December Hunting Information

December 4, 2015

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife believes next week may be the busiest week of the year for hunters in New Jersey: the concurrent Six-day Firearm Deer and Black Bear hunting seasons open Monday. Permit Bow season continues in zones governed by Regulation Sets #4-8, and Permit Shotgun season opens for antlerless deer only in zones governed by Regulation Sets #6-8. And small game, coyote/fox and some migratory bird seasons continue.

Hunters should consult the Hunting Digest (www.njfishandwildlife.com/dighnt15.htm) for specific information (pages 44-46 for Deer Regulation Sets). The table on page 31 clarifies which firearms, bows and ammunition are legal for each deer season.

Pheasant stocking on 23 Wildlife Management Areas is suspended next week, but resumes for December 19 and continues through the end of the year. Semi-wild preserves and hunters with suitable private land can take advantage of surplus production at the Rockport Pheasant Farm by purchasing birds there beginning December 14. See www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2015/pheasantsale15.htm for details.

All hunters are reminded to observe the 450-foot "Safety Zone" around buildings and playgrounds when firearm hunting; bow hunters have a 150-foot zone.

For Black Bear Hunting Season information visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearseason_info.htm.

For Deer Hunting Season information, including use of the automated reporting system (AHRS), visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/deer.htm.

For pheasant and quail hunting information, including stocking schedules and maps of stocked areas, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/smgame_info.htm.