New Jersey Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for New Jersey including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
New Jersey Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for New Jersey including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in New Jersey
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 27 - May 31, 2026
Opens in 55 days
Complete Season Calendar
All New Jersey hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 5 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 6 - Oct 31, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Fall bow | |
| Archery | Nov 15 - Dec 27, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Fall bow continues | |
| Shotgun | Dec 1-6, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Six-day firearm | |
| Shotgun | Dec 8-13, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Permit season | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 1-14, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Muzzleloader only | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 27 - May 31, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring season | |
Bear 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Oct 11-18, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Limited bear hunt | |
Got your license ready to show?
Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport
New Jersey Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Bear
- Deer
- Turkey
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Shotgun
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Wildlife Agency
- New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for New Jersey
New Jersey uses shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow for deer. No rifles.
Hunting Method Legend
New Jersey Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in New Jersey
What are the hunting season dates for New Jersey?
New Jersey offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Turkey. The license year runs from Jul 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in New Jersey?
Deer season in New Jersey typically begins with archery season starting Sep 6, 2025.
Does New Jersey require a draw for hunting?
New Jersey offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in New Jersey?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 27, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in New Jersey?
New Jersey uses shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow for deer. No rifles.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
Need a New Jersey Hunting License?
Store your NJ license in Hunter Passport for instant offline access.