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2026-2027

New Jersey Deer Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

New Jersey deer seasons are organized by Deer Management Zone regulation sets, with verified special-area rules for zones 39, 54, 61, 64, 66, 67, 68 and 71.

Last checked: 2026-08-27 Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife / eRegulations, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife 91 season records
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Method Dates Where Action
High set Fall Bow - antlerless-first segment Archery
Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Regulation Set High First Deer Antlerless; Then Follow NJ Rules
High set Fall Bow - either-sex segment Archery
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set High Antlered or Antlerless
High set Permit Bow - first segment Archery
Oct 31, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set High Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
High set Permit Bow - second segment Archery
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set High Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
High set Permit Muzzleloader - antlerless segment Muzzleloader
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
Regulation Set High Antlerless Only
High set Permit Muzzleloader - antlerless day Muzzleloader
Nov 27, 2026
Regulation Set High Antlerless Only
High set Permit Muzzleloader - Six-day overlap Muzzleloader
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set High Antlerless Only
High set Permit Muzzleloader - either-sex segment Muzzleloader
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026
Regulation Set High Either Sex under Permit Rules
High set Permit Muzzleloader - late 2026 segment Muzzleloader
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set High Either Sex under Permit Rules
High set Permit Muzzleloader - holiday segment Muzzleloader
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set High Either Sex under Permit Rules
High set Permit Muzzleloader - winter segment Muzzleloader
Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027
Regulation Set High Either Sex under Permit Rules
High set Permit Shotgun - antlerless segment Firearm
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
Regulation Set High Antlerless Only
High set Permit Shotgun - Six-day overlap Firearm
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set High Antlerless Only
High set Permit Shotgun - December either-sex segment Firearm
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Regulation Set High Either Sex under Permit Rules
High set Permit Shotgun - winter segment Firearm
Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027
Regulation Set High Either Sex under Permit Rules
High set Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027
Regulation Set High Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
High set Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set High Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Medium set Fall Bow - antlerless-first segment Archery
Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Regulation Set Medium First Deer Antlerless; Then Follow NJ Rules
Medium set Fall Bow - either-sex segment Archery
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Medium set Permit Bow - first segment Archery
Oct 31, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Permit Bow - second segment Archery
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - December segment Muzzleloader
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - late 2026 segment Muzzleloader
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - holiday segment Muzzleloader
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - January segment Muzzleloader
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Permit Shotgun - December segment Firearm
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Permit Shotgun - January segment Firearm
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 16, 2027
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Medium set Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 31, 2027
Regulation Set Medium Five Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Medium set Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set Medium Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Low set Fall Bow Archery
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered
Low set Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 31, 2027
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered
Low set Permit Bow Archery
Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - early segment Muzzleloader
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - mid-December segment Muzzleloader
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - late 2026 segment Muzzleloader
Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - holiday segment Muzzleloader
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - January segment Muzzleloader
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Low set Permit Shotgun Firearm
Dec 16, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Low set Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set Low Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Low set Fall Bow Archery
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered
Low set Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 31, 2027
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered
Low set Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 61 Permit Bow Archery
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 61 Permit Muzzleloader Muzzleloader
Nov 30-Dec 1; Dec 14-15; Dec 19-24; Dec 26, 2026-Jan 9, 2027
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 61 Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 61 Permit Shotgun Firearm
Dec 7-12; Dec 16-18, 2026
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 61 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Zone 67 Permit Muzzleloader Muzzleloader
Nov 2-5; Nov 9-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 67 - High Point State Park First Deer Antlerless; Then Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 67 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 67 - High Point State Park Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Zone 64 Permit Shotgun Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 64 - Monmouth Battlefield State Park Unlimited Antlerless Deer
Zone 64 Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 64 - Monmouth Battlefield State Park Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 64 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1-Feb 20, 2027
Special Area Zone 64 - Monmouth Battlefield State Park Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Zone 39 Fall Bow Archery
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless
Zone 39 Permit Bow Archery
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 39 Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 39 Permit Muzzleloader Muzzleloader
Nov 30-Dec 5; Dec 14, 2026-Feb 13, 2027
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 39 Permit Shotgun Firearm
Dec 5; Dec 7-12; Dec 19; Dec 26, 2026; Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 2027
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 39 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1-Feb 20, 2027
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Zone 66 Fall Bow Archery
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless
Zone 66 Permit Bow Archery
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 66 Permit Muzzleloader Muzzleloader
Nov 28-Dec 5; Dec 11-12, 2026; Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2027
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 66 Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 66 Permit Shotgun Firearm
Nov 28-Dec 5; Dec 11-12, 2026; Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2027
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 66 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Zone 71 Fall Bow Archery
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless
Zone 71 Permit Bow Archery
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 71 Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 71 Permit Muzzleloader Muzzleloader
Nov 28; Nov 30-Dec 5; Dec 14-24; Dec 26-31, 2026; Jan 2-9, 2027
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Three Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Zone 71 Permit Shotgun Firearm
Dec 7-12; Dec 16-18, 2026; Jan 2-9, 2027
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Three Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit
Zone 71 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 2-Feb 20, 2027
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered
Zone 54 Fall Bow Archery
Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Zone 54 Permit Bow Archery
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 54 Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 54 Permit Muzzleloader Muzzleloader
Nov 30-Dec 1; Dec 14-24; Dec 26, 2026-Jan 9, 2027
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 54 Permit Shotgun Firearm
Dec 7-12; Dec 19, 2026; Jan 2; Jan 4-9, 2027
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 54 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer
Zone 68 Fall Bow Archery
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless
Zone 68 Permit Bow Archery
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve Nine Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 68 Six-day Firearm Firearm
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time
Zone 68 Permit Muzzleloader Muzzleloader
Nov 30-Dec 1; Dec 14-15; Dec 19-24; Dec 26, 2026-Jan 30, 2027
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve Nine Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 68 Permit Shotgun Firearm
Dec 16-18, 2026; Jan 2-30, 2027
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve Nine Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck
Zone 68 Winter Bow Archery
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve Nine Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer

