N.J. Stat. § 23:4-43 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-43
Possession of wild deer.
Status: in_force

23:4-43. Except as provided by this section, no person shall have in possession in this State any wild deer other than during the open season for hunting deer as established in the State Fish and Game Code and such deer in possession must have been killed in the manner prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code for that particular open season. A legally killed deer and parts of a legally killed deer may be possessed until June 1 immediately following the season in which it was killed, provided the deer was properly registered and bears the possession tag affixed at the deer checking station, and any parts that have been separated from legally killed deer are clearly marked as prescribed in R.S. 23:4-47. A person desiring to retain a legally killed deer or parts thereof after June 1 may do so by contacting the nearest conservation police officer, who may authorize such retention in a manner prescribed by the division. No person shall have in possession any deer of any description, except as provided in the State Fish and Game Code or as provided in this section. Except as herein provided, the having in possession of any wild deer or parts thereof during the time and periods prohibited in the State Fish and Game Code, or the having in possession of any deer of any description, except during such time and periods and of such description as permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, shall be prima facie evidence in all courts that such wild deer is in possession unlawfully. This article shall not apply to a deer killed on game preserves, the owners or lessees of which are licensed by the division, or to deer coming from another state, which is properly tagged, showing where the same was killed, or to the disposal, by State or municipal police officers, or by personnel authorized thereby, of deer found dead on or along any public highway or on any private property, upon request of the owner thereof, provided that any such disposal is undertaken in conformance with procedures prescribed by the division. amended 1947, c.239, s.2; 1948, c.448, s.58; 1957, c.193, s.2; 1971, c.251, s.1; 1979, c.304, s.1; 2019, c.407, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.8
Confiscation of equipment, pelts or animals
Status: in_force

All equipment used in, or animals and pelts obtained by a violation of section 2 of this amendatory and supplementary act shall be confiscated by any law enforcement agency enforcing this amendatory and supplementary act. This bill shall not be construed to authorize the confiscation of animals and pelts other than those which have been obtained in violation of section 2 of this amendatory and supplementary act and which are either held by a trap or in the possession of a violator. L.1984, c. 37, s. 8, eff. April 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-65 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-65
Sale of fish by licensee or taking of fish by non-licensee
Status: in_force

(a) Any licensee, during the term of his license may sell fish taken from the licensed fishing preserve waters and may grant permission to other persons to take fish in or from the licensed fishing preserve waters and to charge a fee for such fishing or for the fish taken, or if a club, to impose dues permitting such angling by members of such club. (b) Persons to whom such permission to fish is granted, or who have paid for the privilege of fishing the licensed waters, or dues-paying members of a club which is a licensee, may fish in such waters without a license issued under Revised Statutes 23:3-1, or other license. (c) The licensee may prescribe such restrictions or limitations as he sees fit with respect to the size of fish, limits of catch, open season, and manner of taking fish from the licensed waters. Except as specifically noted in the license, the provisions of chapter 3, 5 or 6 of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes shall not be applicable to fishing in such licensed fishing preserve waters. L.1970, c. 247, s. 4, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-34 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-34
Tag fee; rules, regulations
Status: in_force

23:3-34. a. Until the Fish and Game Council has adopted the rules and regulations establishing a schedule of fees as required by subsection b. of this section, the division shall receive and collect $0.15 for each tag or seal affixed to the carcass of an animal or bird, as provided in R.S.23:3-28 through 23:3-39, inclusive. These tags or seals shall remain affixed until the carcasses of the birds or animals are finally prepared for consumption, and the sale of a portion of a bird or animal which shall not at the time have affixed thereto the tag or seal shall constitute a violation of said sections 23:3-28 through 23:3-39. The keeper of a hotel, restaurant or boarding house, a retail dealer in meat, or a club may sell a portion of a bird or animal so tagged to a guest, customer or member for consumption. b. The Fish and Game Council shall adopt rules and regulations establishing a schedule of tag and seal fees for the animals and birds subject to the provisions of R.S.23:3-28 through 23:3-39, inclusive. Amended 1975,c.116,s.6; 1986,c.198,s.2; 1995,c.370,s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-41 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-41
License to operate fishpound nets; requirement for; issuance
Status: in_force

No person shall erect, set, operate or maintain a fishpound net in the waters of the Atlantic ocean, within 3 nautical miles from the coast line of this State, or in Sandy Hook or Raritan bay, without first obtaining a license for that purpose, as hereinafter provided. An application for a license for such purpose shall be made to the commissioner. The commissioner upon the payment to him of the sum of $100.00 for each pound net to be erected or set in the Atlantic ocean, and $50.00 for each pound net to be erected or set in Sandy Hook or Raritan bay, as a license fee, may in his discretion issue to the applicant, if he is a citizen of the United States, a license, to erect, set, operate and maintain a fishpound net in one of the waters above specified. The method of numbering and identification of pounds shall be that which the commissioner determines. A license issued hereunder shall expire annually on December 31 next succeeding its issuance, and may be renewed by the commissioner upon the payment of the same fee and upon the same terms as those upon which the original license was granted. Amended by L.1951, c. 294, p. 1073, s. 1, eff. July 13, 1951; L.1975, c. 116, s. 7, eff. June 3, 1975; L.1979, c. 199, s. 64, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-8
Summary arrest; aid by peace officers
Status: in_force

23:2-8. The council, the wardens, the deputy wardens and the protector shall have the power of summary arrest in cases of flagrant violation of this Title, or of the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, and may, in the discharge of their duties, call in the aid of a sheriff or other peace officer when deemed necessary. An officer neglecting or refusing to aid when so required shall forfeit twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to be recovered in a civil action. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1804, s. 42; L.1953, c. 23, p. 450, s. 1, eff. March 19, 1953; amended 2023, c.250, s.24.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-2
Bag limit; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall capture, kill, injure, destroy or have in possession: a. In any one day more than the number of quail, male English or ring-necked pheasant, partridge, ruffed grouse, gray squirrels or rabbits permitted by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any such provision in said code, more than ten quail, two male English or ring-necked pheasant, three partridge, three ruffed grouse, six gray squirrels or six rabbits; b. During the open season therefor more than the number of English or ring-necked pheasants or raccoons permitted by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any such provision in said code, more than thirty English or ring-necked pheasants or more than fifteen raccoons-- Under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each bird, squirrel, raccoon or rabbit captured, killed, injured, destroyed or had in possession in excess of the number permitted by the respective provisions of said code, or, in the absence of any such provision in said code, in excess of the number permitted by this section. No provision of the State Fish and Game Code prescribing bag limits or possession limits for quail, male English or ring-necked pheasant, partridge, ruffed grouse, gray squirrels, rabbits or raccoons and nothing in this section shall apply to a proprietor of a hotel, restaurant or cafe having in possession at his hotel, restaurant or cafe at any time any game raised on licensed game preserves tagged or marked in accordance with law, or to any rabbit during the open season and for a period of ten days immediately succeeding the open season. Amended by L.1939, c. 168, p. 519, s. 2; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1807, s. 45.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-20 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-20
Penalty for violations of article
Status: in_force

A person who at any time alters, disfigures or changes in any manner, or loans or transfers to another, a license or button or tag issued under this article, gives false information or makes any misrepresentation to the clerk or agent to whom application is made for a license hereunder, or who violates any provision of this article for the violation of which a penalty is not herein otherwise provided, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 for each offense, and upon conviction the license and button or tag issued to him, if any, shall be revoked by the court or magistrate before whom the conviction is secured. The court or magistrate shall send the license and button or tag marked "revoked," to the office of the division, and any license issued to a person whose license has been revoked during the year for which the license was issued shall be void. A person who shall fail or neglect to perform a duty imposed on him by this article shall be liable to a penalty of $20.00 for each failure. No penalty fixed by this section shall apply to an offense which is a misdemeanor under this article. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 714, s. 12; L.1951, c. 226, p. 802, s. 16, eff. Jan. 1, 1952; L.1975, c. 116, s. 5, eff. June 3, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4
Types of licenses; fees.
Status: in_force

23:3-4. The licenses issued under this article shall include, among others authorized by law, the following: a. A license issued to a person above 16 years of age, or in the case of an apprentice firearm hunting license or an apprentice bow and arrow license, a license issued to a person above 14 years of age, who has an actual and bona fide domicile in this State at the time of the application for the license and who has had an actual and bona fide domicile in this State for at least six months immediately prior thereto, provided that for a resident's trapping license the person shall be above 12 years of age. These licenses shall be designated as the resident's firearm hunting license, the resident's bow and arrow license, the resident's trapping license, the resident's fishing license, the resident's apprentice firearm hunting license, and the resident's apprentice bow and arrow license. (1) (a) The resident's firearm hunting license shall authorize its holder to hunt with hounds and firearms only, and a fee of $26.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00 shall be charged therefor, except that a person above the age of 65 years shall be charged a fee of $14.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. (b) The resident's apprentice firearm hunting license shall authorize its holder to hunt only with hounds and firearms and only when accompanied by a holder, above 21 years of age, of a regular resident's or nonresident's firearm hunting license. A fee of $26.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00 shall be charged for a resident's apprentice firearm hunting license, except that a person above the age of 65 years shall be charged a fee of $14.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. The resident's apprentice firearm hunting license may be issued to a person only twice during the lifetime of the person. (2) (a) The resident's bow and arrow license shall authorize its holder to hunt with bow and arrow only, and a fee of $30.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00 shall be charged therefor, except that a person above the age of 65 years shall be charged a fee of $15.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. (b) The resident's apprentice bow and arrow license shall authorize its holder to hunt only with bow and arrow and only when accompanied by a holder, above 21 years of age, of a regular resident's or nonresident's bow and arrow license. A fee of $30.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00 shall be charged for a resident's apprentice bow and arrow license, except that a person above the age of 65 years shall be charged a fee of $15.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. The resident's apprentice bow and arrow license may be issued to a person only twice during the lifetime of the person. (3) The resident's trapping license shall authorize its holder to trap only, and a fee of $31.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00 shall be charged therefor, except that a person above 12 years and under 16 years of age shall be charged no fee. (4) The resident's fishing license shall authorize its holder to fish only, and a fee of $21.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00 shall be charged therefor, except (a) in any case where the applicant is above 70 years of age and is otherwise qualified, no license shall be required, (b) a person above 65 years and under 70 years of age shall be charged a fee of $11.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00, and (c) as otherwise provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, paragraph (2) of subsection c. of this section, or paragraph (2) of subsection d. of section 11 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1.1). (5) The resident's fishing buddy license shall authorize its holder to fish only, and can only be obtained through application at the same time with: (a) another resident of this State who applies for a resident's fishing license, is above 16 years of age and below 65 years of age, and has not bought a resident's fishing license in the previous five license years, or (b) a nonresident who applies for a nonresident's annual fishing license, is above 16 years of age, and has not bought a nonresident's annual fishing license in the previous five license years. The fee for a resident's fishing buddy license and for a resident's fishing license issued pursuant to this paragraph shall each be $10.75 and an issuance fee of $1.00. The fee for a nonresident's annual fishing license issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be $16.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. (6) Any resident of this State who is totally blind, upon application to the division, shall be entitled to a resident's fishing license without fee or charge. b. A license issued to a person above 16 years of age, or in the case of an apprentice firearm hunting license or an apprentice bow and arrow license, a license issued to a person above 14 years of age, not entitled to a resident's license, authorizing the person to trap or to hunt, as applicable, except that a nonresident's two-day small game firearm hunting license shall not permit the taking, hunting, or killing of deer or turkey. These licenses shall be designated as the nonresident's firearm hunting license, the nonresident's apprentice firearm hunting license, the nonresident's bow and arrow license, the nonresident's apprentice bow and arrow license, the nonresident's trapping license, and the nonresident's two-day small game firearm hunting license. A nonresident's apprentice firearm hunting license shall authorize its holder to hunt only with hounds and firearms and only when accompanied by a holder, above 21 years of age, of a regular resident's or nonresident's firearm hunting license. A nonresident's apprentice bow and arrow license shall authorize its holder to hunt with bow and arrow only and only when accompanied by a holder, above 21 years of age, of a regular resident's or nonresident's bow and arrow license. The nonresident's apprentice firearm hunting license and the nonresident's apprentice bow and arrow license may each be issued to a person only twice during the lifetime of the person. (1) The fees for the nonresident's firearm hunting license, the nonresident's apprentice firearm hunting license, the nonresident's bow and arrow license, and the nonresident's apprentice bow and arrow license shall each be $134.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. (2) The fee for the nonresident's trapping license shall be $199.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. (3) The fee for a nonresident's two-day small game firearm hunting license shall be $35.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. c. A license issued to a person above 16 years of age not entitled to a resident's license, authorizing the person to fish only. These licenses shall be designated as the nonresident's annual fishing license, the nonresident's annual fishing buddy license, the nonresident's two-day fishing license, valid for a period of two consecutive days, and the nonresident's seven-day vacation fishing license, valid for a period of seven consecutive days. The nonresident's annual fishing buddy license can only be obtained through application at the same time with: a resident of this State who applies for a resident's fishing license, is above 16 years of age and below 65 years of age, and has not bought a resident's fishing license in the previous five license years; or a nonresident who applies for a nonresident's annual fishing license, is above 16 years of age, and has not bought a nonresident's annual fishing license in the previous five license years. (1) The fee for the nonresident's annual fishing license shall be $33.00 and an issuance fee of $1.00, except as otherwise provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, paragraph (5) of subsection a. of this section, or paragraph (2) of subsection d. of section 11 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1.1). (2) The fee for a nonresident's annual fishing buddy license shall be $16.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. The fee for a resident's fishing license obtained through application at the same time with an application for a nonresident's annual fishing buddy license in accordance with this subsection shall be $10.75 and an issuance fee of $1.00, and the fee for a nonresident's annual fishing license obtained through application at the same time with an application for a nonresident's annual fishing buddy license in accordance with this subsection shall be $16.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. (3) The fee for the nonresident's two-day fishing license shall be $8.00 and an issuance fee of $1.00. (4) The fee for the nonresident's seven-day fishing license shall be $18.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. d. Every license issued hereunder shall be void after December 31 next succeeding its issuance, except the one-day hunting license, which shall expire on the date of issuance; the nonresident's seven-day fishing license, which is valid only for seven consecutive days after date of issuance; the nonresident's two-day fishing license, which shall expire on the day after the date of issuance; and the nonresident's two-day small game firearm hunting license, which shall expire on the day after the date of issuance. Any license issued hereunder to a person under 16 years of age shall be void after December 31 of the year in which the licensee becomes 16 years of age. e. The fees for licenses set forth in this section may be adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a). amended 1939, c.100; 1947, c.163, s.1; 1948, c.226, s.2; 1951, c.226, s.3; 1954, c.60, s.1; 1960, c.107, s.1; 1965, c.115; 1966, c.246, s.1; 1970, c.199; 1971, c.125, s.2; 1971, c.404; 1973, c.358; 1975, c.116, s.2; 1979, c.239, s.1; 1982, c.180, s.2; 1986, c.198, s.1; 1991, c.286, s.4; 1999, c.282, s.10; 2015, c.83, s.3; 2015, c.99, s.2; 2017, c.131, s.63; 2023, c.321, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-17 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-17
§ 23:3-17
Status: in_force

In a municipality having an executive officer known as the registrar of licenses, the registrar shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties vested in the clerk of the municipality by this article. The registrar shall be entitled to the fees provided for the issuance of the licenses, as provided herein.
N.J. Stat. § 23:13-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-3
Suspension of privileges.
Status: in_force

