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New Jersey Hunting Seasons 2024 New Dates & Regulations

New Jersey is a hunter’s paradise because of its abundance of wildlife and many game opportunities throughout the year. Every season in the state offers a new and exciting pursuing opportunity, whether for deer in the fall and winter or turkey in the spring and summer. To that end, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide in a style that’s simple to read and follow. Learn more about hunting seasons, regulations, and laws to have the most rewarding hunting experience possible.

New Jersey Hunting Seasons

Deer

A specialized deer permit is available in New Jersey for ardent hunters who want to take part in the deer shooting seasons from 2023 through 2024. It’s crucial to remember that all permits are good for a full calendar year, regardless of the kind of wildlife being pursued. Farmers have a small exemption in that they are not need to get a hunting license in order to shoot deer on their own property, but they are still required to report any deer they successfully harvest to the appropriate authorities.

New Jersey Deer Hunting
New Jersey Deer Hunting

Deer hunting in New Jersey is a thrilling experience for hunters, with three different seasons to choose from. Whether you prefer to hunt with a bow during the autumn bow season, the winter bow season, or with a firearm during the six-buck firearms season, there’s something for every hunter.

New Jersey Archery Deer

ScheduleZonesDatesBag Limits
Fall Bow7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 36, 41, 49, 50, 51Sept. 14–Sept. 27, 2024Must take 1 antlerless before a buck.
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 36, 41, 49, 50, 51Sept. 28–Oct. 25, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 at a time).
5, 19, 25, 42, 48Sept. 14–Oct. 25, 20249 antlerless, 1 antlered (2 at a time).
2, 16, 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 47Sept. 14–Oct. 25, 20245 antlerless, 1 antlered.
6Sept. 14–Oct. 25, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered.
30, 55, 63, 65Sept. 28–Oct. 25, 20242 antlerless or 1 antlerless & 1 antlered.
1, 3*, 4, 18, 22, 26Sept. 14–Oct. 25, 20241 antlerless, 1 antlered.
21, 23, 24, 34*, 43, 45, 46Sept. 14–Oct. 25, 20241 deer only, either sex.
Youth Day ArcheryAll ZonesSept. 21, 20241 deer only, either sex. Youth must be with licensed adult.
Permit Bow10, 11, 13*, 14, 15, 36, 49, 50, 51Oct. 26–Dec. 24, Dec. 26–31, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 at a time).
7, 8, 9*, 12, 17, 41Oct. 26–Dec. 31, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 at a time).
5, 19, 25, 42, 48Oct. 26–Dec. 31, 20249 antlerless, 1 antlered (2 at a time).
2, 16, 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 47Oct. 26–Dec. 31, 20245 antlerless, 1 antlered.
6Oct. 26–Dec. 31, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered.
30, 55, 63, 65Oct. 26–Nov. 24, 20242 antlerless or 1 antlerless & 1 antlered.
1, 3*, 4, 18, 22, 26Oct. 26–Nov. 24, 20241 antlerless, 1 antlered.
21, 23, 24, 34*, 43Oct. 26–Nov. 23, 20241 deer only, either sex.
Winter Bow7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 36, 41, 49, 50, 51Jan. 1–Feb. 15, 2025Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 at a time).
5, 19, 25, 42, 48Jan. 1–Jan. 31, 20259 antlerless, 1 antlered (2 at a time).
2, 16, 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 47Jan. 1–Jan. 31, 20255 antlerless, 1 antlered.
6Jan. 1–Jan. 31, 2025Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered.
30, 55, 63, 65Jan. 1–Jan. 31, 20252 antlerless or 1 antlerless & 1 antlered.
1, 3*, 4, 18, 22, 26Jan. 1–Jan. 31, 20251 antlerless, 1 antlered.
21, 23, 24, 34*, 43Jan. 1–Jan. 31, 20251 deer only, either sex.

It is recommended that you cross-reference the dates with the Archery hunting digest below before planning a hunt.

