Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity in New Jersey that allows hunters the chance to harvest wild turkeys during designated seasons throughout the spring The turkey hunting seasons, bag limits, permits, and other regulations are determined each year by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
For the 2023-2024 turkey hunting seasons in New Jersey, here are the key dates and information to know:
Overview of Turkey Hunting Seasons in NJ
New Jersey offers turkey hunters five designated hunting periods during the spring, from late April through late May. These include
- Youth Turkey Hunting Day – April 22, 2023 (1 day only)
- Period A – April 24-28, 2023
- Period B – April 29-May 5, 2023
- Period C – May 6-12, 2023
- Period D – May 13-17 and May 20-24, 2024
- Period E – April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, and May 20, 2024.
Turkey hunting is only allowed on weekdays during Periods A, B, C, and the first part of Period D. For Period E and the second part of Period D, hunting is allowed on Saturdays and the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.
There is no Sunday hunting for turkeys in New Jersey.
Turkey Hunting Hours in New Jersey
Legal shooting hours for turkey hunting are as follows
- Periods A, B, C, and the first part of Period D: 1⁄2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Period E and the second part of Period D: 1⁄2 hour before sunrise to noon. On May 18 only, hours extend to sunset.
Bag Limits for Turkey Hunting in NJ
The bag limit for wild turkey hunting in New Jersey is:
- 1 bearded turkey per permit. Hunters may harvest 2 bearded turkeys maximum during the spring seasons – only one per permit.
Turkey Hunting Permits in New Jersey
To hunt wild turkeys in New Jersey, hunters must purchase a turkey hunting permit along with a hunting license.
There are separate permits for each hunting period. Only one turkey may be harvested per permit. Hunters who want the opportunity to harvest 2 turkeys in one season must purchase permits for 2 separate hunting periods.
Permits can be purchased online through the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife licensing system or from license agents. Permit fees are $22 for residents and $37 for non-residents.
Turkey Hunting Regulations in NJ
Along with the seasons, permits, and bag limits, New Jersey turkey hunters must follow these additional rules and regulations:
- Must possess a valid NJ hunting license.
- Turkey calls and decoys are permitted.
- Legal firearms include shotguns no larger than 3.5” in shell length and using #4 to #8 shot size. Bows, crossbows, and air guns also allowed.
- Turkeys must be tagged immediately upon harvest with the turkey transportation tag provided with the permit. This must remain attached until the bird is processed for consumption.
- Must report harvest within 24 hours either online or by phone.
- Hunters are required to wear fluorescent hunter orange clothing according to established standards.
- Hunting on state lands and public wildlife management areas requires a permit from NJ DEP.
Where to Hunt Wild Turkeys in New Jersey
New Jersey has excellent habitat for wild turkeys across the state, both on public and private lands. Some of the top public land areas for turkey hunting include:
- High Point State Park
- Stokes State Forest
- Wharton State Forest
- Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area
- Black River Wildlife Management Area
- Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area
Private land offers great turkey hunting opportunities as well. Hunters should obtain permission from landowners before accessing private property.
Tips for Turkey Hunting Success in NJ
To maximize your chances of bagging a turkey in New Jersey, keep these turkey hunting tips in mind:
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Scout ahead of season – Locate flocks in the area and take note of travel patterns. Set up as close as possible to their preferred roosting and feeding areas.
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Use decoys and calls – Set up hen decoys and use turkey calls like box, slate, or mouth calls to draw in love-struck gobblers during breeding season.
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Pick a concealable spot – Find a hiding place with a good view of the surrounding area. Sit against a large tree trunk or use a ground blind.
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Be patient – Calling in and outsmarting a turkey takes time. Stay still and resist the urge to move.
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Aim carefully – Wait for the turkey to come into close range and calmly take your shot when ready. Aim for the head and neck area for clean harvest.
Following the spring 2023-2024 turkey hunting season dates, understanding the regulations, scouting your hunting spots, and using smart turkey hunting strategies will help New Jersey hunters enjoy a successful season. With patience and preparation, bagging a big tom turkey in the Garden State is an exciting and rewarding experience.
