Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
NJ
Deer Hunting in New Jersey: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in New Jersey starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $28 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $28 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 13 – Oct 31 Bow (Early)
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
New Jersey Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for New Jersey deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Bow (Early); also check Permit (Firearms).
For New Jersey deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Separate deer permits are generally $28 for either residency; non-residents still need the separate firearm or bow license. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. New Jersey does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in New Jersey
New Jersey deer hunting is permit-driven and zone-specific. The common deer permit entries are $28, but a non-resident still needs the separate firearm or bow hunting license, each currently listed at $135.50. Rifles are not legal for deer; hunters use bow, crossbow, shotgun, or muzzleloader depending on season. NJ Fish & Wildlife does not list a confirmed in-state CWD detection in the current prevention materials, but the state uses carcass-import restrictions and a natural deer-lure ban to reduce risk. Antler-point and earn-a-buck rules depend on the deer management zone.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
New Jersey Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
New Jersey offers 5 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
New Jersey Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$28
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$28
Over-the-counter tag available
Separate deer permits are generally $28 for either residency; non-residents still need the separate firearm or bow license
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right New Jersey deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full New Jersey license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in New Jersey
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Not Detected
CWD Testing / Transport
No in-state detection listed
Zones: No confirmed CWD detection listed by NJ Fish & Wildlife; state uses import and lure restrictions as prevention
New Jersey restricts importation of whole cervid carcasses and high-risk parts from outside the state and prohibits natural deer-derived lures.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 antlered per season + antlerless by permit
No rifles; shotgun slugs/muzzleloader/archery; permit and bag rules vary by deer management zone
Allowed Weapons
Bow, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in New Jersey — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in New Jersey?
No confirmed CWD detection is listed by NJ Fish & Wildlife in the current prevention materials, and mandatory hunter testing is not the statewide default. The state focuses on prevention through carcass import limits, surveillance, and a ban on natural deer-derived lures.
What are the antler restrictions?
It depends on your Deer Management Zone and regulation set. Some zones use antler point restrictions, some use earn-a-buck rules, and others use different permit structures, so check the zone table before hunting.
Are natural deer lures legal?
No. The possession, sale, and use of all natural deer-derived hunting lures (urine) is entirely banned in New Jersey to prevent CWD.
What deer species can I hunt in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in New Jersey?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in New Jersey, but they need the proper non-resident firearm or bow license plus the required deer permit for the season and zone. The common deer permit is $28, separate from the non-resident hunting license.