In search of beautiful trophies, hunters travel through dozens of states. Many visit New Jersey, which has everything necessary for a great hunt. Its territory contains countless natural locations and specially prepared hunting grounds. These places are home to large and small mammals and hundreds of bird species. All this game can become a fantastic trophy and a full reward for the hunter’s efforts.
Deer
The main prey of most hunters who come to New Jersey is deer. There are several species of these animals in the state, but the most common among them is the White-tailed deer. According to rough estimates, the number of individuals living in New Jersey’s forests is more than 100 thousand, so you can meet this animal almost anywhere in the state. The deer hunting season in New Jersey opens in late November and closes in mid-December. The exact dates depend on the choice of weapon and the sex and age of the individuals to become prey. There are many options for deer hunting. In each, hunters use thermal night vision binoculars and other similar devices. Without them, searching for animals among dense vegetation can be challenging.
Bear
One of the most challenging opponents for a hunter is a bear. New Jersey is home to many representatives of this species, but to legally hunt them, you must obtain special permits from state regulatory agencies. Black bears are the most common trophy. They should be looked for among dense vegetation or in places with rivers, streams and other bodies of water. In some cases, these animals even enter human territory, but this happens quite rarely. The bear hunting season in New Jersey opens in early December and lasts until the middle of the same month. For those who prefer to hunt with a bow rather than a firearm, the permitted period is October 9-14.
Coyote
A coyote always gives an exciting hunt. This intelligent and very cautious animal will become a trophy only for the most patient hunters who choose the proper camouflage and find a hidden place for shooting. Hunting coyotes early in the morning or immediately after sunset is best. At this time, the chances of winning a confrontation with the famous predator will be much higher than during the day or late at night. Coyotes are found throughout New Jersey. They settle in forests, near water bodies, and other places with enough food. The coyote hunting season opens on the first day of January and closes in mid-March.
Fox
For many hunters, a fox becomes a valuable trophy. It is always a difficult opponent, and shooting is much more complex than it initially seems. This animal lives throughout New Jersey. It prefers to settle where it can remain unnoticed for a long time and wait for its prey. It is best to hunt a fox early in the morning. The hunter will also have good chances late in the evening. The hunting season for this animal in New Jersey lasts 3.5 months. It begins on January 1 and ends on March 15. This time is enough to go hunting several times and get the desired trophy.
Rabbit
Positive emotions are guaranteed to everyone who chooses a rabbit as their main trophy. This relatively small mammal lives in fields and meadows and often appears on agricultural lands. Rabbits can also be found in the forest but do not spend much time there. This animal is always a difficult opponent for a hunter. It has excellent hearing and can determine the presence of a person long before he approaches it at a shooting distance. At the same time, there are so many rabbits in New Jersey that even beginners will have a good chance of shooting several individuals. The hunting season for these animals opens on the last day of September and closes on February 24.
Squirrel
Every hunter has his preferences, but none will refuse to hunt a squirrel. This mammal is distinguished by its agility and ability to move quickly on treetops. In combination with the small size of the animal, the hunter’s task becomes complicated. Squirrels should be looked for in places where there is plenty of food for them. These animals spend most of the day in the treetops, so hunting enthusiasts must constantly raise their heads. Having noticed potential prey, you must shoot as quickly as possible since even a tiny delay will allow the squirrel to hide behind the tree branches. The hunting season for these animals in New Jersey opens at the end of September and lasts until November 10. In cases where a bow or shotgun is used for hunting, the period of legal squirrel shooting is extended until February 24. It should also be remembered that in New Jersey, there is a restriction according to which no more than five squirrels are allowed to be killed daily.
Wild turkey
Among birds, the wild turkey is the most desired trophy by hunters in New Jersey. It is found in all state counties, without exception, so that everyone can hunt it. Most often, the most significant number of wild turkeys can be found in fields or open areas in the middle of the forest. It is best to shoot them from an ambush since when this bird sees a person, it quickly hides in dense vegetation. In New Jersey, it is allowed to hunt wild turkeys twice a year. In the spring, the hunting season opens on April 17 and lasts until May 28. During this time, it is allowed to shoot only males, and violating this rule is fraught with negative consequences. You can hunt wild turkeys from October 28 to November 4 in the fall. In this case, the sex of the killed individuals does not matter.
Duck
In any state, ducks are a popular game. In this regard, New Jersey is no exception. Several species of these birds are on its territory, each of which will be suitable prey for a beginner and a professional. You should look for ducks near various bodies of water. These birds spend most of their time on the water but sometimes come ashore to rest. The duck hunting season in New Jersey begins on October 14 and ends on October 21. Shooting these birds from November 11 to January 11 is also allowed. There is a limit of 6 individuals per hunt in the state. This must be considered to avoid a fine or any other punishment.
Pheasant
Such a beautiful bird as a pheasant will be a good trophy for any hunter. In New Jersey, representatives of this species are widespread throughout the territory, and their population has no problems. It is best to look for pheasants in lowlands and places near small bodies of water. These birds also love swampy areas and often settle in reed thickets. Shooting pheasants in New Jersey is allowed from November 11 to February 19. During this period, hunters can kill two individuals of any sex and age. Exceeding this limit is prohibited. In some places where the pheasant population reaches its peak, hunting is allowed without restrictions on the number of trophies obtained.
Quail
If you want to get many trophies in one hunt, then quail should be your first choice. These birds live throughout New Jersey and are perfect even for novice hunters. Quail are most often found on flat terrain. They settle in fields and meadows, where they always find food and hide from the eyes of predators. Because these birds are secretive, seeing them won’t be easy. However, having done this, hitting 1-2 quails will be easy. The hunting season for this bird in the wild places of New Jersey opens on November 11 and closes on the last day of January.
Finding a better place for hunting than New Jersey isn’t easy. This state has natural locations with various landscapes, so multiple animals and birds are the norm. Hunting them allows everyone to get the desired trophy and have a great time with friends, acquaintances, and relatives.