New Jersey Firearm Deer

ScheduleZonesDatesBag Limits
Youth Day FirearmAll ZonesNov. 23, 20241 deer, either sex (Youth must be with licensed adult).
Permit Muzzleloader10, 11, 13*, 14, 15, 36, 49, 50, 51Antlerless: Nov. 25–27, 29, Dec. 9–14, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 deer at a time).
Either sex: Dec. 2–3, 16–17, Dec. 21–24, 26–31, 2024, Jan. 1–Feb. 8, 2025
7, 8, 9*, 12, 17, 41Antlerless: Dec. 9–14, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 deer at a time).
Either sex: Dec. 2–3, Dec. 16–17, Dec. 21–24, 26–31, 2024, Jan. 1–Feb. 8, 2025
5, 19, 25, 42, 48Dec. 2–3, Dec. 16–17, Dec. 21–24, 26–31, 2024, Jan. 1–31, 20259 antlerless, 1 antlered (2 deer at a time).
2, 16, 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 47Dec. 2–3, Dec. 16–17, Dec. 21–24, 26–31, 2024, Jan. 1–11, 20255 antlerless, 1 antlered.
6, 30, 55, 63, 65Dec. 2–3, Dec. 16–17, Dec. 21–24, 26–31, 20242 antlerless, or 1 antlerless and 1 antlered.
1, 3*, 4, 18, 22, 26Dec. 2–3, Dec. 16–17, Dec. 21–24, 26–31, 20241 antlerless, 1 antlered.
21, 23, 24, 34*, 43Dec. 2–3, Dec. 21, 23–24, 26–31, 20241 deer only, either sex.
Permit Shotgun10, 11, 13*, 14, 15, 36, 49, 50, 51Antlerless: Nov. 25–27, 29, Dec. 9–14, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 deer at a time).
Either sex: Dec. 18–20, 2024, Jan. 4–Feb. 8, 2025
7, 8, 9*, 12, 17, 41Antlerless: Dec. 9–14, 2024Unlimited antlerless, 1 antlered (2 deer at a time).
Either sex: Dec. 18–20, 2024, Jan. 4–Feb. 8, 2025
5, 19, 25, 42, 48Dec. 18–20, 2024, Jan. 4–31, 20259 antlerless, 1 antlered (2 deer at a time).
2, 16, 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 47Dec. 18–20, 2024, Jan. 11–18, 20255 antlerless, 1 antlered.
6, 30, 55, 63, 65Dec. 18–20, 20242 antlerless, or 1 antlerless and 1 antlered.
1, 3, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 34, 43Dec. 18–20, 20241 deer only, either sex.
Six-Day FirearmAll ZonesDec. 9–14, 20242 antlered deer (1 at a time).

It is recommended that you cross-reference the dates with the Firearm Deer hunting digest below before planning a hunt.

NJ Turkey

PeriodDatesBag Limit
Youth Turkey Hunt Day19-Apr-251 male turkey per permit
Fall 2024 SeasonOct. 26, 2024, & Oct. 28–Nov. 2, 20241 turkey (either sex) per permit
Spring Gobbler SeasonApril 19–May 10, 20251 male turkey per permit
Period Y (ages 10–16)April 19–May 10, 2025
May 12–May 23, 2025May 12–May 23, 2025
Period A (Mon-Fri)April 21–25, 2025
Period B (Mon-Fri)April 28–May 2, 2025
Period C (Mon-Fri)May 5–9, 2025
Period D (Mon-Fri)May 12–16 & May 19–23, 2025
Period E (Saturdays)April 26; May 3, 10, 17, 2025

Regulations for spring and fall turkey hunting

  • Artificial decoys are allowed; decoys that operate electronically are not.
  • A weapon may not be carried when turkey hunting within 300 feet of a baited area.
  • From a blind or tree stand, you may go turkey hunting.
  • Coyotes may be accidentally killed by turkey hunters before they reach their daily bag limit. Call 1-855-448-6865 to report coyote harvests, or report them online at NJ.WildlifeLicense.com
  • It’s illegal to stalk a turkey.
  • Fanning or reaping is the practice of sneaking up on a turkey using a hand-held decoy or tail as a protection cover.

