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Planning Updated Jan 29, 2026

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.

NJ regulations 3 species Split seasons shown Zone info included
NJ

Coming Up in New Jersey

Seasons opening in the next 60 days

Turkey Any Legal Method

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

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NJ

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
Official Source: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
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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

Archery Bow & Crossbow
Rifle/Firearm Modern rifles
Muzzleloader Black powder
Shotgun Shotguns only
Any Legal All methods

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.

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New Jersey License Info

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