New Jersey Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to New Jersey hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through NJ Fish and Wildlife.
New Jersey Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $27.50 — Non-Resident: from $135.50
- Managed by: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
- License year: 2025-2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/licenseinfo.htm
New Jersey Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
New Jersey offers surprisingly good hunting opportunities managed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW). The Garden State features Pine Barrens, mixed hardwood forests, and agricultural lands supporting white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game. Despite being the most densely populated state, New Jersey maintains over 350,000 acres of public hunting land. The state uses separate firearm ($27.50) and bow & arrow ($31.50) licenses for residents. Non-residents pay $135.50 for either type. Youth hunters ages 10-16 get free licenses. New Jersey's unique deer management system includes zone-specific antlerless permits. The All-Around Sportsman License ($72.25) combines firearm, bow, and fishing into one convenient package. Licenses are valid through December 31 of each year. Hunter education is mandatory for first-time buyers.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Firearm License (18-64) | $27.50 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Firearm License (18+) | — | $135.50 | Calendar year | |
| Resident Bow & Arrow License (14-64) | $31.50 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR Bow & Arrow License (14+) | — | $135.50 | Calendar year | |
| Resident All-Around Sportsman | $72.25 | — | Calendar year | Firearm + bow + fishing |
| Resident Senior Firearm (65+) | $15.50 | — | Calendar year | |
| Resident Senior Bow (65+) | $16.50 | — | Calendar year | |
| NR 2-Day Small Game Firearm | — | $36.50 | 2 days | Not valid for deer/turkey |
| Antlerless Deer Permit | $28.00 | $28.00 | Season | Zone-specific |
| Multi-Zone Deer Permit | $56.00 | $56.00 | Season | |
| Rifle Permit | $17.00 | $17.00 | Season | Required for certain seasons |
Prices from New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your New Jersey license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time buyers. Youth hunters (10-14) must be accompanied by licensed adult (21+).
How to Buy a New Jersey Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in New Jersey.
Need help? Call New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at 609-292-2965
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
New Jersey Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Bow (Fall) | September 13 | October 31 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Six-Day Firearm | December 8 | December 13 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Permit Muzzleloader | December 15 | December 24 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Bow (Winter) | January 1 | February 15 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 21 | May 24 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 18 | October 31 | |
| Pheasant | General | November 8 | December 31 | |
| Duck | General | October 18 | January 31 |
View full New Jersey season regulations on NJDFW
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced | Residents 65+ pay $15.50 (firearm) or $16.50 (bow) |
| Youth | Free | Youth ages 10-16 get free firearm and bow licenses |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | NJ disabled veterans may qualify for free license |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in New Jersey |
New Jersey Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the New Jersey official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Fluorescent orange hat or vest (200 sq inches) required during firearms deer season.
- Sunday hunting has been progressively expanded to public and private lands.
- Suppressors are NOT legal for hunting in New Jersey.
- Zone-specific antlerless deer permits control herd management.
Read full New Jersey regulations on NJDFW
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
New Jersey Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
New Jersey Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in New Jersey?
A resident firearm license costs $27.50 and bow license $31.50. The All-Around Sportsman License at $72.25 covers both plus fishing. Non-residents pay $135.50 for either type.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in New Jersey?
Yes, hunter education is required for first-time license buyers. Youth 10-14 must hunt with a licensed adult 21+.
Can non-residents hunt in New Jersey?
Yes. Non-residents need a Firearm ($135.50) or Bow ($135.50) license. A 2-day small game option costs $36.50. Deer permits are $28-$56.
What is the deer season in New Jersey?
Fall bow from September to October. Six-Day Firearm in December. Permit Muzzleloader mid-December. Winter bow January through mid-February.
Are there free hunting licenses in New Jersey?
Yes. Youth hunters ages 10-16 get free firearm and bow licenses. Disabled veterans may also qualify for free licenses.
Can I hunt on Sundays in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey has progressively expanded Sunday hunting on both public and private lands in recent years.