New Jersey 2025-2026 Hunting Breakdown – Seasons by Game & Region
Welcome fellow outdoor enthusiasts! The Garden State offers incredible opportunities for hunters with over 100 days of various game seasons throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your hunting journey, this comprehensive guide covers all the essential dates, permit requirements, and zones for the 2025-2026 season. From whitetail deer in the autumn woods to waterfowl in the marshes, we’ve got you covered with the latest regulations and schedules straight from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife.
🗓️ Quick Reference: Key Species Summary
| Species | Season Opens | Season Closes | Method | Tags Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Fall Bow) | Sept. 13, 2025 | Oct. 3, 2025 | Archery | Bow License + Permits |
| Six-Day Firearm | Dec. 8, 2025 | Dec. 13, 2025 | Shotgun | Firearm License + Permits |
| Spring Turkey | Apr. 20, 2026 | May 22, 2026 | Various Periods | Spring Permit Required |
| Pheasant | Nov. 8, 2025 | Feb. 16, 2026 | Shotgun/Bow | Pheasant & Quail Stamp |
| Waterfowl | Oct. 18, 2025 | Jan. 22, 2026 | Shotgun | Federal + State Stamps |
🦌 All Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons
Deer Hunting – The Crown Jewel of NJ Hunting
New Jersey’s deer population provides exceptional opportunities across multiple zones and weapon types. Here’s your complete breakdown:
🏹 Archery Seasons:
- Fall Bow: Sept. 13 – Oct. 3, 2025 (select zones) / Oct. 4 – Oct. 31, 2025 (remaining zones)
- Youth Archery Day: Sept. 27, 2025 (all zones)
- Permit Bow: Nov. 1 – Dec. 24, 2025 & Dec. 26 – Dec. 31, 2025
- Winter Bow: Jan. 1 – Feb. 21, 2026
🔫 Firearm Seasons:
- Youth Firearm Day: Nov. 22, 2025
- Six-Day Firearm: Dec. 8 – Dec. 13, 2025 (the traditional second Monday after Thanksgiving)
- Permit Shotgun (Antlerless): Nov. 24-26, 28 & Dec. 8-13, 2025
- Permit Shotgun (Either Sex): Dec. 17-19, 2025; Jan. 3 – Feb. 14, 2026
- Permit Muzzleloader: Dec. 1-2, 15-16, 20-24, 26-31, 2025; Jan. 1-31, 2026
🎟️ Required Permits:
- Zone-specific antlerless permits ($28 adult, $12 youth)
- Antlered buck permits ($28 adult, $12 youth)
- Multi-zone permits available for expanded opportunities
Black Bear – Limited Opportunities
Bear hunting remains highly regulated with specific segments:
- 🏹 Archery Segment A: Oct. 13 – Oct. 18, 2025
- Muzzleloader Segment A: Oct. 16 – Oct. 18, 2025 (final 3 days)
- Shotgun/Muzzleloader Segment B: Dec. 8 – Dec. 13, 2025
- Potential Extension: Dec. 17 – 20, 2025 (if authorized)
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth
Spring Gobbler Season – The Ultimate Challenge
Fall either-sex turkey season remains closed statewide for 2025-26, but spring offers excellent opportunities:
- Youth Turkey Day: April 18, 2026
- Period A: Apr. 20 – 24, 2026
- Period B: Apr. 27 – May 1, 2026
- Period C: May 4 – 8, 2026
- Period D: May 11 – 15 & May 18 – 22, 2026
- Period E (Saturdays only): Apr. 25; May 2, 9, 16, 2026
- Youth Period Y (ages 10-16): May 11 – 22, 2026
🎟️ Spring turkey permits require applications and are period-specific. Plan ahead as popular periods fill quickly!
🦊 Furbearers – Trapping & Hunting
The Garden State offers diverse furbearer opportunities through both hunting and trapping:
Trapping Seasons:
- Beaver & Otter (permit required): Dec. 26, 2025 – Feb. 9, 2026
- Coyote, Gray Fox, Red Fox: Nov. 15, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026
- Mink, Muskrat, Nutria: North Zone (Nov. 15, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026) / South Zone (Dec. 1, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026)
- Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk: Nov. 15, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026
- Weasels: Nov. 15, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026
Note: Bobcat and Fisher seasons remain closed statewide.
