CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire hunters dreaming of tracking moose through the state’s forests this fall now have their chance: the 2025 moose hunting lottery is officially open.

Wildlife officials say 33 permits are expected to be awarded this year, continuing a long-standing tradition that draws thousands of hopeful applicants annually, according to a news release from  N.H. Fish and Game.

Residents can enter the lottery for $15, while nonresidents will pay $25 for a shot at what’s often described as a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. Entries must be submitted by midnight on Friday, May 30, either online or by mailing or delivering an application to the Fish and Game Department’s Concord headquarters.

The odds are long but improve with persistence. Through a bonus point system, hunters who apply year after year without success gradually boost their chances. Last year, a New Hampshire applicant with 21 points had about a 1 in 37 shot, compared to the general odds of 1 in 116.

The Granite State’s moose hunt, which will run from October 18 to 26 this year, remains tightly controlled to balance recreation with wildlife management. Nearly 85% of permits typically go to New Hampshire residents, while nonresident allocations are limited in proportion to the previous year’s nonresident license sales. In 2024, over 6,100 hopefuls applied for just 33 permits, including hunters from across the country.

Moose Project Leader Henry Jones notes that selecting all wildlife management units on an application can increase an applicant’s chances of drawing a permit, though winners can later decline if assigned to an undesired area.

The state’s moose population, estimated at around 3,000 animals, has been monitored through the annual hunt since it began in 1988. The data collected helps track herd health and productivity while offering a unique outdoor experience that attracts both locals and visitors.

More details and applications are available at www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/moose-hunting-new-hampshire. The winners’ names will be drawn by computer and announced on June 20.