply. My Dad found last week he pulled a bull moose tag for Maine. :)
Thanx for the info Charles
Well, I have one less excuse for not taking a deer this upcoming season -- can't blame it on time spent scouting for moose. :(
If you want to see who did draw a permit, here are the 2008 NH Moose Lottery Winners. (http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Moose_hunt/2008_Moose_Winners.htm) Here are the alternates (http://wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Moose_hunt/2008_Moose_Alternates.htm) . Congrats if you're on either list!
I'm with you Charlie, another year gone without my name on "the list".........I might have a bear or two lined up though......
David
!@#$% missed it again, theres always next year or the year after that or the year after.....
Roughly, how many years does it take to draw?
QuoteOriginally posted by lt-m-grow:
Roughly, how many years does it take to draw?
Pretty complicated to answer without some serious probabilistic determinations. There are 22 WMUs to rank by your choices, you accumulate a bonus point each year that you're not drawn and apply continuously, and some people don't fill out the entire choice list. (That last matter improves the odds for the poorly-regarded units for the folks like me who fill out all 22.)
Short answer: The
overall odds this year for residents were 1 in 29. At that rate, if you apply annually, it would take "something less than" 29 years for a sure thing. For non-residents, it was 1 in 67 this year. Note that the number of applicants dropped substantially this year (I don't have the # at hand right now), undoubtedly because the number of permits dropped from 675 to 515.
I expect next year's number will be closer to 515 than 675; the 2007 number was driven by a decision to reduce the herd in some WMUs.
Theres no telling on how long it could take and there is a good possibility that you will never be drawn. ie its totally random, but you do build bonus points, however the bonus points, regardless of the number you have, don't guarantee that you will ever get drawn. I have been applying for many, many years and the closest I ever got was 32nd alternate once, a lot of good that did me!
no permit for me this year, always next year.Another 25 bucks GONE!!!!!!! :readit: :( :bigsmyl: