New Jersey 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
New Jersey's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Dec 7-12, 2026.
Fall Bow White-tailed Deer opens Sep 12, 2026 and closes Oct 30, 2026.
Spring Gobbler - Period Y (Youth) Wild Turkey opens Apr 24, 2027 and closes May 28, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.
- firearm deer
- Dec 7-12, 2026
- archery deer
- Sep 12-Oct 30, 2026
- spring turkey
- Apr 24-May 28, 2027
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Key seasons by species
How to read New Jersey's seasons
Deer Management Zones make the state a patchwork
New Jersey divides the state into many Deer Management Zones, and season dates and bag limits differ from one zone to the next across bow, permit-shotgun, permit-muzzleloader, and six-day firearm segments. A statewide date rarely applies cleanly.
Confirm zone boundaries and segment dates with the official New Jersey Fish and Wildlife source.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife before hunting.
New 2026-27
federal openings
in New Jersey
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 1 station in New Jersey. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026.
Deer
24 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Fall Bow
September 12 - October 2, 2026: First deer must be antlerless (does not apply to Youth License Holders). October 3 - October 30, 2026: Antlered or antlerless deer. Zones marked with * require at least 3 antler points on one side.
Zone: HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51)
White-tailed Deer
Fall Bow
September 12 - October 2, 2026: First deer must be antlerless (does not apply to Youth License Holders). October 3 - October 30, 2026: Antlered or antlerless deer. Zones marked with * require at least 3 antler points on one side.
Zone: MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*)
White-tailed Deer
Fall Bow
Zones marked with * require at least 3 antler points on one side.
Zone: LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 45, 46, 55, 63*, 65)
White-tailed Deer
Permit Bow
October 31 - December 24 and December 26 - December 31, 2026. December 25 excluded.
Zone: HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51)
White-tailed Deer
Permit Bow
Season is CLOSED in Zones 45 and 46.
Zone: LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 55, 63*, 65)
White-tailed Deer
Permit Bow
October 31 - December 24 and December 26 - December 31, 2026. December 25 excluded.
Zone: MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*)
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearm Day
Antler Point Restrictions do not apply. Must be accompanied by licensed, non-hunting adult.
Zone: HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51)
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearm Day
Antler Point Restrictions do not apply. Must be accompanied by licensed, non-hunting adult.
Zone: MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*)
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearm Day
Antler Point Restrictions do not apply. Must be accompanied by licensed, non-hunting adult.
Zone: LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 45, 46, 55, 63*, 65)
White-tailed Deer
Permit Muzzleloader
November 23-25 and 27, December 7-12, 2026: antlerless deer only. November 30, December 1, 14-24, 26-31, 2026 and January 1 - February 20, 2027: either sex.
Zone: HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51)
White-tailed Deer
Permit Shotgun
November 23-25 and 27, December 7-12, 2026: antlerless deer only. December 14-18, 2026 and January 1 - February 20, 2027: either sex.
Zone: HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51)
White-tailed Deer
Permit Muzzleloader
November 30, December 1, 14-24, and 26-31, 2026 and January 1-9, 2027.
Zone: MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*)
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerYouth Archery Day · HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51)Antler Point Restrictions and Earn-A-Buck regulations do not apply. Must be accompanied by licensed, non-hunting adult. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Archery Day · MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*)Antler Point Restrictions and Earn-A-Buck regulations do not apply. Must be accompanied by licensed, non-hunting adult. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Archery Day · LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 45, 46, 55, 63*, 65)Antler Point Restrictions and Earn-A-Buck regulations do not apply. Must be accompanied by licensed, non-hunting adult. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerPermit Muzzleloader · LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 55, 63*, 65)November 30, December 1, 14, 15, 19-24, and 26-31, 2026 and January 1-9, 2027. Season is CLOSED in Zones 45 and 46. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerSix-Day Firearm · HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51)Only season where two antlered bucks are allowed per hunter. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerSix-Day Firearm · MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*)Only season where two antlered bucks are allowed per hunter. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerSix-Day Firearm · LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 45, 46, 55, 63*, 65)Only season where two antlered bucks are allowed per hunter. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerPermit Shotgun · MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*)December 14-18, 2026 and January 1-16, 2027. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerPermit Shotgun · LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 55, 63*, 65)Season is CLOSED in Zones 45 and 46. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerWinter Bow · LOW (1, 3*, 4, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30*, 34*, 43, 45, 46, 55, 63*, 65) | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerWinter Bow · HIGH (7, 8, 9*, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51) | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerWinter Bow · MEDIUM (2, 5, 6, 16, 25, 27*, 28*, 29*, 31*, 35*, 47*) | Upcoming |