NJ Bear

SegmentDatesPermitted Weapons
Segment AOctober 14–16, 2024Archery ONLY
October 17–19, 2024Archery/Muzzleloader ONLY
Segment BDecember 9–14, 2024Shotgun/Muzzleloader ONLY

Additional details:

  • Only from October 9–11 is archery hunting permitted in Segment A. Between October 12 and 14, muzzleloaders are permitted.
  • Shotguns and muzzleloaders are permitted in segment B.
  • Segment B may get an extension from December 13–16.
  • No sows with cubs or bear cubs may be captured.
  • There are required bear checks and baiting regulations. Details in full are in the digest.
  • Only one bear may be taken per permit, although if the hunter possesses licenses for more than one zone, only one bear may be taken in each section.

Coyote & Fox

Regular
Bow Only28-Sep – 8-Nov
Bow / Shotgun9-Nov – 15-Mar
Special Permit
Bow/Shotgun/Riffle (Day)1-Jan – 15-Mar
Shotgun Only (Night)

Small Game

Squirrel

SpeciesSeason DatesBag Limits
Gray Squirrel (Muzzleloading)Sept. 28–Nov. 8, 2024; Jan. 4–Feb. 22, 2025Daily: 5, No season limit
Gray Squirrel, Hare, Jackrabbit, RabbitSept. 28, 2024–Feb. 22, 2025Daily: 5 squirrels, 1 hare/jackrabbit, 4 rabbits
(8 a.m. start on Nov. 9; Closed Dec. 9–14 & 18, 2024)

Rabbit

Air Gun, Bow, ShotgunSept. 30 – Feb. 241 hare or jackrabbit, and 4 cottontail (No season limit.)

Raccoon, Opossum

Air Gun, .22 cal. rifle, Shotgun (Night Hunting)Oct. 1 – Mar. 1
 Closed Dec. 9–14 & 18

Woodchuck

Woodchuck (Bow/Shotgun)Mar. 1, 2024–Feb. 22, 2025Bow, ShotgunNo daily or seasonal limits
(8 a.m. start on Nov. 9; Closed Dec. 9–14 & 18, 2024)
Woodchuck (Rifle)Mar. 1–Sept. 25, 2024; Mar. 1–Oct. 1, 2025Modern/Muzzleloading Rifle (Valid Rifle Permit required)

Upland Bird

Quail

Species Bag Limit
Bobwhite quail (stocked)11-Nov (8 am) – 31-Jan4
 Closed Dec 4–9 & 13 
Bobwhite quail (wild), Ruffed grouseClosed statewide 
(Semi-Wild Preserves)Nov 11 at 8 am – 15-MarNo Limit
(Commercial Shooting Preserves)Sep 1 at 8 am – May 1No Limit

Pheasant

Species Bag Limit
Pheasant Season9-Nov (8 am) – 31-Jan2
  
Youth Pheasant Days9-Nov-24 – 17-Feb-252
Youth Upland Bird Day (Pheasant)Saturday, Nov. 2,2
(Semi-Wild Preserves)Nov 9 at 8 am – 15-MarNo Limit
(Commercial Shooting Preserves)Sep 1 at 8 am – May 1No Limit

Partridge

Species Bag Limit
Chukar partridge, Hungarian partridge9-Nov-24 – 17-Feb-257
  
(Semi-Wild Preserves)Nov 9 at 8 am – 15-MarNo Limit
(Commercial Shooting Preserves)Sep 1 at 8 am – May 1No Limit

Crow

Crow (Mon., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. only)12-Aug – 7-Dec
 16-Dec – 15-March (Mon., Thurs., Fri., Sat. only)

