Yes, feeding deer is not illegal in New Hampshire by default. Unlike some states that prohibit feeding outright, New Hampshire only restricts feeding after a conservation officer determines it’s harmful.
When Feeding Becomes Illegal
Under New Hampshire law (RSA 208:8-b), feeding deer becomes illegal only if:
- The Fish and Game Department determines feeding is detrimental to deer health or a threat to public safety
- A conservation officer warns you in writing that feeding is harmful
After receiving a written warning, any further feeding becomes a violation.
What Triggers a Warning?
Conservation officers will issue warnings if feeding causes:
- Vehicle collisions with deer near the feeding site
- Sick, dead, or dying deer from consuming food at the site
- Predation of two or more deer near the feeding location
Restricted Season: December 16–April 16
The NH Admin Code defines “feeding of wild deer” as food placed between December 16 and April 16 of the following year. This is when restrictions are most likely to apply.
Penalties
Important Exceptions
The law does not apply to:
- Baiting permitted under hunting regulations (RSA 207:3-d)
- Agricultural activities (RSA 21:34-a)
Why NH Fish and Game Discourages Feeding
Despite being legal, the department strongly discourages feeding deer because it can:
- Cause sickness or death from inappropriate foods
- Increase vehicle collision risks
- Lead to over-browsing of vegetation
- Enhance disease transmission among deer
- Increase predation risk
Bottom line: You can feed deer in New Hampshire, but Fish and Game strongly advises against it. If a conservation officer warns you it’s harmful, you must stop immediately.
SOURCES:
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xviii/chapter-208/section-208-8-b/
- https://nhfishgame.com/2024/02/07/refrain-from-feeding-deer-3/