3. a. When the Division of Fish and Wildlife receives notice of the suspension of the hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of a person by a participating state, the division shall determine whether the violation leading to the suspension could lead to the suspension of privileges under State law, rule, or regulation. If the division determines that the suspension of privileges in the issuing state would initiate the suspension of a person's privileges according to State law, rule, or regulation, the division may suspend the license privileges of that person to hunt, fish, or trap in New Jersey for the same period imposed by the issuing state not to exceed the time period prescribed by corresponding State law, rule, or regulation. The division shall provide written notification to the person of the suspension of their privileges to take or possess wildlife in New Jersey and the reason for the suspension. b. When the Division of Fish and Wildlife receives notification of the conviction of a New Jersey resident from a licensing authority of a participating state, the division may suspend the resident's hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges, or other privileges to take or possess wildlife, if the conviction can be treated as if the violation had occurred in this State. The division shall determine if the conviction from a participating state would satisfy the suspension requirements of the resident's hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges, or other privileges to take or possess wildlife in New Jersey pursuant to Title 23, Title 50, and chapter 24 of Title 58 of the Revised Statutes and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. When the division determines the violation is a violation which can be considered for a suspension in New Jersey by (1) pre-requisite of an accumulation of violations, or (2) cause of collateral consequence, a suspension due to the nature of the violation corresponding with prescribed penalties of Title 23, Title 50, and chapter 24 of Title 58 of the Revised Statutes and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the division may suspend the resident's privileges to hunt, fish, or trap in this State for the same period imposed by the issuing state, not to exceed the time period prescribed by corresponding State law, rule, or regulation. The division shall provide written notification to the person of their suspension of privileges to take or possess wildlife in New Jersey in compliance with this act. c. When notice of suspension is sent to a person, the person shall immediately surrender any current New Jersey wildlife licenses to the division. d. A person whose privileges have been suspended and who hunts, fishes, or traps in this State, who applies for or purchases any license or permit to hunt, fish, or trap in this State, or who refuses to surrender any current hunting, fishing, or trapping license as required, shall be subject to penalties and sanctions prescribed in Title 23, Title 50, and chapter 24 of Title 58 of the Revised Statutes, and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. L.2016, c.101, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-13.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-13.1
Findings, declarations relative to ivory trafficking.
Status: in_force

1. The Legislature finds and declares that ivory trafficking is at the highest rate ever recorded, with an estimated confiscation of more than 41 tons of illegal ivory worldwide in 2013; that despite laws to protect elephants, more than 35,000 African elephants were slaughtered in 2012 and scientists expect the current levels of illegal trade in ivory will bring elephants to extinction within 20 years; that other species with ivory teeth and tusks - such as hippopotamuses, narwhals, walruses, and whales - are equally threatened and the protection of one species may inadvertently draw poachers' efforts to another species; that precious artifacts from prehistoric mammoths are also not safe and need protection from illegal ivory traffickers; that currently the population of all species of rhinoceros living in the wild worldwide has dwindled to 29,000 and, in February 2014, a federal ban on commercial trade of rhinoceros horn and elephant ivory has focused the need to protect rhinoceros populations from poachers as well; and that the most effective way to discourage the illegal trafficking is to eliminate markets and profits for the traffickers. The Legislature therefore determines that it is an important public purpose to protect all species of rhinoceros and all species of animals with ivory teeth and tusks by prohibiting the import, sale, purchase, barter, or possession with intent to sell, of any ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product. L.2014, c.22, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-61.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-61.2
Special pheasant and quail stamp; privileges of holder; procurement; signature of owner
Status: in_force

a. The stamp issued pursuant hereto shall be known as the "special pheasant and quail stamp" and shall authorize the holder to hunt pheasant and quail during seasons prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code in such wildlife management areas as may be designated in the Fish and Game Code. b. The stamp shall be procured from the Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries at Trenton or from such agents as may be designated by the division. No stamp shall be valid unless it contains the signature of the owner. The division shall determine the form of the "special pheasant and quail stamp." L.1975, c. 117, s. 2, eff. June 3, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-63 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-63
Fishing preserve license.
Status: in_force

2. (a) The division may, in its discretion, after application on forms furnished by it, issue to an owner of such fishing preserve waters a fishing preserve license permitting the holder thereof to manage such fishing preserve waters and to possess, propagate and rear, and to take or permit others to take therefrom, fish therein legally propagated or acquired. Such license shall expire on December 31 in the year it was issued unless previously revoked. A separate license is required for each body of water defined herein as fishing preserve waters. Two or more ponds under one ownership, supplied by one common water source and located on one continuous parcel of land, shall be considered as one body of water requiring one license. (b) The license so issued shall: contain the name of the town and county in which such fishing preserve waters are located; specify the species of fish authorized to be stocked therein; authorize the licensee to stock, propagate, raise and release such fish in such licensed fishing preserve waters and to buy, sell or otherwise traffic in fish taken therefrom; specify the manner of tagging fish taken from the licensed waters; specify the means of acquisition of fish stocked therein. (c) The license may also: authorize the licensee to control undesirable protected fish, wildlife and insects and specify means of control of same; specify such other restrictions and controls for the management of fishing preserve waters as in the judgment of the division may be deemed advisable for proper fish management. (d) The fee for the license shall be $228.00 per year, or as adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a), payable at the time application is made. (e) The division may for cause, revoke or suspend the license of any licensee. L.1970,c.247,s.2; amended 1982, c.180, s.9; 1999, c.282, s.22.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24.5
Prohibition of computer-assisted remote hunting; definitions.
Status: in_force

1. a. No person shall engage in computer-assisted remote hunting or provide or operate facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting in the State. b. As used in this act, "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer via an Internet connection or any other device or equipment capable of establishing an Internet connection, or equipment or software capable of being used with an Internet connection, to remotely access and control the aiming and discharge of a firearm, bow and arrow, or any other weapon to hunt any game bird, game animal, or fur-bearing animal in the State, and "facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting" means real property and improvements on the property associated with hunting, including hunting blinds, offices, and rooms equipped to facilitate computer-assisted remote hunting via an Internet connection. c. No provision of this section shall be construed to restrict the use of equipment or devices, approved by the Fish and Game Council, by properly licensed hunters in the act of hunting in the field who require, because of a disability or other physical condition, the assistance of certain equipment or devices that may or may not employ a computer or computerized parts in order to hunt in the field. L.2006, c.7, s.1; amended 2017, c.131, s.64.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24.2
Shooting or taking game bird or animal from tree or structure within 300 feet of baited area
Status: in_force

No person shall, except under emergency conditions authorized by the Division of Fish and Game, kill, destroy, injure, shoot, shoot at, take, wound, or attempt to take, kill, or wound a game bird or game animal, or have in his possession or control any firearm or other weapon of any kind, while elevated in a standing tree, or in a structure of any kind within 300 feet of a baited area under a penalty of $50.00 for each offense. L.1970, c. 180, s. 1, eff. Aug. 13, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.2
Definitions relative to taking of menhaden.
Status: in_force

4. As used in R.S.23:3-51, section 3 of P.L.2010, c.72 (C.23:3-51.1), sections 4 through 17 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 through C.23:3-51.15), and sections 12 through 14 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.16 through C.23:3-51.18): "Bait net" means a net, including but not limited to a bait seine, cast net, dip net, lift or umbrella net, or killi-pot, deployed for the purpose of taking menhaden to be landed or sold in the State. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. "Dealer" means a person who is authorized, by a license issued pursuant to section 9 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.7), to purchase or barter for menhaden landed in the State, and who is considered a primary buyer of menhaden. "Fishing" means the taking of menhaden from State or federal waters. "Gill net vessel" means a vessel that is used in the deployment of a gill net for the purpose of taking menhaden to be landed or sold in the State. "Menhaden" means a marine fish of the herring family (Brevoortia tyrannus). "Menhaden set vessel" means the smaller of two vessels, often employed in conjunction with a purse seine catch vessel, and used as a replacement for the weight of a purse seine to assist in setting the net. "Other authorized gear" means gear listed in subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.1941, c.211 (C.23:5-24.2), including haul seines, fyke nets, and wire pound nets, licensed and permitted for the taking of menhaden pursuant to P.L.2013, c. 74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.). "Pound net vessel" means a vessel that is used in the deployment of a pound net for the purpose of taking menhaden to be landed or sold in the State. "Purse seine catch vessel" means a vessel that is used in the deployment of a purse seine or shirred net for the purpose of taking menhaden to be landed or sold in the State, and which may work in conjunction with a purse seine carry vessel or menhaden set vessel in the taking of menhaden by purse seine or shirred net. "Purse seine carry vessel" means a vessel that is used to carry and land or sell menhaden that has been taken from State or federal waters, and which works in conjunction with a purse seine catch vessel or menhaden set vessel in the taking of menhaden by purse seine. "Trawl vessel" means a vessel that is used in the deployment of a trawl for the purpose of taking menhaden to be landed or sold in the State. L.2013, c.74, s.4; amended 2014, c.57, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-7
Wardens may be armed
Status: in_force

The board, with the approval of the governor, may in writing authorize any of its salaried wardens to have in possession and carry a revolver, club, billy, handcuffs and twisters, or any other weapon or article required in the performance of their official duty.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-8
Stubs attached to license; spoiled blanks
Status: in_force

Every license blank shall have attached to it a return stub, containing blanks which shall be filled in by the clerk or agent issuing the license, at the time the license is issued, showing where, when, to whom and by whom the license was issued, and any information the division requires. In case a license blank is spoiled, the license blank and button or tag bearing the same serial number shall be marked "spoiled" diagonally across its face, and both stubs bearing the same serial number shall be similarly marked. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 711, s. 3; L.1951, c. 226, p. 800, s. 7; L.1952, c. 172, p. 547, s. 1, eff. May 9, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-52 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-52
Collecting mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds, and their nests and eggs for scientific purposes; certificate
Status: in_force

The Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries may grant to a properly accredited person, 18 years of age or over, a certificate permitting him to collect mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds and their nests or eggs, for strictly scientific purposes only. In order to obtain the certificate the applicant therefor shall (a) present to the division, written testimonials from two well-known scientists, certifying to the good character and fitness of the applicant to be intrusted with the privilege, (b) pay to the division the fee of $20.00 for the scientific collectors certificate. The certificate shall be in force for 1 year only, from the date of its issuance, and shall not be transferable without approval of the director. The foregoing sections of this article shall not apply to a person holding such certificate, except as provided for in The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act, P.L.1973, c. 309 (C. 23:2A-1 et seq.). Upon proof that a holder of the certificate has collected a mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird or taken the nest or eggs of a bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian or fish for any purposes other than those named in this section, the certificate shall become void and the holder shall be further subject to the penalties provided therefor in this article. Amended by L.1975, c. 116, s. 11, eff. June 3, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8A-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8A / Section 8A-1
Sale, lease or exchange by commissioner; terms and conditions
Status: in_force

1. In any case where the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection finds that the best interests of the State will be served thereby, he shall have the power and authority to sell, lease or exchange for other lands or property, any areas of land, water, or land and water, or any interest therein, belonging to the State, acquired exclusively for public hunting and fishing grounds and game refuges, and assigned to the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, provided, however, that the Fish and Game Council shall be given an opportunity to review any proposed sale, lease or exchange and to make recommendations thereon to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection before such sale, lease, or exchange is executed, and that it shall be executed in accordance with P.L.1993, c.38 (C.13:1D-51 et al.). Such sales, leases or exchanges shall be made in the name of the State of New Jersey and executed by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection at such price and upon such terms and conditions as shall be fixed by the State House Commission. L.1958,c.93,s.1; amended 1960,c.178; 1993,c.38,s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.10
Certificate; forwarding to division
Status: in_force

The license issuing clerk or agent designated under R.S. 23:3-7 to issue licenses shall forward such certificate to the division with his monthly returns. L.1977, c. 320, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.3
Application for special deer management area designation.
Status: in_force

1. a. Whenever a county board of agriculture determines that a farm or farms located within the county has incurred significant crop damage caused by deer, based on evidence submitted by the county board of agriculture or the Center for Wildlife Damage Control in the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University, the county board of agriculture may apply to the Division of Fish and Wildlife for designation of a special deer management area. The application shall describe the nature and extent of crop damage incurred, and delineate the area proposed for designation as a special deer management area. If the division determines that the significant crop damage has been caused by an overpopulation of deer in the area described in the application, it shall designate it as a special deer management area. In designating a special deer management area, the division may, after consultation with the county board of agriculture, modify the area proposed for designation in an application. The county board of agriculture or the division may request the Center for Wildlife Damage Control to coordinate and facilitate the application and designation of a special deer management area pursuant to this subsection. b. Whenever a municipality determines that the deer population has caused significant damage to property, not including damage to agricultural property, in the municipality or has caused a significant number of vehicle collisions therein, the municipality may apply to the Division of Fish and Wildlife for designation of a special deer management area. Two or more municipalities may submit a single application for the designation of an area that includes more than one municipality. The application shall describe the nature and extent of property damage or vehicle collisions caused by deer, and delineate the area proposed for designation as a special deer management area. If the division determines that the significant damage to property or a significant number of vehicle collisions has been caused by an overpopulation of deer in the area described in the application, it shall designate it as a special deer management area. In designating a special deer management area, the division may, after consultation with the municipality, modify the area proposed for designation in an application. c. Whenever the owner or operator of an airport determines that the existing population of deer within its boundaries and immediately adjacent property constitutes a hazard to the safe operation of aircraft, the owner or operator of the airport may apply to the Division of Fish and Wildlife for designation of a special deer management area. The application shall describe the nature and extent of the hazard to safe operations of aircraft, and delineate the area proposed for designation as a special deer management area. If the division determines that there is a hazard to the safe operation of aircraft at the airport due to deer in the area described in the application, it shall designate it as a special deer management area. In designating a special deer management area, the division may, after consultation with the owner or operator of the airport, modify the area proposed for designation in an application. d. Whenever a county governing body determines that the deer population has caused significant damage to property, not including damage to agricultural property, in the county or has caused a significant number of vehicle collisions therein, the county governing body may apply to the Division of Fish and Wildlife for designation of a special deer management area. The application shall describe the nature and extent of property damage or vehicle collisions caused by deer, and delineate the lands owned by the county proposed for designation as a special deer management area. If the division determines that the significant damage to property or a significant number of vehicle collisions has been caused by an overpopulation of deer in the area described in the application, it shall designate it as a special deer management area. In designating a special deer management area, the division may, after consultation with the county governing body, modify the area proposed for designation in an application. L.2000, c.46, s.1; amended 2010, c.54, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-10
Use of certain nets prohibited; fine; forfeiture of appliances
Status: in_force

No person shall catch and take or attempt to catch and take fish of any kind from the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls, with a pound net or net of any character which is anchored or staked, or fastened down in any manner, permanently or otherwise, or use any net so anchored or fastened down in any manner. No net of any kind or character shall be used for the purpose of catching and taking fish in said waters within one-half mile above or below the mouth of any river, creek or stream emptying into said Delaware river above or below Trenton falls. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of twenty dollars, together with the forfeiture of boats, nets and other appliances used.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-7
Programs for conservation and management of nongame and endangered species of wildlife.
Status: in_force