Frequency of Entities:
Turkey Hunting: 20
New Jersey: 17
turkey hunting season: 7
spring: 4
2023-2024: 4
hunting seasons: 3
wild turkeys: 3
hunting permits: 3
turkey hunting permits: 2
legal hunting hours: 2
bag limits: 2
public lands: 1
hunting regulations: 1
New Jersey Licenses, Permits, and Regulations
New Jersey hunting licenses, permits, and regulations for resident and non-resident hunters can be purchased on the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website. Click below to view the website.
Every New Jersey hunter should have hunting GPS maps on hand. New Jersey hunting maps are available from onX Hunt. With a paid membership you can access Satellite, Topo, or Hybrid Basemaps, over which you can view maps of hunt zones, along with State, Forest Service, and other public and private property boundaries. You can view trails and roads, and even download maps to the Hunt App for use offline. Click below to get onX Hunt for New Jersey.
New Jersey has 70 hunt zones, also referred to as deer management zones. Each has its own restrictions, bag limits, and special seasons. Some, like Hunt Zone 36, are quite large. Others like Hunt Zone 43 are very small. Click below to view New Jersey’s hunt zones in more detail through an interactive map.
Over 3,000,000 parcels mapped by the onX team, this layer helps you know who the property owners are in New Jersey. Tap any parcel to learn more info about the owner and acreage.
onX has the most accurate maps of Gov Lands, covering over 1,400,000 acres in New Jersey. Not all Gov Lands offer access opportunities, check regulations before recreating.
New Jersey Hunt Zones with 10 separate sublayers to pick . Please hunt responsibly, obey all signage and have a safe legal hunt.
- NJ Deer Zones
- Turkey Hunt Area
- Bear Hunt Zones
- Goose Hunt Area
- Waterfowl Hunt Area
- Woodcock Hunt Zone
- Beaver Management Zone
- Muskrat Trapping Zone
- Sea Duck Hunt Area
- Muzzleloader Squirrel Hunt Area
Many acres of land are available for public or permitted use New Jersey from a variety of sources. Please research all rules before recreating.
New Jersey Hunting Seasons
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 8 – Antlerless (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 8 – Either Sex (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 7 – Either Sex (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 6 (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 5/3&4 (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 2 (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 0 (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 8 – Antlerless (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 7 – Antlerless See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 8 – Antlerless (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 7 – Antlerless
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Six Day Firearm
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 8 – Either Sex (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 7 – Either Sex (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 6 (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 5/3&4 (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 2 (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 8 – Either Sex (1) See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 7 – Either Sex (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 6 (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 5 (1)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 3&4/0&2
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 8 – Either Sex (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 7 – Either Sex (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 6 (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 5/3&4 (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 2 (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 0 (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 8 – Either Sex (4)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 7 – Either Sex (4)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 6 (4)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 5/3&4 (4)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 2 (4)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 0 (3)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Bow 2 See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 8 – Either Sex (5)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 7 – Either Sex (5)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 6 (5)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Muzzleloader – 5/3&4 (5)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Winter Bow 1 See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Winter Bow 2 See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 8 – Either Sex (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 7 – Either Sex (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 6 (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Deer Deer – Permit Shotgun – 5 (2)
