Deer Hunting in New Jersey's State Parks and Forests
More than 300,000 acres of land managed by the New Jersey State Park Service within state parks, forests and recreation areas are open to public deer hunting opportunities throughout New Jersey.
Deer hunters are required to follow all New Jersey Fish and Wildlife regulations while hunting on State Park Service property. Additionally, select state parks and forests require supplemental permits to hunt on their land. It is the hunters responsibility to be aware of the policy and regulations of the area they are hunting.
For information regarding additional hunting and trapping opportunities including small game, turkey and waterfowl, please visit the individual state park, forest or recreation area’s website or call the park office for detailed information before you hunt.
Hunting Maps
Click on the links below to view/download hunting maps that are currently available for New Jersey’s state parks, forests and recreation areas. Additional hunting maps will be added to this page as they are created.
Please note that this is NOT a complete list of State Park Service lands that are open to the public for hunting. Please visit the individual state park, forest or recreation area’s website or call the park office for detailed information before you hunt.
Baiting
Baiting is permitted on lands managed by the State Park Service. All bait must be hand carried into your hunting site and cannot create a negative environmental effect. Excessive baiting will be considered solid waste dumping and is subject to fines by the New Jersey State Park Police.
An example of appropriate amount of bait can be found by clicking here. Click here for an example of an inappropriate amount of bait.
Treestands, Blinds & Feeders
Treestands, blinds & feeders are permitted to be used within State Park Service lands and must conform with the Tree Stands and Blinds Used by Licensed Hunters Policy NJAC 7:2-2.18 (d). All equipment, including feeders, must be clearly labeled with assigned CID number.
Stands or blinds may be erected thirty (30) days prior to the starting date of the hunting season and may remain in place until fourteen (14) days after the closing date. Stands or blinds that remain outside the permissible time periods shall be considered as abandoned and shall be subject to the provisions of the “SPS Lost and Found Policy 2.09”. Permanent structures, sheds, etc are strictly prohibited.
Read the State Park Service's Tree Stands and Blinds Used by Licensed Hunters Policy.
Here are some examples of illegal treestands and blinds that we have come across in state parks and forests.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