Season data compiled and verified against official state sources. Regulations can change. Confirm current rules before hunting.

? Field Honest summarizes official hunting regulations for convenience. Official agency regulations remain controlling.
Season map

New Jersey deer map

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Source detail Open official-source records Detailed notes, harvest classes, eligibility flags, and agency links.
Underlying records

Official-source season details

The quick finder above is the main view. These records keep the supporting geography, harvest notes, and source links together.

Archery

Bow, crossbow, or archery-only windows where listed. 34 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
High set Fall Bow - antlerless-first segment First Deer Antlerless; Then Follow NJ Rules General hunters
Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set

First deer must be antlerless except for youth license holders.

Official source
High set Fall Bow - either-sex segment Antlered or Antlerless General hunters
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Bow - first segment Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Oct 31, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Bow - second segment Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Winter Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Fall Bow - antlerless-first segment First Deer Antlerless; Then Follow NJ Rules General hunters
Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 2, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set

First deer must be antlerless except for youth license holders.

Official source
Medium set Fall Bow - either-sex segment Five Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer General hunters
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Bow - first segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Oct 31, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Bow - second segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Winter Bow Five Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 31, 2027
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Fall Bow Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered General hunters
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Winter Bow Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 31, 2027
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Permit Bow Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit General hunters
Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Fall Bow Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered General hunters
Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Winter Bow Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 31, 2027
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Zone 61 Permit Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System special_area_deer_management_zone

Zone 61 permits have a limited sale window. Atlantic County Park rules and access requirements apply.

Official source
Zone 61 Winter Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System special_area_deer_management_zone

Open only to hunters that had a valid 2026 Zone 61 bow permit.

Official source
Zone 67 Winter Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 67 - High Point State Park special_area_deer_management_zone

Only portions of Zone 67 south and west of Route 23 are open for Winter Bow. Antler point restriction applies.

Official source
Zone 64 Winter Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 1-Feb 20, 2027
Special Area Zone 64 - Monmouth Battlefield State Park special_area_deer_management_zone

Monmouth Battlefield State Park access rules apply.

Official source
Zone 39 Fall Bow First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot special_area_deer_management_zone

NWS Earle is open only to listed military/federal hunter categories. No Sunday hunting at NWSE.

