This bill amends existing New Hampshire laws to allow the use of air rifles for hunting game, expanding the methods of taking wildlife. Specifically, it defines "air rifle" as a gun operated by compressed air or nonflammable gas, capable of discharging a projectile, and sets minimum requirements for its use in hunting small game, including a caliber of at least .22 and a kinetic energy output of no less than 12 foot-pounds at the muzzle. The bill also stipulates that the fish and game commission must establish rules for a hunting tag program specifically for air rifle hunting, and it outlines the conditions under which air rifles may be used to hunt larger game such as moose, bear, and deer, with the necessary kinetic energy requirements to be determined by the executive director.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding illegal night hunting to include air rifles and updates the definition of "loaded" for air rifles. It also allows for the discharge of air rifles in certain areas of towns and cities under specific conditions, such as with prior written permission from local authorities. The executive director is granted the authority to adopt rules for the electronic issuance of licenses and tags, including those specifically for air rifle hunting. Overall, the bill aims to modernize hunting regulations in New Hampshire by incorporating air rifles as a legal method for taking game.

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