New Hampshire Moose Hunt Opening Weekend Brings 27 Percent Success
OutdoorHub 10.17.11
Concord, N.H. – More than a quarter of New Hampshire’s moose hunters were successful during the first two days of the season, achieving a 27% success rate on the opening weekend of the hunt. On Saturday and Sunday (October 15 and 16), a total of 111 moose were taken by moose hunters statewide – 75 bulls and 36 cows. The success rate was down from 37% during opening weekend in 2010.
“Moose hunters had it tough this weekend, with very strong winds and rain in most parts of the state,” said Kristine Rines, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s moose biologist. “Those conditions are much more difficult, because the moose are hunkered down, less mobile and less visible.” Last year’s moose hunt featured perfect weather; the blustery weather is expected to continue, according to Rines, so “we probably won’t match last year” for overall success rate.
The largest moose checked in during opening weekend of the New Hampshire moose hunt was a 900-pound bull (dressed weight), taken by Robert Houle of Nashua. The estimated live weight of the bull moose is 1,314 pounds.
Fish and Game manages New Hampshire’s moose population in accordance with density goals defined in its 2006-2015 moose management plan. This plan seeks to meet regional moose population goals by balancing and incorporating social, economic, public safety and ecological factors, using the best available science.
New Hampshire’s nine-day moose hunt continues through Sunday, October 23, 2011. This year, nearly 14,000 people entered the moose hunt lottery for a chance to win one of the 395 permits drawn for the New Hampshire moose hunt.
For more about moose hunting in New Hampshire, including a list of check stations, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm.
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.
