WMU E1, New Hampshire
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear, Moose
- Group
- Zone E
- Area
- 223 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Season & harvest data is published for no species so far. Deer, Turkey, Bear, Moose also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedWMU E1 covers the central New Hampshire uplands spanning portions of Merrimack and Sullivan counties, characterized by mixed hardwood-conifer forest with productive deer and turkey habitat. It sits within the broader WMU E zone, which supports huntable populations of white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey, with antlerless deer opportunity available through the statewide permit system. Access is primarily via NH Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas, state forests including Pillsbury State Park area, and scattered parcels managed for public hunting.
Mixed hardwood-conifer forest typical of central NH uplands; rolling hills and ridges, second-growth maple, beech, and birch interspersed with hemlock and white pine; river drainages and wetland edges provide productive deer and turkey habitat; elevations generally 600-1,400 ft
moderate
Antlerless deer in WMU E (E1/E2/E3) are available via the statewide archery antlerless permit system; WMU E is not among the high-demand special permit WMUs (L, M) that require lottery — antlerless permits are generally available over the counter or first-come; a valid deer license plus antlerless permit required to harvest does during firearms and muzzleloader seasons
DEER: Archery Sep 15-Dec 15; Youth Weekend late Oct; Muzzleloader late Oct-Nov 10; Firearms Nov 11-Dec 6 (approx 2025-26 dates); antlerless permit required for does outside archery season. TURKEY: Spring season May 1-31 statewide; fall archery concurrent with deer archery; fall shotgun available in select WMUs — WMU E has spring season; one turkey permit covers spring and fall. BEAR: Season opens Sep 1 statewide; WMU E is a designated zone where a second bear may be taken with an additional bear license and tag; baiting, dogs, and still hunting methods permitted per NHFG rules; archery bear concurrent with early season. MOOSE: WMU E1 is in central NH; moose lottery permits issued primarily for northern WMUs (A, B, C); moose are present but permit opportunity in E1 is limited and subject to lottery — hunters should check current NHFG permit zone maps annually.
Strong deer herd in productive central NH mixed forest; excellent wild turkey population in a WMU with both spring and fall turkey seasons; black bear present and huntable with a bear permit (WMU E is a designated additional bear permit zone); minimal moose presence in this southern portion of E1 though moose lottery permits cover more northern units; good public land access via WMAs and state forest without the pressure of the seacoast WMUs
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU E1— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about WMU E1.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: NHFG official Wildlife Management Units. Community info last updated 23d ago.