New Hampshire Fish and Game Department NHFG 150

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

NHFG 150 th Anniversary Celebrating 150 years of conserving New Hampshire’s fish, wildlife and habitats: • • • Connecting you to life outdoors. Strengthening New Hampshire’s economy. Conserving our wildlife legacy for future generations. Former Fish and Game Executive Director, Dr. Donald Normandeau and his grandson, Hunter.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary • Established as the Fisheries Commission on June 30, 1865, by the N. H. State Legislature. • Fisheries were in serious decline. • Primary goals: – Restore migratory sea fish; – Introduce new varieties of freshwater fish. August 10, 1877 - First hatching house established at Livermore Falls in Holderness. Jointly operated by N. H. and Mass.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary • Reorganized to be the Commission on Fisheries and Game on March 9, 1880. • Game species were at an all time low. 1878 – White-tailed deer were considered rare. Penalty for shooting a deer, moose or caribou was a $25 fine and up to six months in jail.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary • In the late 1800 s, 9 out of 10 N. H. counties were closed to hunting, shooting or trapping of deer, moose or caribou. • In 1890, B. P. Chadwick became the first Fish and Game Detective.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary In 1935, the “modern-day” Fish and Game Department was established. Wardens were first called “Conservation Officers” in 1935.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary National changes, such as passage of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act in 1937, provided funds for science-based wildlife management.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary Today, the N. H. Fish and Game Department is a multifaceted conservation agency that incorporates: • Fish and wildlife management for over 500 species. • Conservation planning and assistance to local communities. • Enforcement of fish and wildlife regulations.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary • Registration, education and law enforcement for OHRVs and snowmobiles. • Search and rescue.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary • Management of WMAs and boat launches, providing public access for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. • Multi-media public relations and outreach.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary • Hunter education certification courses. • Educational programs that engage youth and adults.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary Funding challenges: • N. H. Fish and Game is funded mostly by hunters, anglers, boaters and OHRV users. • Revenues are not keeping up with the cost of doing business. • A Legislative Commission was established in 2013 -2014 to find new ways to raise revenue, but solution is still not clear.

NHFG 150 th Anniversary You can help determine what the future holds for N. H. ’s fish and wildlife in the next 150 years! • Purchase a hunting or fishing license, buy a Hike Safe card or donate to the Nongame Program. • Buy a Moose Plate. • Let your elected officials know you want them to fund Fish and Game. • Your continued support is needed! Help keep the state's fish and wildlife agency working for you and New Hampshire’s wild resources.

We’ve come a long way from being a Fisheries Commission… Celebrating 150 years of Connecting You to Life Outdoors!

NHFG 150 th Anniversary Visit us online and learn more at: wildnh. com/150