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State Guide

New Jersey Hunting Guide

Complete New Jersey hunting guide. New Jersey hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.

Wildlife Agency

New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

New Jersey Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $27.5 Non-res: $135.5
Season Type Opens Closes
Archery Sep 9 Feb 17
Shotgun Dec 4 Dec 9
Muzzleloader Dec 18 Dec 28

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: Very liberal with bonus permits

No centerfire rifles. Extremely long archery season. Very liberal antlerless harvest. Multiple permit options.

Turkey

Res: $27.5 Non-res: $135.5
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun Apr 17 May 27
Archery Oct 28 Nov 4

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring), 1 (fall)

Spring bearded turkey with multiple season segments. Fall shotgun and archery seasons. Turkey permit required.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $27.5 Non-res: $135.5
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun Oct 14 Jan 27

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal duck stamp and NJ waterfowl stamp required. Delaware Bay and coastal marshes. Atlantic Flyway.

Planning Tools

New Jersey Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in New Jersey?
Yes. All hunters in New Jersey must hold a valid hunting license from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.
What is the hunting license cost in New Jersey?
New Jersey license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $27.5, non-resident $135.5. Turkey: resident $27.5, non-resident $135.5.
When is deer season in New Jersey?
New Jersey deer seasons: Archery: Sep 9 - Feb 17, Shotgun: Dec 4 - Dec 9, Muzzleloader: Dec 18 - Dec 28.
Does New Jersey require a hunter safety course?
Yes, New Jersey requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
Who manages hunting regulations in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in New Jersey. Their website (https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.