New Jersey FREE Fish & Wildlife Digest A Summary of Rules and Management Information VOL. 17 NO. 1 AUGUST 2003 20032003 HuntingHunting IssueIssue Visit our Web site at: www.njfishandwildlife.com New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner’s Message New Jersey By Bradley M. Campbell Fish & Wildlife Digest nyone who spends time and protect our fish and wildlife. Elsewhere in Published by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Ain New Jersey’s great this edition of New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest, P.O. Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400 outdoors knows why for example, you can read about New Jersey’s www.njfishandwildlife.com sportsmen and women successful trap-and-transfer program that has State of New Jersey say the Garden State offers some of the best reestablished a flourishing population of the James E. McGreevey, Governor wildlife-related recreation found anywhere once-nearly extinct wild turkey. Department of Environmental Protection on the East Coast. As longstanding advocates of environmental Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner From the ridgetops in the Highlands to the stewardship, New Jersey’s sportsmen and women Division of Fish and Wildlife sandy shores of southern Cape May, New Jersey are also valuable partners in Gov. James E. Martin McHugh, Director boasts more than a million acres of publicly McGreevey’s effort to end the rampant sprawl José Fernandez, Assistant Director David Chanda, Assistant Director owned open space, including 118 wildlife that is rapidly devouring our open space, and Larry Herrighty, Chief, Bureau of Wildlife Management management areas in which a rich variety of threatening to spoil our precious water supplies Tony Petrongolo, Chief, Bureau of Land Management habitats and a wealth of wildlife resources are and other vital natural resources. Rob Winkel, Chief, Law Enforcement Jim Sciascia, Chief, Information and Education maintained and enhanced. Before all the state’s remaining land is lost, Cindy Kuenstner, Editor Every year, New Jersey’s wildlife contributes we must find ways to balance New Jersey’s future Cover Photo: © Eric C. Dresser to our economy by attracting millions of people growth needs with the fundamental needs of our The Division of Fish and Wildlife is a professional, who enjoy all kinds of recreational opportunities people so we all can enjoy a cleaner, healthier environmental organization dedicated to the from hunting and fishing to hiking and bird environment and the accompanying benefits protection, management and wise use of the state’s watching. We know, too, that the aesthetic value of which include a vibrant economy and more fish and wildlife resources. these natural resources and the ways they enrich opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Digest is available at license agents and our quality of life cannot be measured in dollars. Under Governor McGreevey’s leadership, Division offices. Articles and information may be reprinted with permission. Subscriptions are not available. New Jersey’s ability to develop and maintain New Jersey is on a new path to smart growth. abundant and diverse wildlife resources and Protecting our water resources and our open space This Digest is designed and produced by The Backes Group, LLC, Princeton, NJ. habitats depends in large part on our strong is among the governor’s highest priorities, and For advertising information, see our ads on pages 8 & 78. partnership with the sportsmen and women who initiatives such as these are key to ensuring Partial Funding for the Digest is provided by the pursue the traditions of hunting and fishing in our suitable habitats for wildlife to flourish. Offering Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. great state. Through the purchases of hunting and our citizens and visitors better access to natural fishing licenses, New Jersey’s hunters and anglers areas will enable hunters to preserve their sporting New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Councils have funded a multitude of programs to restore traditions for generations to come, and will keep Fish and Game Council W. Scott Ellis, Chair, Yardville New Jersey’s economy strong. Richard Culp, OakRidge The New Jersey Department of Fred Hough, Augusta Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of George Howard, Pittstown Jane Morton Galetto, Millville Be A Mentor, Fish and Wildlife has a proud history of safe- Ed Kertz, Egg Harbor guarding its wealth of natural resources. We Elwood Knight, Mount Laurel John Messeroll, E. Brunswick Keep Hunting are now entering a new era of environmental Jack Shrier, Mendham protection, one that requires all of us to renew Robert Von Suskil, Vineland Tradition Alive our commitment to stewardship by strengthening Jeannette Vreeland, Andover protection of New Jersey’s land, water and air Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee By Marty McHugh through smart growth. Jane Mortin Galletto, Chair, Millville On behalf of everyone at DEP, I thank you Dr. James Applegate, Cranbury roviding public access to New Jersey’s fish and for your continued interest in managing and Dr. Joanna