Despite its small size, New Jersey archery season offers hunters wilderness venues and plenty of species for their trips. The “Garden State” has many species, including deer, black bears, turkey, and small game.
New Jersey (NJ) Archery Season, 2022-2023
New Jersey wildlife management increased its season over recent years, giving hunters more than 100 days a year to get onto public and private lands for their hunting trips. You might be wondering if it’s worth going out to hunt in Jersey, but in 2021, hunters bagged more than 55-000 deer. Plan your trip to New Jersey hunting grounds and enjoy your time in the Garden State.
When does Archery Season Start in NJ?
New Jersey Deer Seasons
-
Archery September 10-30 / October 1-November 27* / January 1-February 18*
-
Youth Archery September 24
*New Jersey regulates deer season by region.
New Jersey Black Bear Seasons
-
Archery Closed
Black bear seasons are offered on a permit basis only.
New Jersey Wild Turkey Seasons
-
Fall General Season October 29 / October 31-November 5
-
Spring General Season April 24-May 20*
-
Spring Youth Season April 22-May 26*
*Season dates vary by region. Spring turkey hunting permits are awarded by lottery. Hunters must apply between January and February. There’s no lottery for the fall hunting season.
New Jersey Small Game Seasons
-
Coyote October 1-March 15*
-
Pheasant & Partridge November 12-February 20*
-
Rabbit September 24-February 25*
-
Squirrel September 24-February 25*
*Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in New Jersey?
Legal hunting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset. Hunters must report all deer harvested using Fish and Wildlife’s Automated Harvest Report System.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in NJ
Hunters can visit the New Jersey Department of Game and Fish website for more details on permits and licenses.
New Jersey Residents
A resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for 90 days. All residents aged 18 or older must have a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents must purchase a Habitat Management & Access Validation and Habitat Stamp.
Youth Hunting Licenses
New Jersey residents and non-residents under 18 need a hunter education certificate to hunt. Residents and non-residents under 18 can buy a reduced-fee hunting license. Additional privileges or permits may be required to hunt specific game species.
Senior Hunting Licenses
New Jersey residents aged 65 or older can buy a reduced-fee license.
Disability Licenses
Physical disabilities qualify residents for a reduced-fee Resident Handicapped License.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in New Jersey can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is New Jersey residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave.
New Jersey residents on active duty are eligible for free Game-Hunting and Fishing Licenses for a year following their return to the state. Resident veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for free lifetime Game-Hunting and Fishing Licenses.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a New Jersey Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
New Jersey hunting licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 from the date of purchase. Species permits are valid during authorized seasons.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