Official source
Zone 39 Permit Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot special_area_deer_management_zone

NWS Earle authorization is required before purchasing a Zone 39 permit.

Official source
Zone 39 Winter Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 1-Feb 20, 2027
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot special_area_deer_management_zone

NWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.

Official source
Zone 66 Fall Bow First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center special_area_deer_management_zone

FAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.

Official source
Zone 66 Permit Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center special_area_deer_management_zone

FAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.

Official source
Zone 66 Winter Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center special_area_deer_management_zone

FAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.

Official source
Zone 71 Fall Bow First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst special_area_deer_management_zone

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required before purchasing a Zone 71 permit.

Official source
Zone 71 Permit Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst special_area_deer_management_zone

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.

Official source
Zone 71 Winter Bow Two Deer; Only One May Be Antlered Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 2-Feb 20, 2027
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst special_area_deer_management_zone

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.

Official source
Zone 54 Fall Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal special_area_deer_management_zone

Picatinny Arsenal is open only to eligible military/federal personnel and retirees with administrative approval.

Official source
Zone 54 Permit Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal special_area_deer_management_zone

Picatinny Arsenal approval is required before purchasing a Zone 54 permit.

Official source
Zone 54 Winter Bow Unlimited Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal special_area_deer_management_zone

Picatinny Arsenal approval is required.

Official source
Zone 68 Fall Bow First Deer Antlerless; Then Antlered or Antlerless Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Sep 12-Oct 2; Oct 3-30, 2026
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve special_area_deer_management_zone

Hunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.

Official source
Zone 68 Permit Bow Nine Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Oct 31-Dec 24; Dec 26-31, 2026
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve special_area_deer_management_zone

Hunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.

Official source
Zone 68 Winter Bow Nine Antlerless Plus One Antlered Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Jan 1-31, 2027
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve special_area_deer_management_zone

Hunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.

Official source

Firearm

General rifle, gun, and firearm framework seasons. 26 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
High set Permit Shotgun - antlerless segment Antlerless Only General hunters
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Shotgun - antlerless day Antlerless Only General hunters
Nov 27, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Shotgun - Six-day overlap Antlerless Only General hunters
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Shotgun - December either-sex segment Either Sex under Permit Rules General hunters
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Shotgun - winter segment Either Sex under Permit Rules General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time General hunters
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Shotgun - December segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Shotgun - January segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 16, 2027
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time General hunters
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Permit Shotgun Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit General hunters
Dec 16, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time General hunters
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time General hunters
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Zone 61 Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System special_area_deer_management_zone

Open only to hunters with a current valid Zone 61 Permit Shotgun Season permit.

Official source
Zone 61 Permit Shotgun Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12; Dec 16-18, 2026
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System special_area_deer_management_zone

Atlantic County Park System access and Zone 61 permit rules apply.

Official source
Zone 64 Permit Shotgun Unlimited Antlerless Deer Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 64 - Monmouth Battlefield State Park special_area_deer_management_zone

Monmouth Battlefield State Park access rules apply.

Official source
Zone 64 Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 64 - Monmouth Battlefield State Park special_area_deer_management_zone

Monmouth Battlefield State Park access rules apply.

Official source
Zone 39 Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot special_area_deer_management_zone

NWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.

Official source
Zone 39 Permit Shotgun Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 5; Dec 7-12; Dec 19; Dec 26, 2026; Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb 6, 13, 2027
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot special_area_deer_management_zone

NWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.

Official source
Zone 66 Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center special_area_deer_management_zone

FAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.

Official source
Zone 66 Permit Shotgun Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 28-Dec 5; Dec 11-12, 2026; Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2027
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center special_area_deer_management_zone

FAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.

Official source
Zone 71 Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst special_area_deer_management_zone

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.

Official source
Zone 71 Permit Shotgun Three Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12; Dec 16-18, 2026; Jan 2-9, 2027
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst special_area_deer_management_zone

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.

Official source
Zone 54 Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal special_area_deer_management_zone

Picatinny Arsenal approval is required.

Official source
Zone 54 Permit Shotgun Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12; Dec 19, 2026; Jan 2; Jan 4-9, 2027
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal special_area_deer_management_zone

Picatinny Arsenal approval is required.