7. a. The commissioner shall establish such programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitats, as are deemed necessary for the conservation and management of nongame and endangered species of wildlife. b. In carrying out programs authorized by P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.), the commissioner may enter into agreements with federal agencies, with political subdivisions of the State, or with private persons for administration and management of any area established under this section or utilized for management of nongame or endangered species of wildlife. c. With the approval of the Governor, the commissioner may cooperate with and receive money from the federal government, any county or municipal government, or private sources for the purposes of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.). The commissioner may establish a separate fund from these contributions for the support of nongame and endangered species programs and for the purposes of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.). d. The commissioner may authorize, under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by rule or regulation, the taking, possession, transportation, importation, exportation, sale or offer for sale, or shipment of nongame species and wildlife which appear on the State list of endangered species for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes, for propagation in captivity of such wildlife, or for other special purposes. e. The commissioner shall appoint a committee of experts to advise and assist the commissioner in carrying out the intent of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.). These experts shall include persons actively involved in the conservation of wildlife. L.1973, c.309, s.7; amended 1981, c.281, s.5; 2016, c.6, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-35 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-35
Search for gun; search warrant; right of entry
Status: in_force

The board, protector and wardens may, when they suspect the concealment of guns of the kind mentioned in section 23:4-31 of this title by an unnaturalized, foreign-born person, apply to a justice of the peace in this state, who, upon receipt of proof made by affidavit of the probable cause for believing in the concealment, shall issue a search warrant, and cause a search to be made in any place. In execution of the warrant, the officer may, after demand and refusal, cause any building, room, inclosure or car to be broken open and entered, and any closet, chest, locker, box, trunk, crate, basket, package or receptacle to be opened and its contents examined.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8A-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8A / Section 8A-2
Title in name of state; use
Status: in_force

Whenever lands are received in exchange, title to same shall be taken in the name of the State of New Jersey, and they shall be held for the use and purposes of the Division of Fish and Game. L.1958, c. 93, p. 537, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-17 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-17
Interference with or injury to nets; fine
Status: in_force

No person shall, by boat, anchor, dredge, or otherwise, in the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls, willfully and without reasonable cause, interfere with, break, damage or destroy any drifting gill net or hauling seine or nets of any description being lawfully used. No person shall, in the Delaware river below Trenton falls, drift a gill net over the waters of a shore fishery while the hauling seine is being used. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of twenty dollars.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-21 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-21
Forfeiture of apparatus; procedure
Status: in_force

23:10-21. A person found using a seine, gill, drift, anchor or sink net, fixed net, trap, pot, pound, set line, fyke, weir or other apparatus for the taking of fish in any waters of this State in violation of this Title, or any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code shall, in addition to the penalties prescribed, forfeit the same. All constables, sheriffs, fish and game wardens and the fish and game protector shall, and any other person may, seize and secure the same, and shall immediately thereafter institute a proceeding for the confiscation thereof in the Superior Court or in the municipal court within the jurisdiction of which, the seizure is made. The court may proceed in a summary manner and may make direct confiscation and forfeiture of the same to the division's use, which division may dispose thereof at its discretion. Amended 1948,c.200; 1948,c.448,s.89; 1953,c.23,s.17; 1991,c.91,s.283.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.3
Forwarding certificates to division
Status: in_force

The license issuing clerk or agent designated under section 23:3-7 of the Revised Statutes to issue licenses shall forward such certificates to the division, attached to his monthly report covering sale of licenses. L.1957, c. 195, p. 699, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-13
Annual returns to division
Status: in_force

On or before January tenth in each year the clerk of each county and of each municipality, and each agent, shall send to the office of the division of all return stubs of licenses issued during the preceding year ending December thirty-first, all unused license blanks and unused buttons or tags and all return stubs of license blanks spoiled during that year. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 712, s. 6; L.1951, c. 226, p. 801, s. 10; L.1952, c. 172, p. 548, s. 3, eff. May 9, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42
Killing deer, season, permit to kill on cultivated land.
Status: in_force

23:4-42. a. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, no person shall hunt for, pursue, shoot at, take, kill, wound or attempt to take, kill or wound a deer of any description prohibited by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or hunt for, pursue, shoot at, take, kill, wound or attempt to take, kill or wound any wild deer at any time except during the period permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, or kill in any one year more than the number of deer permitted by the State Fish and Game Code. b. The owner or lessee of any land, a portion of which is under cultivation, or the authorized agents of the owner or lessee having on their person a written permit issued by the division and countersigned by the owner or lessee may kill any deer that may be found on that land during the period covered by the permit. If requested by the owner or lessee of the land, the period covered by the permit issued to the owner or lessee, or authorized agent thereof, shall also include the entire months of February and March. The carcass of a deer killed under such permit shall become the property of the division and may be removed and disposed of in the manner it directs. For the purpose of this section, "land under cultivation" shall mean (1) pasture fields that are seeded with cultivated grass or that have been so seeded within the prior 12 months, or (2) land on which planted crops are growing or were growing within the prior 12 months. The division may require the owner or lessee of the land to provide evidence of deer damage within the prior 12 months as a condition of issuing a permit pursuant to this subsection. Amended 1947, c.239, s.1; 1948, c.448, s.57; 1957, c.193, s.1; 1967, c.158, s.1; 1999, c.327.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-15
Artificial bait; number of hooks; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall use, have in possession or offer or expose for sale, any artificial bait with more than nine hooks or more than three burrs of three hooks attached thereto, under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense. Amended by L.1946, c. 166, p. 735, s. 1, eff. April 25, 1946.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-51 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-51
§ 23:4-51
Status: in_force

No person shall rob the nests or take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird other than the English sparrow, under a penalty of twenty dollars for each nest robbed and each egg so removed or destroyed.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2
Powers and duties of board; annual report
Status: in_force

The duties of the board shall be the protection and propagation of fish, birds and game animals, enforcement of the laws relating thereto, propagation and distribution of food fish and the keeping up of the supply thereof in the waters of the state. The board may close streams or parts of streams for forty-eight hours immediately following the stocking of same by the board, and may revoke the license of any person who shall violate the regulation so prescribed. The board may permit persons, when duly authorized by the board, to carry firearms in the woods and fields at any time when necessary for the conservation of wild life. The board shall have the conduct and control of all hatching stations owned and operated by the state. It may investigate any complaint made to it, at all times inspect any dam, weir, fish basket, net or other illegal apparatus for taking fish, and forthwith remove the same, and, on view or information, enforce the laws for the protection and propagation of fish, birds and game animals in this state, by arrest and prosecution of the offender, without complaint or warrant. It shall make a full report to the legislature annually, at its meeting, of all its official operations for the year ending on June thirtieth preceding, with any suggestions and recommendations it deems useful.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-12
Hunting certain game, except in manner provided by Code or with gun or bow and arrow, unlawful; penalty.
Status: in_force

23:4-12. A person, shall not kill, destroy or injure, pursue with intent to kill or injure or in any manner attempt to take or injure, any anatidae commonly known as swans, geese, brant and river and sea ducks; rallidae, commonly known as rails, gallinules, coots and mud hens; limicolae, commonly known as shore birds, surf snipe or bay snipe, among them being yellowlegs plovers, willets, sandpipers, dowitchers or robin snipe, brown backs, curlews, turnstones or calico backs, godwits or marlin, tittlers and woodcocks; gallinae, commonly known as wild turkey, grouse, prairie chickens, pheasants, partridge and quails; or any hare commonly known as rabbit; gray, black or fox squirrels; or any other game bird or game animal, except in the manner prescribed by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, except in the manner usually known as hunting with a gun, the gun being not larger than ten gauge and held at arm's length and fired from the shoulder without rest, or by the use of bow and arrow. It shall be unlawful for any person while hunting any wild bird or animal to have both a long gun and a bow and arrow in the person's possession or under the person's control in the woods or fields or on the water. A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a penalty of $100 for each offense. For purposes of this section "long gun" means any rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. It shall also include, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person. Amended by L.1938, c. 102, p. 222, s. 1; L.1944, c. 163, p. 601, s. 2; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1809, s. 48; L.1950, c. 86, p. 153, s. 2, eff. April 28, 1950; L.1971, c. 252, s. 1, eff. June 30, 1971; amended 2023, c.330, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7A-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7A / Section 7A-2
Prevention of lawful taking of wildlife prohibited.
Status: in_force

2. No person may, for the purpose of hindering or preventing the lawful taking of wildlife: a. block, obstruct, or impede, or attempt to block, obstruct, or impede, a person lawfully taking wildlife; b. erect a barrier with the intent to deny ingress to or egress from areas where wildlife may be lawfully taken; c. make, or attempt to make, unauthorized physical contact with a person lawfully taking wildlife; d. engage in, or attempt to engage in, theft, vandalism, or destruction of personal or real property; e. disturb or alter, or attempt to disturb or alter, the condition or authorized placement of personal or real property intended for use in the lawful taking of wildlife; f. enter or remain upon public lands or waters, or upon private lands or waters without permission of the owner thereof or an agent of that landowner, where wildlife may be lawfully taken; g. make or attempt to make loud noises or gestures, set out or attempt to set out animal baits, scents, or lures or human scent, use any other natural or artificial visual, aural, olfactory, or physical stimuli, or engage in or attempt to engage in any other similar action or activity, in order to disturb, alarm, drive, attract, or affect the behavior of wildlife or disturb, alarm, disrupt, or annoy a person lawfully taking wildlife; h. interject himself into the line of fire of a person lawfully taking wildlife; or i. operate as defined in section 1 of P.L.2017, c.315 (C.2C:40-27) an unmanned aircraft system as defined in section 1 of P.L.2017, c.315 (C.2C:40-27). Subsections a., b., e., f., g., and i. of this section shall not apply to a law enforcement officer or conservation police officer enforcing the laws of this State or any local ordinance, or a private landowner or agent thereof on land or waters owned by that private landowner. L.1993, c.11, s.2; amended 2017, c.315, s.4; 2019, c.407, s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-120 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-120
Arrest and punishment of violations on Hudson river between New Jersey and New York
Status: in_force

If and when the State of New York shall enact a similar law for the arrest and punishment of violations of the game or fish laws of this or the State of New York, committed or attempted to be committed by any person or persons fishing in that portion of the Hudson river lying between such States, any game protector, fish warden or other person of either State, who is authorized to make arrests for violations of the game or fish laws of such States, shall have power and authority to make arrests on any part of such river between such States or the shores thereof and to take the person or persons so arrested for trial to the State in which the violation was committed and there to prosecute such person or persons according to the laws of such State. L.1938, c. 240, p. 544, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1b — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1b
"Free fishing" days
Status: in_force

The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, after consultation with the Fish and Game Council, shall select two days in any given 12-month period, and consecutively thereafter, during which any person who has an actual and bona fide domicile in this State may fish in any of the waters of this State without procuring the license required pursuant to R.S. 23:3-1 et seq. or the special trout stamp required pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 1952, c. 328 (C. 23:3-57), except if the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection determines that emergency conditions exist during any given 12-month period which make "free fishing" days ill-advised. L. 1985, c. 352, s. 1, eff. Nov. 8, 1985.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-11
Disposition of fees
Status: in_force

All fees for licenses and permits received by the Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries, remitted to the State Treasurer shall be placed to the credit of a fund to be known as the "hunters' and anglers' license fund," which fund shall be used exclusively for such purposes and activities as the Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries deems to be in best interest of the wildlife resources of the State. Not less than 24% of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund" shall annually be spent for law enforcement purposes by the Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries. This fund shall be kept separate and apart from all other State moneys and shall be disbursed by the State Treasurer on vouchers certified to by the division. Amended by L.1947, c. 163, p. 720, s. 2; L.1953, c. 334, p. 1889, s. 1; L.1954, c. 60, p. 411, s. 2; L.1960, c. 107, p. 597, s. 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1961; L.1971, c. 125, s. 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1972; L.1975, c. 116, s. 4, eff. June 3, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-54 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-54
§ 23:3-54
Status: in_force

The board may, in its discretion, issue to a properly accredited person a permit to take carp and suckers from the ponds, lakes or streams of this state by means of a net, the mesh of which shall not be less than two and one-half inches. The permit shall be issued by the board under such restrictions as to the method and time of using the nets as it deems proper. All game and food fish captured in the nets shall be immediately returned therefrom uninjured as far as practicable. A person who so takes any fish except carp and suckers shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars for each fish.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-27 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-27
Unlawful sale, purchase of wildlife; penalties.
Status: in_force

23:4-27. a. No person shall sell or purchase wildlife, except as authorized pursuant to this section or any other law or as may be authorized by rule or regulation adopted by the division pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). b. The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall not apply to the sale or purchase of wildlife authorized or regulated by chapter 2A or 2B of this title, R.S.23:3-28 through R.S.23:3-39, section 4 of P.L.1970, c.247 (C.23:3-65), R.S.23:4-50, R.S.23:5-2, or Title 50 of the Revised Statutes, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, provided that the wildlife was taken and possessed in a lawful manner. c. Unless prohibited or restricted by rule or regulation adopted by the division, the raw or processed hide of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the tail of the white-tailed deer, the portion of the front leg of a white-tailed deer limited to the carpal, metacarpal, and phalange bones, or the portion of the hind leg of a white-tailed deer limited to the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalange bones may be sold or purchased, provided that those parts or products are from a white-tailed deer that was taken and possessed in a lawful manner. d. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section to the contrary: (1) the dead body or any part or product thereof of the following wildlife may be sold or purchased, provided that the wildlife was taken and possessed in a lawful manner: Virginia Opossum Didelphis virginiana Beaver Castor canadensis Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Nutria Myocaster coypus Coyote Canis latrans Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Raccoon Procyon lotor Long Tail Weasel Mustela frenata Short Tail Weasel Mustela erminea Mink Mustela vison Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis River Otter Lutra canadensis (2) wildlife not native to this State that originated from a state or other jurisdiction where it is legal to sell or purchase that wildlife and the wildlife was sold or purchased in accordance with the laws of that state or other jurisdiction, may be sold or purchased in this State unless prohibited by federal law, rule, or regulation, "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act," P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.), P.L.2014, c.22 (C.23:2A-13.1 et seq.), or any other State law, rule, or regulation; provided that the wildlife is labeled with the state or other jurisdiction of origin, the name and address of the exporter, and all applicable permit numbers until the expected final retail transaction has been made. e. The division shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this section and to otherwise provide for the control and regulation of the sale and purchase of wildlife, including but not limited to wildlife not specifically listed in this section. f. In addition to any penalties that may be prescribed by any other applicable law: (1) a person who violates this section shall be: (a) subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200 and not more than $1,000 for the first offense, and not less than $500 and not more than $3,000 for each subsequent offense. If the violation involves the sale or purchase of a black bear (Ursus americanus), turkey (Meleagris gallapavo), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), bobcat (Felis rufus), or illegally taken river otter (Lutra canadensis), the civil penalty shall be not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000 for the first offense, and not less than $1,500 and not more than $3,000 for each subsequent offense; and (b) assessed the replacement value of the animal, as prescribed by section 10 of P.L.1990, c.29 (C.23:3-22.2); and (2) a person who purposely violates this section when the total value of the sale or purchase is: (a) less than $200 shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense; (b) $200 or more, but less than $500, shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree; (c) $500 or more shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. g. For the purposes of this section, "sell or purchase" means to sell or offer for sale, possess for sale, purchase or agree to purchase, receive compensation, barter or offer to barter, trade or offer to trade, or transfer or offer to transfer, or conspire for any of those purposes. amended 1943, c.207; 1948, c.448, s.52; 1979, c.385, s.5; 1997, c.291, s.2; 2016, c.6, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-7
§ 23:8-7
Status: in_force

