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New Jersey Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $27.5 · nonresident $135.5. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
HIGH - Fall Bow (first deer must be antlerless): Deer Regulation Set HIGHSep 12, 2026Oct 2, 2026Archery License
HIGH - Fall Bow (antlered or antlerless): Deer Regulation Set HIGHOct 3, 2026Oct 30, 2026Archery License
HIGH - Youth Archery Day: Deer Regulation Set HIGHSep 26, 2026Sep 26, 2026Youth License
HIGH - Permit Bow (first segment): Deer Regulation Set HIGHOct 31, 2026Dec 24, 2026Bow Permit (+ Antlered Buck Bow Permit for a buck)
HIGH - Permit Bow (second segment): Deer Regulation Set HIGHDec 26, 2026Dec 31, 2026Bow Permit (+ Antlered Buck Bow Permit for a buck)
HIGH - Youth Firearm Day: Deer Regulation Set HIGHNov 21, 2026Nov 21, 2026Youth License
HIGH - Six-Day Firearm: Deer Regulation Set HIGHDec 7, 2026Dec 12, 2026Firearm License
HIGH - Permit Muzzleloader, antlerless only (Nov. 23-25): Deer Regulation Set HIGHNov 23, 2026Nov 25, 2026Muzzleloader Permit
HIGH - Permit Muzzleloader, antlerless only (Nov. 27): Deer Regulation Set HIGHNov 27, 2026Nov 27, 2026Muzzleloader Permit
HIGH - Permit Muzzleloader, antlerless only (Dec. 7-12): Deer Regulation Set HIGHDec 7, 2026Dec 12, 2026Muzzleloader Permit
HIGH - Permit Muzzleloader, either sex (Nov. 30 - Dec. 1): Deer Regulation Set HIGHNov 30, 2026Dec 1, 2026Muzzleloader Permit (+ Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit for a buck)
HIGH - Permit Muzzleloader, either sex (Dec. 14-24): Deer Regulation Set HIGHDec 14, 2026Dec 24, 2026Muzzleloader Permit (+ Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit for a buck)
HIGH - Permit Muzzleloader, either sex (Dec. 26 - Feb. 20): Deer Regulation Set HIGHDec 26, 2026Feb 20, 2027Muzzleloader Permit (+ Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit for a buck)
HIGH - Permit Shotgun, antlerless only (Nov. 23-25): Deer Regulation Set HIGHNov 23, 2026Nov 25, 2026Shotgun Permit
HIGH - Permit Shotgun, antlerless only (Nov. 27): Deer Regulation Set HIGHNov 27, 2026Nov 27, 2026Shotgun Permit
HIGH - Permit Shotgun, either sex (Dec. 14-18): Deer Regulation Set HIGHDec 14, 2026Dec 18, 2026Shotgun Permit (+ Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit for a buck)
HIGH - Permit Shotgun, either sex (Jan. 1 - Feb. 20): Deer Regulation Set HIGHJan 1, 2027Feb 20, 2027Shotgun Permit (+ Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit for a buck)
HIGH - Winter Bow: Deer Regulation Set HIGHJan 1, 2027Feb 20, 2027Archery License
MEDIUM - Fall Bow (first deer must be antlerless): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMSep 12, 2026Oct 2, 2026Archery License
MEDIUM - Fall Bow (antlered or antlerless): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMOct 3, 2026Oct 30, 2026Archery License
MEDIUM - Youth Archery Day: Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMSep 26, 2026Sep 26, 2026Youth License
MEDIUM - Permit Bow (first segment): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMOct 31, 2026Dec 24, 2026Bow Permit (+ Antlered Buck Bow Permit for a buck)
MEDIUM - Permit Bow (second segment): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMDec 26, 2026Dec 31, 2026Bow Permit (+ Antlered Buck Bow Permit for a buck)
MEDIUM - Youth Firearm Day: Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMNov 21, 2026Nov 21, 2026Youth License
MEDIUM - Six-Day Firearm: Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMDec 7, 2026Dec 12, 2026Firearm License
MEDIUM - Permit Muzzleloader (Nov. 30 - Dec. 1): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMNov 30, 2026Dec 1, 2026Muzzleloader Permit (+ Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit for a buck)
MEDIUM - Permit Muzzleloader (Dec. 14-24): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMDec 14, 2026Dec 24, 2026Muzzleloader Permit (+ Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit for a buck)
MEDIUM - Permit Muzzleloader (Dec. 26 - Jan. 9): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMDec 26, 2026Jan 9, 2027Muzzleloader Permit (+ Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit for a buck)
MEDIUM - Permit Shotgun (Dec. 14-18): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMDec 14, 2026Dec 18, 2026Shotgun Permit (+ Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit for a buck)
MEDIUM - Permit Shotgun (Jan. 1-16): Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMJan 1, 2027Jan 16, 2027Shotgun Permit (+ Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit for a buck)
MEDIUM - Winter Bow: Deer Regulation Set MEDIUMJan 1, 2027Jan 31, 2027Archery License
LOW - Fall Bow: Deer Regulation Set LOWOct 3, 2026Oct 30, 2026Archery License
LOW - Youth Archery Day: Deer Regulation Set LOWSep 26, 2026Sep 26, 2026Youth License
LOW - Permit Bow (CLOSED in Zones 45 and 46): Deer Regulation Set LOWOct 31, 2026Nov 29, 2026Bow Permit (+ Antlered Buck Permit for a buck)
LOW - Youth Firearm Day: Deer Regulation Set LOWNov 21, 2026Nov 21, 2026Youth License
LOW - Six-Day Firearm: Deer Regulation Set LOWDec 7, 2026Dec 12, 2026Firearm License
LOW - Permit Muzzleloader (Nov. 30 - Dec. 1): Deer Regulation Set LOWNov 30, 2026Dec 1, 2026Muzzleloader Permit
LOW - Permit Muzzleloader (Dec. 14-15): Deer Regulation Set LOWDec 14, 2026Dec 15, 2026Muzzleloader Permit
LOW - Permit Muzzleloader (Dec. 19-24): Deer Regulation Set LOWDec 19, 2026Dec 24, 2026Muzzleloader Permit
LOW - Permit Muzzleloader (Dec. 26 - Jan. 9): Deer Regulation Set LOWDec 26, 2026Jan 9, 2027Muzzleloader Permit
LOW - Permit Shotgun (CLOSED in Zones 45 and 46): Deer Regulation Set LOWDec 16, 2026Dec 18, 2026Shotgun Permit (+ Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit for a buck)
LOW - Winter Bow: Deer Regulation Set LOWJan 1, 2027Jan 31, 2027Archery License

