New Jersey Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

New Jersey deer hunting

Despite being one of the smallest states in the US, New Jersey has a lot to offer resident and nonresident hunters in terms of large and small wildlife. Deer, turkeys, bears, and other small game species are among the most common.

Regulations for Hunting in New Jersey

New Jersey hunting regulations are laws and restrictions that all hunters in the state must follow. Some of the most important ones are as follows:

New Jersey Baiting Regulations

Anyone who kills, shoots, or attempts to shoot, inures, hunts, takes or attempts to take, or has hunting weapons and firearms to take wildlife and games from any form of elevated place or tree within at least 300 feet of baited areas is prohibited.

Baited areas, according to New Jersey hunting regulations, are areas where food or any other item meant to entice game animals has been exposed or distributed.

Farmland areas for crop harvesting, on the other hand, are not baited regions, regardless of whether they contain any food products commonly used to attract birds or game animals.

In New Jersey, there is an exemption to the baiting ban when it comes to deer shooting. Hunters are permitted to take deer from trees and elevated elevations within baited zones, regardless of the legal distance.

Regulations Concerning Trespassing

Before taking game on private lands, hunters must seek a permit from the landowners. An exception is only permitted if the hunter owns the land. Hunters will also be held accountable for any damage to private property. Regardless of whether they issue a permit to hunt on their property, landowners will not be held liable for the injuries of hunters.

In New Jersey, the use of bows and arrows is prohibited.

The following are some of the illegal uses of bows, arrows, and archeries in New Jersey:

The use of arrows with poisoned or explosive points is prohibited. It is also illegal to have such an arrow in your possession when hunting.
It is illegal to use an edged head arrow to hunt down game birds while they are in flight.
Regardless of the hunting season, it is illegal to hunt game with a bow within an hour and 30 minutes after nightfall and an hour before sunrise.
It is illegal to take game animals with a bow and arrow from cars in the state, whether they are moving or not.
When hunting in New Jersey, it is illegal to carry weapons or archery in your possession.
It is illegal to transport your crossbow in a cocked position while in a vehicle.

Closed-Season Hunting in New Jersey

Some games in New Jersey do not have specific hunting and trapping regulations. Bobcats, sandhill cranes, grouses, mourning doves, and fishermen are among the games on this list.

Regulations for Hunting Dogs in New Jersey

It is illegal to allow your hunting dog to go loose when hunting. Hunters are permitted to train their hunting dogs during the day, but not with guns. However, training dogs is prohibited during New Jersey hunting seasons.

In addition, no hunter should train dogs to hunt opossums and raccoons in Wildlife Management Areas. However, exceptions are permitted during certain times of the year, such as between the 1st of September and the 1st of October and between the 1st of March and the 1st of May. Training hours will be between an hour after dusk and an hour before sunrise during these times.

It is illegal to use hunting dogs to capture or pursue animals such as deer and black bears. It is also illegal to track these injured dogs. However, hunters in New Jersey with a valid permit may use the services of certified dog handlers for locating and recovering wounded wildlife in the state only during the game’s stated hunting season.

River hunting on the Delaware

Due to state border constraints, hunting in the Delaware River is prohibited. To hunt in any other portion of New Jersey, you’ll need a state-issued stamp or permission for the area you’re in.

Regulations for Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

It is illegal to use drones or any sort of remotely controlled unmanned aircraft to trap, take, hunt, track, harass, recover, or scout wildlife and game animals unless allowed by the government in charge.

Regulations for Falconry Hunting

It is illegal to utilize a raptor to hunt without a New Jersey Falconry permit or a state hunting license. It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 14 to hunt any game with the help of raptors. Sunday hunting of migrating game birds is likewise prohibited under New Jersey hunting restrictions.

In New Jersey, only hunters who pass the required examination and demonstrate that they have the necessary facilities to house raptors will be awarded a falconry permit. Only experienced falconers can sponsor apprentices or beginning falconers.

Possession of guns during raptor hunting is prohibited in New Jersey.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

While hunting in the state, you may open carry. During archery season, however, you are not permitted to openly carry or possess guns.

The following are provisions of the New Jersey firearm harassment law:

Nobody must obstruct or attempt to obstruct the movement of anyone engaged in legitimate weapon hunting.
Nobody shall erect a barrier to prevent admission and exit from any area of wildlife where hunting activities are permitted.
Nobody shall attempt to make any illegal physical contact with a licensed hunter.
Nobody shall take part in any attempt to rob or destroy any hunting property in the state.
Nobody is permitted to disturb or attempt to alter the natural surroundings of a property licensed for legitimate hunting activities.
Nobody shall trespass on any public or private land or water intended for hunting without first obtaining permission from the owner or the authorized authority.
Nobody shall provoke a commotion by making gestures that annoy or impede others from engaging in authorized hunting activities.
During legitimate hunting sessions, no one shall place themselves in the path of a fire.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in New Jersey

The state of New Jersey issues hunting licenses depending on residency, age, and the type of weapon required to take wildlife. For specialized games, permits, badges, and stamps are available. As a result, hunting some games will necessitate both a hunting license and a hunting permit.

