New Jersey Deer Shotgun Season 2025, 2026
Shotgun deer hunting dates for New Jersey.
Recorded dates, not hunting permission
Status assessment: 2026-10-14 UTC (static build snapshot). Static activity badges and day counts use this build assessment, not a live check. Interactive finder results show their own UTC assessment day.
1 of 3 recorded windows have date-review evidence. Other rows remain unverified. Historical records are retained and are not a current-season promise.
Check your current agency regulations, GMU or zone, hunt code, license and access restrictions before hunting. An agency link or successful publication fetch does not verify a row. Reviewed base dates do not cover every license-specific exception.
Date evidence: Official date source. Review dates apply only to the stated row scope, not an entire state or current license eligibility.
New Jersey Deer Shotgun Season
Find shotgun deer hunting season dates for New Jersey. Plan your 2025, 2026 shotgun hunt with dates, zones, and equipment requirements.
Shotgun Season Coming Soon
1 shotgun season opening within 60 days
Dec 7-12, 2026
Actual2026 publisher-linked LR2 guide printed36–37/PDF38–39 Medium set lists Zone2 and Dec7–12 Six-Day Firearm antlered dates. Only private-land legal-antlered shotgun subset reviewed; not individual permission. Printed26/PDF28 permits rifled/smoothbore single/double-barrel shotguns 20–10 gauge, maximum three shells; lawful slugs require adjustable open iron/peep sight or scope affixed. Check legal ammunition, current licenses/exemptions, boundaries, antler/sex/bag/point rules, hunter orange, hours/reporting, CWD, local/access/closures. No Permit Shotgun, muzzleloader, bow, youth, public/special-area or other-zone coverage/bridge. Government digest index403, body unverified. Seven history rows/license metadata unverified; no quota/full eligibility claim.
Shotgun Deer Season Dates
3 shotgun seasons in New Jersey
| Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7-12, 2026 Date window reviewed 2026-10-09; verify license-specific exceptions Official date source | Zone2 — private-land legal antlered Six-Day Firearm shotgun subset | Upcoming | Actual2026 publisher-linked LR2 guide printed36–37/PDF38–39 Medium set lists Zone2 and Dec7–12 Six-Day Firearm antlered dates. Only private-land legal-antlered shotgun subset reviewed; not individual permission. Printed26/PDF28 permits rifled/smoothbore single/double-barrel shotguns 20–10 gauge, maximum three shells; lawful slugs require adjustable open iron/peep sight or scope affixed. Check legal ammunition, current licenses/exemptions, boundaries, antler/sex/bag/point rules, hunter orange, hours/reporting, CWD, local/access/closures. No Permit Shotgun, muzzleloader, bow, youth, public/special-area or other-zone coverage/bridge. Government digest index403, body unverified. Seven history rows/license metadata unverified; no quota/full eligibility claim. | |
| Dec 1-6, 2025 Unverified date record; agency review required | Zone not recorded | Historical record | Six-day firearm | |
| Dec 8-13, 2025 Unverified date record; agency review required | Zone not recorded | Historical record | Permit season | |
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Compare Other Deer Hunting Methods
Explore 2 other methods available in New Jersey
Zone-Specific Shotgun Dates
New Jersey has different shotgun deer dates by zone. Zones include: Zone2 — private-land legal antlered Six-Day Firearm shotgun subset. Check official state regulations for zone boundaries.
Important Note for New Jersey
Only Zone2 private-land legal-antlered Six-Day Firearm shotgun dates Dec7–12,2026 reviewed from actual publisher-linked LR2 printed36–37/PDF38–39, equipment printed26/PDF28. No Permit Shotgun bridge or other-zone/weapon/public/special hunts verified. Licenses, boundaries, antler/sex/bag/point, legal ammunition/shotgun/sights, orange/hours/reporting, CWD, local/access/closures need checks. Government index403; seven history rows/license metadata unverified. Not individual permission.
New Jersey Deer Shotgun Hunting FAQ
Common questions about shotgun deer hunting in New Jersey
When does shotgun deer season start in New Jersey?
Recorded windows, not one continuous season: 2026-12-07 to 2026-12-12; 2025-12-01 to 2025-12-06; 2025-12-08 to 2025-12-13. Historical and unverified records may be included. Check each row's evidence and your current GMU/hunt code and license before hunting.
What shot size is legal for deer in New Jersey?
New Jersey regulates shot size and shot type for deer hunting. Many states require non-toxic shot for waterfowl and may have specific pellet size requirements for other game. Verify current shotgun regulations with the state.
Are there different shotgun deer zones in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey has zone-specific shotgun deer seasons. Zones include: Zone2 — private-land legal antlered Six-Day Firearm shotgun subset. Each zone may have different dates and regulations.
Do I need a special tag for shotgun deer hunting in New Jersey?
You need a valid New Jersey hunting license and applicable deer tags or permits. Some states offer shotgun-specific tags or have separate quotas. Check current license requirements and availability.
What other methods can I use to hunt deer in New Jersey?
Besides shotgun, New Jersey offers deer seasons for: Archery, Muzzleloader. Each method has different season dates and regulations.
Shotgun Deer in Other States
Compare shotgun seasons across states
View All New Jersey Deer Seasons
See all hunting methods for deer in New Jersey.
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