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Spring Youth Turkey Hunting Day (ages 10-16)Apr 24, 2027Apr 24, 2027Youth License + Turkey Permit
Spring Period Y (ages 10-16), morning hoursApr 24, 2027May 15, 2027Youth Turkey Permit (Period Y)
Spring Period Y (ages 10-16), all-day hoursMay 17, 2027May 28, 2027Youth Turkey Permit (Period Y)
Spring Period A (Monday to Friday)Apr 26, 2027Apr 30, 2027Turkey Permit (Period A, area-specific)
Spring Period B (Monday to Friday)May 3, 2027May 7, 2027Turkey Permit (Period B, area-specific)
Spring Period C (Monday to Friday)May 10, 2027May 14, 2027Turkey Permit (Period C, area-specific)
Spring Period D (first week, Monday to Friday)May 17, 2027May 21, 2027Turkey Permit (Period D, area-specific)
Spring Period D (second week, Monday to Friday)May 24, 2027May 28, 2027Turkey Permit (Period D, area-specific)
Spring Period E - Saturday May 1May 1, 2027May 1, 2027Turkey Permit (Period E, area-specific)
Spring Period E - Saturday May 8May 8, 2027May 8, 2027Turkey Permit (Period E, area-specific)
Spring Period E - Saturday May 15May 15, 2027May 15, 2027Turkey Permit (Period E, area-specific)
Spring Period E - Saturday May 22 (all-day hours)May 22, 2027May 22, 2027Turkey Permit (Period E, area-specific)

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Segment A - ArcheryOct 12, 2026Oct 17, 2026Firearm or Archery License + Bear Hunting Permit (zone-specific)
Segment A - Muzzleloader (last three days of Segment A)Oct 15, 2026Oct 17, 2026Bear Hunting Permit + Rifle Permit
Segment B - Shotgun and MuzzleloaderDec 7, 2026Dec 12, 2026Firearm License + Bear Hunting Permit (zone-specific)
Segment B Extension - Shotgun and Muzzleloader (only if authorized)Dec 16, 2026Dec 19, 2026Firearm License + Bear Hunting Permit (zone-specific)

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Daytime SeasonSep 8, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License - NO PERMIT NEEDED
Nighttime Season (shotgun only)Jan 1, 2027Mar 15, 2027Hunting License - NO PERMIT NEEDED

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment) - Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays onlyAug 10, 2026Nov 28, 2026Hunting License
Regular (second segment) - Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays onlyDec 14, 2026Mar 20, 2027Hunting License

Red and Gray Fox Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Daytime SeasonSep 8, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License - NO PERMIT NEEDED
Nighttime Season (shotgun only)Jan 1, 2027Mar 15, 2027Hunting License - NO PERMIT NEEDED

Gallinule Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (statewide)Sep 1, 2026Nov 20, 2026License + HIP Certificate

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Night hunting (first segment)Oct 1, 2026Dec 6, 2026Firearm License
Night hunting (second segment)Dec 13, 2026Dec 15, 2026Firearm License
Night hunting (third segment)Dec 17, 2026Mar 1, 2027Firearm License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Nov 7, 2026Dec 6, 2026Hunting License + Pheasant and Quail Stamp on stocked WMAs
Regular (second segment)Dec 13, 2026Dec 15, 2026Hunting License + Pheasant and Quail Stamp on stocked WMAs
Regular (third segment)Dec 17, 2026Feb 15, 2027Hunting License + Pheasant and Quail Stamp on stocked WMAs
Youth Upland Bird DayOct 31, 2026Oct 31, 2026Youth License, supervised by a licensed non-hunting adult 21 or older
Youth Pheasant DaysNov 2, 2026Nov 6, 2026Youth License, supervised by a licensed non-hunting adult 21 or older

