Wildlife Legacy Initiative

If you love New Hampshire's wildlife and wild places, give a little extra this year to help support Fish and Game's work. The Wildlife Legacy Initiative gives everyone who benefits from Fish and Game services a chance to lend their personal support to the Department's programs. There are two ways to give:

• Check off the $10 Wildlife Legacy Donation box when you buy your license in person or online (click here for online license sales).
  
• If you're not buying a license, but wish to donate to the Wildlife Legacy Initiative, you can send a check of any amount, made out to N.H. Fish and Game Department, to: N.H. Fish and Game Dept., Wildlife Legacy, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301. Please note "Wildlife Legacy Initiative" on your check.

First implemented in 2007, the Wildlife Legacy Initiative replaced Fish and Game's former "Super Sport" donation program. Like the earlier program, Wildlife Legacy helps the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department accomplish critical fish and wildlife conservation projects.

The program encourages and funds specific fish and wildlife conservation programs approved by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission. Each year a different priority project is selected to benefit from Wildlife Legacy donations.

2008 Beneficiary - Fish and Game Landowner Relations Program:

Wildlife Legacy contributions given in 2007 will help support New Hampshire Fish and Game's Landowner Relations Program, which is working to keep New Hampshire open to outdoor users by protecting access to private land for hunting and fishing.

Recognizing that the generosity of landowners in providing access to their land is critical to the future of hunting and fishing, the Landowner Relations Program focuses on maintaining access by identifying the issues and concerns landowners face and working proactively to address them. Simply put, lack of access is the most significant threat to the future of hunting and fishing in New Hampshire.

Hunting and fishing are set deep in New Hampshire tradition and are an integral part of our heritage. Many hunters and anglers have had these traditions passed down to them, and now they want to pass them along to future generations. We all have favorite memories -- a family trout pool or deer stand, bird hunting on a crisp fall day, ice-fishing with the grandkids, or hearing a gobbler respond to the first call of the day. The future of these traditions is at risk because, throughout New Hampshire, people are finding it increasingly difficult to find a place to hunt or fish.

The Landowner Relations Program works in partnership with hunters, anglers and landowners to maintain and enhance access to private lands for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. These efforts include:

• Establishing a corps of volunteer sportspeople assisting landowners to help address the issues they face in keeping their land open.
  
• Providing outreach to landowners, including information on the protection from liability that they have through RSA 212:34 "Duty of Care."
  
• Showing appreciation and recognition for landowners who keep their land open for public use.

To make a donation to Fish and Game's Landowner Relations Program through the Wildlife Legacy Initiative, just check the appropriate box when you buy your license. Click here for online license sales, or visit any N.H. Fish and Game license agent.

For more information on the Landowner Relations Program or to get involved with the program, please contact Program Administrator Charles Miner Jr. at (603) 271-3511 or email access@wildlife.nh.gov.

Thank you for your support!