The board may lease by agreement with the owner thereof any lands in this state suitable for game refuges and exercise control thereof during the lease. The board may also acquire in the name of the state, title by gift or grant to any such lands.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.8
Weekly report by holders of Menhaden Dealer License.
Status: in_force

10. a. The holder of a Menhaden Dealer License shall submit a weekly report to the commissioner, on forms developed by the commissioner. The licensee shall attest to the validity of the information contained in the weekly report, and shall electronically, or in hard copy paper form, as provided pursuant to section 14 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.18), submit the report to the department. If no purchase or trade of menhaden occurred during the week, the licensee shall submit a report to that effect. For the purposes of this section, a week shall begin on Sunday and end on Saturday. b. The weekly report shall include, at a minimum, the following information: (1) the name of the licensee; (2) the licensee's Menhaden Dealer License number; (3) the Menhaden Landing License number of each person selling or trading menhaden to the dealer during the preceding week; (4) the total amount, in pounds, of menhaden purchased or traded during the preceding week; (5) the location of harvest for menhaden purchased or traded during the preceding week; (6) the type of gear used for the harvest of menhaden purchased or traded during the preceding week; (7) the date of purchase or trade; and (8) any other information required by the department. c. (1) In addition to any other penalties provided by section 73 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-14), by P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.), or by any other law, if a licensed menhaden dealer fails to submit a weekly report, as required by this section, either on or before 12:00 p.m. on the Tuesday following the week of record, the licensee shall be subject to a fine of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for any subsequent offense. (2) Any fines collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the Menhaden Marine Fisheries Management Account, established pursuant to section 14 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.12). L.2013, c.74, s.10; amended 2014, c.57, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-16 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-16
Size of certain fish; fine
Status: in_force

No person shall catch and take or attempt to catch and take from the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls, in any manner whatsoever, any of the fish hereinafter described of greater weight or less length than shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if no such weight or length is so prescribed, then any striped bass, otherwise known as rockfish, weighing more than 20 pounds or measuring less than 10 inches in length, or any sturgeon less than 5 feet in length, or any black bass, or any small-mouth bass, large-mouth bass, otherwise known as Oswego or yellow bass, less than 9 inches in length, or any pike, or pickerel, or any pike perch, otherwise known as wall-eyed pike or Susquehanna salmon, less than 12 inches in length, or any calico or strawberry bass, crappie, white bass, rock bass, otherwise known as redeye or goggle-eye, or trout or char, less than 6 inches in length. Any fish of less length than those described, or any striped bass, commonly called rockfish, weighing more than such weight as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if no such weight is so prescribed then more than 20 pounds, which may be caught must be returned immediately to the water. Nothing in this section shall be so construed as to prevent the fishery authorities of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or of the State of New Jersey capturing fish of any size from said waters, or at any time of the year, or in any manner for propagating purposes and for stocking other waters in their respective States through their authorized representatives. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of $10.00 for each and every fish so caught and had in possession. Amended by L.1955, c. 99, p. 553, s. 7, eff. June 24, 1955.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-114 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-114
License to take shad with net required
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to fish with, fix, fasten, draw, or drift any net of whatever description for the purpose of taking shad in the waters of the Hudson river within the jurisdiction of the state of New Jersey without first having procured a license so to do.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-57 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-57
"Special trout fishing stamp."
Status: in_force

1. No person, above the age of 16 years or under the age of 70 years, shall take or attempt to take trout in any of the fresh waters of this State, unless he has first procured, as hereinafter provided, a special trout stamp, in addition to the license required by article 1 of chapter 3 of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes and unless at the time of fishing he has the license and stamp affixed to that license on his person, and exhibits the same for inspection to any warden, deputy warden, police officer or other person requesting to see them. The stamp issued under this act shall be designated as the "special trout fishing stamp" and shall authorize its holder to take trout at the time and in the manner provided by law, or by the Fish and Game Code, and shall be invalid unless it contains the name of the licensee written in ink. L.1952,c.328,s.1; amended 1959, c.49; 1971, c.309; 1999, c.282, s.18.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-20 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-20
Findings, declarations, determinations relative to horseshoe crab and shorebird conservation.
Status: in_force

1. The Legislature finds and declares that each spring more than a million shorebirds of six species, including the red knot, ruddy turnstone, sanderling, semipalmated sandpiper, short-billed dowitcher, and dunlin, stop at Delaware Bay beaches and feed upon horseshoe crab eggs; that the red knot was once considered one of New Jersey's most abundant shorebirds; that this critical food source of horseshoe crab eggs consumed during the stopover of the red knot in New Jersey and Delaware is needed for the birds to gain sufficient weight to continue their migration north to breeding grounds in the Canadian Arctic, survive until food becomes available, and successfully reproduce ; that surveys have shown that red knots migrating through the bay region have declined by more than 75 percent since 2000; and that state and international biologists fear that the red knot will become extinct as soon as 2010. The Legislature further finds and declares that the numbers of shorebirds other than the red knots that feed on horseshoe crab eggs on the Delaware Bay have declined by a highly significant 64 percent during the period of 1998 through 2007. The Legislature further finds and declares that shorebird populations have continued to decline, despite the fact that over the past two decades more than $3 million in public funds have been spent on the protection and restoration of shorebird populations and their habitats on New Jersey's Delaware Bay shore. The Legislature therefore determines that a moratorium on the harvest, landing and possession of horseshoe crabs is critical to ensure that more horseshoe crab eggs will be available as a food source, thus increasing the likelihood of survival of these shorebirds. L.2008, c.1, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24.4
Hunting deer with bait; "baited area" defined.
Status: in_force

1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1 and section 2 of P.L.1970, c.180 (C.23:4-24.2 and C.23:4-24.3), a person may: (1) use bait to attract, entice, or lure a deer; and (2) kill, destroy, injure, shoot, shoot at, take, wound, or attempt to take, kill, or wound, a deer, or have in possession or control any firearm or other weapon of any kind for such purposes, within any distance of a baited area. A person may be elevated in a standing tree or in a structure of any kind when using a baited area for hunting deer, and the baited area may be within any distance of the standing tree or structure. b. For the purposes of this section, "baited area" means the presence of placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered agricultural products, salt, or other edible lure whatsoever capable of attracting, enticing, or luring deer. L.1997,c.424,s.1; amended 1999, c.231.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-59 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-59
Fee for trout stamps.
Status: in_force

3. The fee for this stamp shall be $10.50 for residents and $20.00 for nonresidents, or as adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a). The amounts remitted to the State Treasury for stamps issued under this law shall be placed to the credit of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund." L.1952,c.328,s.3; amended 1960, c.67, s.1;1975, c.116, s.10;1982, c.180, s.7;1986, c.198, s.4;1991, c.286, s.10;1999, c.282, s.19.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-24 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-24
Relation to contradictory ordinances, resolutions, rules, or regulations.
Status: in_force

8. The provisions of this act and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto shall supersede any contradictory ordinances, resolutions, rules, or regulations, which are, or have been, adopted at the municipal, county, or regional levels in association with the regulation of invasive species or the permitting of activities involving the introduction, sale, import, export, distribution, propagation, or purchase of a prohibited invasive species. L.2025, c.290, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-2
Legislative findings and declarations.
Status: in_force

2. The Legislature hereby finds and declares the following: a. That it is the policy of this State to manage all forms of wildlife to insure their continued participation in the ecosystem; b. That species or subspecies of wildlife indigenous to the State which may be found to be endangered should be accorded special protection in order to maintain and to the extent possible enhance their numbers; and c. That the State should assist in the protection of species or subspecies of wildlife which are deemed to be endangered elsewhere by regulating the taking, possession, transportation, importation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment within this State of species or subspecies of wildlife including those on any federal endangered species list. L.1973, c.309, s.2; amended 2016, c.6, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:13-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-5
Contents of suspension notification letter.
Status: in_force

5. a. A written suspension notification letter issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to section 3 or 4 of this act shall include, but need not be limited to, the following information: the period of suspension; the reason for suspension; identification of the violations leading to the suspension; and the procedure by which the person may appeal their suspension. b. Upon receipt of a written request by a person suspended pursuant to the provisions of this act, a review of the suspension shall be conducted and a determination made concerning whether the suspension is eligible for early restoration pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1955, c.96 (C.23:3-22.1). If, following review, the person is aggrieved by disposition of the request, the person may, by written request to the division, within 20 days after notification of the completion of the initial review, request a hearing. Upon receipt of notification within the 20-day period, the division shall request a hearing be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. All appeal considerations shall also conform to section 2 of P.L.1955, c.96 (C.23:3-22.1). L.2016, c.101, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.10
Requirements for licensees relative to littering, cleanup.
Status: in_force

12. a. The holder of a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License or a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's License, issued pursuant to R.S.23:3-51, and the holder of a Menhaden Landing License, issued pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.3), shall not throw overboard, or otherwise release from a vessel or its nets into the waters of the State: (1) any quantity of dead fish, except during the course of fishing operations; or (2) any refuse, litter, or garbage of any kind. b. Whenever any fish, fish parts, refuse, litter, or garbage of any kind is released during, or as a result of, a menhaden fishing or landing operation, in violation of the provisions of subsection a. of this section, the holder of a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License, a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's License, or a Menhaden Landing License, as the case may be, shall report the release to the department as soon as possible and initiate a cleanup of the release within 24 hours thereof, at the licensee's expense, if the release is likely to impact the shoreline. c. In the event that a licensee fails to initiate a cleanup, in accordance with the provisions of subsection b. of this section, within 24 hours after a release begins, the department may conduct or arrange for the cleanup of the release. However, the licensee shall be liable to pay all costs associated with the cleanup, including any administrative costs incurred by the department. Costs imposed pursuant to this subsection may include the costs associated with damages to, or the cleanup of, marine and estuarine waters of the State, or the State's beaches, shorelines, and marshes. L.2013, c.74, s.12; amended 2014, c.57, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-39 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-39
Mink, muskrat or otter; open season; destruction of muskrats damaging dams or canal banks; state owned grounds
Status: in_force

No person shall hunt, pursue, take or trap a mink or otter in this State at any time, except during such period as provided by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, except from six o'clock post meridian, on November thirtieth in each year to March fifteenth of the following year. No person shall hunt, pursue, take or trap a muskrat in this State at any time, except from six o'clock post meridian, on November thirtieth in each year to March fifteenth of the following year. This section shall not prevent the destruction at any time of muskrats which are damaging dams or canal banks by the owners or agents thereof, or the setting of traps after three o'clock post meridian on November thirtieth in each year. No person shall hunt, pursue, take or trap a mink, muskrat or otter on any of the State owned public shooting and fishing grounds, at any time, or by any method, except during such period and by such method as provided by the State Fish and Game Code, or in the absence of such provision in said code, except from six o'clock post meridian, on November thirtieth in each year to March fifteenth of the following year. Amended by L.1939, c. 69, p. 113, s. 2; L.1939, c. 293, p. 721, s. 1; L.1948, c. 209, p. 1009, s. 1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1813, s. 55; L.1952, c. 114, p. 453, s. 1, eff. May 5, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-8
Manner and means of fishing for food fish; fine
Status: in_force

No person shall fish for food fish in the Delaware river below Trenton falls with any device, method or means, except as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if none are so prescribed then excepting by the following devices and under regulations and restrictions hereinafter described, to wit: A seine, a gill net, an eelpot, or fyke net, each without wings, a parallel net, or stake net at the edge of low water, and rods and lines, or hand lines, otherwise known as dipsey or throw lines, each having not more than 3 hooks. No person shall fish for food fish above Trenton falls with any device, method or means except as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if none are so prescribed in said code, then excepting the following devices and under regulations and restrictions hereinafter described, to wit: A seine, an eelpot or a fyke net, each without wings, and rods and lines or hand lines, otherwise known as dipsey or throw lines, each having not more than 3 hooks. The number of rods and lines or hand lines shall not exceed such number as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if none are so prescribed then they shall not exceed 3 of 1 or other device named. Any person who shall use or employ any method or device for catching food fish other than such as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if none are so prescribed then other than those named in this section, or shall use or employ any device prescribed in said code or named in this section contrary to the regulations or restrictions hereinafter mentioned, as the case may be, shall be subject to a fine of $20.00. Amended by L.1955, c. 99, p. 551, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.11
No charge for certificate or instructions
Status: in_force

No charge shall be made for any certificate or instructions given to a person to qualify him to purchase a trapping license. L.1977, c. 320, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-9
Lobster restrictions
Status: in_force

23:5-9. a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2002, c.57). b. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2002, c.57). c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2002, c.57). d. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2002, c.57). e. (1) The Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations providing for the taking and management of the lobster of the genus and species Homarus americanus in the State. (2) The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall regulate the lobster fishery in accordance with State policy as set forth in section 2 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-2). (3) The department shall prepare and issue an annual report on the taking, management, and status of lobster in the State. Copies of the report shall be transmitted to the chairpersons of the Senate Environment Committee and the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, or their successors as designated by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly, respectively, and shall be made available to the public upon request. Amended 1942, c.110; 1977, c.11; 1979, c.199, s.67; 1983, c.366, s.1; 1996, c.21; 2002, c.57.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-61.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-61.1
"Special pheasant and quail stamp."
Status: in_force

1. No person above the age of 16 years shall at any time hunt for, pursue, kill, take, or attempt to take with a firearm or bow and arrow, or have in possession, any pheasant or quail while present in such division wildlife management areas as may be designated in the Fish and Game Code unless such person is the holder of a valid youth hunting license issued pursuant to R.S.23:3-3 or has first procured in addition to a hunting license a valid "special pheasant and quail stamp." This special pheasant and quail "stamp" shall be in the possession of the hunter at all times while engaged in hunting pheasant or quail in such division wildlife management areas as may be designated in the Fish and Game Code and the hunter shall exhibit the special stamp for inspection to any conservation police officer, deputy conservation police officer, or police officer requesting to see the stamp. L.1975, c.117, s.1; amended 1999, c.282, s.20; 2019, c.407, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-47 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-47
Lawful methods
Status: in_force

No person shall take, catch or kill a striped bass from or in any of the marine waters of this State by means of a net or by any method other than by hook and line or by spearfishing as defined. Nothing in this section shall preclude the use of a landing net or gaff in landing a striped bass caught on hook and line, except that it shall be unlawful to foul hook striped bass. L. 1983, c. 506, s. 5, eff. Jan. 17, 1984. Amended by L. 1985, c. 211, s. 3, eff. June 28, 1985.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-45.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-45.3
Sale of striped bass prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall sell, barter, possess for sale or barter, or offer for sale or barter any striped bass, whether caught within the jurisdictional limits of this State or otherwise, provided that this section shall not prohibit the shipment or transportation of striped bass from another state or country into the State which is destined for shipment or transportation out of the State or prohibit the sale of commercially raised hybrid striped bass. L.1991,c.43,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-12
§ 23:8-12
Status: in_force

The United States commissioner of fisheries and his authorized agents may conduct fish cultural operations and scientific investigations in the waters of this state in such manner and at such times as they consider necessary and proper, notwithstanding any law of this state to the contrary.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-23 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-23
Mutilating game prohibited; deer
Status: in_force