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth Hunt Day
Youth hunters ages 10-16 must be under direct supervision of a properly-licensed, non-hunting adult (21 or older). Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. Only one turkey may be taken per day regardless of number of permits held. Report harvest by 10 p.m. on day of harvest.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Period Y (Youth)
Ages 10-16. Apr. 24–May 15: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. May 17–May 28: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Period Y permit valid throughout the Spring Gobbler Season in designated Turkey Hunting Area until a male turkey is harvested. Youth aged 10-13 must be under direct supervision of a properly-licensed adult (21 or older) for remainder of season. Only one turkey per day regardless of number of permits.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Period A (M-F)
Monday-Friday only. Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. Only one turkey may be taken per day regardless of number of permits held. Report harvest by 10 p.m. on day of harvest. Calling or stand-hunting only. No electronic calling devices or electronically-operated decoys.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Period E (Saturdays)
Saturdays only: May 1, 8, 15, 22. Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. On May 22 only: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Only one turkey may be taken per day regardless of number of permits held. Report harvest by 10 p.m. on day of harvest. Calling or stand-hunting only.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Period B (M-F)
Monday-Friday only. Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. Only one turkey may be taken per day regardless of number of permits held. Report harvest by 10 p.m. on day of harvest. Calling or stand-hunting only.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Period C (M-F)
Monday-Friday only. Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. Only one turkey may be taken per day regardless of number of permits held. Report harvest by 10 p.m. on day of harvest. Calling or stand-hunting only.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Period D (M-F)
Monday-Friday only. Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Only one turkey may be taken per day regardless of number of permits held. Report harvest by 10 p.m. on day of harvest. Calling or stand-hunting only.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Either-Sex Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Fall Either-Sex Wild Turkey Hunting Season is CLOSED statewide. Closure due to population decline concerns; current population level cannot support a season that includes hen harvest. Closure intended to increase hen survival and reproduction.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
Black Bear
Archery
Segment A - Archery only (Mon. Oct. 12 - Sat. Oct. 17). Requires valid archery or firearm or all-around sportsman hunting license plus Black Bear Hunting Permit. No dogs, no bait within 300 ft. Bears under 75 lbs or adults with cubs under 75 lbs may not be harvested. Harvest reporting by 9 p.m. on day of harvest. Bears must be brought to a mandatory check station on the day harvested.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Segment A - Archery/Muzzleloader last three days (Oct. 15-17). Muzzleloader must also have Rifle Permit. Single-barrel, single shot, not less than .44 caliber. Harvest reporting by 9 p.m. on day of harvest. Bears must be brought to mandatory check station on day harvested.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
Black Bear
Shotgun/Muzzleloader
Segment B - Shotgun/Muzzleloader. Shotgun: smooth or rifled bore, 20-10 gauge, slugs only (no buckshot). Muzzleloader: not less than .44 caliber. Harvest reporting by 7 p.m. on day of harvest. Bears must be brought to mandatory check station on day harvested. Check station hours noon to 7 p.m.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
Black Bear
Shotgun/Muzzleloader (Season Extension)
Segment B Extension - only if authorized; notification to be made on Monday, Dec. 14. Shotgun/Muzzleloader. Harvest reporting by 7 p.m. on day of harvest. Segment B bag limit (including extension) is one bear >75 lbs live weight.
Zone: All Bear Management Zones
Waterfowl
23 listed rowsDucks, Mergansers and Coot
Regular Season
Two splits: Oct. 10–Oct. 17 and Nov. 14–Jan. 14
Zone: North Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Bag limit increases from 1 to 2 on Dec. 23
Zone: North Zone
Youth-only Waterfowl Day
Youth
Includes ducks, geese, brant, merganser, coot and gallinule.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Mergansers and Coot
Regular Season
Two splits: Oct. 17–Oct. 24 and Nov. 21–Jan. 21
Zone: South Zone
Scaup
Regular Season
Bag limit increases from 1 to 2 on Dec. 30
Zone: South Zone
Waterfowl - Veterans/Active Military Only Day
Veterans/Military
Statewide Veterans & Active Military Day. Includes ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots and gallinules.
Zone: Statewide
Light Geese (Regular Season)
Regular Season
Light geese include greater and lesser snow geese and Ross's geese. Season starts and ends three weeks later than typically. Hunters should carefully check season dates for light geese while waterfowl hunting.
