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State Guide

New Jersey Hunting Guide 2026

Complete New Jersey hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

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.