2026 Season Dates

Season Type Opens Closes Notes
Archery Sep 12, 2026 Jan 18, 2027 Statewide
Rifle / Firearm Dec 5, 2026 Jan 18, 2027 Antlered deer
Muzzleloader Dec 5, 2026 Dec 14, 2026 Check regulations

Always verify dates with your state DNR before purchasing a license or hunting.

2026 Rut Timeline

Pre-Rut Oct 30 – Nov 12
Peak Rut Nov 13 – Nov 28
Post-Rut Nov 23 – Dec 7
Second Rut Dec 8 – Feb 28

Best Days to Hunt in New Jersey 2026

These windows combine open season, peak rut phase, and favorable conditions. Exact scoring matches the main RutPlanner best-days logic.

1
Nov 13, 2026
Peak Rut Rifle Preferred
84/100
2
Nov 21, 2026
Peak Rut
84/100
3
Nov 28, 2026
Pre/Peak Rut
84/100

New Jersey Deer Hunting FAQ