So, you’re a New Hampshire hunter? Did you manage to hunt a stunning whitetail deer this season? Was it massive, perhaps 200 pounds or over? If that’s a yes, you may qualify for New Hampshire’s Trophy Deer Program! It’s a program that applauds hunters who bring in remarkable whitetail deer in our beloved Granite State.
Let’s dive into the basics of the 2024 New Hampshire Trophy Deer Program. We’ll chat about who can participate, how to send in entries, the rewards for winning, and the big names of past champions.
Who’s Eligible for the New Hampshire Trophy Deer Program?
The New Hampshire Trophy Deer Program welcomes each hunter who bags a right-sized whitetail during the state’s hunting season. No matter if you’re fond of bows, experienced with guns, or proficient with muzzleloaders, your success could see you being honored.
Let’s breakdown who can join in.
- Deer Species: Only whitetail deer, (scientifically Odocoileus virginianus) are allowed.
- Minimum Weight: A minimum field-dressed weight of 200 pounds.
- Legality: The deer should be hunted legally, and only during the New Hampshire hunting season.
What Exactly is “Field-Dressed Weight”?
“Field-dressed weight” means how much a deer weighs after we take out the stuff inside, like the heart, lungs, and other internal bits from the chest and belly. The head and legs are still on when they weigh it.
How To Enter a Deer Trophy (New Hampshire Antler and Skull Trophy Club)
You may be pondering if your prized buck could get official honors beyond the New Hampshire Trophy Deer Program. The New Hampshire Antler and Skull Trophy Club (NHASTC) provides an extra path to highlight your remarkable deer.
Here’s a breakdown of the process for entering your trophy deer with the NHASTC:
Eligibility and Scoring:
- No matter how the deer came into your possession (be it hunting, passed down, or stumbled upon), you can reach out to a certified NHASTC scorer to arrange a scoring meeting.
- The scorer will evaluate your deer based on certain standards to find its score. The least score required for entry differs based on the method used for hunting and the design of the antlers (regular or irregular). Take a look at the detailed chart for the minimum scores needed in the “Minimum Entry Scores” section below.
Submitting Your Trophy Deer Entry
Now, let’s get your trophy recognized. Here’s your to-do list:
- Obtain an Official Entry Form: Download the official Trophy Deer Entry Form off the New Hampshire Fish and Game website. Or get one from the NH Antler and Skull Trophy Club (NHASTC).
- Complete the Form Accurately: Take your time filling out the form. Note important details about your trophy, i.e., its weight, where you got it, and when.
- Get Weight Verification: Take it to a deer check station for an operator to confirm the field-dressed weight. A New Hampshire Fish and Game worker can also do this.
- Submit Your Entry: Once your weight proof is done, submit the completed form. Stick to the instructions on the form.
Recognition and Awards:
- When you get in, a celebratory patch and certificate will be your rewards.
- The best part? Your big deer will find its spot in the upcoming NH Big Game Record Book.
Fees:
- The cost to enter antlers is $20 while the price of sheds, which are deer antlers shed annually, is $10.
Minimum Entry Scores (Deer):
The NHASTC uses a unique point system to grade antlers. The points can change based on what weapon was used to get them and if the antlers are “regular” (even on both sides) or “not regular” (uneven). We’ve got a chart below. It shows the lowest scores a deer’s reported antlers can get:
| Weapon Used | Typical Minimum Score (Y-Yearling Minimum) |
|---|---|
| Rifle/Shotgun | 120 points (110 points) |
| Bow and Arrow | 105 points (95 points) |
| Handgun | 115 points (105 points) |
| Muzzleloader | 115 points (105 points) |
| Honorable Mention | 120 points (Not Applicable) |
| Broken Skull | 105 points (Not Applicable) |
Additional Notes:
- The “Honorable Mention” grouping applauds special deer that don’t necessarily hit usual or unusual high scores, yet have distinctive traits.
- The “Broken Skull” segment is for deer with broken antlers, appreciating their trophy value even with the antler harm.
Registering your prize deer with the NHASTC won’t just earn you personal acclaim but will also support the conservation of New Hampshire’s prized whitetail deer hunting legacy.
NH Antler and Skull Trophy Club’s Role
The NH Antler and Skull Trophy Club has a big job. They’re in charge of keeping records, checking weights, and making sure witness statements hold up. This is how they make sure the program stays fair and correct.
Recognition for Trophy Deer Program Winners
This is what you can expect if you’re named as one of the winners:
- Official Recognition: You’re acknowledged for being a hunter. But not just any hunter. You’ve taken down a top-tier whitetail.
- Record Book Inclusion (Optional): Those who won have the option to share a snap of their prize deer. If it’s a good one, it might land in the upcoming record book. Just send the photo online.
- Age Requirement for Photo Publication: If the hunter is under 18, we need a parent or guardian’s name and signature to print the picture.
New Hampshire Trophy Deer Records: A Glimpse at Big Bucks
Let’s look at the current bests for each hunting style:
- Archery: The top score for archery is a hefty 255 pounds. This record was made in Belknap County in 2007.
- Muzzleloader: Muzzleloader hunters nabbed an impressive 277-pound deer in Coos County in 1998.
- Firearm: The biggest firearm-caught deer was a 289.25-pound whopper from Coos County in 1985.
These tallies show the strong whitetail deer population in New Hampshire and the high skill level of its hunters.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
Want to know more about the Trophy Deer Program? Get in touch with the folks at the NH Antler and Skull Trophy Club (NHASTC).
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