Hunting on Harris Center Lands

Can I Hunt on Harris Center Land?

Yes, no, and maybe. The Harris Center does allow hunting — with conditions — by permit on much of the land that we own or manage. Hunting permits for Harris Center land are free, and issued by the Harris Center. (See below for more information on how to obtain a hunting permit.) However, some properties are off-limits due to land use that is not compatible with hunting or the wishes of the person who originally donated the property to the Harris Center.

Hunting on land for which the Harris Center is the easement holder is at the discretion of the individual landowner. Many of these landowners have decided to open their property to hunters, while others have posted their land. Please contact the individual landowners directly if you are interested in hunting these lands. A permit from the Harris Center does not cover these easements.

How to Obtain or Renew A Harris Center Hunting Permit

In an effort to improve the safety and quality of interactions with Harris Center lands, we are updating our record keeping and hunting permit process. Starting in 2020, our free hunting permits will be valid for a single calendar year, with all permits expiring on December 31, concurrent with your New Hampshire hunting license. Please visit the Harris Center office at 83 Kings’ Highway in Hancock during business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays) or email James Newsom for the application.

Permit Rules

1. The Harris Center hunting permit and these rules are in addition to any required state or federal licenses or permits, statutes, rules and regulations, including, but not limited, to land owner liability statutes (see, NH RSA 508:14 and 212:34).

2. Harris Center properties are used for diverse recreational purposes, including hiking, research, and school groups. Please be aware of and alert for others recreating on Harris Center and abutting lands, keeping in mind the locations of public roads, class VI roads, logging roads, and trails. Please share the forest with all.

3. No hunting of black bear, furbearers (including coyote and raccoon), or moose.

4. No killing of nongame species, or other species protected by state or federal regulations.

5. No fires or camping.

6. Tree stands, ground blinds, and trail cameras must be labeled with either (a) the owner’s permit number, or (b) the owner’s name, address and phone number. You may be asked to provide the location of all stands and ground blinds you place. No permanent tree stands or ground blinds allowed. Absolutely no cutting or damaging of trees. Portable tree stands and ground blinds may be placed no earlier than September 1, and must be removed by December 31. All tree stands and ground blinds remaining after January and unlabeled stands, blinds, and cameras are subject to removal and disposal by NH F&G.

7. Tree stands, ground blinds, and trail cameras shall not be placed within 100 feet of any trail.

8. Cleaning/field dressing of game shall not occur within 150 feet of any trail, parking area, or any permanent or intermittent stream or other water body such as a pond, lake or vernal pool.

9. Contact the Harris Center if you see any violations (including hunters without permits, and removal of posted signs) at (603) 525-3394 or via email.

10. Permits are not transferable and are valid only for the named applicant. Separate applications and permits are required for each hunter. Exception: properly licensed youth and apprentice hunters may hunt without a permit, but only when “accompanied” (as that term is used by NH Fish & Game rules and regulations) by a valid permit holder. No commercially guided hunts allowed.

11. Carry a copy of this permit with you when hunting Harris Center property.