No person in this State shall remove the skin or feathers, or in any way mutilate the body of a wild bird or animal killed, caught or taken while hunting, for the purpose of concealing its identity or sex, under a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00). A person's possession of a wild bird or animal or part thereof that has been plucked, skinned or mutilated in the woods, fields, or meadows or on the waters of this State shall be prima facie evidence that he has violated this section. The removal of the entrails of a deer shall not be considered a violation of this section, but the carcass shall not be otherwise mutilated, cut up or divided until the Division of Fish and Game or one of its members or a fish and game warden has received notification or report of the killing from the person who killed it, together with all information as required. Any person having any part or portion of a deer in his or her possession, or under his control, or in any room, house, tent, camp, or building of any description, or in any conveyance while in the woods or fields or on the roads or highways during the open season for the killing of deer and during the day next following the last day of such open season shall be required to furnish satisfactory proof that the same came from a legally killed deer that has been properly reported and failing to do so shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00). Amended by L.1938, c. 304, p. 698, s. 1; L.1946, c. 48, p. 106, s. 1, eff. April 4, 1946.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-16 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-16
Licenses and buttons or tags to be issued promptly
Status: in_force

Every county clerk and municipal clerk and designated agent shall issue licenses and buttons or tags in accordance herewith immediately upon proper application therefor and payment of the fee herein prescribed. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 713, s. 9; L.1951, c. 226, p. 802, s. 13, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:12-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 12 / Section 12-1
Assent of state to Federal act pertaining to wildlife restoration
Status: in_force

The State of New Jersey hereby assents to the provisions of the Act of Congress entitled "An act to provide that the United States shall aid the States in wildlife-restoration projects, and for other purposes," approved September second, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven (Public, No. 415, 75th Congress), and the Board of Fish and Game Commissioners is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of co-operative wildlife-restoration projects, as defined in said Act of Congress, in compliance with said Act and with rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture thereunder. L.1938, c. 157, p. 323, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-48 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-48
Penalties
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise specifically permitted by this article: any person hunting for, pursuing, shooting at, taking, killing, wounding, having in possession in this State or attempting to take, kill or wound a deer of any description other than as permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, hunting for, pursuing, shooting at, taking, killing, wounding, having in possession in this State or attempting to take, kill, wound or possess any wild deer at any time, except during the period designated therefor by the State Fish and Game Code, or in the absence of such provision in said code, except during the period designated therefor in this article; or killing in any one year more than the number of deer permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, or hunting for, pursuing, stalking or shooting at a wild deer, except by daylight on the days designated therefor by the State Fish and Game Code, or killing a deer in this State at any time and failing to report the same in the manner prescribed by the division, or killing a deer in this State at any time and failing to properly tag and transport the deer to a checking station for registration as provided in R.S. 23:4-47, or using or carrying a rifle of any kind or description for the purpose of hunting or pursuing deer, or violating any of the other provisions of this article or of the Fish and Game Code promulgated thereunder, or violating any other provisions of this Title or the Fish and Game Code pertaining to the taking of deer of either sex, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 for the first offense and not less than $300.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for the second and each subsequent offense. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1817, s. 61; L.1957, c. 193, p. 696, s. 5; L.1967, c. 158, s. 3, eff. July 13, 1967; L.1971, c. 251, s. 3, eff. June 30, 1971; L.1978, c. 22, s. 1, eff. May 23, 1978.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-6
License blanks and buttons or tags
Status: in_force

The division shall determine the form of the license and button or tag, prepare the license blanks and buttons or tags, and furnish license blanks and buttons or tags to the clerk of each county and municipality, and any agent designated by the Division of Fish and Game to issue licenses. Additional license blanks and buttons or tags shall be furnished by the division to such clerks and agents upon request, as required. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 710, s. 1; L.1951, c. 226, p. 799, s. 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.7
Menhaden Dealer License.
Status: in_force

9. a. No person shall purchase or barter for menhaden landed in the State, as the first point of sale, unless the person is in possession of a Menhaden Dealer License. No menhaden landed in the State shall be sold or traded to any person who is not licensed under this section. b. (1) Any person who intends to purchase or barter for menhaden landed in the State shall submit to the commissioner an application for a Menhaden Dealer License. (2) A Menhaden Dealer License issued pursuant to this subsection shall be valid only for the calendar year for which it is issued, and shall be renewed on an annual basis. c. No person shall act as the point of sale for menhaden landed in the State unless the person is in possession of both a Menhaden Landing License, issued pursuant to section 5 of this act, and a Menhaden Dealer License, issued pursuant to this section. Any person in possession of a Menhaden Landing License and not selling menhaden to a licensed Menhaden dealer shall also possess a Menhaden Dealer License, and shall report any sales on a weekly basis, in accordance with the provisions of section 10 of this act. d. The holder of a Menhaden Dealer License, issued pursuant to this section, shall not accept 100 pounds or more of menhaden per day from any person unless that person is in possession of a Menhaden Landing License issued pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.3). e. (1) A State resident who is licensed as a menhaden dealer pursuant to this section shall be required to pay an annual fee of $100. (2) A non-resident of the State who is licensed as a menhaden dealer pursuant to this section shall be required to pay an annual fee of $500, or an amount equal to the non-resident fee charged to a menhaden dealer in the non-resident's state, whichever is greater. (3) Any license fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the Marine Fisheries Management Account, established pursuant to section 14 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.12), and shall be dedicated for the purposes of menhaden quota management, menhaden biological monitoring, and menhaden fisheries law enforcement. L.2013, c.74, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-48 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-48
Violations; penalties
Status: in_force

A person who violates any of the provisions of this act shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 73 of P.L.1979, c. 199 (C. 23:2B-14). L.1983, c. 506, s. 6, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1.1
"All Around Sportsman License."
Status: in_force

11. a. The division shall issue a special license combining the resident's firearm hunting license, the resident's bow and arrow license and the resident's fishing license as provided under R.S.23:3-4 into one license to be designated as the "All Around Sportsman License." b. The "All Around Sportsman License" shall authorize its holder to hunt with a shotgun or bow and arrow and to angle or attempt to take fish in the fresh waters of this State at the time, and in the manner, provided by law and the State Fish and Game Code, except that this license shall not authorize its holder to take trout from the fresh waters of the State. c. A resident of this State above the age of 16 years may procure the "All Around Sportsman License" from the division at Trenton or from its agents as designated by the division. It shall not be valid unless it contains the signature of the owner written in ink. Each license issued under this section shall expire on December 31 next following its issuance. d. (1) The division shall determine the form of the "All Around Sportsman License." The fee for this license shall be $71.25 and an issuance fee of $1.00, or as adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a). (2) The fee for an "All Around Sportsman License" shall be reduced by $10 when application therefor is made at the same time with: (1) another resident of this State who applies for a resident's fishing license, is above 16 years of age and below 65 years of age, and has not bought an "All Around Sportsman License" or resident's fishing license in the previous five license years, or (2) a nonresident who applies for a nonresident's annual fishing license, is above 16 years of age, and has not bought a nonresident's annual fishing license in the previous five license years. The fee for a resident's fishing license bought in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph shall be $10.75 and an issuance fee of $1.00, and the fee for a nonresident's annual fishing license bought in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph shall be $16.50 and an issuance fee of $1.00. e. The amounts remitted to the State Treasury from the collection of any fee pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund." L.1982, c.180, s.11; amended 1991, c.286, s.2; 1999, c. 282, s.7; 2015, c.99, s.1; 2023, c.321, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-9
Taking sturgeon; taking other food fish with seine or gill net; fine; forfeiture of appliances
Status: in_force

No person shall catch and take or attempt to catch and take sturgeon from the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls, with any device excepting a seine or gill net, the meshes of which shall not be less than thirteen inches stretched measure while being fished, or catch and take or attempt to catch and take any other food fish from said waters with a seine the meshes of which shall be less than two and one-half inches stretched measure while being fished, or any gill net the meshes of which shall be less than five and one-quarter inches stretched measure while being fished; provided, that gill nets with a mesh not smaller than three inches may be used from March first to June tenth in each year for the purpose of taking herring only. No person shall catch and take or attempt to catch and take any food fish, except sturgeon, by means of a seine or gill net between June tenth in each and every year and March first next ensuing, provided that suckers may be taken with a seine only from October fifteenth in each and every year to March fifteenth next ensuing. No person shall use gill nets as provided in this section in the Delaware river above Trenton falls. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of one hundred dollars, together with a forfeiture of all nets, boats and appliances used.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-5
Game, bait and food fish defined
Status: in_force

As used in this article: "Game fish" means black bass or small-mouth bass; large-mouth bass, otherwise called Oswego or yellow bass; strawberry or calico bass; rock bass, otherwise known as redeye or goggle-eye; white bass; crappie; pike perch, otherwise called wall-eyed pike or Susquehanna salmon; pike; pickerel; char, commonly called brook or speckled trout, or any form of trout. "Bait fish" means all species of minnows, killifishes and stone catfish. "Food fish" means all other species or varieties of fish whatsoever.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3
Youth hunting license.
Status: in_force

23:3-3. The division may, in its discretion, issue a youth hunting license to a citizen of the United States above 10 years and under 16 years of age, who has successfully completed a course in gun or bow and arrow safety, as the case may be, as required in accordance with this title. Persons above 10 years and under 14 years of age may obtain the license only with the permission of a parent or legal guardian. The license shall authorize a licensee above 10 years and under 14 years of age to hunt only when accompanied by a holder, above 21 years of age, of a regular resident's or nonresident's firearm or bow and arrow license, as the case may be. This license shall be void after December 31 of the year in which the licensee becomes 16 years of age. Amended 1971, c.125, s.1;1971, c.381, s.1;1982, c.180, s.1;1991, c.286, s.3;1999, c.282, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-24.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-24.1
License to fish with net; possession
Status: in_force

No person shall fish with, set, fix, fasten, draw, or drift any net of any description whatsoever, from or in the inland marine waters, bays, coves, rivers, or creeks, or in the Atlantic ocean within 3 nautical miles of the coast line, unless he shall first have procured a license as hereinafter provided or as otherwise provided by this Title, and shall have received the required license and have it in possession at the time of fishing. L.1941, c. 211, p. 610, s. 1. Amended by L.1948, c. 175, p. 917, s. 1, eff. June 12, 1948; L.1979, c. 10, s. 1, eff. Feb. 5, 1979; L.1980, c. 120, s. 1, eff. Sept. 29, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-10
Trout, perch, pickerel, bass, crappie or salmon; limit
Status: in_force

No person shall take, catch or kill in one day more than the number of trout, pike perch, pickerel, rock bass, crappie, calico bass, salmon, black bass or Oswego bass permitted by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any such provision in said code, more than ten trout, ten pike perch, ten pickerel, twenty rock bass, twenty in the aggregate of crappie and calico bass, ten salmon or ten in the aggregate of black bass and Oswego bass, and under no circumstances shall any person take, catch or kill in any one day more than the number of fish, commonly classed as fresh water game and food fish, permitted by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, more than twenty-five in the aggregate of fish commonly classed as fresh water game and food fish, under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each fish so taken, caught or killed in excess of the number permitted by the respective provisions of said code, or, in the absence of any such provision in said code, in excess of the number permitted by this section. Amended 1939, c.327, s.3; 1948, c. 448, p. 1823, s. 70, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:1-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-4
Inapplicability to public museums or natural history societies
Status: in_force

This title shall not apply to a public museum or natural history society of this State so as to prevent the collection of specimens for it nor to the breeding, raising and producing in captivity, and the marketing, of fox, other than red or gray, mink, chinchilla, marten, fisher, caracul or other fur-bearing animals not native to New Jersey. Amended by L.1955, c. 153, p. 648, s. 1, eff. July 19, 1955.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-14
Use of eelpots and fyke nets; fine; forfeiture of appliances
Status: in_force

No person shall use eelpots and fyke nets, each without wings, in the Delaware river, above or below Trenton falls, during any period which shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if no such period is so prescribed then from June 1 to July 1, in each year, both dates inclusive, but it shall be lawful to use eelpots and fyke nets, each without wings, during any period which shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if no such period is so prescribed then from July 1 to May 31, both dates inclusive, in each year, for the purpose of catching carp, catfish, eels and suckers only. All other species of fish which may be caught in said nets must be returned unharmed immediately to the waters from which taken; provided, that the entrance of said eelpot or fyke net shall not be more than of such diameter and the outside diameter thereof shall not be more than of such dimensions as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if no such dimensions are so prescribed then that the entrance of said eelpot or fyke net shall not be more than 6 inches in diameter and the outside diameter not more than 30 inches. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of $20.00, together with a forfeiture of all nets, boats and other appliances used. Amended by L.1955, c. 99, p. 553, s. 6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.2
Instruction agents; issuance of certificates
Status: in_force

The Division of Fish and Game in the Department of Conservation and Economic Development shall have authority to designate duly qualified persons to act as its agents in the giving of the instructions of methods of handling bows and arrows, and the issuance of certificates, and a certificate shall not be issued to any person until in the opinion of his instructor, he has qualified therefor. L.1957, c. 195, p. 699, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-22.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-22.1
Appeal to council by aggrieved person
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by the voiding of a fishing license, hunting license, bow and arrow license, or any other license held by that person for a second conviction of a violation of the fish and game laws of this or any other State, or of any provisions of the State Fish and Game Code of this State, or for conviction of negligently causing injury or death to another by gunfire, bow and arrow, or other weapon, may appeal to the Fish and Game Council for an order restoring such license. If the council, after hearing shall, in its discretion, determine that by reason of the minor nature of the violations involved, or of other extenuating circumstances, such license should be restored, it shall direct the director to cause to be endorsed upon said license that the same has been restored and to return such license to said person, but only if the person first completes, to the satisfaction of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, the approved remedial sportsmen education program established and conducted by the division pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1990, c.29 (C.23:3-22.3). Thereafter said license shall be in full force and effect and licenses may be issued to such person notwithstanding said hunting accident or said second conviction, but said conviction shall be counted as a second conviction in determining a third or subsequent conviction. L.1955,c.96,s.2; amended 1957,c.196,s.2; 1990,c.29,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-37 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-37
License displayed; record kept; certified copy sent to board
Status: in_force

Each holder of a propagating license issued pursuant to sections 28 through 39 of this chapter shall keep the license prominently displayed at the place of business specified therein, and shall keep accurate written records which shall include the total number of each species of game birds or animals possessed on the date of application for the license, the number of each species subsequently propagated or acquired by purchase or gift, and the name and address of each person or corporation from whom or to whom game birds or animals were purchased or sold alive or sold for food, and the date of each transaction. The holder of a semiwild or commercial shooting preserve shall keep such records as may be prescribed by the division. These records shall be kept permanently on the premises stated in the license and shall be open for inspection by any duly authorized representative of the division at all reasonable times. Each holder of such a propagating license shall send a certified copy of these records for the previous license year to the division not later than March 31. Failure to provide and maintain adequate records may be cause for the nonissuance of subsequent licenses. Amended by L.1970, c. 186, s. 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1971; L.1979, c. 220, s. 4, eff. Oct. 11, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-55 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-55
Beaver trapping permits
Status: in_force

