Deer Special Areas Information
Regulations in red are new this year.
All Special Areas
Special Area Deer Management Zones are properties which have their own zone designation. All Special Area Permits go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 am on Monday, September 11, 2023. Refer to specific areas for the closing deadline since permit sales for certain special areas are available only for a limited time.
County Lands
Atlantic County Park System (Zone 61)
Permits for Zone 61 will be available for sale until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023. Permits will be available for sale at all license agents and online over the Internet. For more information on deer hunting Atlantic County Park, contact (609) 625-8219 or at: https://www.atlantic-county.org/parks/dmz61.asp
Permit Bow Season: Oct. 28–Dec. 24 and Dec. 26–31, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Bow Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Muzzleloader Season: Nov. 27–28; Dec. 11, 12, 16–23, 26–30, 2023; Jan. 1–5, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Six-day Firearm Season: Dec. 4–9, 2023; Please note: Hunting during the Six-day Firearm Season on Atlantic County Park property (Zone 61) is NOT open to all hunters. ONLY hunters with a current, valid Zone 61 Permit Shotgun Season permit may hunt the property during Six- day Firearm Season. Bag limit: two antlered deer. However, if a hunter harvests two antlered deer, they forfeit the opportunity to harvest an antlered deer during the Permit Shotgun Season. Only one buck may be taken at a time.
Permit Shotgun Season: Dec. 4–9, and 13–15, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. However, for hunters who harvest two antlered deer during the Six-day Firearm Season, the bag limit in the Permit Shotgun Season is restricted to unlimited antlerless deer only. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 1–31, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Please note: Hunting during the Winter Bow Season on Atlantic County Park property (Zone 61) is NOT open to all hunters, ONLY to hunters that had a valid 2023 Zone 61 bow permit. Two deer may be taken at one time.
State Parks and Forests
High Point State Park (Zone 67)
Permits will be available for sale at all license agents and online over the Internet. For more information on deer hunting High Point State Park, including a map of the areas open to hunting, contact the office at 1480 Rt. 23 South in Sussex (973) 875-4800 or visit the website at NJParksandForests.org/parks/highpointstatepark.html.
Permit Muzzleloader Season: Nov. 6–9 and 13–16, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. The hunter’s first deer must be antlerless. Successful hunters may then harvest an antlered deer if in possession of an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit. Any antlered deer taken in Zone 67 must have at least one antler with three antler points.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 1–31, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Any antlered deer taken in Zone 67 must have at least one antler with three antler points. Two deer may be taken at one time. Only those portions of Zone 67 that are south and west of Rt. 23 will be open for the winter bow season.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Zone 64)
Permits for Zone 64 will be available for sale until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023. Permits will be available for sale at all license agents and online over the Internet. For more information on deer hunting Monmouth Battlefield State Park, contact (732) 462-9616 or at: NJParksandForests.org/parks/monbat.html.
Permit Shotgun Season: Dec. 4–9, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Six-day Firearm Season: Dec. 4–9, 2023; Bag limit: two antlered deer. Only one buck may be taken at a time.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 1–Feb. 17, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Federal Installations
Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot (Zone 39)
Earle NWS is open ONLY to civilian employees or military personnel assigned to the base. Hunters wishing to hunt Zone 39 must have approval from the administrative authority of Earle NWS (Zone 39) before purchasing a Zone 39 permit. For more information, contact Kevin O’Connor at (732) 866-2014.
Fall Bow Season: Sept. 9–29, 2023, first deer must be antlerless. Sept. 30–Oct. 27, 2023, antlered or antlerless. Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Bow Season: Oct. 28–Dec. 24, 26–31, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Bow Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Six-day Firearm Season: Dec. 4–9, 2023; Bag limit: two antlered deer. However, if a hunter harvests two antlered deer, they forfeit the opportunity to harvest an antlered deer during the Permit Shotgun Season. Only one buck may be taken at a time.
Permit Muzzleloader: Nov. 27–Dec. 2 and 11–31, 2023, and Jan. 1–Feb. 10, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Shotgun Season: Dec. 2, 4–9, 16, 23, and 30, 2023, and Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, and Feb. 3 and 10, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. However, for hunters who harvest two deer during the Six-day Firearm Season, the bag limit in the Permit Shotgun Season is restricted to unlimited antlerless deer only. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 1–Feb. 17, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Federal Aviation Administration William J. Hughes Technical Center (Zone 66)
The Technical Center is open to deer hunting through a cooperative agreement between the FAATC, Fish and Wildlife, and the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (NJSFSC). Membership in the NJSFSC is required. Hunters wishing to hunt Zone 66 must have approval from the administrative authority of FAA Technical Center (Zone 66) before purchasing a Zone 66 Permit. For more information, call (609) 485-4928.
