relative to the use of air rifles for hunting game.
Sponsored By: James A Spillane (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Hunters can use qualifying air rifles
New Hampshire allows air-rifle hunting for small game with rifles at least .22 caliber delivering 12 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. For moose, bear, or deer, rifles must deliver at least 200 foot-pounds; turkey is not included in this authorization. Hunting hours remain 30 minutes before sunrise through 30 minutes after sunset, and Fish and Game must set air-rifle hunting rules. Air rifles use compressed air or nonflammable gas to fire projectiles; air guns and pneumatic rifles are included. An air rifle counts as loaded when a projectile is in its chamber.
Hunting officials gain electronic licensing authority
The Fish and Game executive director can set rules for issuing licenses, permits, and tags electronically. These rules can cover residency checks, hunter-education or equivalent certification, and license-use requirements. The director can also set rules to create, issue, and sell a special air-rifle hunting tag. The law itself does not create that tag, set its price, or give an availability date. The act takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Air-rifle hunters face nighttime light restrictions
New Hampshire extends its nighttime wildlife-lighting ban to people carrying an air rifle and ammunition that fits it. The ban also covers possession in a vehicle. It prohibits knowingly using artificial light to illuminate, find, or try to find wild birds or animals. The restricted period runs from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Simply possessing an air rifle at night is not banned.
Air-rifle users face town firing limits
Firing an air rifle in the compact part of a New Hampshire town or city is now a violation. Written permission from the police chief or governing body allows it. Exceptions cover specified military events, funerals, military reenactments, and public safety commemorations. Those event exceptions require blank ammunition and advance notice from organizers to police and fire departments.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
James A Spillane
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Brian D Cole
Republican • House
Daniel Popovici-Muller
Republican • House
Donald S McFarlane
Republican • House
Jim A Kofalt
Republican • House
Howard Pearl
r • Senate
Terry W Roy
Republican • House
David H. Watters
Democratic • Senate
Will Darby
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor Ayotte 05/14/2025; Chapter 21; eff.07/13/2025
5/21/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/01/2025); SJ 12
5/6/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 31
5/6/2025HouseOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/17/2025; SJ 10
4/17/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass, 04/17/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17
3/25/2025SenateHearing: 03/25/2025, Room 103, SH, 09:20 am; SC 14
3/20/2025SenateIntroduced 03/06/2025 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 7
3/11/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0073h: MA VV 02/20/2025 HJ 6 P. 7
2/20/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0073h: AA VV 02/20/2025 HJ 6 P. 7
2/20/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0073h 02/05/2025 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 12 P. 7
2/10/2025HouseExecutive Session: 02/05/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
2/10/2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/05/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
1/22/2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Fish and Game and Marine Resources HJ 2 P. 10
1/7/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
5/6/2025
Introduced
1/7/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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