23:4-55. No person shall trap, take, capture, kill or have in possession a beaver, except as authorized by a valid permit at a time and in a manner prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code. In the absence of provisions for a season and limit in the code, the season shall be January 15 through and including February 15 of each year, and the season limit shall be five beavers per permit. Permits shall expire on the last day of the open season. The Division of Fish and Wildlife may issue up to and not exceeding 200 permits in any one calendar year. The fee for this permit is $15.00. The penalty for violating this section is a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $200. The Division of Fish and Wildlife may, in its discretion, issue permits to owners or lessees of land to control beavers that are destroying said property. Amended 1946, c.165; 1948, c.448, s.65; 1954, c.34; 1999, c.412.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-3
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this act: a. "Aquaculture" means the propagation and rearing of aquatic species in controlled or selected environments; b. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection; c. "Council" means the Marine Fisheries Council created pursuant to this act, except in those sections of this act amending sections of Title 50 of the Revised Statutes; d. "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection; e. "Fish" means any marine or anadromous animal or plant, or part thereof, excepting mammals and birds; f. "Fisheries management plans" means plans to prevent overfishing, achieve optimal yield from each fishery on a continuing basis, which are based on the best scientific information available, are in accordance with management plans promulgated pursuant to the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1976 and any appropriate interstate programs, provide for the management of stock as a unit throughout their range, and allow for flexibility management; provided, however, that such plans, where practicable and feasible, give preference to the interests and concerns of fishermen in this State; g. "Marine waters" means all the salt waters of this State, and none of the fresh waters of this State as defined in R.S. 23:1-2. Specifically it includes the waters of the Atlantic ocean, and all bays, inlets and estuarine waters located below the mouth of any fresh water river, stream or creek; h. "Optimum yield" means the amount of fish from a fishery which will provide the greatest overall benefit to the State, with particular reference to food production and recreational opportunities, and the amount of fish which is prescribed as such on the basis of the maximum sustainable yield from such fishery as modified by any relevant economic, social or ecological factor; i. "Processing" means handling, storing, freezing, preparing, preserving, packing, transporting, holding, or selling fish or fish products; j. "Taking" means to catch, net, capture, possess, or collect any fish or to attempt to engage in any such conduct; k. "Fishery" means one or more stocks of fish which can be treated as a unit for purposes of conservation and management and which are identified on the basis of geographical, scientific, technical, recreational and economic characteristics and any fishing for such stocks. L.1979, c. 199, s. 3, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-10
Deputy wardens; appointment
Status: in_force

The board may appoint such deputy fish and game wardens as it deems necessary for the better enforcement of the laws regulating the taking of fish, game and birds.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8A-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8A / Section 8A-3
Disposition of proceeds from sale, lease or exchange; use
Status: in_force

All moneys received from any such sale or lease, or received as part of the consideration when an exchange of lands is made, shall be remitted to the State Treasurer and placed to the credit of a fund known as the "hunters' and anglers' license fund" created by and existing under the provisions of R.S. 23:3-11, said money to be used exclusively for such uses and purposes as are provided for by said act, and held and disbursed by the State Treasurer, on vouchers certified to by the division. L.1958, c. 93, p. 537, s. 3. Amended by L.1975, c. 116, s. 13, eff. June 3, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-56.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-56.2
Possession, transfer and display of license; violations; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person, including members of the armed services, who shall hunt for, pursue, shoot at, take, kill or wound, or attempt to take, kill or wound a deer as permitted by this section or the State Fish and Game Code, without having a license as herein prescribed on his person and displayed in a conspicuous place on his outer clothing, or who alters or changes in any manner, or loans or transfers to another a license issued under this act, or violates any other provision of this act, or any regulation established under the State Fish and Game Code in connection herewith, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $100.00 nor more than $300.00 for the first offense, and not less than $300.00 nor more than $500.00 for the second and subsequent offense. L.1971, c. 180, s. 2, eff. June 1, 1971.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-12
Functions, powers and duties of department under other laws
Status: in_force

The powers, duties and functions vested in the State Department of Environmental Protection under the provisions of this act shall not be construed to limit in any manner the functions, powers and duties vested in the State Department of Environmental Protection under any other provisions of law. L.1973, c. 309, s. 12, eff. Dec. 14, 1973.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.5
Allowable uses and possessions
Status: in_force

This amendatory and supplementary act shall not be construed to prevent the use of steel-jaw leghold traps for the purpose of exhibition by humane or educational institutions and organizations, or the possession of such traps by a person in the act of turning over the traps to a law enforcement agency. L.1984, c. 37, s. 5, eff. April 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-8
Management of shared fisheries resources; cooperation to develop integrated management plans; reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions
Status: in_force

In the management of fisheries resources which are shared by the State of New Jersey with other states or with other states and the Federal Government, the commissioner shall cooperate with the appropriate agencies of said states, the Federal Government and the regional fisheries management councils established under the Federal Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1976, and any appropriate interstate programs to develop integrated management plans for such shared resources. The commissioner is empowered to make the following reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions: a. Rules and regulations with respect to fishing in boundary waters after consultation with the appropriate body in the neighboring states; b. A procedure whereby valid fishing license issued by the parties to the reciprocal agreements may be used by their licensees within the jurisdiction of either in accordance with the terms of such agreements; c. Any individual from a state who has the responsibility of enforcing that state's marine fisheries laws may pursue any person found fishing in the coastal waters of such state in violation of the marine fisheries laws thereof onto adjacent waters of this State and there arrest him and return him to the state where the violation occurred for the purpose of prosecuting him for such violation; provided, that such other state shall have enacted legislation giving substantially similar authority to individuals in this State who have responsibility for enforcing the marine fisheries laws of this State relative to persons found fishing in the coastal waters of this State in violation of the marine fishing laws thereof. L.1979, c. 199, s. 8, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-9
Disclosure of information by persons taking fisheries resources; records, books or accounts; audits
Status: in_force

a. The commissioner may by regulation require that every person, who takes fisheries resources, provide information on the species, number, weight, and any other information pertinent to management of the resources taken in a manner prescribed and on forms supplied by the department. b. Every person engaged in the commercial buying, packing, storing, wholesaling, marketing, or processing of any fisheries resources within the State shall keep accurate records, books or accounts showing the species, quantity, and source of fisheries resources. c. Every record, book, or account referred to in subsection b. shall be open for inspection by the department at reasonable hours. d. The department may audit the records, books, or accounts of any person referred to in subsection b., and of anyone who takes fisheries resources and ships directly to market in order to determine the quantity of resources taken and other information pertinent to management. e. The records obtained by the department, and the information contained therein, shall except as otherwise provided in this section, be confidential, and the records shall not be public records and insofar as possible, the information contained in the records shall be compiled or published in such a manner so as not to disclose the business record of any person. f. The information in the above records can be provided to other states, Federal agencies and regional fisheries agencies provided that those entities have similar confidentiality provisions that do not disclose the business record of any person. L.1979, c. 199, s. 9, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:1-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-2
"Waters of this state" construed
Status: in_force

As used in this title, the term "waters of this state" means all the fresh waters of this state. All ponds, lakes and waters created by or under the exclusive control of any individuals or associations, stocked and maintained at their sole expense and not runways for migratory fish shall be considered private waters, and shall be exempt from the provisions of this title respecting bag limit, season and size as far as such individuals and the members of such associations or persons receiving permits from them are concerned.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-25 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-25
Enforcement of provisions; violations; penalties.
Status: in_force

9. a. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Protection shall jointly enforce the provisions of this act. For violations that involve the sale, offer for sale, propagation for sale, or importation of a prohibited invasive plant species or the seeds thereof, the Department of Agriculture shall assume primary enforcement responsibility, and the amount of any civil penalty or civil administrative penalty shall be assessed by considering each instance of the prohibited action as an additional, separate, and distinct offense. For all other violations, the Department of Environmental Protection shall assume primary enforcement responsibility, and the amount of any civil penalty or civil administrative penalty shall be assessed by considering each day during which a violation continues as an additional, separate, and distinct offense. Whenever the Secretary of Agriculture or the Commissioner of Environmental Protection finds that a person violates any provision of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or knowingly makes a false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained pursuant to this act, the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, may: (1) issue an order requiring the person found to be in violation to comply in accordance with subsection b. of this section; (2) bring a civil action in accordance with subsection c. of this section; (3) levy a civil administrative penalty in accordance with subsection d. of this section; or (4) bring an action for a civil penalty in accordance with subsection e. of this section. b. Whenever the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, finds that a person has violated this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, may issue an administrative enforcement order specifying the provision or provisions of this act, or the rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, of which the person is in violation, citing the action that constituted the violation, requiring compliance with the provision violated, and giving notice to the person of the person's right to a hearing on the matters contained in the administrative enforcement order. The ordered person shall have 20 calendar days from receipt of the order within which to deliver to the commissioner a written request for a hearing. After the hearing and upon finding that a violation has occurred, the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, may issue a final order. If no hearing is requested, the order shall become final after the expiration of the 20-day period. A request for hearing shall not automatically stay the effect of the order. c. The secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, is authorized to institute a civil action in Superior Court for appropriate relief from a violation of the provisions of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted thereof, as specified in subsection a. of this section. Such relief may include, singly or in combination: (1) a temporary or permanent injunction; (2) recovery of reasonable costs of any investigation or inspection which led to the discovery of the violation, and for the reasonable costs of preparing and bringing a civil action commenced under this subsection; (3) recovery of reasonable costs incurred by the State in removing, correcting, or terminating the adverse effects resulting from any violation of the provisions of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, for which a civil action has been commenced and brought under this subsection; (4) recovery of compensatory damages caused by a violation of the provisions of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted, for which a civil action has been commenced and brought under this subsection. Assessments under this subsection shall be paid to the State Treasurer, except that compensatory damages may be paid by specific order of the court to any persons who have been aggrieved by the violation. d. The secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, is authorized to assess a civil administrative penalty of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000 for a violation of the provisions of this act. In assessing a civil administrative penalty, the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, shall consider the severity of the violation, the measures taken to prevent further violations, and whether the penalty will maintain an appropriate deterrent. Prior to assessment of a civil administrative penalty, the person committing the violation shall be notified by certified mail or personal service that the penalty is being assessed. The notice shall identify the section of the statute, rule, regulation, or order violated; recite the facts alleged to constitute a violation; state the basis for the amount of the civil administrative penalties to be assessed; and affirm the rights of the alleged violator to a hearing. The ordered party shall have 20 days from receipt of the notice within which to deliver to the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, a written request for a hearing. After the hearing and upon finding that a violation has occurred, the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, may issue a final order after assessing the amount of the fine specified in the notice. If no hearing is requested, the notice shall become a final order after the expiration of the 20-day period. Payment of the assessment is due when a final order is issued or the notice becomes a final order. The authority to levy an administrative order is in addition to all other enforcement provisions in this act, and the payment of any assessment shall not be deemed to affect the availability of any other enforcement provisions in connection with the violation for which the assessment is levied. The secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, may compromise any civil administrative penalty assessed under this section in an amount and with conditions the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable, determines appropriate. e. A person who violates any provision of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or an administrative order issued pursuant to subsection b. of this section, or a court order issued pursuant to subsection c. of this section, or who fails to pay a civil administrative penalty in full pursuant to subsection d. of this section, or who knowingly makes any false or misleading statement on any application, record, report, or other document required to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Environmental Protection, as applicable, shall be subject, upon order of a court, to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000 per day of the violation, and each day during which the violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. Any civil penalty imposed pursuant to this subsection may be collected with costs in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), or may be collected in a civil action commenced by the secretary or the commissioner, as applicable. In addition to any penalties, costs, or interest charges, the Superior Court, or the municipal court as the case may be, may assess against the violator the amount of economic benefit accruing to the violator from the violation. f. Pursuit of any of the remedies specified under this section shall not preclude the seeking of any other remedy specified. L.2025, c.290, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.3
Instructors of methods of handling firearms
Status: in_force

The Division of Fish and Game in the Department of Conservation and Economic Development shall have authority to designate duly qualified persons to act as its agents in the giving of instructions of methods of handling firearms, and the issuance of certificates, and a certificate shall not be issued to any person until in the opinion of his instructor, he has qualified therefor. L.1954, c. 57, p. 406, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-36 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-36
Gunning under influence of liquor or drugs prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall go into the woods or fields at any time with a gun or firearm when under the influence of a drug or intoxicating liquor, under a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense. Upon the conviction of a person for violating this section, the license to hunt and fish of that person issued to him in accordance with article one of chapter three of this Title (s. 23:3-1 et seq.), shall become void, and the municipal court or other court before which the conviction is had, shall take the license from the person so convicted, mark it "revoked" and send it to the board. If the conviction is reversed on appeal the license shall be restored to the defendant. Any license to hunt or fish issued to a person convicted of a violation of this section during the calendar year in which the offense occurred shall be null and void. Amended by L.1953, c. 23, p. 450, s. 2, eff. March 19, 1953.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-22 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-22
Recommendations to the commissioner, secretary; other responsibilities.
Status: in_force

6. a. The New Jersey Invasive Species Council shall make recommendations to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Secretary of Agriculture regarding invasive species. When determining whether a species should be designated as invasive, the council shall first classify the species as native or non-native. For any non-native species, the council shall next determine whether the species should be listed as an invasive species because it causes, or may cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health or threatens, or may threaten, natural resources or the use of natural resources in the State. When making its determination, the council shall consider: (1) the likelihood of introduction of the species if it is allowed to enter or exist in the State; (2) the likelihood that the species would naturalize in the State if it were introduced; (3) the magnitude of potential adverse impacts of the species on native species and the natural resources of the State; and (4) the ability to eradicate or control the spread of the species once it is introduced in the State. b. Each time the council recommends that a species be designated as an invasive species, it shall provide the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Secretary of Agriculture with: (1) an identification of the genus and species, including subspecies, cultivars, hybrids, or relevant genotypes; (2) the threat level based on the current population of the species as: (a) potential; (b) emerging; or (c) established; (3) an identification of any sterile cultivars or varieties of the species that should be considered as exceptions; (4) a determination of whether the species should be designated as a prohibited invasive species pursuant to section 4 of this act; and (5) for plant species recommended for prohibited designation, identify any conditions under which the council recommends that the department grant a conditional use waiver. c. The council shall also: (1) recommend measures necessary for State departments and agencies, and for non-governmental organizations, to cooperate with federal agencies and other states in complying with Federal Executive Order No. 13112 and the National Invasive Species Management Plan; (2) identify research needs to better assess the sources, degree, distribution, and threat posed by invasive species, and methods for preventing the introduction and control of invasive species; (3) review ongoing invasive species control efforts being carried out by State departments and agencies and recommend new or revised measures to limit the introduction and effectuate the control of invasive species; (4) produce or identify educational programs and materials, for public distribution, identifying the threats posed by invasive species, outlining measures to prevent the introduction of invasive species and to control invasive species in the State, and encouraging the use of local native genotypes or alternative species, including drought-tolerant native plants, preferably propagated in New Jersey, in landscaping and planting activities; (5) develop partnerships with federal, state, and local government agencies, institutions of primary, secondary, and higher education, and non-profit and other private organizations, including horticultural organizations, as necessary to implement the policies and recommendations of the council; (6) identify and use sources of funding that are available to support the council's research, monitoring, and control recommendations, relevant youth and community outreach programs, and other council operations and activities; (7) identify legislative or regulatory actions necessary to implement or further the policies and recommendations of the council; (8) make recommendations to the departments regarding the implementation of this act; (9) review applications to the department for a conditional use waiver and make a recommendation to the department regarding authorization. Whenever the council reviews a conditional use waiver request submitted to the department, the council shall consider, at a minimum, the economic impact of the prohibition on the nursery industry, and the ecological importance of continued prohibition; and (10) examine and revise the 2009 New Jersey Strategic Management Plan for Invasive Species, prepared pursuant to Executive Order No. 97 of 2004, and submit the revised plan to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, no later than two years after the first meeting of the council held pursuant to this act, and re-examine, and revise accordingly, the plan every 10 years thereafter. L.2025, c.290, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-15
Rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

