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We set out to create the most simplified guide to New Jersey hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
New Jersey is a densely populated state but it still has some great outdoor offerings. And don't let it's size fool you - NJ has more than 750,000 acres of public hunting land available.
The Appalachian mountains run through the northern eastern part of the state and the southern part of the state has lots of farmland both of which offer good deer hunting due to the high deer population. There are some nice size lakes like Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood lake that offer good fishing. NJ also has miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean with great access to deep sea fishing.
Archery: September 11 - October 29 and October 30 - January 31
Youth Archery: September 25
Firearm: December 6 - December 11
Youth Firearm: November 20
Fall General Season: October 24 and October 26 -October 31
Coyote: November 7 - March 15
Pheasant & Partridge: November 7- December 5
Rabbit: September 26, - December 5 and December 14 - December 15, and December 17 - February 20
Squirrel: September 26 - December 5 and December 14 - December 15 and December 17 - February 20
See the map below for a breakdown of NJ's hunting zones:
NJ hunting is incredibly complicated. Please refer to the official site for your zone.
You can also buy the 'All around sportsmen' license for $72.50, which includes Resident Firearm Hunting, Bow and Arrow Hunting and Fishing Licenses.
Permits
Firearm Deer season in NJ always opens the second Monday after Thanksgiving
The black bear season is closed. On June 21, 2021, New Jersey's Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy (CBBMP) expired, and as such, there is no black bear hunt in 2021. In accordance with the Supreme Court ruling on September 27, 2007, no black bear hunt may occur without a properly-promulgated CBBMP proposed by the New Jersey Fish and Game Council and approved by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
No hunting on Sunday (mostly)
You can hunt with a crossbow during Archery season
Must wear orange
Hunting hours vary by season
You have to harvest a doe before you get a buck
Official State Site: https://www.njfishandwildlife.com
Alabama's hunting season starts October 15 for Archery and November 20 for firearms.
Fuggedaboutit! Actually there are a few scenarios you can but mostly hunting on Sundays in not allowed in Jersey.
First you have to pass the hunter safety course. You can then purchase a hunting license online at https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales
