Bill > HB589

This bill introduces two main provisions related to wildlife management in New Hampshire. First, it defines "wanton waste" as intentionally leaving a wounded or killed animal in the field or forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it, with exceptions for diseased, grossly mutilated, or animals taken in defense of person or property. The bill prohibits hunters from committing wanton waste of wild animals they have wounded or killed, making such actions a violation. Second, the bill bans wildlife killing contests, which are organized competitions where participants are awarded prizes for taking specific wildlife species regulated by the fish and game commission. There are specific exemptions to this prohibition, including contests comparing white-tailed deer and wild turkey sizes, fishing derbies approved by the fish and game commission, and certain scientific or wildlife management practices. Violations of the wildlife killing contest prohibition would be considered a class B misdemeanor. The executive director of the fish and game department is required to adopt rules to implement these new provisions, and the bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0769&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB589