Requirements for a New Jersey Hunting License

Anyone over the age of 10 must have a valid license to hunt or trap game in New Jersey. The state prohibits hunting by children younger than 10. Both residents and nonresidents may purchase licenses. In order to hunt certain types of game, hunters need to purchase special stamps in addition to their licenses. All licenses are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued. Deer permits extend into the next calendar year only if the permitted season extends as well. Hunters may purchase licenses from authorized agents or online.

  1. Resident and Nonresident

    • A hunter must have lived in New Jersey for the prior six months to qualify for a resident license. All applicants must pass the Hunter Education Certification program. Hunters need to complete the program only once. Both residents and nonresidents may skip this requirement if they possess a valid hunting license from another state. All individuals must pass the New Jersey Child Support Certification process before they can receive a valid hunting license.

    Special Categories and Exceptions

    • Youth licenses are available to anyone 10 to 15 years of age. (A licensed hunter at least 21 years old must accompany a hunter under the age of 13 unless the youth has passed the hunter education certification program.) All active duty military personnel, resident and nonresident, may purchase resident hunting licenses. Each must present a valid hunting license from another state or pass the hunter education certification program in order to qualify. The state offers free licenses and stamps to New Jersey National Guard members and veterans with service-connected disabilities. Farmers and immediate family members may hunt, trap and fish on their farms without a license or rifle permit. (Size and farm income restrictions apply.) Special one-day licenses are available to hunt on a hunting preserve. The license covers only the preserve and game specified. Nonresidents must pass the hunter certification program or possess a valid out-of-state hunting license.

    Stamps

    • Waterfowl hunters need a waterfowl stamp in addition to the federal duck stamp. Both stamps are valid for the fiscal year issued, July 1 to June 30. A waterfowl hunter also needs a current Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program number, available at any licensing agent, online or via telephone. Certain Wildlife Management Areas require hunters to have pheasant and quail stamps. Hunters under the age of 16 do not need any of these stamps.

    Rifle Permits

    • A hunter needs a rifle permit in order to hunt coyote, deer, squirrel or woodchuck with a muzzleloader; to hunt raccoon and opossum with a .22 rifle; or to shoot trapped animals other than muskrats. Individuals must be at least 10 years old and successfully complete a rifle hunter education course. Hunters 10 to 17 years of age may use only muzzleloaders. Rifle permits are valid for the fiscal year issued, July 1 to June 30. A hunter must have a valid rifle permit to purchase a muzzleloader deer permit.