The following hunting licenses are available in New Jersey:

Licenses for firearms

The following are included in New Jersey weapons licenses:

Resident Firearms Hunting Permit

This license is available to New Jersey residents between the ages of 16 and 64. It will set you back $27.5.

Apprentice Firearms Permit

This license is given to apprentice hunters who are New Jersey citizens who have not completed the mandatory hunting course. The minimum age to obtain this license is between the ages of 18 and 64. It will set you back $27.5.

Firearm Hunting Licenses for Senior Residents

This license is only accessible to senior residents of New Jersey who are 65 or older. It will set you back $15.5.

Senior Residents Apprentice Firearm License

Only apprentice senior citizens of New Jersey who are 65 years old or older and have not completed the hunter training course are eligible for this license. It will set you back $15.5.

Non-resident Firearms Hunting Permit

Non-residents who desire to participate in New Jersey hunting seasons can obtain this license. It is $135.5.

Apprentice License for Non-Residents

This license is given to non-resident apprentice hunters who have not completed the mandatory hunting training. The minimum age to obtain this license is between the ages of 18 and 64. It is $135.5.

Non-resident Small Game Firearm Hunting License for Two Days

Non-residents can hunt small game for two days in a row with this license. Holders are permitted to go waterfowl hunting but not turkey hunting in New Jersey.

A Special Hunting License for One Day

This license is only valid for one day of hunting in New Jersey commercial preserves. It is $12.5.

It is priced at $12, and Arrow

The following types of bow-and-arrow licenses are available in New Jersey:

Residents’ Bow and Arrow Hunting Permit

This license is available to New Jersey residents between the ages of 16 and 64. It will set you back $31.5.

License to Hunt with a Bow and Arrow as an Apprentice

This license is given to apprentice hunters who are New Jersey citizens who have not completed the mandatory hunting course. The age limit for purchasing this license is between 14 and 64 years old. It will set you back $31.5.

Bow and Arrow Hunting Licenses for Senior Residents

This license is only accessible to senior residents of New Jersey who are 65 or older. It will set you back $16.5.

Bow and Arrow Hunting License for Apprentice Senior Residents

Only apprentice senior citizens of New Jersey who are 65 years old or older and have not completed the hunter training course are eligible for this license. It will set you back $16.5.

Bow and Arrow Hunting License for Non-Residents

Non-residents who desire to participate in New Jersey hunting seasons can obtain this license. It is $135.5.

Apprentice Bow and Arrow Hunting License for Non-Residents

This license is given to non-resident apprentice hunters who have not completed the mandatory hunting training. The minimum age to obtain this license is between the ages of 18 and 64. It is $135.5.

Hunting with a Bow and Arrow for Children

This license is available to young people between the ages of 10 and 15. It is completely free.

New Jersey hunting licenses

In New Jersey, hunting permits include the following:

Permits for Hunting Deer

These permits are granted for the taking of deer with any form of weapon. It is priced at $28.

Permit for Youth Deer and Turkey Hunting

This permission is only available to young people between the ages of 10 and 15. It costs $12.

Permit for the Turkey Season

A turkey season permit is required to hunt turkeys during their hunting season. It will set you back $21.

Permits for Black Bears

A black bear permit in New Jersey costs $2.

Permit to Carry a Rifle

To hunt with rifles, you must first obtain rifle permission. This permit is good from July 1 to June 30. To apply for permission, you must be at least 16 years old. It costs $10.5 USD.

Permit for a Youth Rifle

Youths must first receive this permit in order to hunt with firearms from July 1st to June 30th. It is offered only to people under the age of 16, and it costs $6.

Permit for Beaver Trapping

In order to catch beavers in New Jersey, you must first obtain this permission. It is priced at $17.

Permits for Coyotes and Foxes

A hunting permit is required in New Jersey to hunt coyotes and foxes. It is $2.00.

Stamps for Hunting in New Jersey

The following hunting stamps are available in New Jersey:

Hunting Stamp for Pheasants and Quail

The cost of this stamp is $40.

Stamp for Waterfowl Hunting

This permit is only good from July 1 to June 30. It is offered for $5 and $10 to locals and non-residents, respectively.

Trapping Permits

Trapping licenses in New Jersey include the following:

Resident Trapping Permit

This license will allow New Jersey citizens to set traps for game animals. It will set you back $32.5.

Non-Resident Trapping Permit

Non-residents who want to set traps for games in New Jersey must obtain this license. It is priced at $200.5.

Trapping Permit for Minors

This license is available to young people between the ages of 12 and 15. It enables them to set loose traps.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in New Jersey

In New Jersey, fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Combination License for Sportsmen

This is a fishing and hunting license for the state of New Jersey. It allows holders to engage in weapons and bowhunting in addition to fishing. It is $72.25.

Residents’ Fishing Permit

This license is only available to New Jersey residents between the ages of 16 and 64. It will set you back $22.5.

Fishing License for Senior Citizens

This license is accessible to senior citizens of New Jersey between the ages of 65 and 69. It is $12.50.

Stamps for Resident Trout

Residents of New Jersey who want to catch trout must obtain this license. It costs $10.5 USD.