Burger, Somerset Mike Catania, Chester Pwildlife resources is a key part of our long- enhancing New Jersey’s wildlife resources. Dr. Emile DeVito, Far Hills standing mission at the Division of Fish and Have a safe and successful season. Janet Larson, Toms River Rick Lathrop, Bound Brook Wildlife. David Mizrahi, Cape May Court House During the past several years, Fish and Dr. Dale Schweitzer, Port Norris Wildlife has stepped up its efforts to help New James Shissias, Titusville OUR MISSION: Clay Sutton, Cape May Court House Jerseyans learn more about the state’s unique natu- To protect and manage the state’s fish and wildlife to Marine Fisheries Council ral resources and ways to enjoy them. As part of maximize their long-term biological, recreational and Gilbert Ewing, Jr., Chair, Cape May our work, we partner with the Fish and Game economic value for all New Jerseyans. Dr. Robert B. Abel, Shrewsbury Council to encourage people to experience the Erling Berg, Cape May OUR GOALS: Dr. Patrick Donnelly, Brick wonders of New Jersey’s outdoors through special Tom Frank, Eatontown programs such as “Take Me Fishing” events, free To maintain New Jersey’s rich variety of fish and wildlife Edward Goldman, Absecon species at stable, healthy levels and to protect and enhance Dick Herb, Avalon fishing days, “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” John J. Maxwell, Germania workshops and a variety of youth hunting days. the many habitats on which they depend. Frances Puskas, Barnegat Light Popular with the public, these recreational To educate New Jerseyans on the values and needs of Joe Rizzo, Mayetta our fish and wildlife and to foster a positive human/wildlife Nancy Sittineri, Cape May Court House programs offer novice hunters and anglers oppor- tunities for pleasant, memorable learning experi- co-existence. Atlantic Coast Shellfish Council To maximize the recreational and commercial use of John J. Maxwell, Chair, Germania ences with a teacher or mentor. At Fish and New Jersey’s fish and wildlife for both present and Everett Giberson, Warren Grove Wildlife, we are grateful for the many volunteers Walter Hughes, Atlantic Highlands future generations. Daniel L. Loper, Erma who generously devote time and talent to teaching Stephen Potter, New Gretna others the skills of hunting and fishing. Delaware Bay Shellfish Council Growing up in New Jersey, I was fortunate to WHERE TO WRITE US Nancy Sittineri, Chair, Cape May Court House have as mentors my father, uncles, cousins and Scott Bailey, Millville New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Stephen Fleetwood, Port Norris family friends, all of whom contributed greatly to Warren Hollinger, Port Norris P.O. Box 400 • Trenton, NJ 08625-0400 (continued on page 8) Internet: www.njfishandwildlife.com LICENSE INFORMATION Table 2003–2004 License Fees . 3 Disabled Veterans. 4 of Hunter & Trapper Education. 4 New Jersey PERMITS & STAMPS Fish & Wildlife Contents Black Bear . 5 Deer . 5, 6, 9 Telephone Directory Permit Application . 7 Farmer . 5 Rifle. 5 Internet Address . www.njfishandwildlife.com Turkey. 5 Commercial Preserves & Pheasant & Quail . 6 Semi-Wild Preserves. 609-984-6211 Physically Challenged . 6 Hunting Permit Hotline . 609-292-9192 Waterfowl. 6 DEP ACTION LINE - 24 HOURS. 877-WARNDEP Exotic & Nongame Captivity Permits . 609-292-9591 REGULATIONS Falconry Permit Information . 908-735-8793 Field Trial Permits. 609-259-2132 Highlights of Changes . 14 General Information. 609-292-2965 General Hunting . 15 Horseback Riding Permits . 609-259-2132 Deer Hunting . 21 Hunter Education . 877-2HUNTNJ Deer Regulation Sets Reference Chart. 27 Hunting, Fishing, & Duplicate Licenses . 609-292-2965 Deer Regulation Sets. 28 Operation Game Thief . 800-222-0456 Deer, Special Areas . 35 Outstanding Deer Program . 609-292-9450 Deer Management Zone Descriptions. 39 Pheasant & Quail Stocking Information . 609-984-0547 Deer Management Zone Map. 40 Rifle Permit Information. 609-984-1400 Deer Check Stations . 44 Trout Stocking Hotline . 609-633-6765 Black Bear . 49 Wildlife Conservation Corps Information . 856-629-1014 Small Game. 50 Wildlife Management Area Information . 609-984-0547 Small Game Season Chart . 52 Trenton Office Trapping. 54 501 E. State St., Station Plaza 5, 3rd Floor, Turkey, Fall and Spring . 55 PO Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400 Migratory Birds. 56 Endangered and Nongame Species . 609-292-9400 Wildlife Management Areas. 58 Freshwater Fisheries . 609-292-9450 Land Management . 609-984-0547 PROGRAMS & RESEARCH Law Enforcement . 609-292-9430 Tracking Deer-Vehicle Collisions . 60 Marine Fisheries . 609-292-2083 Outstanding Deer . 62 Shellfisheries . 609-984-5546 Black Bear Biology . 63 Wildlife Education . 609-292-9450 Brant Radio-Telemetry Study . 64 Wildlife Management . 609-292-6685 Species Profile: Beaver . 66 Freshwater Fisheries Lab Wild Turkey Population . 67 PO Box 394, Lebanon, NJ 08833. 908-236-2118 Law Enforcement Promotes Conservation . 68 Northern Region Office YOUTH HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES 26 Route 173 W., Hampton, NJ 08827 Wildlife Management . 908-735-7040 Pheasant Hunt Day . 70 Endangered and Nongame Species .