If you’re looking for new turkey hunting grounds in 2023, New Jersey could be a good option. New Jersey allows hunters to chase wild turkeys throughout both the spring and autumn hunting seasons because of its broad array of landscapes and habitats. However, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the guidelines governing turkey hunting in the Garden State before venturing out into the field. This guide will provide all the information you need to have a successful turkey hunting season in New Jersey, from dates and how to get the required licenses and permits to bag limits and hunting techniques.
New Jersey Turkey Season 2023
A strong wild turkey population is an outcome of the successful bird restoration project in New Jersey. Beginning in late April, there is a five-week spring turkey hunting season; options for autumn hunting need licenses and reporting. Only gobblers within shotgun range may be shot during the spring season, with the target being on the neck and head. It’s illegal to hunt hens. With over two million turkey hunters anticipated to participate globally, the spring turkey season in New Jersey is a fantastic chance for hunters to take advantage of the state’s recovered wildlife population and hunting tradition.
Spring Turkey Season
| NJ Spring Turkey Season | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Period Y (ages 10–16) | Apr 22–May 14, 2023 |
| Period Y (ages 10–16) | May 15–May 26, 2023 |
| Period A (M–F) | Apr 24–28, 2023 |
| Period B (M–F) | May 1–5, 2023 |
| Period C (M–F) | May 8–12, 2023 |
| Period D (M–F) | May 15–19 |
| Period D (M–F) | May 22-26, 2023 |
| Period E (Saturdays) | 29-Apr |
| Period E (Saturdays) | 6-May-23 |
| Period E (Saturdays) | 13-May-23 |
| Period E (Saturdays) | 20-May-23 |
Note: For all the above times, hunting hours are from half an hour before dawn to sunset. Half an hour before dawn to noon is the period E hunting hours. Only on May 20: 30 minutes before sunrise till sunset
Youth Turkey Season
| NJ Youth Turkey Season | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth Turkey | 22-Apr |
Fall Turkey Season
| NJ Fall Turkey Season | Season Dates (*TBC) |
|---|---|
| Period N | 29-Oct |
| Period N | Oct 31–Nov 5 |
Note: Hunting is permitted for fall turkey season from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Dates for Fall Turkey are tentative and to be confirmed (*TBC).
Bag Limits
| Season | Turkey Allowed | Gender Restrictions | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Turkey Season | Either sex | None | 1 per permit |
| Youth Turkey Season | Male (no bearded hens) | Male only (no hens) | 1 per permit |
| Spring Gobbler Season | Male (no bearded hens) | Male only (no hens) | 1 per permit |
Turkey Licenses
| Permit Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Permit | $27.50 | $135.50 |
| Youth Permit | $10 | $20 |
Turkey Harvesting & Reporting in New Jersey
New Jersey hunters must promptly tag a turkey with a Wild Turkey Transportation Card and note the CID, date, and Turkey Hunting Area. They must also note the turkey’s sex, age, beard length, and longest spur. Hunters must report the turkey to the Automated Harvest Reporting System (AHRS) by phone or online and note the Confirmation Number on their Turkey Harvest Report Card. Hunters must call the closest Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement office to report the turkey if they are still waiting to reach the AHRS by the specified time. No matter how many turkey licenses are bought, hunters may kill only one bird daily.
| Steps to follow for harvesting turkey in New Jersey |
|---|
| 1. Immediately tag turkey with Wild Turkey Transportation Card |
| 2. Record CID, date, and Turkey Hunting Area of harvest |
| 3. Record turkey's sex, age, beard length, and longest spur length |
| 4. Report harvest via AHRS by phone or online |
| 5. Record assigned Confirmation Number on Turkey Harvest Report Card |
| 6. If unable to access AHRS, report turkey immediately by phone to Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement |
| 7. Hunters may only harvest one turkey per day |
Reporting Hours
| Season | Harvest Reporting Time |
|---|---|
| Fall Turkey Season | By 7 p.m. on day of harvest |
| Youth Turkey Season | By 3 p.m. on day of harvest; beginning May 15 by 9 p.m. |
| Spring Gobbler Season | By 3 p.m. on day of harvest; beginning May 15 by 9 p.m. |
Hunting Regulations
- It’s illegal to stalk a turkey or use a hand-held decoy or tail as camouflage.
