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Hunting in New Jersey
Hunting in New Jersey
New Jersey may be the most densely populated state in the nation, but it offers surprisingly strong hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game. The state’s diverse landscapes—from the Pine Barrens to the Skylands region to the coastal marshes—support robust wildlife populations and a dedicated hunting community. New Jersey’s deer herd is one of the densest in the nation, and the state uses hunting as its primary deer management tool.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife manages hunting across the state’s 7,354 square miles. With over 300,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas and additional state forest and park lands open to hunting, New Jersey hunters have more public hunting access than many realize. The state’s WMA system provides critical hunting access throughout the region, and New Jersey consistently issues more deer hunting licenses per square mile than almost any other state.
New Jersey’s coastal position along the Atlantic Flyway makes it an important stop for migrating waterfowl, and the state has a proud tradition of decoy carving and waterfowl hunting along its extensive marshes and bays. Sea duck hunting off the coast, brant hunting along the Jersey Shore, and puddle duck hunting in the Pine Barrens offer diverse waterfowl opportunities from fall through winter.
Key Insights
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- New Jersey’s deer density is among the highest in the nation, making deer hunting highly productive across the state.
- The state has over 320,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas providing public hunting access in the most densely populated state in the US.
- New Jersey’s coastal position along the Atlantic Flyway makes it excellent for waterfowl hunting including Canada geese, sea ducks, and brant.
- The Pine Barrens region contains Wharton State Forest (115,000+ acres) and much of the state’s best public hunting land.
- The state stocks tens of thousands of pheasants annually across its WMAs, providing accessible upland hunting statewide.
Table of Contents
Hunters (Based on Hunting Licenses)
Land Types (Acres)
New Jersey ranks 50th among all 50 states for percentage of private land by total state area.
New Jersey Hunting Seasons
For the most accurate information on New Jersey Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the New Jersey DNR. We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
501 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
- (609) 292-2965
Popular Game in New Jersey
White-tailed deer are by far the most popular game animal in New Jersey. The state’s deer density is among the highest in the nation, and hunting is the primary tool used to manage populations. Wild turkey hunting has grown dramatically over the past two decades, with birds now found throughout the state. New Jersey’s coastal position along the Atlantic Flyway makes waterfowl hunting—especially Canada geese, sea ducks, and brant—an important part of the state’s hunting culture. Pheasant stocking programs provide upland hunting opportunities at WMAs throughout the fall season.
Small Game Hunting in New Jersey
New Jersey has an active pheasant stocking program that provides hunters with ring-necked pheasant hunting opportunities across its Wildlife Management Areas from October through February. The state stocks tens of thousands of birds annually, making pheasant hunting one of the most accessible upland pursuits in New Jersey. Cottontail rabbit hunting is also popular throughout the state’s agricultural edges and brushy areas.
Waterfowl hunting along New Jersey’s extensive coastal marshes and bays is a proud tradition dating back centuries. The state’s position on the Atlantic Flyway results in substantial concentrations of Canada geese, brant, sea ducks, and puddle ducks from October through January. Delaware Bay’s tidal marshes provide excellent black duck and teal hunting, while the barrier islands and bays along the Jersey Shore offer outstanding sea duck hunting in the late season.
Dove hunting opens the New Jersey hunting season in early September and is popular throughout the agricultural areas of the southern part of the state. Squirrel hunting in the state’s hardwood forests provides additional small game opportunities, and American woodcock hunting during the October migration is a cherished tradition for pointing dog enthusiasts.
Big Game Hunting in New Jersey
White-tailed deer hunting is the dominant big game pursuit in New Jersey and the state takes deer management very seriously. New Jersey’s deer herd is extremely dense—particularly in the southern Pine Barrens region and the agricultural areas of the northwest—and the state utilizes both archery and six-day firearms seasons as well as extended antlerless seasons to manage deer numbers. The state’s rich agricultural food sources and favorable habitat produce deer with excellent body condition.
Wild turkey populations have expanded dramatically across New Jersey since reintroduction efforts, and the spring gobbler season is now one of the most anticipated hunting events in the state. Birds are found throughout the state from the rugged hills of the Skylands region to the Pine Barrens to suburban areas. A fall turkey season is also available, providing hunters with additional opportunities to pursue Eastern wild turkeys.
Black bear hunting in New Jersey has been a contentious but important wildlife management tool. The state’s black bear population in the northwestern counties has grown substantially, and managed hunts have been used to control population growth. Coyotes are found statewide and can be hunted year-round, providing predator hunters with year-round opportunities.
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Hunting Areas in New Jersey
New Jersey offers great hunting opportunities across the state, both on public and private land. We’ve included some of the best areas for public hunting below and as we have access we’ll be adding more private land too.
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We’re working with landowners all across New Jersey to provide private land access for more activities. Add your information below to stay up to date.
Public Land Hunting in New Jersey
New Jersey has over 320,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas providing public hunting access throughout the state. The Wharton State Forest in the Pine Barrens is the largest single tract of state land in New Jersey at over 115,000 acres, providing deer, turkey, and small game hunting in the distinctive sandy soils and pine forest of southern New Jersey. The Pine Barrens region as a whole contains much of the state’s best public hunting land.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the northwestern corner of the state provides over 70,000 acres of hunting land along the Delaware River. This area offers excellent deer, turkey, and bear hunting in rugged Appalachian terrain. The Kittatinny Ridge area of the Skylands region provides additional quality public hunting in northern New Jersey.
New Jersey’s 120+ Wildlife Management Areas are distributed throughout all regions of the state, ensuring that hunters in every county have access to public hunting land. These areas receive regular wildlife management attention including habitat improvements, water control structures, and annual pheasant stocking.
1. Wharton State Forest
2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
3. Greenwood Wildlife Management Area
4. Assunpink Wildlife Management Area
5. Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area
Hunting Private Land in New Jersey
Since a large portion of New Jersey is private land, getting access for hunting can be very appealing. When you hunt private land, it’s not only less crowded, the animals also tend to be less skittish and this means you’ll have a better day out in the field. Traditionally, accessing private land for hunting has been complicated and expensive. You either needed to join a club, hire a guide, or start knocking on doors.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying this for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some options below.