Zone: Statewide
Youth-only Waterfowl Day
Youth
Includes ducks, geese, brant, merganser, coot and gallinule.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Brant
Regular Season
Two splits: Nov. 21–Nov. 28 and Dec. 12–Jan. 7. Brant bag limit remains at 1 bird; hunters should carefully check season dates for brant while duck hunting.
Zone: North Zone
Brant
Regular Season
Two splits: Nov. 21–Nov. 28 and Dec. 12–Jan. 7. Brant bag limit remains at 1 bird.
Zone: South Zone
Canada Geese (Regular Season)
Regular Season
Singly or in aggregate to include Cackling and White-fronted Goose.
Zone: Coastal Zone
Canada Geese (Regular Season)
Regular Season
Singly or in aggregate to include Cackling and White-fronted Goose. Two splits: Nov. 21–Nov. 30 and Dec. 19–Jan. 30. Canada goose bag limit increased to 3 birds in North Zone.
Zone: North Zone
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BrantRegular Season · Coastal ZoneTwo splits: Nov. 26–Nov. 28 and Dec. 24–Jan. 23. Brant bag limit remains at 1 bird. | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (Regular Season)Regular Season · South ZoneSingly or in aggregate to include Cackling and White-fronted Goose. Two splits: Nov. 21–Nov. 30 and Dec. 19–Jan. 30. Canada goose bag limit increased to 3 birds in South Zone. | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (September Season)Early Season · StatewideElectronic calls permitted. Great Swamp NWR now open for this season. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (Special Winter Season)Special Winter Season · Special Winter Season AreasSingly or in aggregate to include Cackling and White-fronted Goose. Hunting hours 1/2 hr before sunrise to sunset. Only in designated Special Winter Season hunting areas. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks, Mergansers and CootRegular Season · Coastal Zone | Upcoming | |
| Light Geese (Conservation Order)Conservation Order · StatewideTo be determined based on 2026 Annual Spring Migration Population Count. Decision will be made by Fall 2026. Conservation Order Permit ($2) required. Electronic calls and shotguns up to 7 shells permitted. | dates not listed | Closed |
| ScaupRegular Season · Coastal ZoneBag limit increases from 1 to 2 on Jan. 7 | Upcoming | |
| Sea Ducks (Black, Surf and White-winged Scoter; Long-tailed Duck and Eider only)Regular Season · StatewideCrippled birds may be shot from craft under power in the Special Sea Duck Area ONLY. | dates not listed | Closed |
| Swans, harlequin duck, king rail, sandhill crane and mourning doveClosed · StatewideNo open season for these species. | dates not listed | Closed |
| Waterfowl - Youth and Veterans/Active Military DayYouth/Veterans · StatewideStatewide Joint Veterans & Active Military and Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day. Includes ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots and gallinules. | Upcoming | |
| Youth-only Waterfowl DayYouth · North ZoneIncludes ducks, geese, brant, merganser, coot and gallinule. | Closed |
Pheasant
Pheasant/Quail/Partridge/Mallard
Commercial Shooting Preserves
Hunting hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. Must be tagged prior to transport off Commercial Preserve. Sunday Hunting Allowed. Species restricted to those approved on Commercial/Semi-Wild license. Mallard included.
Zone: Commercial Shooting Preserves
Pheasant
Youth Upland Bird Day
For properly licensed Youth hunters under direct supervision of licensed, non-hunting adult (21 or older). 7 a.m. start (Mentored), 1 p.m. start (Open hunt). See Youth Pheasant Hunt Day Information on pages 16-17.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Youth Pheasant Days
For properly licensed Youth hunters under direct supervision of licensed, non-hunting adult (21 or older). Hunting hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. See Youth Pheasant Hunt Days Information on pages 16-17.
Zone: Statewide
Chukar Partridge, Hungarian Partridge, Pheasant
General
Closed Dec. 7-12 & 16, 2026. Hunting hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. No Sunday hunting. See Pheasant Stocking schedule on page 51.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant/Quail/Partridge
Semi-Wild Preserves
Hunting hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. Must be tagged prior to transport off semi-wild area. Sunday Hunting Allowed. Species restricted to those approved on Commercial/Semi-Wild license.
Zone: Semi-Wild Preserves
Quail
Bobwhite Quail (stocked)
General
Closed Dec. 7-12 & 16, 2026. Hunting hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. No Sunday hunting except commercial and semi-wild hunting preserves.
