New Hampshire

Wildlife mandate in statute:

“The legislature finds it is in the best interests of the state and its citizens to regulate, protect, restore, and conserve the wildlife resources of the state under a uniform scheme of management through the fish and game department. It is the intent of the general court to explicitly reaffirm the state’s long-standing exclusive authority and jurisdiction over the wildlife of the state as established by title XVIII. The general court further finds that it is in the best interest of the state and its citizens that the fish and game department recognize, preserve, and promote our special heritage of hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing by providing opportunities to hunt, fish, trap, and view wildlife in accordance with title XVIII.”

The Commission:

• Name: New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission
• Regulatory or advisory: Regulatory
• Number of voting members: 11
• Term length: 5 years
• How selected: Appointed by Governor in consultation with the New Hampshire Executive Council
• Senate confirmation required: No
• Selection criteria per statute: 

“Each member of the commission shall be a resident of a different county in the state except that one commission member shall be a resident of one of the tidewater towns…and not more than 6 commissioners shall be members of the same political party. Each member shall also be qualified in the following manner: Well informed on the subject of fish and wildlife conservation and restoration;  Dedicated to the conservation and protection of the state’s fish and wildlife resources and of an environment conducive to the welfare of the same; Committed to a fish and game program providing reasonable balance between research, habitat management and law enforcement; An active outdoorsman holding a resident fishing, hunting, or trapping license in at least 5 of the 10 years preceding the appointment; A personal record free of convictions of violation of fish and game laws and regulations of this state or any other jurisdiction within 5 years, preceding his appointment; and at least 5 years’ experience in one or a combination of the following fields: (1) Forestry (2) Agriculture (3) Management of wild lands (4) Soils conservation (5) Conservation of water resources (6) Fish and game management or propagation (7) Conservation engineering (8) Conservation law (9) Wildlife education (10) Active membership in a conservation or sportsmen’s organization in this state. In the case of the coastal commission member, a general knowledge of all crustaceans and bivalves in coastal waters and saltwater fishing in general.”

• Visit the Commission’s website 

The Agency:

• Name: New Hampshire Fish and Game
• Type: Standalone agency
• Title of Agency Director: Executive Director
• How Selected: Appointed by Governor and Executive Council
• Mission statement from agency website: 

“As the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife, and marine resources, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works in partnership with the public to: Conserve, manage and protect these resources and their habitats; Inform and educate the public about these resources; Provide the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources.”

Revenue for New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (2023)

Other: Other Miscellaneous Unrestricted Revenues (7%), Other agency income (8%), Unrefunded Gas Tax Transfers (marine and OHRV) (6%), ARPA/GOFERR Funding (4%)

Source: New Hampshire FY23 Fish and Game Department Funding