Every year, scores of intrepid hunters from all over the country venture forth to the cold north woods to participate in one of the most eagerly anticipated hunts in the western hemisphere; the moose hunt. The opportunity to track the dignified, musing beast through the snowy virgin wilderness has enchanted hunters seemingly since time immemorial.
This year, as New Hampshire officially opens its moose hunt lottery, is certainly no exception. Though the nine-day hunt won’t begin until mid-October, hunters are already lining up to get their name in the lottery for a permit. The lottery has become increasingly competitive over the years due to a declining moose population. Environmental factors such as the parasitic winter tick as well as human encroachment on the moose’s native territory have contributed to the gradual deterioration of the moose population in New Hampshire. Last year, only 275 lucky hunters were selected from a pool of over 13,000 applicants to receive one of the coveted permits.
So, with these less than stellar odds in mind, what can you do to improve your chances of getting your hands on a permit? Well, your best bet is to move to New Hampshire if you don’t happen to live in our great state already. Last year, New Hampshire residents had a 1 in 35 chance of being selected for a permit for the lottery. Nonresidents on the other hand had a somewhat meager 1 in 121 chance of being granted a permit. Repeat applicants receive bonus points toward their spot in the lottery, so if you aren’t successful in don’t give up just yet! There’s always next year!
