Conservation Commission

Hunting on Amherst Properties

A goal of the Amherst Conservation commission is to allow multiple uses of our conservation properties for all Amherst citizens. This means that hunting is allowed, along with the hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, cycling (in a a few designated locations), and other activities. Hunters must understand that there may be other people in the woods, maybe with dogs, horses, or even other animals with them. It is recommended that all wear hunter orange or other bright colors when in the woods.

At present, no Amherst conservation properties are posted to prohibit hunting, so everyone should expect that a hunter may be present on any conservation property at almost any time. The deer season for firearms, which attracts the most hunters, lasts from the end of October to the first week of December, but the seasons for other small game and birds continue through much of the year. See the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for details on the various seasons for all species and weapons. See the Fish and Game statutes for applicable state RSAs. The hunting schedule is made more complicated in Amherst because Amherst is located in two NH Wildlife Management Units, which have slightly different hunting season dates. WMU K is north of Route 101, while WMU M is to the south.

We should also all understand that New Hampshire state law does not disallow hunting on private property unless it is posted to explicitly prohibit hunting.