New Jersey

New Jersey Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to New Jersey hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $27.50 General hunting

Non-Resident License $135.50 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1955-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026

LICENSE FEES

New Jersey Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Firearm Hunting (16-64) $27.50 —

Resident Bow & Arrow (14-64) $31.50 —

Resident All-Around Sportsman $72.25 —

Resident Senior Firearm (65+) $15.50 —

Resident Senior Bow (65+) $16.50 —

Resident Youth (10-15) Free —

Resident Apprentice Firearm (18+) $27.50 —

Resident Apprentice Bow (14+) $31.50 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Firearm Hunting (16+) — $135.50

Non-Resident Bow & Arrow (14+) — $135.50

Non-Resident 2-Day Small Game — $36.50

Tags & Permits

Zone-Specific Antlerless Deer Permit $28 $28

DRS Multi-Zone Deer Permit $56 $56

Antlered Buck Permit $28 $28

Turkey Permit (Spring Lottery) $28 $28

Bear Permit $28 $28

Endorsements & Stamps

Conservation ID (CID) Free Free permanent hunter ID; required before any license purchase

NJ Waterfowl Stamp $5 Required for waterfowl hunting in NJ

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for migratory bird hunters

Pheasant & Quail Stamp $40 Supports NJ upland stocking program

PURCHASE

How to Buy a New Jersey Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit njfishandwildlife.com. Obtain free Conservation ID (CID) first. Select firearm ($27.50), bow ($31.50), or All-Around ($72.25). Add deer permits ($28 zone or $56 DRS multi-zone). Apply for spring turkey lottery ($28 + $2 app fee). Add bear permits ($28, up to 2) if hunting bear. Pay and print license

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Local sporting goods stores, NJDFW offices

Buy By Phone

Call 609-292-2965. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your New Jersey hunting license is online through the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in New Jersey

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1955

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in New Jersey?

Youth (10-15) Free Free youth hunting license until age 16; permits still required

Senior (65+) Reduced fees Firearm $15.50, bow $16.50; significant savings

Disabled Veteran Free Service-connected disabled veterans receive free licenses

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NJ pay resident rates

Apprentice Hunter No hunter ed Hunt without hunter ed under mentor supervision; firearm 18+, bow 14+

SEASONS

New Jersey Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Bow (Early) Sep 13 – Oct 31 Bow and crossbow

White-tailed Deer Permit (Firearms) Dec 8 – Dec 13 Shotgun, muzzleloader (no rifles)

White-tailed Deer Six-Day Firearm Dec 2 – Dec 7 Shotgun, muzzleloader; Zone-specific

White-tailed Deer Winter Bow Jan 3 – Feb 15 Bow and crossbow; late antlerless focus

White-tailed Deer Youth Deer Day Nov – 1 day Any legal weapon; ages 10-15 with adult

Black Bear Bow Oct – Nov Bow; zone-specific

Black Bear Firearms Dec – Dec Shotgun, muzzleloader; quota-based; up to 2 permits

Turkey Youth Spring Mid-Apr – 1 day Shotgun, bow; supervised youth

Turkey Spring (Lottery) Apr 21 – May 24 Shotgun, bow; lottery + leftover OTC

Turkey Fall Oct 25 – Nov 1 Shotgun, bow

Pheasant (Stocked) Regular Nov 8 – Dec 31 Shotgun; NJDFW stocks WMAs

Quail Regular Nov 8 – Feb 15 Shotgun; bobwhite stocked

Rabbit Regular Nov 8 – Feb 15 Shotgun; cottontail

Squirrel Regular Sep 13 – Feb 15 Shotgun, .22 rifle

Woodcock Regular Oct – Nov Shotgun; HIP required

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct-Jan – Zone-specific Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Coyote Jan 1 – Mar 15 Jan 1 – Mar 15 Shotgun, bow; daytime only in NJ

BAG LIMITS

New Jersey Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 1 antlered per season + antlerless by permit No rifles; shotgun slugs/muzzleloader/archery; CWD zones require check-in

Black Bear 1 Up to 2 permits/zones Zone-based quota system; bear population managed in NW NJ

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys; lottery + OTC leftover

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Pheasant 2 No season limit Roosters; NJDFW stocking program

Quail 6 No season limit Bobwhite; stocked on WMAs

Rabbit 4 No season limit Cottontail

Squirrel 5 No season limit Gray squirrel

COMPARE

How New Jersey Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

New Jersey $27.50 $135.50

New York $22 $100 Pennsylvania $20.97 $101.97 Delaware $39.50 $199.50

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in New Jersey?

Resident firearm: $27.50, bow: $31.50, All-Around Sportsman: $72.25 (firearm+bow+fish). NR: $135.50. Senior 65+: $15.50/$16.50. Youth 10-15: FREE. Deer/turkey permits $28 each additional.

Can you use a rifle for deer?

No — NJ bans rifles for deer statewide due to population density. Shotgun slugs, muzzleloaders, and archery only. Rifles ARE allowed for some small game. One of the most restrictive deer hunting states.

Can you hunt bear in NJ?

Yes — NJ has a regulated bear season in NW NJ. Permits: $28 each (up to 2 for different zones). Seasons include archery (Oct-Nov) and firearms (Dec). Zone-specific quotas apply.

What is the Apprentice License?

NJ allows hunting without hunter ed courses under direct mentor supervision. Firearm apprentice: 18+ ($27.50). Bow apprentice: 14+ ($31.50). Must purchase all required permits. Great for beginners.

Do youth hunt free?

Yes — ages 10-15 get FREE hunting licenses. They still need species permits (deer/turkey $28 each). Youth Deer Day provides early access. Free license valid until age 16.

What is the DRS Multi-Zone permit?

The $56 Deer Regulation Set permit is valid across ALL zones in Regulation Set 7 or 8 — double the $28 zone-specific permit but covers much wider area. Good for hunters with multiple property access.

What about CWD in NJ?

NJ has CWD surveillance zones requiring mandatory deer head drop-off at check stations. Some zones have enhanced antlerless harvest incentives. Check current zone maps at njfishandwildlife.com.

Can I buy a NJ license online?

Yes, at njfishandwildlife.com. Get free Conservation ID first. Also at Walmart, sporting goods stores, and NJDFW offices. Turkey spring permits require lottery application ($2 app fee).