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.
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New Jersey deer map
Click a county or zone to see what seasons match that place.
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Find your season
Start with all methods, or narrow the answer by method.
Choose a date, place, and method.
We will show matching season windows here before you dig into maps or source records.
Season data compiled and verified against official state sources. Regulations can change. Confirm current rules before hunting.
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Field Honest summarizes official hunting regulations for convenience. Official agency regulations remain controlling.Technical detail Open source-record archive 91 detailed records with notes and agency links.
Source-record archive
The quick finder above is the main view. These records keep the supporting geography, harvest notes, and source links together.
Showing records by method. Large states show a preview first; search to narrow the source table.
Archery
Bow, crossbow, or archery-only windows where listed.
34 seasons
First deer must be antlerless except for youth license holders.
Official sourceFirst deer must be antlerless except for youth license holders.
Official sourceZone 61 permits have a limited sale window. Atlantic County Park rules and access requirements apply.
Official sourceOpen only to hunters that had a valid 2026 Zone 61 bow permit.
Official sourceOnly portions of Zone 67 south and west of Route 23 are open for Winter Bow. Antler point restriction applies.
Official sourceMonmouth Battlefield State Park access rules apply.
Official sourceNWS Earle is open only to listed military/federal hunter categories. No Sunday hunting at NWSE.
Official sourceNWS Earle authorization is required before purchasing a Zone 39 permit.
Official sourceNWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.
Official sourceFAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.
Official sourceFAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.
Official sourceFAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.
Official sourceJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required before purchasing a Zone 71 permit.
Official sourceJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.
Official sourceJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.
Official sourcePicatinny Arsenal is open only to eligible military/federal personnel and retirees with administrative approval.
Official sourcePicatinny Arsenal approval is required before purchasing a Zone 54 permit.
Official sourcePicatinny Arsenal approval is required.
Official sourceHunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.
Official sourceHunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.
Official sourceHunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.
Official source
Firearm
General rifle, gun, and firearm framework seasons.
26 seasons
Open only to hunters with a current valid Zone 61 Permit Shotgun Season permit.
Official sourceAtlantic County Park System access and Zone 61 permit rules apply.
Official sourceMonmouth Battlefield State Park access rules apply.
Official sourceMonmouth Battlefield State Park access rules apply.
Official sourceNWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.
Official sourceNWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.
Official sourceFAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.
Official sourceFAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.
Official sourceJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.
Official sourceJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.
Official sourcePicatinny Arsenal approval is required.
Official sourcePicatinny Arsenal approval is required.
Official sourceHunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.
Official sourceHunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.
Official source
Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader-only or late muzzleloader opportunities.
23 seasons
Atlantic County Park System access and Zone 61 permit rules apply.
Official sourceApplies only to the main portion of High Point State Park north of Deckertown Turnpike. Satellite properties follow surrounding DMZ regulations.
Official sourceNWS Earle authorization and Zone 39 rules apply.
Official sourceFAA Technical Center approval and NJSFSC membership are required.
Official sourceJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst authorization is required.
Official sourcePicatinny Arsenal approval is required.
Official sourceHunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Preserve manager rules apply.
Official source
Youth
Youth-only, apprentice, or early youth windows.
8 seasons
Antler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceAntler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceAntler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceAntler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceAntler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceAntler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceAntler point restrictions and Earn-A-Buck do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceAntler point restrictions do not apply. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult.
Official sourceOutfitters and gear stops in New Jersey
Find local help and a practical place to gear up before your New Jersey hunt.
Gear stop
Atlantic City, NJ
Bass Pro Shops Atlantic City
Ammunition · Archery · Fishing Tackle · Gun Store
Verified physical store
View profile
Gear stop
Gear stop
Rahway, NJ
HERITAGE GUILD OF RARITAN BAY LLC
Archery · Gun Store
Verified physical store
View profile
Gear stop
Gear stop
Newton, NJ
SIMON PETER SPORT COMPANY
Ammunition · Archery · Gun Store · Optics
Verified physical store
View profileHow to plan a New Jersey deer hunt
Start by matching your exact hunt date and legal method to the county, unit, zone, hunt code, or special area that controls the trip. The map is for orientation; the linked agency rules remain the legal source.
Field Honest currently organizes 91 New Jersey deer-season records across management zones and units. Use the trip checker above to narrow the list before comparing local outfitters and physical gear stops.
A method label is only a starting point. Weapon rules and hunt-code restrictions may be narrower.
Always match the place named on your license or tag to the current legal description.
Field Honest source review: August 27, 2026.
Before you leave home
- Confirm the exact season window, legal method, and harvest restriction.
- Verify license, tag, draw, hunt-code, and hunter-eligibility requirements.
- Check the legal boundary, land access, closures, and landowner permission.
- Review current reporting, transport, and CWD rules where they apply.