Fall Bow Season: Sept. 9–29, 2023; First deer must be antlerless. Sept. 30–Oct. 27, 2023; antlered or antlerless deer. Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer.
Permit Bow Season: Oct. 28–Dec. 24 and Dec. 26–31, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Bow Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer.
Permit Muzzleloader Season: Nov. 25–Dec. 2 and Dec. 8 and 9, 2023, and Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Shotgun Season: Nov. 25–Dec. 2 and Dec. 8 and 9, 2023, and Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. However, for hunters who harvest two antlered deer during the Six-day Firearm Season, the Bag limit in the Permit Shotgun Season is restricted to unlimited antlerless deer only. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 1–31, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer.
Dix-McGuire section of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, U.S. Air Force (Zone 37)
The Dix-McGuire section (Zone 37) is open ONLY to those with authorization to access the base. Hunters wishing to hunt Zone 37 must have approval from the administrative authority of Dix-McGuire (Zone 37) before purchasing a Zone 37 permit. For more information, contact Natural Resources at 609-754-1847 or 732-323-2911.
Fall Bow Season: Sept. 9–29, 2023, first deer must be antlerless. Sept. 30–Oct. 27, 2023, antlered or antlerless deer. Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Bow Season: Oct. 28–Dec. 24 and Dec. 26–31, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Bow Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Six-day Firearm Season: Dec. 4–9, 2023; Bag limit: two antlered deer. However, if a hunter harvests two antlered deer, they forfeit the opportunity to harvest an antlered deer during the Permit Shotgun Season. Only one buck may be taken at a time.
Permit Muzzleloader Season: Nov. 27–30 and Dec. 1, 2, 11–23, 26–30, 2023, and Jan. 2–6, 2024; Bag limit: two deer; one may be antlered only for hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit.
Permit Shotgun Season: Dec. 23, 26, and 27, 2023; Bag limit: two deer, one may be antlered only for hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit. However, for hunters who harvest two antlered deer during the Six-day Firearm Season, the bag limit in the Permit Shotgun Season is restricted to two antlerless deer only.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 2–Feb. 17, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Lakehurst section of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, U.S. (Zone 53)
The Lakehurst section (Zone 53) is open ONLY to those with authorization to access the base. Hunters wishing to hunt Zone 53 must have approval from the administrative authority of Lakehurst (Zone 53) before purchasing a Zone 53 permit. For more information, contact Natural Resources at 609-754-1847 or 732-323-2911.
Fall Bow Season: Sept. 9–29, 2023, first deer must be antlerless. Sept. 30–Oct. 27, 2023, antlered or antlerless deer. Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Bow Season: Oct. 28–Dec. 24 and Dec. 26–31, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Bow Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Six-day Firearm Season: Dec. 4–9, 2023; Bag limit: two antlered deer. However, if a hunter harvests two antlered deer, they forfeit the opportunity to harvest an antlered deer during the Permit Shotgun Season. Only one buck may be taken at a time.
Permit Muzzleloader Season: Nov. 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, and Dec. 1, 2, 11–23, 26–31, 2023 and Jan. 1–13, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer.
Permit Shotgun Season: Dec. 4–9, 13, 14, and 15, 2023, and Jan. 6–13, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. However, for hunters who harvest two antlered deer during the Six-day Firearm Season, the bag limit in the Permit Shotgun Season is restricted to unlimited antlerless deer only.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 1–Feb. 17, 2024; Bag limit: two deer—only one may be antlered.
Picatinny Arsenal (Zone 54)
Picatinny Arsenal (Zone 54) is open ONLY to active duty or retired military personnel and Picatinny Arsenal federal civilian employees or retirees only. Hunters wishing to hunt Zone 54 must have approval from the administrative authority of Picatinny (Zone 54) before purchasing a Zone 54 permit. For more information, contact Brad Garie at (973) 724-3594 or Conservation Law Enforcement Officer James Opalecky at (973) 724-8647.
Fall Bow Season: Sept. 30–Oct. 27, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and one antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Bow Season: Oct. 28–Dec. 24, 26–31, 2023; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Bow Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Six-day Firearm Season: Dec. 4–9, 2023; Bag limit: two antlered deer. However, if a hunter harvests two antlered deer, they forfeit the opportunity to harvest an antlered deer during the Permit Shotgun Season. Only one buck may be taken at a time.
