CHAPTER 19
HB 1659 – FINAL VERSION
01Feb2006… 0567h
2006 SESSION
10/03
HOUSE BILL 1659
This bill clarifies the lawful methods of taking and prohibitions in taking wildlife using small caliber rimfire firearms.
This bill is a request of the fish and game department.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
01Feb2006… 0567h
06-2665
10/03
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Six
AN ACT relative to the use of certain small caliber firearms in taking wildlife.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
19:1 Fish and Game; Lawful Methods of Taking. Amend RSA 207:3 to read as follows:
207:3 Lawful Methods of Taking.
I. Wildlife shall be taken in the daytime between ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset with a gun fired at arm's length or bow and arrow, unless otherwise specifically permitted[; except that].
II. A full automatic rifle shall not be used at any time nor shall a semi-automatic rifle be used to which is attached a magazine or clip holding more than 5 cartridges, nor shall a full jacketed metal case bullet be used, either in its original form or any alteration thereof.
III. [This section] Paragraph II shall not apply to the use of .22 or smaller caliber rimfire [rifles, or to the use of pistols or revolvers] firearms.
IV. A person may take wildlife during the open season therefor with the aid of a dog, unless otherwise specifically prohibited.
19:2 Taking of Deer; Limitation. Amend RSA 208:4 to read as follows:
208:4 Limitation. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 208:3, wild deer shall not be taken by the use of .22 [cal.] or smaller caliber rimfire firearm at any time.
19:3 Black Bear. Amend RSA 208:22, V to read as follows:
V. Wild black bear may be taken by the aid and use of dogs, as permitted pursuant to RSA 208:22, I; by firearms; or by bow and arrow of at least 40 pound pull. No person shall take bear by the aid or use of a jack or artificial light, trap, snare, or set gun or [caliber] .22 or smaller caliber rimfire firearm, unless otherwise provided in this section.
19:4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Approved: March 23, 2006
Effective: May 22, 2006