Zone: Greenwood Forest WMA, Peaslee WMA ONLY
Bobwhite Quail (wild)
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Wild bobwhite quail season closed statewide. Stocked quail may be taken at Peaslee and Greenwood WMAs and on commercial and semi-wild hunting preserves.
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Ruffed grouse season closed statewide. No exceptions. Lack of habitat has caused grouse populations to decline below level necessary to support a hunting season.
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Gray Squirrel, Rabbit, Jackrabbit, and Hare
General
Closed Dec. 7-12 & 16, 2026. Hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. Weapons: Air Gun, Bow, Muzzleloading Rifle or Shotgun. Hunter Orange required when hunting with firearm. Rifle Permit required if using muzzleloader. Dogs allowed. Sunday hunting prohibited.
Small Game
Opossum and Raccoon
Night Hunting
Closed Dec. 7-12 & 16, 2026. Hours: 1 hr. after sunset to 1 hr. before sunrise. Weapons: Air Gun, .22 cal. rifle, or Shotgun. Hunter orange encouraged but not required. Dogs allowed. Sunday hunting: 12:01 a.m. to 1 hr. before sunrise only. Portable lights allowed.
Woodchuck
General (Air Gun, Bow, Shotgun)
Closed Dec. 7-12 & 16, 2026. Hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr. after sunset. Weapons: Air Gun, Bow or Shotgun. Hunter orange encouraged with shotgun but not required. Dogs allowed. Sunday hunting prohibited.
Woodchuck
Rifle Season
Hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr. after sunset. Weapons: Centerfire, Rimfire or Muzzleloading Rifle (Valid Rifle Permit required). Hunter orange encouraged but not required. Dogs allowed. Sunday hunting prohibited. Rifle use for woodchuck prohibited on all State WMAs, Parks and Forests & Recreation Areas.
Migratory Birds
Rail (Sora, Clapper and Virginia) and Gallinule
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular Season
Two splits: Oct. 24–Oct. 31 and Nov. 3–Dec. 5. Hunting hours sunrise to sunset.
Zone: North Zone
Woodcock
Regular Season
Two splits: Nov. 7–Dec. 5 and Dec. 19–Dec. 31. Hunting hours sunrise to sunset.
Zone: South Zone
Woodcock
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
HIP Certificate Required ($2). See Other Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons table on page 59.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Coyote and Fox
Daytime
Hunting license required; no permit needed. Hours: 1/2 hr. before sunrise to 1/2 hr. after sunset. Weapons: Bow, Shotgun (10-20 ga.), Centerfire Rifle (.25 cal. max.), Rimfire rifle (.22 cal. max.), Muzzleloader rifle (.44 cal. min.), Air gun (.25 cal. only). Between Sept. 8 and Dec. 31, 2026, rifle use prohibited on all State WMAs, Parks and Forests & Recreation Areas. Dogs allowed except Dec. 7-12 & 16, 2026. Harvest reporting of Coyote AND Gray Fox required by 10 p.m. on day of harvest. Sunday hunting prohibited.
Coyote and Fox
Nighttime
Hunting license required; no permit needed. Hours: 1/2 hr. after sunset to 1/2 hr. before sunrise. Shotgun ONLY (10 or 12 ga., shot sizes #4 fine to #3 buckshot). Dogs prohibited. Standing and calling only; must possess manual or electronic call. Bait prohibited. Portable lights permitted. Hunter orange optional. Harvest reporting of Coyote AND Gray Fox required by 10 p.m. on day of harvest.
Other
Crow
General
First segment: Aug. 10, 2026 - Nov. 28, 2026. Hunting hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset. Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday only.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season
Hunting allowed Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday only. Two splits: Aug. 10–Nov. 28 and Dec. 14–Mar. 20. Electronic calls permitted.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
General
Second segment: Dec. 14, 2026 - Mar. 20, 2027. Mon., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. only. Hunting hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hr after sunset.
Zone: Statewide
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New Jersey Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in New Jersey?
September 12, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for New Jersey; it is fall bow white-tailed deer Sep 12-Oct 30, 2026.
When is New Jersey's firearm deer season?
Dec 7-12, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for New Jersey. Check zone and permit details with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in New Jersey?
April 24, 2027 is the first listed spring turkey opener for New Jersey; the listed window is Apr 24-May 28, 2027.
Do I need a license to hunt in New Jersey?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate New Jersey hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.