See regulations for hunting zones and bag limits. Duck Duck – North Zone (Late) Daily bag limit of 6. Duck Duck – North Zone Scaup (Late)
11/11/23 – 12/19/23 — Bag Limit: 1
12/20/23 – 01/11/24 — Bag Limit: 2 Duck Duck – South Zone (Late) Daily bag limit of 6. Duck Duck – South Zone Scaup (Late)
11/18/23 – 12/26/23 — Bag Limit: 1
12/27/23 – 01/18/24 — Bag Limit: 2 Duck Duck – Coastal Zone (Late) Daily bag limit of 6. Duck Duck – Coastal Zone Scaup (Late)
11/23/23 – 01/04/24 Bag Limit: 1
01/05/24 – 01/27/24 Bag Limit: 2 Fox Fox – Firearm & Archery No limit. Rifle permit required. Goose Goose – Regular Light Goose Statewide. Daily bag limit of 25. Goose Brant – North Zone (Early)
See Regulations for more details. Goose Goose – North Zone (Early) Canada, cackling, and white-fronted geese. Daily bag limit of 3 Goose Brant – South Zone (Late)
See regulations for more details. Goose Goose – South Zone (Early) Canada, cackling, and white-fronted geese. Goose Goose – Coastal Zone (Late) Canada, cackling, and white-fronted geese. Goose Brant – Coastal Zone (Early)
See regulations for more details. Goose Brant – Coastal Zone (Late)
See regulations for more details. Goose Goose – North Zone (Late) Canada, cackling, and white-fronted geese. Daily bag limit of 3. Goose Goose – South Zone (Late) Canada, cackling, and white-fronted geese. Goose Brant – North Zone (Late)
See regulations for more details. Goose Goose – Winter Canada Goose Winter zone. Goose Goose – Conservation Order Statewide. Light goose no limit. Pheasant Pheasant Daily bag limit of 2. See regulations for specific days allowed to hunt. Quail Game Type Bobwhite quail (stocked) Closed statewide except Peaslee & Greenwood WMA . See regulations for specific days allowed to hunt. Bag limit of 4 daily. Closed Dec. 5–10 & 14, 2022 Rabbit Rabbit – Cottontail Daily bag limit of 4. Closed Dec. 5–10 & 14, 2022. See regulations for specific days allowed to hunt. Rabbit Rabbit – Jackrabbit Daily bag limit of 1. Closed Dec. 5–10 & 14, 2022. See regulations for specific days allowed to hunt. Rabbit Rabbit – Hare Daily bag limit of 1. Closed Dec. 5–10 & 14, 2022. See regulations for specific days allowed to hunt. Turkey Game Type Turkey – Spring Youth Period Y Male turkeys only. Turkey Game Type Turkey – Spring Period A Male turkeys only. Turkey Game Type Turkey – Spring Period E Male turkeys only. Only Saturdays open to hunting. Turkey Game Type Turkey – Spring Period B Male turkeys only. Turkey Game Type Turkey – Spring Period C Male turkeys only. Turkey Game Type Turkey – Spring Period D Male turkeys only. No hunting May 20 & 21. Upland Bird Partridge Daily bag limit of 7. See regulations for specific days allowed to hunt. Closed Dec. 5–10 & 14, 2022 Upland Bird Woodcock – North Zone (Late) Bag Limit 3 Upland Bird Woodcock – South Zone (Early) Bag Limit 3 Upland Bird Woodcock – South Zone (Late) Bag Limit 3
2023 New Jersey Spring Turkey Harvest
FAQ
When can you hunt turkey in NJ?
What can you hunt in NJ right now?
Are wild turkeys protected in NJ?
How much are NJ turkey permits?
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Permits (Free to DV, NJNG)
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Permit Type / Fee
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Requirements
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Turkey Permits (Fall/Spring) – Valid for Specific Periods
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Youth (Age 10–16): $12* Adult (16+): $21
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Valid only in the Hunting Area and for the duration of the hunting period, specified on the permit.
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Coyote & Fox Permit – Valid Jan. 2–Mar. 15
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Does New Jersey have a turkey season?
Spring and Fall Turkey Seasons: The state of New Jersey offers both a spring and a fall turkey season, with permits issued through a lottery system. The dates and wildlife management units open for hunting can be found detailed in the annual hunting digest.
Can you hunt turkeys in New Jersey?
New Jersey hunters can enjoy some of the finest turkey hunting on the East Coast right in their own backyards. There is now an abundance of wild turkeys throughout the state with turkeys found wherever there is suitable habitat.
What happened to wild turkeys in New Jersey?
By the mid-1800s, turkeys had disappeared in New Jersey due to habitat changes and killing for food. Division biologists, in cooperation with the NJ Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, reintroduced wild turkeys in 1977 with the release of 22 birds.
Are there wild turkeys in South Jersey?
There is now an abundance of wild turkeys throughout the state with turkeys found wherever there is suitable habitat. In South Jersey, where wild turkeys had been struggling just a few years ago, intensive restoration efforts have improved population numbers significantly.