Non-resident fishing permits

Non-residents who desire to catch fish in New Jersey water bodies can obtain this license. The license requires a minimum age of 16 years. It is $34.00.

Stamps for Non-Resident Trout

Non-residents who want to catch trout in New Jersey must obtain this license. It is priced at $20.

Vacation Fishing License for 7 Days

This license is exclusively available to non-residents or visitors to New Jersey. It is only good for 7 days and costs $19.5.

Vacation Fishing License for Two Days

This license is exclusively available to non-residents or visitors to New Jersey. It is only active for two days and costs $9.

Hunting Season in New Jersey

Hunting seasons in New Jersey vary depending on the game and the sort of hunting weapon required to take it.

The following species will be hunted in New Jersey during the 2020–21 hunting season:

Deer Season in New Jersey

Archery Hunting Season (September 12th to October 30th)
Youth Archery Hunting Season (September 26th)
Firearms Hunting Season (December 7th to December 12th)
Youth Firearms Hunting Season (November 21st)

Black Bear Season in New Jersey

Season of Archery Hunting (12th–14th of October)
Season for Archery and Muzzleloader Hunting (15th to 17th of October)
Firearm Hunting Season (December 7th to December 12th and December 16th to December 19th)

Because of the enormous number of hunters interested in black bear hunting in New Jersey, permits are always restricted and sell rapidly.

Seasons for Wild Turkey in New Jersey

(To Be Announced) Fall General Hunting Season
(To Be Announced) Spring General Hunting Season
Spring Youth Day (to be announced)

The dates for the several seasons of turkey hunting in New Jersey can vary depending on the hunting zone. Lotteries will be used to distribute turkey hunting permits, and interested hunters must apply between January and February. There is no fall turkey hunting season, which is unfortunate for turkey hunters.

Small Game Seasons in New Jersey

(To Be Announced) Coyote Hunting Season
Season of Pheasant Hunting (To Be Announced)
Season of Partridge Hunting (To Be Announced)
Season for Rabbit Hunting (To Be Announced)
Season for Squirrel Hunting (To Be Announced)

Hunters should be aware that bag restrictions, hunting regulations, and legislation differ depending on the game species and the season. They should go to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for more information on the game they intend to hunt, the hunting season, and the hunting zone.

Wildlife, games, and fishing in New Jersey

The following are examples of common games and fauna in New Jersey:

Black bear hunting in New Jersey

Black bears are a large game that can be found throughout North America. They can be found in all of North America’s forests, including Mexico. They live in New Jersey woodland environments such as oak woodland, chaparral, and coniferous woods.

Hunting for turkeys in New Jersey

Turkeys are one of New Jersey’s most popular big games. Turkey hunting in New Jersey is strictly regulated, with permits and tags required.

Deer hunting in New Jersey

Mule deer and white-tailed deer are the two most prevalent deer species accessible for big-game hunting in New Jersey.

Hunting for rabbits in New Jersey

Cottontail rabbits are accessible for small game hunting in three species in New Jersey. Mountain cottontail, desert cottontail, and eastern cottontail are among them.

Pheasant hunting in New Jersey

Pheasants live in agricultural areas of New Jersey that have extremely high humidity. Pheasant hunting is popular in New Jersey.

Squirrel hunting in New Jersey

Tree squirrels are one of the most commonly hunted small game birds in New Jersey. There are four different species and eight subspecies, and they live in the state’s forested areas.

Hunting for coyotes in New Jersey

Coyotes are fairly common in the state and can be found throughout the state.

Hunting for Raccoons in New Jersey

Raccoons are one of the few animals in New Jersey that can be captured with weapons at night.

The shooting range in New Jersey

The following are some of the shooting ranges in New Jersey that are open to the public:

WMA Assunpink
Firearms Training Facility in Atlantic County
WMA Black River
WMA Clinton
WMA Colliers Mills
The Junior Marksman Club of Delran
WMA Winslow
WMA Tuckahoe
Sporting Clays Red Wing
Thunder Mountain Trap & Skeet Association
Sportsmen’s Association of Shongum
Quinton Sportsmen’s Association
South Jersey Police Officers Association
New Jersey Firearms School
Clay Target Club of North Jersey
WMA Millville
Mallard Trap Association
Range 14 of the Fort Dix Rod & Gun Club
Sporting Gunning Club
SORA Training Center Gun for Hire

Hunting Lands in New Jersey for Sale and Lease

New Jersey hunting lands for sale Include the following items:

Farmland on 48 acres in rural Raritan Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey
In Sussex County, there is a 45-acre lot perfect for hunting and fishing. The property is bisected by Papakating Creek.

The following hunting lands are available for lease in New Jersey:

Farrington Lake Park Area, South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, 11.5 Acres for Deer, Fox, and Turkey Hunting
275 acres of wooded undulating hills in Athens County, Ohio There are lots of deer, including a few huge bucks; ATV use is authorized; and the land is completely baited and ready for hunting.
11.5 Acres for Deer, Fox, and Turkey Hunting in Middlesex County, New Jersey, Farrington Lake Park Area, South Brunswick