3. The Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. L.2012, c.46, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-18 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-18
Findings and declarations.
Status: in_force

2. a. The Legislature finds and declares that non-native invasive species of plants, animals, and other organisms, which were intentionally or accidentally introduced into habitats and geographical areas where they did not evolve, possess the ability to reproduce and spread without the natural limits present in their native ecosystems and pose a threat to New Jersey's native species, natural resources, ecosystem function, human health, and economic vitality. b. The Legislature therefore determines that it is in the public interest to establish a permanent New Jersey Invasive Species Council to advise the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture, and the Legislature on the issue of invasive species; to prohibit the sale of certain plant species that are known to be invasive; and to provide adequate annual funding to the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture to control the spread of invasive plant species in the State. L.2025, c.290, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-15
Release on probation; payment of fine in installments
Status: in_force

If the record of a person convicted of a violation of this Title, or any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code shall, in the judgment of the court in which the conviction is had, so justify, the court may order him to be released on probation under the care of the probation officer of the county, the payment of a fine and costs of proceedings to be paid to the probation officer in weekly installments of such sum as he may determine. This money shall inure to the benefit of the Division of Fish and Game, and the probation officer shall account for and turn over the same or any other money collected by him on account thereof to the Division of Fish and Game for its uses and purposes. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1830, s. 86, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-70 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-70
Rules and regulations by division
Status: in_force

The division may make such rules and regulations with respect to the management and operation of fishing preserves, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act, as it shall deem necessary and proper to carry into effect the provisions of this act. L.1970, c. 247, s. 9, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-10
§ 23:4-10
Status: in_force

No person shall shoot into a squirrel's nest at any time of the year, under a penalty of twenty dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-7
Minimum size of certain fish; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall kill, sell, expose for sale or have in possession any black bass, Oswego bass or white bass measuring less than the number of inches prescribed by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, measuring less than nine inches in length, or any strawberry or calico bass, or crappie measuring less than the number of inches prescribed by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, measuring less than six inches in length, or any pike perch, pike or pickerel measuring less than the number of inches prescribed by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, measuring less than twelve inches in length, or any trout measuring less than the number of inches prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, measuring less than seven inches in length, except for the purpose of stocking the waters of this State therewith, and then only at the direction of the division or upon license first obtained from the division under penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each fish so unlawfully killed, sold, exposed for sale or had in possession. The esox fasciatus, commonly known as Long Island pickerel, varied and grass pike, is not included among the fish protected by this section. Amended by L.1946, c. 74, p. 264, s. 1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1822, s. 69, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-29 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-29
Taking game from state prohibited; penalty; exceptions
Status: in_force

No person shall remove or attempt to remove from this State an animal or bird, other than deer, protected by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any provision in said code to the contrary, protected by this Title. A nonresident holding a nonresidents' and aliens' hunting license may, however, in any one day, remove from the State the number of animals or birds that may be taken under the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code in one day by one person, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, the number of animals or birds that may be taken under the laws of this State in one day by one person, but not more birds or animals may be removed by one person in one calendar week than the number that may be taken under the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code in two days by one person, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, than the number that may be taken under the laws of this State in two days by one person. No removal shall be made unless the animals or birds are exposed to open view. A person violating this section shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each animal or bird removed or sought to be removed. This section shall not apply to common carriers carrying from beyond the confines of this State in unbroken packages to some point beyond the confines of this State any such protected animal or bird, nor shall it apply to English or ring-necked pheasants, mallard, black or wood ducks, Canada geese, ruffed grouse, rabbits, squirrels and quail, properly tagged, raised on game preserves, the owners or lessees of which are licensed by the division. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1812, s. 53, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-35.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-35.2
Taking crabs; license; necessity; exceptions; fees; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

No person shall take or attempt to take edible crabs from any of the tidal waters of this State in any manner except by rod, hand line, scoop net operated by hand, or a collapsible trap continuously tended by hand, without a license obtained from the commissioner. The commissioner may grant and set fees for these licenses under such rules and regulations as he may establish and he shall also have the power to propose, adopt, amend and repeal rules and regulations for any taking or any attempt to take and for the protection and propagation of edible crabs in the tidal waters of this State. L.1980, c. 120, s. 10, eff. Sept. 29, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-19 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-19
Purchase, sale or possession of fish except during lawful period prohibited; fine
Status: in_force

No person shall purchase, sell or offer for sale, or have in possession any fresh dead game fish or food fish, except during the lawful period for catching the same and the space of six days after such period has expired. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of ten dollars for each fish.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24.1
Carrying loaded firearms in vehicle for hunting purposes prohibited; proof
Status: in_force

No person shall, for the purpose of hunting for, pursuing, taking or killing, or attempting to hunt, pursue, take or kill any bird or animal, have, in an automobile or vehicle of any kind, any shotgun or rifle loaded with missiles of any kind, under a penalty of not less than $20.00 nor more than $50.00 for each offense. For the purpose of this act, whenever a person is found with such loaded shotgun or rifle in possession in a vehicle, the same shall be conclusive proof that the person was in the act of pursuing or taking birds or animals. L.1939, c. 172, p. 523, s. 1. Amended by L.1971, c. 252, s. 3, eff. June 30, 1971.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-80 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-80
Violations; penalties; enforcement
Status: in_force

Any person violating any provision of this act shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under "the penalty enforcement law," N.J.S. 2A:58-1 et seq. If any violation of the act is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense. The Department of Environmental Protection is authorized to compromise and settle any claim for a penalty under this section in any amount which, in the discretion of the Department of Environmental Protection, may appear appropriate and equitable under the circumstances. L.1983, c. 504, s. 6, eff. July 1, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.2
Annual report to include number of deer killed pursuant to permits
Status: in_force

2. The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall include in its annual report the number of deer killed pursuant to permits issued for the purposes set forth in R.S.23:4-42. L.1997,c.123,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.9
Permitted removal of fish harvested.
Status: in_force

11. Removal, from a purse seine, of fish harvested from the waters of the State shall be by brailing or dip net only. No fish pump shall be on board any vessel operating under a license, for the purpose of taking menhaden for bait or human food purposes, unless the pump is completely covered and securely fastened with a brightly colored tarp or other material, and the pump intake or hose is disconnected from the pump and is securely stowed away from the pump so that it is not readily available for use when the vessel is fishing in State waters. L.2013, c.74, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-32 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-32
§ 23:5-32
Status: in_force

No conviction had under this article shall be a bar to any proceeding an aggrieved party may institute for the recovery of damages in any civil action.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-19 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-19
Taking, processing of fish on certain vessels in marine waters prohibited.
Status: in_force

1. No person may take or process fish while on a vessel greater than 165 feet in length while in marine waters.
For the purpose of this section, "process" means to clean and freeze, can, or otherwise process and package fish for sale.
L.2006,c.18,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-18 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-18
Antedating license a misdemeanor
Status: in_force

A clerk or agent who antedates a license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 713, s. 10; L.1951, c. 226, p. 802, s. 14, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-4.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-4.1
Diamondback terrapin designated nongame indigenous species.
Status: in_force

1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the diamondback terrapin shall be designated as a nongame indigenous species and shall be subject to the laws, rules, and regulations governing the importation, care, possession, and breeding of that type of animal in the State. b. Any diamondback terrapin, including any nest or egg thereof, shall be protected by the Department of Environmental Protection, any other State agency, and any local governmental entity in the same manner and to the same extent as any nongame species of reptile indigenous to the State that is protected by "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act," P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.), any other applicable State law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto. c. The commissioner shall investigate populations, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data concerning the State's diamondback terrapin population to determine management measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations, the commissioner shall develop management programs which shall be designed to insure the continued ability of the State's diamondback terrapin population to perpetuate themselves successfully. L.2016, c.17, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.5
Transfer of license.
Status: in_force

7. a. Upon application to, and approval by, the department, the holder of a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License, issued pursuant to R.S.23:3-51, the holder of a Menhaden Landing License, issued pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.3), or the holder of a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License, issued pursuant to section 12 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.16), may transfer their license as follows: (1) To a replacement vessel when the vessel named in the license is replaced by the licensee; or (2) To a new owner of the vessel named in the license when the vessel is sold or otherwise transferred to another person. b. The following limitations shall apply to any license transfer undertaken pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section: (1) a license shall only be transferrable to a replacement vessel that employs the same type of fishing gear identified in the original license; (2) a license that is applicable to a purse seine catch vessel, including the Menhaden Landing License designated as a purse seine-catch pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection f. of section 5 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.3), shall only be transferrable to a replacement purse seine catch vessel, and a license that is applicable to a purse seine carry vessel shall only be transferrable to a replacement purse seine carry vessel; (3) a license that is applicable to a purse seine catch vessel or a purse seine carry vessel shall be transferrable to a replacement vessel only if the replacement vessel is not more than 10 percent larger in overall length, 10 percent larger in the hold capacity as measured in cubic feet, and not more than 20 percent more powerful in terms of horsepower, than the originally licensed vessel. c. A person who transfers a license pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section shall no longer be eligible to obtain a Menhaden Landing License or a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License based upon the landing history of the vessel being sold. d. An applicant for a license transfer shall submit an application to the commissioner, on a form developed by the commissioner, and no license shall be transferred pursuant to this section without the prior approval of the commissioner. e. A person shall not be eligible for transfer of their license pursuant to this section if: (1) their license is pending suspension or has been suspended pursuant to section 15 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.13); or (2) the licensee is subject to court action for a violation of R.S.23:3-51 or P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.). L.2013, c.74, s.7; amended 2014, c.57, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-21 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-21
Procuring license wrongfully; penalty
Status: in_force

A person not entitled hereunder to a residents' license who procures the same shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00). Amended by L.1950, c. 78, p. 137, s. 1, eff. April 25, 1950.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.7
Venison, donation program, permanent
Status: in_force

1. a. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture and the chairman of the Fish and Game Council, shall establish a venison donation program. The program shall permit, under controlled conditions, the slaughter, processing, distribution, and serving of venison donated by recreational hunters to nonprofit charitable organizations, in accordance with guidelines established by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the State Fish and Game Code established pursuant to section 32 of P.L.1948, c.448 (C.13:1B-30), in order to protect the health and safety of those persons consuming the donated venison. b. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture, the chairman of the Fish and Game Council, and the United Bow Hunters of New Jersey, shall study the feasibility of expanding the program to include venison obtained from hunters licensed by the Department of Environmental Protection to participate in crop depredation control activities or obtained as a result of the implementation of other methods to manage and control deer populations, including but not limited to those established by sections 1 through 4 of P.L.2000, c.46 (C.23:4-42.3 through C.23:4-42.6), and shall expand the program accordingly if the commissioner deems it appropriate. L.1997,c.268, s.1; amended 2000, c.46, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-56 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-56
§ 23:3-56
Status: in_force

A person holding a permit issued under sections 23:3-54 and 23:3-55 of this title, who fails to comply strictly with the provisions of said sections 23:3-54 and 23:3-55 relating to the catching of fish under the permit, shall be liable to a penalty of fifty dollars.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-29 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-29
Licenses for raising, selling game birds, animals.
Status: in_force

23:3-29. A person desiring to engage in the business of raising and selling game birds or game animals, or both, in a wholly enclosed area of which he is the owner or lessee, or to have in captivity game birds or game animals, shall apply in writing to the division for a license to do so. The license fee shall be $10.00 per year for each of the above purposes. A person desiring to propagate pheasant, partridge, or quail, or any of them, in a semiwild state on lands of which he is the owner or lessee, shall apply in writing to the division for a license to do so. The license fee shall be $75.00 per year. No two or more noncontiguous tracts of land shall be covered under the same license. The division, when it appears that the application is made in good faith, and is in the public interest, may, upon the payment of the fee for each license, issue to the applicant such of the following license or licenses as may be applied for: a. Propagating license permitting the licensee to propagate game birds or game animals, or both, in the wholly enclosed area, the location of which is stated in the license and the application therefor, and to sell such propagated game birds or game animals, or both, and ship them from the State alive at any time and to kill the same and sell the carcasses for food subject to the conditions prescribed by R.S.23:3-28 to 23:3-39, inclusive; b. License to propagate pheasant, partridge, or quail, or any of them, in a semiwild state on lands of which the applicant is the owner or lessee, when the applicant shall have produced evidence satisfactory to the division that he will raise, or purchase for liberation, and liberate on the semiwild preserve at least one pheasant, quail, partridge or combination thereof for each acre of land to be licensed or at least 200 pheasant, quail or partridge or combination thereof between November 1 of the year for which the license is issued and the following February 28; c. License to keep game birds and animals in captivity; or d. License to operate a "commercial pheasant, mallard, quail and partridge-shooting preserve," as defined pursuant to R.S.23:3-28, on lands owned or leased by the applicant, who shall apply in writing to the division for a license to do so. The license fee shall be $320.00 per year for the first tract of land and $165 per year for each additional tract of land, each of which shall be at least 50 acres in size, and the form of the application and license shall be determined by the division. Two or more noncontiguous tracts of land owned or leased, or operated as a commercial pheasant, mallard, quail and partridge-shooting preserve by the same person shall be covered under the same license. The division may, upon payment of the fee, issue to the applicant such a license when it appears that: (1) The operation of such shooting preserve shall not conflict with a prior reasonable public interest; and (2) The applicant shall have produced evidence satisfactory to the division that he will raise or purchase for liberation and liberate on the shooting preserve a total of at least 500 pheasant, mallard, quail and partridge or combination thereof between September 1 of the year for which the license was issued and the following May 1. e. The fees for licenses set forth in this section may be adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a). f. The division shall coordinate the dates of issuance and renewal of the licenses to propagate game birds with the dates of issuance and renewal of licenses to operate commercial pheasant, mallard, quail and partridge-shooting preserves, and to the extent practicable, shall issue and renew these licenses under one license. Amended 1948, c.113, s.2;1953, c.175, s.2;1955, c.104, s.2;1967, c.157, s.1;1970, c.186, s.1;1971, c.75, s.1;1979, c.220, s.1;1982, c.180, s.5;1995, c.370, s.2;1999, c.282, s.16.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-28 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-28
Definitions
Status: in_force

23:3-28. As used in sections 23:3-29 to 23:3-39 of this Title: a. A wholly enclosed area means an area of land the boundaries of which are surrounded by a fence at least six feet in height, constructed of a woven wire not larger than two-inch mesh for game birds and at least eight feet in height for quadrupeds. b. Propagating in a semiwild state means propagating on land the boundaries of which are clearly defined by a fence, road, ditch, wire, water or highway, and posted at intervals of not more than 500 feet with signs to be prescribed by the division. c. A commercial pheasant, mallard, quail and partridge-shooting preserve shall mean land, the boundaries of which shall be clearly defined by posting at intervals of not more than 200 feet with signs to be prescribed by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, and which is a minimum of 50 acres in size excluding safety zones as prescribed in subsection d. of R.S.23:4-16. d. "Pheasant" means the species Phasianus colchicus, commonly known as English Ringneck, Melanistic Mutant, Mongolian, Formosan, Chinese or artificially propagated variety thereof. e. "Partridge" means the species Perdix perdix, commonly known as Hungarian partridge and the species Alectoris chukar, commonly known as Chukar partridge. f. "Quail" means the species Colinus virginianus, commonly known as the "bobwhite quail." g. "Mallard" means the species Anas platyrhynchos, commonly known as "mallard," that has been captive bred in conformance with the appropriate federal regulation. Amended 1948,c.113,s.1; 1953,c.175,s.1; 1955,c.104,s.1; 1995,c.370,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.11
Rifle permit; fee.
Status: in_force

