Moose Hunting Season in NH?

[slowandsteady]

We are planning a hike to a NH 52-WAV mountain this weekend. Can anyone comment on whether any of these mountains would be safe/unsafe due to moose hunting season, which starts (I believe) Saturday? (Potash, Hedgehog, Cherry/Owls Head-Martha) Alternately does anyone know where one can look online for areas in WMNFwhere hunting is allowed/not allowed?

Thanks.

 

[NH_Mtn_Hiker]

NH Fish & Game

 

[forestgnome]

Both Hegehog and Potash are frequently climbed. There's plenty of foot traffic on these trails and hunters are well aware of that. The moose hunt involves only a few ( unsure how many) hunters in each area. Each hunter gets a section, and may only hunt in that section.

Mt Potash Trail runs up the north side of the mountain. I have bushwacked the area many times, including two weeks ago, and I can assure you that there is very little moose presence anywhere near this trail. It's a great hike and the hardwoods are glowing with color right now. Halfway up, the trail goes into a beautiful hemlock stand, then out to some nice ledges, then up the open summit. Highly recommended.

Happy Trails

 

[Waumbek]

The moose hunt involves only a few ( unsure how many) hunters in each area. Each hunter gets a section, and may only hunt in that section.

675 moose hunting permits have been issued in NH for 2006. With a few exceptiopns, the permits are issued for a specific WMU (wildlife managanement unit). The central White Mountains units are C1, D2, E1, E2, E3, F.

Here's the "success rate chart" for 2005, when fewer permits (526) were issued, but it will give you a rough idea of the concentration of permits in C1, D2, E1, E2, E3, F. These WMUs do not cover all the areas with hiking trails in central and northern NH.

Maps of specific WMUs are here.

 

[WhiteMTHike]

Both Hegehog and Potash are frequently climbed. There's plenty of foot traffic on these trails and hunters are well aware of that. The moose hunt involves only a few ( unsure how many) hunters in each area. Each hunter gets a section, and may only hunt in that section.

Mt Potash Trail runs up the north side of the mountain. I have bushwacked the area many times, including two weeks ago, and I can assure you that there is very little moose presence anywhere near this trail. It's a great hike and the hardwoods are glowing with color right now. Halfway up, the trail goes into a beautiful hemlock stand, then out to some nice ledges, then up the open summit. Highly recommended.

Happy Trails

Just to say I agree with the above. I've also hiked Potash and Hedgehog, you'll be safe on those trails from any hunting. I've also never seen any moose on either trail all the times I've hiked them. They are also two of the most underrated hikes in the WMNF. For a moderate effort and reasonable time you get some great views. Potash has beautiful ledges. Enjoy the hiking.

 

[slowandsteady]

Potash and Hedgehog!

Thanks to all who responded! We had been saving these two and it looks like the weekend to fit in two shorter hikes. We're taking a break from the NEHH and NE4Ks with hikes from the 52-with-a-view. Most of the 52wav hikes are pretty spectacular for the effort involved. I would have preferred to avoid moose hunting season but we hike when we get the chance and work and school are giving us some leeway this weekend. I do plan to bring and wear the orange caps and brighter clothes anyway.