Permit Muzzleloader Season: Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 11–31, 2023, and Jan. 1–6, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Muzzleloader Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Permit Shotgun Season: Dec. 4–9 and 16, 2023 and Jan. 6, 8–13, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer. In addition, hunters who purchase an Antlered Buck Shotgun Permit may harvest ONE antlered deer. However, for hunters who harvest two antlered deer during the Six-day Firearm Season, the bag limit in the Permit Shotgun Season is restricted to unlimited antlerless deer only. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Winter Bow Season: Jan. 1–31, 2024; Bag limit: unlimited antlerless deer and ONE antlered deer. Two deer may be taken at one time.
Special Areas - National Wildlife Refuge Areas and Other Public Lands
Great Swamp NWR (Zone 38)
Great Swamp hunters must possess a Zone 38 permit. Permits will be available for sale until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Hunters must have approval and refuge hunt permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Go to https://greatswamp.recaccess.com. For more information contact Jared Green at (978) 440-0280.
Permit Muzzleloader and Permit Shotgun Season (concurrent): Nov. 1–4, 2023. On Oct. 28 (Saturday), hunting is only for youths who possess a valid New Jersey Youth hunting license and a Zone 38 permit from NJ Fish and Wildlife plus a refuge hunt permit (no fee). Youths must be accompanied by a licensed but non-hunting adult who is at least 21 years of age. Bag limit: two deer—either one antlerless and one antlered or two antlerless deer. Hunters must purchase an Antlered Buck Permit to harvest ONE antlered deer.
Franklin Parker Preserve & Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve (Zone 68)
Hunters must possess proper Zone 68 permits. Seasons and bag limits for Regulation Set #6 apply. For more information, contact njconservation.org/deer-management/.
Additional Deer Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands |
Areas listed below require additional access permits and/or registration. Contact the property manager directly for more information. NOTE: Sunday hunting is archery only and ONLY on private land and state WMAs. For municipal properties not listed, contact the municipality directly. |
Natural Lands Trust |
Many Natural Lands Trust preserves are open for deer hunting. To hunt select Natural Lands Trust preserves, apply online at: nj.gov/dep/njnlt/deerhunting.htm |
State Parks and Forest Properties |
Cheesequake State Park (Zone 50) Park access permit is required. For more information: (732) 566-2161 or email [email protected] |
D & R Canal State Park, Delaware Township Hunting Areas (Zone 11) For more information: (609) 397-2949; state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/drcanal.html |
D & R Canal State Park, Six-Mile Run Reservoir (Zone 14) Park access permit required. For more information: (609) 924-5705; state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/drcanal.html |
Rancocas State Park (Zone 48) Open for Bow and Arrow Seasons Only. For more information: nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/rancocasstatepark.html |
Round Valley Recreation Area (Zone 12) For more information: (908) 236-6355 |
Spruce Run Recreation Area (Zone 7) Open for Bow and Arrow Seasons Only. For more information: (908) 638-8572 |
Washington Crossing State Park (Zone 41) Park access permit required. Open for Bow and Arrow Seasons Only. For more information: (609) 737-0623 |
County Land |
Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation: Park access permit required. For more information: (908) 782-1158; co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/parks.htm |
Mercer County Parks: Park access permit required. For more information: (609) 303-0706; mercercountyparks.org |
Middlesex County Park System: Park access permit required. For more information: (732) 745-8278 |
Monmouth County Park System: Park access permit required. For more information: (732) 842-4000; monmouthcountyparks.com |
Morris County Park System: Park access permit required. For more information: (973) 326-7622; morrisparks.net/deer/index.asp |
Ocean County Parks Department: For more information: (732) 506-9090; planning.co.ocean.nj.us/natlands.htm. |
Federal (National Wildlife Refuge-NWR) Land (Baiting is prohibited on all National Wildlife Refuges) |
Edwin B Forsythe NWR (Zones 22, 24, 26, 42, and 51) Federal access permit required. For more information: (609) 652-1665; fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe |
Wallkill River NWR (Zone 2) Federal access permit required. For more information: (973) 702-7266; www.fws.gov/refuge/wallkill_river/ |
Additional Public Land |
Bayside PSEG Tract (Zone 29) For more information: (888) MARSHES; www.pseg.com/environment/estuary |
Lizard Tail Swamp (Zone 34) Access permit required. For more information: (908) 879-7262 |
Newark Watershed (Zones 3 and 6) Watershed access permit required. For more information: (973) 697-1724 or (973) 697-1758 |
Hunting & Trapping Explorer
Before heading out to hunt, use the online Hunting & Trapping Explorer at NJFishandWildlife.com/hunt to determine your hunting zone, unit, township and county and to confirm your zone boundaries. This will speed your harvest reporting after a successful hunt!
It's easy, fast and accurate! See Deer Hunting Regulations for harvest reporting details.
Please Note: Not all land highlighted in green is publicly accessible or huntable. Please contact the landowner/manager for more information.
