New Jersey Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November 8 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Pheasant, Chukar, and Hungarian Partridge:
    • General Season: November 8, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (tentative, based on historical patterns and subject to confirmation by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife). Hunting hours are typically 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
    • Youth Upland Bird Day: November 1, 2025, for licensed youth hunters under adult supervision, with guided and open hunt options.
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Statewide season is closed except at Peaslee and Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), where hunting is permitted during the pheasant season (November 8, 2025 – February 28, 2026).
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Season is closed statewide due to population declines. Sightings should be reported to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife or via eBird.
  • Commercial Preserves:
    • Open October through March, 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays), with no bag limits for pheasant, quail, chukar, or Hungarian partridge. Separate licenses or fees apply.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Hunting License: Required for all hunters. Costs (as of 2025, subject to change):
    • Resident Adult (16-64): $27.50
    • Resident Youth (10-15): $12.50
    • Non-Resident Adult: $135.50
    • Non-Resident Youth: $20.50
    • Apprentice License (for first-time hunters): $27.50 (resident) or $45.50 (non-resident).
  • Pheasant and Quail Stamp: Required for hunting pheasant and quail on designated WMAs. Cost: $40 (valid January–December 2025).
  • Commercial Preserve License: Fees vary by preserve (e.g., Meadowview Preserve charges $1,450 for a package of 50 pheasants, 65 chukars, or 125 quail). Contact preserves for specific costs.
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification: Required for migratory game birds (e.g., woodcock, if applicable). Cost: Free, but registration is mandatory.

Licenses and stamps can be purchased online at NJFishandWildlife.com/licensesalessite.htm or at authorized license agents.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

  • Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2 roosters (male pheasants only; hens are illegal except on controlled hunting areas).
    • Possession Limit: 6 after the first two days of the season (4 during the first two days).
  • Bobwhite Quail (Peaslee and Greenwood WMAs only):
    • Daily Bag Limit: Not explicitly stated, but typically aligns with pheasant limits (assumed 2–4 based on historical data; confirm with NJDEP).
    • Possession Limit: Not specified; likely 6–12, pending confirmation.
  • Chukar and Hungarian Partridge:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 7 (combined, where stocked).
    • Possession Limit: 21 (combined, after the first few days; confirm with NJDEP).
  • Commercial Preserves: No bag or possession limits for pheasant, quail, chukar, or Hungarian partridge.
  • Ruffed Grouse: No hunting permitted; season closed.

Additional Notes

  • Hunting Areas: Pheasant and quail are primarily hunted on designated WMAs (e.g., Assunpink, Black River, Clinton, Colliers Mills, etc.) and commercial preserves. Quail hunting is restricted to Peaslee and Greenwood Forest WMAs.
  • Regulations:
    • Hunters must wear 200 square inches of hunter orange on pheasant/quail-stocked WMAs when using firearms.
    • Sunday hunting is prohibited, except on commercial preserves and for opossum/raccoon in specific hours.
    • Dogs are permitted for hunting pheasant, quail, chukar, and partridge.
    • Non-toxic shot is required for certain migratory birds (e.g., rails, snipe), and specific ammunition rules apply.
  • Reporting: Hunters are encouraged to report bobwhite quail or ruffed grouse sightings to aid conservation efforts.
  • Verification: Season dates and limits are subject to annual updates by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. Check the official regulations at www.eregulations.com or NJFishandWildlife.com for the latest details, as some dates (e.g., fall turkey) were not finalized in the provided data.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife website or the 2025-26 New Jersey Hunting Regulations guide before planning your hunt.