Official source
Zone 68 Six-day Firearm Two Antlered Deer; Only One Buck At A Time Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 7-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve special_area_deer_management_zone

Hunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.

Official source
Zone 68 Permit Shotgun Nine Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Dec 16-18, 2026; Jan 2-30, 2027
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve special_area_deer_management_zone

Hunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.

Official source

Muzzleloader

Muzzleloader-only or late muzzleloader opportunities. 23 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
High set Permit Muzzleloader - antlerless segment Antlerless Only General hunters
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Muzzleloader - antlerless day Antlerless Only General hunters
Nov 27, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Muzzleloader - Six-day overlap Antlerless Only General hunters
Dec 7, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Muzzleloader - either-sex segment Either Sex under Permit Rules General hunters
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Muzzleloader - late 2026 segment Either Sex under Permit Rules General hunters
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Muzzleloader - holiday segment Either Sex under Permit Rules General hunters
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
High set Permit Muzzleloader - winter segment Either Sex under Permit Rules General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - December segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - late 2026 segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - holiday segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Medium set Permit Muzzleloader - January segment Five Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - early segment Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit General hunters
Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - mid-December segment Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit General hunters
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - late 2026 segment Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit General hunters
Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - holiday segment Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit General hunters
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Low set Permit Muzzleloader - January segment Two Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit General hunters
Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set
Zone 61 Permit Muzzleloader Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 30-Dec 1; Dec 14-15; Dec 19-24; Dec 26, 2026-Jan 9, 2027
Special Area Zone 61 - Atlantic County Park System special_area_deer_management_zone

Atlantic County Park System access and Zone 61 permit rules apply.

Official source
Zone 67 Permit Muzzleloader First Deer Antlerless; Then Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 2-5; Nov 9-12, 2026
Special Area Zone 67 - High Point State Park special_area_deer_management_zone

Applies only to the main portion of High Point State Park north of Deckertown Turnpike. Satellite properties follow surrounding DMZ regulations.

Official source
Zone 39 Permit Muzzleloader Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 30-Dec 5; Dec 14, 2026-Feb 13, 2027
Special Area Zone 39 - Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot special_area_deer_management_zone

NWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.

Official source
Zone 66 Permit Muzzleloader Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 28-Dec 5; Dec 11-12, 2026; Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2027
Special Area Zone 66 - FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center special_area_deer_management_zone

FAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.

Official source
Zone 71 Permit Muzzleloader Three Deer; One May Be Antlered with Permit Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 28; Nov 30-Dec 5; Dec 14-24; Dec 26-31, 2026; Jan 2-9, 2027
Special Area Zone 71 - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst special_area_deer_management_zone

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.

Official source
Zone 54 Permit Muzzleloader Unlimited Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 30-Dec 1; Dec 14-24; Dec 26, 2026-Jan 9, 2027
Special Area Zone 54 - Picatinny Arsenal special_area_deer_management_zone

Picatinny Arsenal approval is required.

Official source
Zone 68 Permit Muzzleloader Nine Antlerless Plus Permitted Antlered Buck Special-area Permit/access Required Special rules
Nov 30-Dec 1; Dec 14-15; Dec 19-24; Dec 26, 2026-Jan 30, 2027
Special Area Zone 68 - Franklin Parker Preserve and Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve special_area_deer_management_zone

Hunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.

Official source

Youth

Youth-only, apprentice, or early youth windows. 8 seasons
Season Dates Geography Notes
High set Youth Archery Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Sep 26, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source
High set Youth Firearm Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Nov 21, 2026
Regulation Set High deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source
Medium set Youth Archery Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Sep 26, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source
Medium set Youth Firearm Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Nov 21, 2026
Regulation Set Medium deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source
Low set Youth Archery Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Sep 26, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source
Low set Youth Firearm Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Nov 21, 2026
Regulation Set Low deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source
Low set Youth Archery Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Sep 26, 2026
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source
Low set Youth Firearm Day One Deer Either Sex Youth
Nov 21, 2026
Regulation Set Low - Zones 45 and 46 deer_management_zone_regulation_set

Antler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.

Official source