New Jersey hunting and fishing laws

Hunter education is required for first-time licensees. Complete the HunterCourse.com online program, pass the written test and print the completion voucher, then attend a mandatory live-fire session run by NJ Fish and Wildlife.

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An apprentice license is available at ages 14 and older for bow and 18 and older for firearm, with no hunter education required, and must be used under direct supervision of a mentor 21 or older. Apprentice hunters may hunt with air gun, bow, or shotgun only. There is a lifetime limit of two apprentice licenses per type, and apprentice time does not qualify a hunter for a regular license.

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A youth license is available at at least age 10. Ages 10 through 13 require direct supervision by a licensed adult 21 or older plus parental permission; ages 14 through 16 may hunt independently once licensed. Youth licenses are free and valid through December 31 of the year the youth turns 16.

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Firearm hunters must wear a cap made of solid daylight fluorescent orange or an outer garment containing at least 200 square inches of fluorescent orange material visible from all sides at all times when hunting deer, bear, rabbit, hare, squirrel, coyote, fox, railbirds and game birds.

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Ground blind hunters must display 200 square inches of fluorescent orange atop or within five feet of the blind. Blaze pink is not authorized. The requirement is framed for firearm hunters.

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Applies to: Deer

Sunday bowhunting for deer is legal only on state wildlife management areas and private property. Firearms deer hunting on Sunday is allowed only on semi-wild and commercial shooting preserves.

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Applies to: Furbearers

Raccoon and opossum may be hunted on Sunday mornings only, between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and one hour before sunrise.

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Sunday hunting is prohibited for waterfowl, crow, wild turkey, coyote, fox and woodchuck. All Sunday hunting is prohibited in New Jersey State Parks and Forests.

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Applies to: Deer

Deer may be hunted from half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset. It is prohibited to use a bow one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise during any hunting season.

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Applies to: Deer

Baiting for deer is legal except where prohibited by the landowner. Hunters may not hunt from tree stands within 300 feet of a baited area, except deer hunters, who may be any distance. Baiting is prohibited on national wildlife refuges and recreation areas.

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Applies to: Bear

While hunting black bear, you may not attempt to take or kill a bear, or possess a firearm, bow or other weapon, within 300 feet of a baited area.

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It is unlawful to hunt for or shoot any wildlife by aid of a light, with exceptions for raccoon, opossum, and coyote and fox during the special permit season.

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Applies to: Deer

Complete the transportation tag with your name, CID number, harvest date, zone and unit, weapon type and antler category, and keep it with the deer. Report every deer by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest through the Automated Harvest Report System online or at (855) 448-6865. The confirmation number must be written on the tag and kept with the deer and its parts.

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Applies to: Fishing

New Jersey's freshwater fishing rules set no general requirement to tag or report fish you keep. You may not tag or mark and release a fish without a fish stocking permit or special permit from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife.

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Hunters and trappers must have permission, oral or written, from the landowner or lessee before entering posted lands or agricultural lands. If charged with trespass, you must provide documentation of written permission in court, so carry a written permission or courtesy card.

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