WMU F, New Hampshire

Connecticut River valley floodplains and agricultural bottomlands transition to hardwood-covered ridges and second-growth mixed forest as elevation rises eastward through Sullivan and southern Cheshire counties. The valley floor features active farms, cornfields, orchards, and pastureland that create prime deer and turkey edge habitat. Elevations range from roughly 300 ft along the river to 1,500–2,000 ft on the hillsides. Wetlands and beaver flowages are scattered throughout, providing additional wildlife corridors.

moderate

WMU F is a Northern Unit (A–F) under NH's deer management framework. Antlerless deer permits for WMU F are issued on a first-come, first-served basis when the population supports additional harvest; availability varies year to year and is typically more limited than the high-density southern units (L, M). Hunters should check the NHFG website each fall for current WMU F antlerless permit quotas. One buck tag is included with a standard NH hunting license; antlerless permits are sold separately (~$26–$36 depending on tags included).

DEER: Archery season opens Sept 15, muzzleloader Nov 1–11, firearms (rifle) Nov 11–Dec 7 (approx. dates, confirm with NHFG annually). Antlerless permits for WMU F sold first-come first-served when available. Youth weekend typically late October. TURKEY: Spring season late April–late May, 2 bearded birds. Fall archery turkey Sept 15–Dec 15; fall shotgun turkey limited to select WMUs — verify if WMU F is included each season. BEAR: Statewide season opens Sept 1; WMU F is one of four units where a second bear tag may be purchased — hunters must register their first bear before harvesting a second (rule effective fall 2025). Baiting permitted with proper permit. MOOSE: WMU F is not a primary moose lottery unit; moose permits are concentrated in the northern WMUs (A, B, C). Moose are rare but occasionally present in the northern fringe of the unit.

Connecticut River valley edge habitat produces quality deer with good body weights; agricultural fields and orchards are top early-season archery spots. Turkey populations are strong in the valley corridor and lower hillsides — Cheshire and Sullivan county open fields bordered by hardwoods are classic spring strut zones. WMU F is one of only four units (alongside C1, D2, E) where hunters may purchase an additional bear tag, making it a notable destination for bear hunters. Hunting pressure is lighter than southern NH units, and the pastoral landscape allows glassing across fields for deer movement.