Town of Woodstock to Discontinue OHRV Registrations and Hunting & Fishing License Sales

The Town of Woodstock would like to inform residents and visitors that, effective July 1, 2026, the Town will no longer process OHRV registrations or sell New Hampshire Hunting and Fishing Licenses.

For approximately fifteen years, Woodstock has served as an agent for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, providing these services as a convenience to residents, sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors traveling throughout the White Mountains region.

This decision was not made lightly. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department recently implemented a new penalty policy that imposes a 10% monthly penalty on agents whose payments are not postmarked by the 14th of each month. While this deadline may be manageable for private businesses, municipalities operate under strict financial controls that require multiple approvals and signatures before payments can be issued. These statutory requirements often make it difficult to meet the new deadline.

The Town has historically provided these services as a public benefit despite the fact that agent fees do not fully cover the administrative costs associated with processing registrations and licenses. Under the new penalty structure, the program creates a potential financial liability for local taxpayers. The Select Board determined it would be irresponsible to expose taxpayers to penalties resulting from municipal accounting procedures that are largely outside the Town's control.

We recognize this change may create inconvenience for residents and visitors who rely on in-person services. Woodstock is currently the only location within approximately twenty miles that offers both OHRV registrations and Hunting and Fishing Licenses. Many visitors require immediate access to licenses or registration decals while traveling and may not have access to printing services needed for online purchases.

The Select Board regrets that this action has become necessary and appreciates the opportunity the Town has had to provide these services over the past fifteen years.

Residents and visitors who wish to express their views regarding this policy and its impact on local access to licensing and registration services are encouraged to contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, their State Representatives, State Senators, Governor, or Executive Councilors.

To read the Select Board's complete letter to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department explaining this decision, please see below.

Thank you for your understanding.