Wildlife Management Areas

Regulations for use of wildlife management areas (WMAs) are established by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, with penalties of not less than $50 nor more than $1,500. A second violation of any WMA regulation will result in a five-year loss of all sporting licenses and privileges.

Information on these regulations and permit applications may be obtained by writing to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, MC501-03, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife may revoke any permit or other authorization issued for violation or due cause.

The following are prohibited: camping, swimming, picnicking, airsoft or paintball gunning, geocaching, dumping, cutting or damaging vegetation, removing timber or firewood, alcoholic beverages and fires.

Restricted Hours

Wildlife Management Areas are closed from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., unless engaged in lawful hunting, fishing or trapping activities.

Special permission may be granted for NJDEP Fish & Wildlife-approved activities.

Motor Vehicles

No person shall operate an unregistered vehicle on roads under the control of NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. All motor vehicles are restricted to established public roads and parking areas.

The use of dog sleds and dog carts, off-road vehicles, ATVs, trailbikes or snowmobiles is prohibited on all Wildlife Management Areas, unless authorized by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. E-bikes are allowed up to 750 watts. For current mountain bike and paddleboard rules, visit the NJDEP Wildlife Management Area regulations page for detailed guidelines and permitted uses.

Target Practice

Only archery, shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, muzzleloading rifle, air gun (.177 and .22) and modern rifle ≤ .30 caliber rifle shooting is allowed in designated hunter training ranges, according to posted regulations at the training area. Other target practice is allowed only with permission from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. For range locations, hours, and rules, visit the NJDEP Hunter Training Areas page for detailed information and access guidelines.

Field Trials

Permits for use of wildlife management areas for running of field trials may be granted by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. Apply for a permit by calling (609) 259-2132.

Dog Training and Exercising

Dogs may be exercised or trained on any WMA from Sept. 1 to April 30. All dogs must be properly licensed. Select WMAs, with designated dog training areas, also permit dogs to be exercised or trained from May 1 to Aug. 31. For more information, see the New Jersey Hunting and Trapping Digest or call (609) 984-0547.

Outboard Motors

Only electric motors are allowed on freshwater lakes and ponds managed by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife with the exception of Union Lake, where outboard motors not exceeding 10 hp. may be used. On Prospertown Lake, only manually operated boats and canoes are allowed.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is permitted only on designated Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with a valid permit from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. Apply online through the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife license sales site to obtain your required permit. Horseback riding permits should be displayed on outer clothing while riding, not covered by a pack or other equipment. For more information on horseback riding permits, call (609) 259-2132.

Fishing Tournament

Any club or organization that would like to use a New Jersey Wildlife Management Area for fishing tournaments must apply for and secure a permit from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. No fee is required. Applications will be accepted in January at NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Central Region Office, One Eldridge Rd., Robbinsville, NJ 08691 at (609) 223-6076.

Boat Ramp Maintenance Permit

Any vehicle used to transport or launch a vessel or water conveyance on the following WMAs must have affixed to the lower corne­r of the driver’s side rear window a boat ramp maintenance permit, or a photocopy of a valid hunting, fishing or trapping license. Be sure your Conservation ID number is clearly displayed; all other personal information may be blacked out for privacy.

The boat ramp maintenance permit fee is $15 and may be purchased from an authorized license agent or online through the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Internet license sales site for convenient, 24/7 access.

Residents 70 years and older are not required to obtain a boat ramp maintenance permit and need no license, but must affix to their window proof of age, such as a former license displaying your date of birth.

WMAs requiring boat ramp maintenance permits:

1. Round Valley Angler Access
2. Assunpink
3. Dennis Creek
4. Tuckahoe
5. Mad Horse Creek
6. Union Lake
7. Menantico Ponds
8. Prospertown Lake