Hunting Seasons & Licensing · NJ
New Jersey Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonNew Jersey has an extremely high deer density and actively encourages harvest through multiple seasons and liberal bag limits. The state has approximately 60,000 deer hunters and manages over 350,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas. Despite being the most densely populated state in the country, New Jersey offers productive hunting close to major cities. The state is divided into deer management zones with different regulations to address varying deer densities.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Bow | Sep 6 – Oct 31, 2025 (fall) / Nov – Dec (permit bow) | Multiple tags — liberal limits | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms (Six-Day) | Dec 8 – Dec 13, 2025 | 1 antlered + additional antlerless | Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun |
| White-tailed Deer | Permit Muzzleloader | Late Nov – early Dec / mid-Jan | Antlerless emphasis | Muzzleloader only |
| White-tailed Deer | Winter Bow | Jan 3 – Feb 14, 2026 | Antlerless only | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| Black Bear | General | Oct / Dec segments (varies) | 1 bear per year | Bow, shotgun, muzzleloader |
White-tailed Deer (Bow): NJ encourages maximum deer harvest
White-tailed Deer (Firearms (Six-Day)): Shotgun-only in most zones. No rifles for deer.
White-tailed Deer (Winter Bow): Extended antlerless harvest
Black Bear (General): Bear seasons have been politically contentious. Check current year status.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 21 – May 24, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey per season | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Late Oct – early Nov | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Nov 8 – Feb 14, 2026 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 8 – Feb 14, 2026 | 4 daily | Shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 18 – Feb 14, 2026 | 3 daily | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on WMAs
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 8 – Feb 14, 2026 | 3 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Gray Squirrel | General | Oct 11 – Feb 14, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $22.50 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $135.50 | — |
| Resident Deer Permit (firearms) | $28 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Permit | $155.50 | — |
| Resident Bow Permit | $28 | — |
| Resident Turkey Permit | $11 | — |
| Non-Resident Turkey Permit | $41 | — |
| Youth (under 16) | Reduced fees | — |
| Senior (70+) | Free (resident) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most New Jersey hunting permits are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for deer, turkey, or most other species. Multiple antlerless deer permits are available and encouraged to manage the overabundant deer population. Bear hunting seasons and availability have varied by year due to policy changes — always confirm current year status with NJDFW.
Harvest Reporting
New Jersey requires mandatory harvest reporting for all deer, turkey, and bear through the NJ DEP Fish and Wildlife online system or by phone. Deer must be reported by 8:00 PM the evening of harvest. Turkey and bear must be reported within 24 hours.
New Jersey Wildlife Resources
- New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Operation Game Thief: 855-648-8477
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.