Fish And Game Survey Aims To Shape Update To Big Game Management Plan

By Claire Sullivan, New Hampshire Bulletin

You may have been one of the more than 30,000 New Hampshire residents to recently receive an electronic survey asking your thoughts on the state’s management of big game like deer, turkeys, moose, and bears.

The survey, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center on behalf of the Fish and Game Department, is part of the state’s work to update its Big Game Management Plan, the department said. The survey results are expected by mid-February, according to a schedule from the department.

“Most big game wildlife species populations are healthy and at historic levels throughout the state,” said Andrew Timmins, the department’s game program supervisor, in a news release. “This outcome is the result of sound scientific management based on long-term planning. By soliciting broad public input throughout the process, we can develop management practices that meet the biological needs of wildlife in a way that is consistent with public opinion.”

This plan will run through 2026 to 2035. The department expects an early draft to be formulated by February and shared for feedback at public meetings around the state in April. The current plan, which expires next December, can be found online, along with assessments for different species.

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