(951) 530-3363 info@sosoutfitters.com

NEW JERSEY LAWS & REGULATIONS

Wondering what the Laws and Regulations are for Hunting in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains New Jersey’s rich variety of fish and wildlife species at stable, healthy levels and to protect and enhance the many habitats on which they depend. As hunting season begins, all hunters must have a valid hunting license along with other required permits and stamps depending on the hunted specie. It is unlawful that hunters trespass private land without permission as well as surpass the daily limit. State law prohibits the use of aircrafts as an aid to locate game and hunt in a powered-on vehicle. It is also illegal to shoot across public roads and waters, and kill or shoot-at any game without the intention of retrieving it. 

*Visit New Jersey’s Hunting and Trapping Guide for More Information*

FEATURED ANIMALS

WHITE TAIL DEER

All deer hunters must a valid hunting license and proper, valid zone permit. Only one antlered deer may be taken per season statewide regardless of the number of antlered buck permits in possession, except two deer may be taken during the Six-Day Firearm Season. To be legal, all deer harvested must be reported using Fish and Wildlife’s Automated Harvest Report System , either online or by telephone. A legal deer must have one antler measuring at least three inches in length. Hunters are required to tag all deer upon harvest and before transporting the deer. Bag limits varies on the location the hunter is hunting in.

  • General Season: Nov. 23 – Jan. 11, 2021
  • Archery Season: Sept. 21 – Oct. 25 ; Jan. 1 – 31, 2021 

*Seasons and bag limits differ based on location, permit required, and youth hunts – Visit New Jersey’s Deer Seasons and Bag Limits/Retrictions for more information*

BLACK BEAR

 All black bear hunters must have a current and valid archery or firearm or all-around sportsman hunting license and a special Black Bear Hunting Permit issued by Fish and Wildlife. Firearm black bear hunters must wear a hat of solid fluorescent hunter orange or an outer garment containing at least 200 square inches of fluorescent orange material visible from all sides. Properly licensed hunters who harvest a black bear shall immediately complete and affix to the bear hide the “Black Bear Transportation Tag” from their Black Bear Hunting Permit. One bear of either sex and any age may be harvested per permit, but only one bear may be harvested per segment.

  • General Season: Oct. 17 – Dec. 21, 2020 
  • Archery Season: Oct. 14 – Oct. 19, 2020

*Seasons differ based on different areas – Visit New Jersey’s Bear Seasons for specific dates*

canadian goose

Hunting canadian geese is a popular migratory bird hunt in New Jersey. Hunters must obtain a valid hunting license, New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Certification and Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). All hunters also, including Apprentice License holders, must obtain an HIP certification before hunting canadian geese as well. No hunter shall exceed the daily limit of two birds per hunt.

  • General Season: Nov. 23–Nov. 30 ; Dec. 27–Jan. 22

*Visit New Jersey’s Goose Seasons for more information*

Other Species