Pheasant Hunting Begins on Friday and There Are Six Stocked Locations on the Seacoast

Pheasant hunting begins in New Hampshire on Friday and close to 11,500 adult ring-necked pheasants will be stocked throughout the state, including six locations on the Seacoast.

There are an average of 140 pheasants released at each site, according to a press release sent by officials at New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Here is a list of stocked sites on the Seacoast:

Brentwood: Pine Road, Deer Hill Wildlife Management Area

Dover: Old Garrison Road, Bellamy Wildlife Management Area

Exeter: Route 101, Connor Farm Management Area

Rollinsford: Rollins Road

Seabrook: Route 107

Strafford: Whig Hill Road

The sites in Rollinsford, Seabrook and Strafford are on privately owned land open to hunting.

Pheasants are purchased exclusively with revenues from the sale of pheasant licenses so hunters must purchase a $31 pheasant license, in addition to the regular New Hampshire hunting license or non-resident New Hampshire small game license, according to the press release.

Licenses can be purchased at www.huntnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent, according to the release.

All pheasant-stocked sites will be closed until noon on stocking days, which are Oct. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

All pheasant hunters are urged to follow these basic safety guidelines:

• Wear hunter orange on your head, back and chest.
• Control your firearm muzzle at all times.
• Always wear safety glasses.
• Know where your hunting partners are at all times.
• Shoot only within your zone of fire.
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond.
• Always keep your hunting dog under control.

Officials at NH Fish and Game say that the season will remain open until Dec. 31.