Bobwhite Quail (stocked) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Stocked quail (first segment): Greenwood Forest and Peaslee WMAsNov 7, 2026Dec 6, 2026Hunting License + Pheasant and Quail Stamp
Stocked quail (second segment): Greenwood Forest and Peaslee WMAsDec 13, 2026Dec 15, 2026Hunting License + Pheasant and Quail Stamp
Stocked quail (third segment): Greenwood Forest and Peaslee WMAsDec 17, 2026Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Pheasant and Quail Stamp

Cottontail Rabbit, Jackrabbit and Hare Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 26, 2026Dec 6, 2026Firearm or Archery License
Regular (second segment)Dec 13, 2026Dec 15, 2026Firearm or Archery License
Regular (third segment)Dec 17, 2026Feb 20, 2027Firearm or Archery License

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Night hunting (first segment)Oct 1, 2026Dec 6, 2026Firearm License
Night hunting (second segment)Dec 13, 2026Dec 15, 2026Firearm License
Night hunting (third segment)Dec 17, 2026Mar 1, 2027Firearm License

Rails (Sora, Clapper and Virginia) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (statewide)Sep 1, 2026Nov 20, 2026License + HIP Certificate

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (statewide)Sep 5, 2026Jan 7, 2027License + HIP Certificate

Gray Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 26, 2026Dec 6, 2026Firearm or Archery License
Regular (second segment)Dec 13, 2026Dec 15, 2026Firearm or Archery License
Regular (third segment)Dec 17, 2026Feb 20, 2027Firearm or Archery License

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
North Zone (first segment): Migratory Game Bird North ZoneOct 10, 2026Oct 17, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
North Zone (second segment): Migratory Game Bird North ZoneNov 14, 2026Jan 14, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
North Zone Youth-only Waterfowl Day: Migratory Game Bird North ZoneOct 3, 2026Oct 3, 2026Youth License + HIP
South Zone (first segment): Migratory Game Bird South ZoneOct 17, 2026Oct 24, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
South Zone (second segment): Migratory Game Bird South ZoneNov 21, 2026Jan 21, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
South Zone Youth-only Waterfowl Day: Migratory Game Bird South ZoneOct 10, 2026Oct 10, 2026Youth License + HIP
Coastal Zone: Migratory Game Bird Coastal ZoneNov 21, 2026Jan 29, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Coastal Zone Youth-only Waterfowl Day: Migratory Game Bird Coastal ZoneNov 14, 2026Nov 14, 2026Youth License + HIP
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): September Season (statewide)Sep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): North Zone Regular (first segment): Migratory Game Bird North ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 30, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): North Zone Regular (second segment): Migratory Game Bird North ZoneDec 19, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): South Zone Regular (first segment): Migratory Game Bird South ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 30, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): South Zone Regular (second segment): Migratory Game Bird South ZoneDec 19, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Coastal Zone Regular: Migratory Game Bird Coastal ZoneNov 21, 2026Jan 29, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Special Winter Season: Special Winter Canada Goose Season Hunting AreasFeb 1, 2027Feb 15, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: North Zone (first segment): Migratory Game Bird North ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 28, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: North Zone (second segment): Migratory Game Bird North ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 7, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: South Zone (first segment): Migratory Game Bird South ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 28, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: South Zone (second segment): Migratory Game Bird South ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 7, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: Coastal Zone (first segment): Migratory Game Bird Coastal ZoneNov 26, 2026Nov 28, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: Coastal Zone (second segment): Migratory Game Bird Coastal ZoneDec 24, 2026Jan 23, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Light Geese (Snow and Ross's Goose): Regular Season (statewide)Nov 7, 2026Mar 8, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp

Woodchuck (Groundhog) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Air gun, bow or shotgun (first segment)Mar 2, 2026Dec 6, 2026Firearm or Archery License
Air gun, bow or shotgun (second segment)Dec 13, 2026Dec 15, 2026Firearm or Archery License
Air gun, bow or shotgun (third segment)Dec 17, 2026Feb 20, 2027Firearm or Archery License
Rifle season (Rifle Permit required)Mar 2, 2026Sep 30, 2026Firearm License + Rifle Permit

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
North Zone (first segment): Woodcock North ZoneOct 24, 2026Oct 31, 2026License + HIP Certificate ($2)
North Zone (second segment): Woodcock North ZoneNov 3, 2026Dec 5, 2026License + HIP Certificate ($2)
South Zone (first segment): Woodcock South ZoneNov 7, 2026Dec 5, 2026License + HIP Certificate ($2)
South Zone (second segment): Woodcock South ZoneDec 19, 2026Dec 31, 2026License + HIP Certificate ($2)
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
Licenses, CWD zones & official links → Build a hunt plan

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