- Turkey hunters are limited to five. Turkey hunters cannot carry weapons within 300 feet of baited areas. You may hunt turkey from a blind or tree stand.
- New Jersey turkey hunters may kill coyotes before their turkey quota. Contact 1-855-448-6865 NJ.WildlifeLicense.com to report coyote harvests.
- Turkey hunters require their Conservation ID number (CID) to apply for a permit through a licensing agent or online. Each hunter may submit one application for two spring turkey lottery licenses, one from each component, with up to three selections for each part. Requesting the same location and duration in both lotteries may result in two permits for the same combination, so be cautious. Hunters winning both lotteries must claim both licenses. Permits are randomly assigned based on the website’s limit.
- Hunters require their Conservation ID number, hunting area number, season period, and a credit card or e-check and bank routing information to apply for a permit online. Since there are no refunds or exchanges, enter the information carefully. Hunters may modify their application at any time and leave the second and third selections blank if they only desire a permit for one turkey hunting region and timeframe. Hunters should save the confirmation page or transaction number after applying.
- Hunters need a Conservation ID or Social Security Number and birthdate. Before seeing a licensing agent, they should know their hunting region and check maps and descriptions. Applicants must write down their details to speed up the procedure and avoid difficulties.
- Two spring turkey seasons permit lotteries to exist. The initial lottery guarantees 10–15-year-old hunters their first-choice permit. Only spring Turkey Season hunters with a Permit to Shoot from a Standing Vehicle are guaranteed one Lottery 1 permit. The second lottery gives Lottery 2 candidates unissued Lottery 1 license. Lottery 2 youth permits are not guaranteed.
- Lottery winners are informed. Winners must pay the remaining permit money at a licensing agent or online. License agents and internet sellers sell leftover lottery and non-lottery licenses. Purchases are final.
- Even though they are for the same region and hunting time, hunters must claim both Lottery 1 and Lottery 2 licenses. The hunter may only accept one permit if both are not claimed. Over-the-counter sales on March 27, 2023, allow hunters to buy licenses first come, first served. Disabled veterans and farmer turkey licenses are covered.
Note: You may review the NJ Department of Environmental Protection website for a complete list of New Jersey turkey regulations.
Public Turkey Hunting Land
Below is an image chart listing Public Turkey Hunting Land in New Jersey.
FAQs on New Jersey Turkey Season
When is the New Jersey Turkey Season 2023?
In 2023, the New Jersey Spring Gobbler Season for turkey hunting dates are April 22 through May 26. On April 22, a Youth Turkey Hunting Day will be held for children aged 10 to 16. The various hunting seasons are denoted by letters, with Period Y accessible to hunters of all ages from April 22 to May 14 and Periods A through E open on various days in May. Period E will only be accessible on Saturdays in April and May, while Period D will be open from May 15 to May 19 and May 22 to May 26.
Is there a youth turkey hunting season in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, there is, in fact, a young turkey hunting season. On April 22, a designated day for young hunters will be available to those aged 10 to 16.
How many bags are allowed during the 2023 New Jersey turkey season?
One turkey per permit is the bag limit for the New Jersey Turkey Season 2023, which includes the Fall Turkey Season, Youth Turkey Season, and Spring Gobbler Season. Seasonal differences in the permitted gender and gender limitations for turkeys include the exclusion of bearded hens from the Youth Turkey Season and the Spring Gobbler Season, respectively, and permitting only male turkeys.
What is the estimated population of wild turkeys in New Jersey?
According to estimates, 20,000–25,000 wild turkeys are in New Jersey.
Can farmers hunt turkeys on their property?
Yes, beginning Monday, March 27, 2023, at 10 a.m., farmers may apply for turkey permits for the 2023 spring season.
