Legislation
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Right out of the gate, NHWF supported several promising bills, including legislation legalizing the use of air rifles for hunting. The popularity of air rifles for hunting continues to grow nationwide. Thanks to two years of work by NHWF and other stakeholders, hunters in New Hampshire will be able to use air rifles during the 2025 season. House Bill 211 authorizes the Fish and Game Department to include air rifles as a legal method of take, with specific regulations to ensure ethical and responsible hunting. This marks an exciting new opportunity for hunters this year.
NHWF also proudly supported legislation that increases fines for poaching. For several years, Hillsborough County Fish and Game Commissioner Ray Green has worked closely with Fish and Game Law Enforcement to review and revise poaching penalties. This year, stakeholders rallied behind a bill originating from Commissioner Green’s efforts, which significantly increases restitution penalties for poaching in the state. The legislation received unanimous support in both the House and Senate and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk.
At the same time, NHWF successfully opposed several harmful bills that would have undermined our sporting traditions. One such bill sought to make the Fish and Game Commission advisory-only, effectively ending over 100 years of sound governance and conservation in New Hampshire. Fortunately, the bill lacked support beyond a single anti-hunting group and was swiftly defeated.
Another challenge came from a proposed ban on the importation of bait fish into New Hampshire—legislation pushed by an international environmental group with ties to Sweden and other European countries. The Fish and Game Department’s Fisheries Division provided legislators with a detailed explanation of the rigorous testing and licensing processes that out-of-state hatcheries must undergo to import fish into New Hampshire. United in opposition, stakeholders successfully defeated this bill as well.
New Kids on the Block
Every two years, New Hampshire voters elect a new legislature, and 2024 brought significant change. With a new Governor, multiple new Executive Councilors, and a 25% turnover in the legislature, NHWF immediately began outreach efforts to build new relationships. NHWF Vice President Eric Orf and Board Member Jeff Batula quickly connected with Governor Kelly Ayotte, meeting with her shortly after her inauguration.
We also participated in the spring NH Sportsman’s Caucus luncheon, where more than 70 legislators from both parties and chambers gathered to support the right to hunt, fish, and trap. These early outreach efforts have already shown results—several legislators and an Executive Councilor attended our Annual Banquet, expressing strong support for New Hampshire’s sportsmen and women.
New Kids on the Block
Every two years, New Hampshire voters elect a new legislature, and 2024 brought significant change. With a new Governor, multiple new Executive Councilors, and a 25% turnover in the legislature, NHWF immediately began outreach efforts to build new relationships. NHWF Vice President Eric Orf and Board Member Jeff Batula quickly connected with Governor Kelly Ayotte, meeting with her shortly after her inauguration.
We also participated in the spring NH Sportsman’s Caucus luncheon, where more than 70 legislators from both parties and chambers gathered to support the right to hunt, fish, and trap. These early outreach efforts have already shown results—several legislators and an Executive Councilor attended our Annual Banquet, expressing strong support for New Hampshire’s sportsmen and women.