Waterfowl Bird

Duck, Sea Duck, Mergansers, Coots

ZoneSpeciesSeason Dates
North ZoneDucks, Mergansers, and CootOct. 12–Oct. 19, 2024
Nov. 16, 2024–Jan. 16, 2025
 ScaupOct. 12–Oct. 19, 2024
Nov. 16–Dec. 24, 2024: 1
Dec. 25, 2024–Jan. 16, 2025: 2
 BrantNov. 16–Nov. 30, 2024
Dec. 14, 2024–Jan. 2, 2025
 Canada Geese (Regular Season)Nov. 28–Nov. 30, 2024
Dec. 26, 2024–Jan. 25, 2025
 Youth-only Waterfowl DayOct. 5, 2024
South ZoneDucks, Mergansers, and CootOct. 19–Oct. 26, 2024
Nov. 23, 2024–Jan. 23, 2025
 ScaupOct. 19–Oct. 26, 2024
Nov. 23–Dec. 31, 2024: 1
Jan. 1–Jan. 23, 2025: 2
 BrantNov. 23–Nov. 30, 2024
Dec. 14, 2024–Jan. 9, 2025
 Canada Geese (Regular Season)Nov. 28–Nov. 30, 2024
Dec. 26, 2024–Jan. 25, 2025
 Youth-only Waterfowl DayOct. 12, 2024
Coastal ZoneDucks, Mergansers, and CootNov. 9–Nov. 13, 2024
Nov. 28, 2024–Jan. 31, 2025
 ScaupNov. 9–Nov. 13, 2024
Nov. 28, 2024–Jan. 8, 2025: 1
Jan. 9–Jan. 31, 2025: 2
 BrantNov. 28–Dec. 7, 2024
Dec. 14, 2024–Jan. 7, 2025
 Canada Geese (Regular Season)Nov. 9–Nov. 13, 2024
Nov. 28, 2024–Jan. 31, 2025
 Youth-only Waterfowl DayOct. 26, 2024

Snipe

7-Sep – 9-JanLimit of 8

Rail

Rail (Sora, Clapper and Virginia)2-Sep – 21-NovSora & Virginia rail: 25 total or aggregate; Clapper rail: 10
King railClosed 

Gallinule

2-Sep – 21-NovLimit of 1

Swans, Sandhill Crane, Dove

  • Closed

New Jersey Trapping

Beaver, OtterTrapping26-Dec – 9-FebMax 5 traps per day per zone 8 per Special Permit, 10 per Damage Permit
Mink,Muskrat, NutriaNorth Zone: Nov 15, 2023; South Zone: Dec 1, 2023No daily or seasonal limit
Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk, Weasels, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Coyote15-Nov – 15-Mar
Bobcat, FisherClosed statewideIf you find a bobcat in your trap, do not disturb the set; immediately call (877) 927-6337 to report capture, and await Fish and Wildlife’s Response Team

It is recommended that you cross-reference the dates with the hunting digest below before planning a hunt.

Hunting License

TypeResident FeeNon-Resident Fee
Regular License$33.00$102.00
Bear Permit (Deer Season Only)$42.00$137.00
Bow Hunting Permit$23.00$38.00
Muzzleloader Permit$23.00$38.00
Turkey Permit (Spring Season)$23.00$38.00
Turkey Permit (Fall Season)$23.00$38.00
Waterfowl Stamp$8.00$8.00
Habitat Stamp$5.00$5.00
Youth Licenses (Ages 10–16)Valid through Dec. 31 of the year youth turns 16Free
Bow & Arrow Resident and Non-Resident (Age 10-16)Completion of HunterCourse.com online program and in-person live fire Hunter Education sessionFree
Firearm Resident and Non-Resident (Age 10-16)Same requirements as Bow & Arrow licensesFree
Rifle Permit – Youth (Age 10-16)Passed a Hunter Education course including rifle training$6
Rifle Permit – Adult (Age 16+)Same requirements as Youth Rifle Permit$10.50
Pheasant & Quail Stamp (Age 16+)Valid NJ bow or firearm hunting license$40

