New Jersey Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

If you're a New Jersey resident looking to go hunting this year, you need to be familiar with the state's hunting seasons and licensing requirements. I

n this article, we will provide an overview of what you need to know in order to hunt in New Jersey. We will also discuss the different types of licenses available, and how to apply for them. So if you're ready to take your hunting skills to the next level, keep reading!

Hunting In New Jersey

Although New Jersey is a small state, it nevertheless has plenty to offer residents (and nonresidents) who go into its wilderness. There's plenty of wildlife to hunt in the Garden State, including deer, wild turkey, black bears, and small game.

New Jersey has expanded the amount of hunting days in previous years, reaching more than 100 days for young and old hunters to travel outside. And the state's size doesn't imply it's short on wildlife: hunters bagged nearly 55,000 deer during the 2020-2021 deer season.

Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for more information on licenses, permits, and best practices if you're interested in learning more about hunting rules in New Jersey.

New Jersey Deer Seasons

Archery	Sept. 11-Oct. 29** and Oct. 30-Jan. 31
Youth Archery	Sept. 25
Firearm	Dec. 6-11
Youth Firearm	Nov. 20

New Jersey regulates some deer seasons by location. For more information on specific hunting dates in your part of the state, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife website.

New Jersey Black Bear Seasons

Archery	Closed
Archery and Muzzleloader	Closed
Firearms	Closed

Black bear seasons are offered to hunters on a permit basis, which can sell out quickly. In 2021, the black bear season in New Jersy is closed.

New Jersey Wild Turkey Seasons

Fall General Season

Oct. 24, 26-31

**Season dates vary by zone. Spring turkey hunting permits are awarded on a lottery basis. You must apply for a permit between January and February to be entered into the lottery. There is no lottery for the fall season.

New Jersey Small Game Seasons

Coyote	Nov. 7-Mar. 15
Pheasant & Partridge	Nov. 7-Dec. 5
Rabbit	Sept. 26-Dec. 5 and Dec. 14-15, Dec. 17-Feb. 20
Squirrel	Sept. 26-Dec. 5 and Dec. 14-15, Dec. 17-Feb. 20

How To Get A Hunting License In New Jersey?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the New Jersey hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the New Jersey Fish, Wildlife & Parks website or a Montana–approved provider.

New Jersey License Expiration

New Jersey licenses are for the calendar year and expire on December 31 regardless of when purchased (see Youth Licenses for exception). Deer permits are valid into the following year if a season extends into it, but the current year's license is required. Waterfowl Stamps and Rifle Permits only are valid for the July 1 - June 30 period.

Where to Buy a New Jersey Hunting License

Visit the New Jersey Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
Visit a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office or an approved license provider.

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for New Jersey hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for more information.