🐦 Upland Birds – Pheasant, Quail & More
Ring-necked Pheasant & Quail
These classic upland species provide excellent wing-shooting opportunities:
- Pheasant, Chukar & Hungarian Partridge: Nov. 8, 2025 (8 a.m.) – Feb. 16, 2026
- Quail (stocked areas): Nov. 8, 2025 (8 a.m.) – Jan. 31, 2026
- Youth Pheasant Day: Nov. 1, 2025
- Youth Pheasant Days: Nov. 3 – 7, 2025
🎟️ Required: Pheasant & Quail Stamp ($40) for all hunters 16+
Both seasons closed Dec. 8-13 & Dec. 17, 2025 (during deer firearm seasons)
Commercial & Semi-Wild Preserves
- Commercial Preserves: Sept. 1, 2025 – May 1, 2026
- Semi-Wild Preserves: Nov. 8, 2025 (8 a.m.) – March 15, 2026
🐿️ Upland Animals – Small Game Variety
Squirrel, Rabbit & Friends
Perfect for introducing new hunters or honing your skills:
- Gray Squirrel (muzzleloader): Sept. 27 – Nov. 7, 2025; Jan. 3 – Feb. 21, 2026
- Gray Squirrel, Hare, Jackrabbit, Rabbit: Sept. 27, 2025 – Feb. 21, 2026
- Opossum & Raccoon (night hunting): Oct. 1, 2025 – Mar. 1, 2026
- Woodchuck: Mar. 1, 2025 – Feb. 21, 2026 (bow/shotgun) / Mar. 1 – Oct. 1, 2025 & Mar. 2 – Sept. 30, 2026 (rifle where legal)
🐦 Other Small Game – Crows & More
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Crow | Aug. 11 – Nov. 29, 2025; Dec. 15, 2025 – Mar. 21, 2026 | No limit | Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat only |
| Coyote & Fox (bow) | Oct. 4 – Nov. 7, 2025 | No limit | Sunrise to sunset |
| Coyote & Fox (shotgun) | Nov. 8, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026 | No limit | Dogs allowed Nov. 8 – Mar. 15 |
🦆 Migratory Birds – Federal Regulations Apply
Rails, Snipe & Woodcock
These challenging species test your wing-shooting skills:
- Rails & Gallinules: Sept. 1 – Nov. 20, 2025
- Sora & Virginia Rail: 25 bag limit (aggregate)
- Clapper Rail: 10 bag limit
- Gallinule: 1 bag limit
- Snipe: Sept. 6, 2025 – Jan. 8, 2026 (8 bag limit)
- Woodcock:
- North Zone: Oct. 18-25 & Oct. 28 – Nov. 29, 2025
- South Zone: Nov. 8 – Dec. 6, 2025; Dec. 20, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
- Bag limit: 3 daily
🎟️ Required: HIP Certification ($2) for all migratory bird hunters
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers & Geese
Waterfowl – The Ultimate Test
New Jersey’s diverse wetlands support excellent waterfowl populations:
Duck Seasons (varies by zone):
- Regular Season: Oct. 18 – Oct. 25, 2025; Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 22, 2026 (North/South)
- Coastal Zone: Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 30, 2026
- Scaup: Oct. 18 – Oct. 25; Nov. 22 – Dec. 30, 2025 (1 daily); Dec. 31, 2025 – Jan. 22, 2026 (2 daily)
Goose Seasons:
- September Canada Goose: Sept. 1 – Sept. 30, 2025
- Regular Canada Goose: Zone-specific dates (see regulations)
- Special Winter Canada Goose: Jan. 23 – Feb. 14, 2026
🎟️ Required for 16+:
- Federal Duck Stamp ($25)
- NJ Waterfowl Stamp ($10 resident, $15 non-resident)
- HIP Certification ($2)
🦢 Other Waterfowls – Brant & Light Geese
Brant Season (zone-specific):
- Nov. 22 – Nov. 29, 2025; Dec. 13, 2025 – Jan. 8, 2026
- Alternative: Nov. 27 – 29, 2025; Dec. 23, 2025 – Jan. 22, 2026
Light Geese (Snow & Ross’s Goose):
- Regular Season: Oct. 16, 2025 – Feb. 14, 2026 (25 bag limit)
- Conservation Order: Feb. 16 – Apr. 4, 2026 (no limit, extended hours)
🎯 More Games – Youth & Special Opportunities
Special Youth Days 🧒
The Garden State prioritizes youth recruitment with numerous special opportunities:
- Youth Deer Archery: Sept. 27, 2025
- Youth Deer Firearm: Nov. 22, 2025
- Youth Pheasant: Nov. 1, 2025 (plus Nov. 3-7, 2025)
- Youth Turkey: April 18, 2026
- Youth Waterfowl: Oct. 11, 2025 (North/South); Nov. 15, 2025 (Coastal); Jan. 31, 2026 (Statewide)
Veterans & Active Military Days 🇺🇸
- Waterfowl: Nov. 8, 2025 & Jan. 31, 2026
🗺️ Important Notes & Resources
License Requirements
All hunters must display valid licenses on outer clothing. New hunters need Hunter Education certification unless using an Apprentice License (lifetime limit of two per type).
Zone Information
Many seasons vary by Deer Management Zone or Wildlife Management Area. Always check the official NJ Fish & Wildlife zone maps before heading afield.
Safety Reminders
- Always identify your target and what’s beyond
- Wear required hunter orange during firearm seasons
- Follow all firearms transportation laws
- Respect private property and obtain permission
🔗 Essential Links
The 2025-2026 season promises excellent opportunities across New Jersey’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re pursuing that trophy buck, calling in spring gobblers, or working your retriever on ducks, the Garden State delivers. Remember to check zone-specific regulations, obtain required permits early, and always hunt safely and ethically.
Good luck this season, and tight lines! 🎯
This guide summarizes regulations from the official 2025-26 New Jersey Hunting & Trapping Digest. Always consult the official regulations for complete details and any updates.
