This bill amends New Hampshire's hunting laws to allow the use of air rifles for taking game, including small game, moose, bear, and deer, under specific conditions. It defines "air rifle" as a gun operated by compressed air or nonflammable gas, with a minimum caliber of .22 and a requirement to deliver at least 12 foot-pounds of kinetic energy at the muzzle. The bill mandates that the fish and game commission establish rules for a hunting tag program specifically for air rifle hunting, including the necessary kinetic energy requirements for different types of game. Additionally, it clarifies that an air rifle is considered loaded when a projectile is inserted in the chamber.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing laws, including the addition of air rifles to the list of firearms that cannot be discharged in the compact parts of towns or cities without permission. It specifies that the executive director of the fish and game commission can adopt rules for the electronic issuance of licenses and tags, including those for air rifle hunting. The effective date of the bill is set for 60 days after its passage, which is July 13, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 207:3, 208:8, 207:1, 644:13, 214-A:2
As Amended by the House: 207:3, 208:8, 207:1, 644:13, 214-A:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 207:3, 208:8, 207:1, 644:13, 214-A:2
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 207:3, 208:8, 207:1, 644:13, 214-A:2