WMU M, New Hampshire

Mixed hardwood and conifer forest interspersed with lake shorelines, wetlands, beaver flowages, and agricultural fields. Elevation is relatively modest — rolling hills and glacially shaped terrain typical of the Lakes Region. Major water bodies include Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Ossipee, and Squam Lake on the northern fringe. Transition zones between forest and field edges concentrate deer, while dense hemlock stands and beech ridges provide bear habitat.

moderate

WMU M is one of two units (with L) in New Hampshire with a dedicated Antlerless-Only Permit (AOP) program. Up to 4,000 Special Antlerless-Only Permits are issued first-come, first-served beginning in late July online and at NHFG Headquarters. Each permit costs $36 plus a transaction fee and provides two antlerless deer tags. These permits can be used across all deer seasons (archery, muzzleloader, firearm) including on antlered-only days with a separate buck tag. Demand is high — hunters should be ready to purchase immediately when sales open.

DEER: Archery season runs approximately September 15 through December 15; regular firearm season mid-November; muzzleloader late October through early November (approximately Oct 31 - Nov 10). Crossbow legal during archery season in WMU M. WMU M AOP allows antlerless harvest on any day during seasons for which the hunter holds a license. BEAR: Season opens statewide September 1; WMU M falls within a bear permit zone — check current NHFG regulations for specific closing date (typically mid-November). Bait hunting permitted in bear zones near WMNF. Hounding season also available per current regs. TURKEY: Fall shotgun season approximately October 13-19 in WMU M; spring season statewide May 1-31. Good turkey populations in the Lakes Region hardwood corridors. MOOSE: WMU M is not a primary moose lottery unit — moose permits are concentrated in northern WMUs (A, B, C). Occasional moose present but no dedicated permit allocation for WMU M hunters; incidental sightings possible near boggy northern sections bordering WMNF.

One of the few NH units with over-the-counter doe tags available (AOP program up to 4,000 permits). Strong deer densities in lake-edge agricultural zones and forest transition habitat. Productive fall turkey unit with established populations. Bear hunting available with a September 1 opener. WMNF and multiple WMAs provide solid public land footholds. NH unposted-land access rule opens vast acreage of private forest. Wolfeboro-area hunting services and lodging support multi-day trips.