New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife

For more information contact:
Permit Hotline at (609) 292-9192

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, farmer deer permit application materials will be available at Division and county agricultural agent offices statewide in late-July. Applications will be accepted until October 1, however, farmers are encouraged to send them in as early as possible, because of additional reviews required this year.

"Farmer deer permit applications and procedures are slightly different this year, so individuals need to become familiar with the changes prior to filling out and mailing their forms," said Division Director Bob McDowell.

A new law was recently passed to allow farmers who do not reside on their farm property to qualify for free farmer deer permits by filling out the Non-Occupant Farmer Deer Permit Application. The farmer who does not reside on his property must qualify with at least 30 acres of actively tilled land that is tax-assessed as farmland. The farmer must also attach a copy of the lease for agricultural and hunting rights to his/her application. The farmer and his or her partner and their immediate families (up to five people total) may each apply for a bow, shotgun and muzzleloader permit in that zone. The permit will be valid for the entire zone.

The farmer who resides on the farm property applies in the same manner as previous years using the Occupant Farmer Deer Permit Application. The individual must qualify with at least five acres of land that is tax-assessed as farmland. The farmer and his or her immediate family members who also live on the farm may each apply for a bow, shotgun and muzzleloader permit. The permit will be valid only on the farm property where the farmer and his/her family reside. Occupant or resident farmers having at least 30 acres of tillable land may qualify for a permit valid for the entire zone if they apply using the "Non-Occupant" application instead of the "Occupant" application.

Farmer deer permits are available in all zones EXCEPT military bases and federal refuges. Farmers may also apply for deer permits as a regular hunting license applicant. The regular deer permit application will be included in the hunting issue of the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest available at license agents and Division offices in mid-August.

The Division reminds all applicants that hunting licenses are required when hunting. The only exception applies to the farmer who is hunting on the farm where he/she resides.

For current permit information, call the 24-hour computerized hotline at (609) 292-9173.