Regulations

  1. Firearm is only allowed during designated seasons.
  2. All hunters must have a valid license.
  3. Pursuing on private property without permission is illegal.
  4. Lead ammunition is banned for waterfowl hunting.
  5. Electronic and recorded bird calls are not allowed.
  6. Migratory bird game without proper permits is illegal.
  7. Threatened or endangered species is not allowed.
  8. Hunters must wear fluorescent orange clothing.
  9. Hunting within 450 feet of a dwelling or occupied building without permission is illegal.
  10. Dogs is allowed in designated areas, check with local wildlife management.
  11. Big game is only allowed during specific seasons with proper tags.
  12. Crossbow during archery season is illegal.
  13. Lights while hunting are restricted, check with local wildlife management.
  14. Possession of illegally taken wildlife is not allowed.
  15. Game bird is regulated by state and federal laws, check with local wildlife management.
  16. Decoy use is regulated, check with local wildlife management.
  17. Carrying a loaded pistol near a building or school playground without permission is illegal.
  18. Crossing a road with a rifle or bow is prohibited.
  19. Shooting from a moving vehicle is not allowed.
  20. Targeting game with laser or illumination sights is illegal.
  21. Artificial light for detecting or shooting game animals is forbidden except for specific seasons.
  22. Vehicle-mounted or portable lights for nighttime shooting or hunting is restricted.
  23. Bait is not allowed on national wildlife refuges, and Sunday hunting is prohibited.
  24. Injecting drugs into game animals with projectiles is illegal in all states.
  25. Carrying a loaded handgun on or near a moving vehicle is prohibited.
  26. Loaded weapons or cocked crossbows are not allowed in vehicles.
  27. Mutilation of wild birds or mammals is illegal.

Also, read more about NJ regulations at the eregulation.com website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the New Jersey firearms deer hunting season start?

Permit bow, shotgun, muzzleloader, youth archery, and firearm hunts are all included in the season. The dates range from September 9, 2023, through February 10, depending on the kind of hunt and zone. Antlerless or either-sex deer may be pursued by hunters.

Can you provide information about the black bear hunting season in New Jersey for the upcoming year?

The New Jersey black bear game has been divided into segments and techniques. From October 9 through October 14, archery is covered in segment A. One bear weighing more than 75 pounds may now be taken by hunters. From October 12 to 14, Segment A additionally provides archery/muzzleloader with a bag limit of one bear weighing more than 75 pounds live weight. Hunters may take one bear weighing more than 75 pounds during Segment B, Shotgun/Muzzleloader , which takes place from December 4 to 9. With the same bag limit of one bear above 75 lbs. live weight, Segment B, shotgun/muzzleloader, is extended from December 13 to 16. The season for black bear hunting in New Jersey for the next year is determined by these dates and bag limits.

What is the turkey bag limit in New Jersey?

There is no season limit for turkey hunting in New Jersey, and each permit is valid for one bird per day. The Spring Gobbler Season runs from April 20 to May 24, with a bag limit of one male turkey per permit. The Fall Either Sex Turkey Season runs from October 28 to November 4, 2023, with a bag limitation of one bird (either sex) per permit. With a “Y” licence, young hunters between the ages of 10 and 16 may hunt whenever they want throughout the spring, with a bag limit of one male turkey. Hunting licenses and turkey permits are required in New Jersey and may be obtained online or via authorized vendors.

What kinds of game animals are legal to hunt in New Jersey?

White-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, rabbits, squirrels, upland game birds like pheasants and quail, waterfowl like ducks and geese, and furbearers like coyotes, foxes, and raccoons are among the animals that may be hunted in New Jersey. These animals may be hunted from September to December or from October to May. Shotguns, rifles, bows, and airguns are permitted for certain species and hunting methods.

Regulation Source: DEP New Jersey

John Lewis
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2 thoughts on “New Jersey Hunting Seasons 2024 New Dates & Regulations”

  1. Hi I am a nonresident hunter interested in hunting black bear. Can you provide a list of property owners who are willing to allow a hunter to harvest a black bear. Also can you give me information on public land that nonresident hunters can access to harvest a bear.

    Reply
    • Contacting local hunting clubs or groups in New Jersey, such as the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, to enquire about hunting prospects and possible property owners who permit hunting is one option. The New Jersey Hunter Access Program, which collaborates with private landowners to give public hunting access on their lands, is another alternative. It is essential to remember, however, that participating landowners maintain their rights as landowners and may create their own rules and boundaries for property usage.

      Reply

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