Licenses |
Possession of a valid Hunting License is required to hunt and must be visibly displayed on outer clothing not covered by a pack or harness. |
License Type / Fee |
Requirements |
How to Obtain |
Youth Licenses (Ages 10–16)* – License valid through Dec. 31 of the year youth turns 16. Farmer exemption also applicable to youth farmers; see Farmer Hunting & Permit Information. |
Bow & Arrow: Free
Firearm: Free |
- Must be at least 10 years of age to obtain, regardless of residency.
- Hunters over 10 years and under 14 years must be accompanied by licensed adult (age 21+).
- Hunters over 10 years and under 14 years require permission from parent or legal guardian to obtain either license.
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- Complete the HunterCourse.com online program, pass written test and print completion voucher.
- Register for a specific date/time mandatory live-fire Hunter Education session at NJFishandWildlife.com/hunteredregistration.htm. For questions, call the Hunter Education office at (856) 629-0552.
- Present Hunter Education course completion card at any license agent.
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Resident Licenses – Licenses valid through Dec. 31. |
Bow & Arrow
- Resident (Age 16–64): $31.50
- Sr. Resident (65+): $16.50
Firearm
- Resident (16–64): $27.50
- Sr. Resident (65+): $15.50
All-Around Sportsman
- Combines Resident Firearm, Bow & Arrow, and Fishing Licenses: $72.25
- With Buddy Fishing License: $62.25
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- Must be NJ resident for at least 6 months or be on active military duty.
- Required when hunter turns 17 and annually thereafter.
- A "Buddy" All-Around license requires your friend (age 16–64 who has not purchased any type of fishing license since 2010) to purchase a year-long fishing license in the same transaction when you purchase your All-Around Sportsman License.
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- A first-time license must be obtained from a license agent by showing appropriate Hunter Education course completion card(s) obtained as above, or with prior resident licenses from any state.
- All subsequent licenses can be purchased at any license agent or online at NJFishandWildlife.com
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Apprentice Licenses – Licenses valid through Dec. 31. |
Bow & Arrow
- Resident (Age 14–64): $31.50
- Sr. Resident (65+): $16.50
- Non-Resident (14+): $135.50
Firearm
- Resident (18–64): $27.50
- Sr. Resident (65+): $15.50
- Non-Resident (18+): $135.50
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- Must be U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old to obtain firearm license and 14 years for bow.
- Hunter Education NOT required.
- MUST hunt under direct supervision and guidance of hunting mentor.
- Mentor must be at least 21 and possess a valid license.
- Mentor may only supervise ONE apprentice at a time.
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- Available at all license agents and online at NJFishandWildlife.com.
- Lifetime limit of two apprentice licenses per type.
Also, Apprentice hunters:
- May hunt with air gun, bow, or shotgun ONLY.
- NOT valid for coyote or fox, and deer during the deer Muzzleloader Season.
- CANNOT use an Apprentice License as proof of passing Hunter Education course to purchase a regular license.
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Disabled Veterans (DV) Hunting Licenses – Licenses valid through Dec. 31. (see additional information in Disabled Veteran Licenses, Stamps & Permits section in License Information) |
Free (each)
- All resident hunting licenses with exception of Buddy All-Around and Buddy Fishing Licenses
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- Proof from VA of service-connected disability of any degree.
- Proof of honorable discharge (DD-214 or similar).
- NJ Driver License or other proof of residency.
- Appropriate Hunter Education course completion card(s).
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- Resident and Sr. Resident Apprentice
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- Same requirements, restrictions, etc. as Apprentice Licenses above
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National Guard (NJNG) – Licenses valid through Dec. 31. |
Free (each)
All resident or non-resident hunting licenses with exception of Buddy All-Around and Buddy Fishing Licenses |
- Must be active NJNG member who has completed Initial Active Duty Training.
- Appropriate Hunter Education Course Completion Cards or prior hunting license from former state of residence.
- Confirm you are active in the NJDMAVA system. Call (609) 530-6866.
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- National Guard members must be certified by DMAVA, see New Jersey National
Guard Licenses section in License Information for details. Certifications are only valid for six months at a time. Available at all license agents; see Where To Buy Your License & Permits section in License Information.
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Non-Resident Licenses – Licenses valid through Dec. 31. |
Non-Resident Bow & Arrow
- Non-Resident (Age 16+): $135.50
Non-Resident Firearm
- Non-Resident (Age 16+): $135.50
(for Apprentice Licenses, see Apprentice Licenses section above) |
- Non-resident of NJ or NJ resident for less than six months.
- Required in the year hunter turns 17 and annually thereafter (for year long licenses).
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- A first-time license must be obtained from a license agent by showing appropriate Hunter Education course completion card(s) obtained as described under Youth Licenses (see Youth Licenses section above), or with prior resident license(s) from any state. See License Information for more details.
- All subsequent licenses can be purchased at any license agent or online at NJFishandWildlife.com
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Non-Resident 2-Day Small Game Firearm
- Non-Resident (Age 16+): $36.50
(Not valid to hunt deer or turkey)
Valid through the day after issuance. |
Special One-day Firearm – for use on commercial preserves only. Must be purchased from Commercial Preserve, not available online. |
Resident or Non-Resident
Expires at the end of the day issued |
- Must have passed appropriate Hunter Education course in NJ or state of residence.
- Valid for harvesting any species covered by the preserve license
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- Valid for only for commercial shooting preserves
- May be obtained on-site at participating commercial preserves.
- Show proof of Hunter Education course or prior resident hunting license from any state.
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Farmer License Exemption (see additional information in Farmer Hunting & Permit Information) |
Farm - must meet qualifications under NJ Farmland Assessment Act of 1964. See
www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/anr/pdf/farmlandassessmentoverview.pdf |
- No license or rifle permit required for Occupant Farmer or immediate family member1 hunting farm on which the farmer or immediate family member RESIDE.
- Must have a Conservation Identification (CID) number
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- Farmers who purchased any license or permit since 2006 should already have a CID number.
- If not, follow the instructions in Farmer Hunting & Permit Information under CID Requirement to create a profile.
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