8. All persons in possession of a muzzleloader rifle or other rifle while hunting or trapping shall have in their possession, in addition to the appropriate and valid firearm hunting license or trapping license, an appropriate and valid rifle permit. The division is authorized to charge a fee of $17.00 for each permit issued, except that a person under 16 years of age shall be charged a fee of $8.00. A rifle permit issued hereunder shall be valid for a period not to exceed two years. The amount remitted to the State Treasury for rifle permits shall be deposited to the credit of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund." The fee for a permit issued pursuant to this section may be adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a). L.1986,c.198,s.8; amended 1991, c.286, s.6; 1999, c.282, s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-21 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-21
Moratorium on taking of horseshoe crabs, exceptions; shorebird management plan.
Status: in_force

2. a. Except as provided pursuant to subsection b. or c. of this section, there shall be a moratorium on the taking in the State of horseshoe crabs or the eggs of horseshoe crabs, on the landing in the State of such crabs or the eggs of horseshoe crabs taken from outside of the State, and on the possession of horseshoe crabs or the eggs of horseshoe crabs regardless of their origin, until such time as: (1) the recovery targets for the population of the red knot shorebird, identified pursuant to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2007 status assessment, entitled "Status of the Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) in the Western Hemisphere," are met ; and (2) a shorebird management plan, which, based upon scientific study and evidence, demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department of Environmental Protection that a more than adequate food supply from horseshoe crab eggs for shorebirds and population viability for both shorebirds and horseshoe crabs exist. The plan shall be subject to public comment and to review and approval by a peer-review panel which shall include qualified shorebird and horseshoe crab ecologists, and the Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee created pursuant to subsection e. of section 7 of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-7). The plan must indicate that the shorebirds species including the red knot rufa subspecies have fully recovered, pursuant to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service recovery targets, before the reestablishment of a limited harvest season may be considered. b. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary, the Department of Environmental Protection may issue a permit for:
(1) the taking, landing and possession of horseshoe crabs or the eggs of horseshoe crabs for scientific or educational purposes only, provided that the department determines that the collection of the horseshoe crabs or the eggs of horseshoe crabs for these purposes will not cause harm to the red knot, other shorebirds, or horseshoe crab populations; or (2) the collection of blood from horseshoe crabs for biomedical purposes, provided that the horseshoe crabs are released otherwise unharmed to the same waters from which they were collected. c. The moratorium established in subsection a. of this section shall not apply to the possession and use of horseshoe crabs harvested outside of the State, provided that the person found in possession of, or using, the horseshoe crabs has documentation which shows that the horseshoe crabs were not harvested in New Jersey. The documentation shall include a receipt or bill of lading that provides: (1) the name, address, and phone number of the person or company that provided the horseshoe crabs; (2) the permit or license number of the person or company named pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection; and (3) the state and, if possible, the location, where the horseshoe crabs were harvested. d. Any person possessing or using horseshoe crabs in violation of this section shall be liable to a penalty of $10,000 for the first offense, and $25,000 for the second and subsequent offenses, in addition to any applicable penalties prescribed pursuant to subsections b. through d. of section 73 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-14). L.2008, c.1, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-61.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-61.4
Violations; penalty
Status: in_force

A person who at any time alters, loans, or transfers to another a "special pheasant and quail stamp," or who hunts for, pursues, kills, takes or attempts to take with a firearm or bow or arrow, or has in possession, a pheasant or quail in such wildlife management areas as may be designated in the Fish and Game Code without a proper and valid special pheasant and quail stamp, or violating any other provisions of this act shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $50.00 for each offense. L.1975, c. 117, s. 4, eff. June 3, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-2
Arrest of offender; trial; failure to show permit
Status: in_force

23:7-2. A person violating the provisions of R.S.23:7-1 may be arrested without warrant by the owner, occupant, lessee, or any police officer and taken for trial before any Superior Court or municipal court which shall have jurisdiction to try such offender. In a prosecution in a court of competent jurisdiction for violation hereof, the failure of the defendant to produce written permission to hunt, fish, trap, or take wildlife, as the case may be, on the lands on which he is charged with trespassing, signed by the owner, occupant, or lessee thereof shall be prima facie proof that he was forbidden so to trespass. Amended 1953,c.23,s.4; 1990,c.29,s.5; 1991,c.91,s.281.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-73 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-73
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The Director of the Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries, with the approval of the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, is hereby authorized to adopt, amend and repeal, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper in order to provide for the conservation, protection and management of the eel resource in the waters of Delaware bay and its tributaries in this State. L.1979, c. 227, s. 2, eff. Oct. 12, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-38.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-38.2
Trap of conibear or killer type; restriction on use
Status: in_force

No trap of the conibear or killer type shall be used in trapping unless such trap is submerged under water in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection. L.1971, c. 405, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-1
Short title
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Marine Fisheries Management and Commercial Fisheries Act." L.1979, c. 199, s. 1, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.2
Prohibition of taking or attempting to take any animal
Status: in_force

No person shall take or attempt to take any animal by means of a trap of the steel-jaw leghold type. L.1984, c. 37, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-3
Waters affected by article
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall affect and apply only to the propagation, catching, taking and protection and destruction of fish in the waters of the Delaware river above and below Trenton falls, lying between the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the state of New Jersey.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-21.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-21.1
Illegal apparatus used for fishing; confiscation
Status: in_force

Any seine, gill, drift, anchor or sink net, fixed net, trap, pot, pound, set line, fyke, weir or other apparatus for the taking of fish found in use in any of the waters of this State, in which the use thereof is in violation of any law or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code, the ownership of which is not known, shall be forfeited and any fish and game warden may seize the same and if the same is claimed within thirty days, the warden shall proceed in relation thereto in the manner provided in section 23:10-21 of the Revised Statutes, and, if it is unclaimed within said time, he shall turn the same over to the Division of Fish and Game in the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, which division may dispose thereof at its discretion. L.1952, c. 70, p. 396, s. 1, eff. April 23, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:1-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-3
§ 23:1-3
Status: in_force

When, in this title, a day of the month is given for the beginning or end of an open or close season, that day of the month of each year shall be construed to be included in the open or close season.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.12
Issuance of license; submission of license of previous year or certificate; obtaining under false information; penalty
Status: in_force

No license agent shall issue a trapping license to a person of the age of 12 years or over, who has not submitted his trapping license of a previous year, or a certificate showing that he has successfully completed a course in trapping methods given by an individual duly designated by the Division of Fish, Game and Shell Fisheries, and any person on reaching 12 years of age who obtains a trapping license under false information within the scope of this act shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $200.00 for each offense. L.1977, c. 320, s. 5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-14
§ 23:10-14
Status: in_force

If any person shall fail to pay the penalty or penalties so imposed, together with the costs of proceedings, the court shall commit him to the common jail of the county where such conviction is had, for a period not exceeding ninety days, or until the penalty and costs are paid.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.15
Modifications of requirements by commissioner.
Status: in_force

17. The commissioner may, with the approval of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council, modify the requirements of R.S.23:3-51, R.S.23:3-52, and P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.) if such modifications are determined to be necessary either to provide for the optimal utilization of any quotas established for menhaden fishing, or to maintain consistency or State compliance with any menhaden fisheries management plan that has been approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission or any federal fishery management council and adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service. In particular, upon authorization of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council, and in accordance with the provisions of this section, the commissioner may modify the following provisions of law: a. the qualifications for licensure under R.S.23:3-51, under section 5 or 9 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.3 or C.23:3-51.7), or under section 12 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.16), including any fee amounts required for licensure under those sections; b. the qualifications for the transfer of a license under section 7 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.5); c. the license suspension schedule established by section 15 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.13); d. the specifications applicable to vessel upgrades and replacements, as provided by R.S.23:3-51 or section 7 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.5); e. the reporting requirements established by section 8 or section 10 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.6 or C.23:3-51.8) provided these requirements are consistent with the procedures and methods established pursuant to section 14 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.18); f. the quota allocation formula established by subsection a. of section 13 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.11); g. the season for menhaden fishing established by subsection b. of section 13 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.11); or h. the incidental catch allowance provided by subsection e. of section 13 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.11), or the allocation of that incidental catch allowance to the State's annual quota. L.2013, c.74, s17; amended 2014, c.57, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-8
Fencing and notices
Status: in_force

The game refuges may be surrounded by such wire or wires on the boundary thereof as the board in its discretion shall determine, and one notice reading "State Game Refuge, hunting is unlawful" , shall be posted at least every five hundred feet of the boundary of the refuge.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-13
Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program.
Status: in_force

1. a. There is established in the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, a Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program, which shall be based on a national program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation that encourages school-aged children to avoid drug usage by providing alternative activities that involve learning to fish, appreciating aquatic and environmental resources, and developing positive life skills. The division shall assign staff to develop strategies for assisting school districts or other interested public service organizations in implementing this program throughout the State. Statewide program implementation shall be modeled after the pilot program implemented in Ocean County in calendar year 2000, which may include, but not be limited to, the distribution of materials to promote and operate the program throughout the State. To the maximum extent possible, the division shall implement and operate the program in every county in the State. b. The division may work with educational, public safety and environmental groups in order to promote volunteerism among these groups for the purpose of acting as program instructors, mentors or advisors. The division may also work with public service organizations, sportsman groups and local merchants to encourage the donation of technical, material and financial assistance to the program. L.2012, c.46, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.1
Animal trap of steel-jaw leghold type; prohibition of manufacture, sale, possession, importation or transportation
Status: in_force

No person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale, possess, import or transport an animal trap of the steel-jaw leghold type. L.1984, c. 37, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-63.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-63.3
Possession, release of certain animals, prohibited; terms defined
Status: in_force

1. a. No person may possess any live indigenous animal, live exotic animal, live potentially dangerous indigenous animal, or live potentially dangerous exotic animal except as authorized pursuant to a permit issued by the Department of Environmental Protection or as may be authorized otherwise by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). b. No person may release any live indigenous animal into the environment of the State except as authorized pursuant to a permit issued by the department or as may be authorized otherwise by the council pursuant to rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act." c. No person may release any live exotic animal into the environment of the State except as authorized pursuant to a permit issued by the department or as may be authorized otherwise by the council pursuant to rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act." d. No person may release any live potentially dangerous indigenous animal into the environment of the State except as authorized pursuant to a permit issued by the department or as may be authorized otherwise by the council pursuant to rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act." e. No person may release any live potentially dangerous exotic animal into the environment of the State except as authorized pursuant to a permit issued by the department or as may be authorized otherwise by the council pursuant to rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act." f. Every pet shop licensed in the State pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.8) shall post in a conspicuous place in the pet shop a notice about the existence of this act and a copy of its provisions. g. The department may attach such conditions to any permit issued or other authorization granted pursuant to this section as the department deems appropriate and necessary for the purpose of protecting indigenous animals or plants, the environment, agriculture, or the public health, safety, or welfare. h. (1) The council shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," such rules and regulations to supplement the State Fish and Game Code as may be necessary to implement this section. (2) The council, by rule or regulation adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," may exempt from the requirements and provisions of this section any species of indigenous animal, exotic animal, potentially dangerous indigenous animal, or potentially dangerous exotic animal, provided that the possession or release of such animals would not pose a significant threat to indigenous animals or plants, the environment, agriculture, or the public health, safety, or welfare. (3) This section shall not apply to any activities of the Division of Fish and Wildlife concerning the possession and release of animals. i. The requirements and provisions of this section, or any permit issued or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall be in addition to those concerning the possession or release of live indigenous animals, live exotic animals, live potentially dangerous indigenous animals, or live potentially dangerous exotic animals, as may be established by any other law or any permit issued or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, including but not limited to "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act," P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.), R.S.23:4-50, R.S.23:4-52, and the State Fish and Game Code. j. For the purposes of this section: "Council" means the Fish and Game Council; "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection; "Exotic animal" means any species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, or crustacean that is not indigenous to New Jersey as determined by the Fish and Game Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," and shall include the young or eggs of any such species, but shall not include (1) domesticated companion animals or farm livestock as defined by the Fish and Game Council, or (2) fish, shellfish, or game species not indigenous to New Jersey for which fishing, harvesting, hunting, or trapping is authorized and regulated pursuant to law, the State Fish and Game Code, or rules and regulations of the Fish and Game Council; "Indigenous animal" means any species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, or crustacean that is indigenous to New Jersey as determined by the Fish and Game Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," and shall include the young or eggs of any such species; "Potentially dangerous exotic animal" means any species of exotic animal that has been determined by the Fish and Game Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," to: (1) be capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries to humans, livestock, or pets; or (2) possess the potential for becoming a significant threat to indigenous animals or plants, the environment, agriculture, or the public health, safety, or welfare; and "Potentially dangerous indigenous animal" means any species of indigenous animal that has been determined by the Fish and Game Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," to: (1) be capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries to humans, livestock, or pets; or (2) possess the potential for becoming a significant threat to indigenous animals or plants, the environment, agriculture, or the public health, safety, or welfare. L.1962,c.127,s.1; amended 2002, c.122, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-1
Open and close seasons; federal regulations; penalty for violations
Status: in_force

No person shall capture, kill, injure, destroy or have in possession or hunt, hunt for, or attempt to capture, kill, injure or destroy any reedbird, wild swans, wood duck, wild geese, brant, wild ducks, rails or marsh hens, gallinules, coot (commonly known as crow duck), upland plover, black-bellied plover, golden plover, greater or lesser yellowlegs, willets, sandpipers, dowitchers or robin snipe, brown backs, curlews, turnstones or calico backs, godwits or marlin, tattlers, Wilson snipe or jacksnipe, woodcock or any other birds commonly known as shore birds, surf snipe or bay snipe, unless an open season is prescribed therefor by the regulations of the United States Department of the Interior, made under the provisions of an Act of Congress relating to migratory birds, and then only during the respective open seasons fixed for such birds by such regulations. No person shall capture, kill, injure, destroy or have in possession any quail, rabbit, hare, gray, black or fox squirrel, raccoon, woodchuck, English or ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, partridge, or any other game bird or game animal, other than those mentioned in the first paragraph of this section, unless an open season is prescribed therefor by the State Fish and Game Code, and then only during the respective open seasons fixed by such code; or, in the absence of such provision in said code, unless an open season is prescribed therefor by law, and then only during the respective open seasons fixed by this section. Unless otherwise prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, the open season for quail, rabbit, hare, gray, black or fox squirrel, male English or ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, or partridge, except as hereinafter in this article is restricted, shall be from November 10 to December 10; provided, however, no person shall capture, kill, injure, destroy or have in his possession any of the birds or animals mentioned in this paragraph on the first day of any open season for such birds and animals before 9 a.m. Unless otherwise prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, the open season for woodchuck shall be from May 1 to September 30; between sunrise and sunset only. Unless otherwise prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, the open season for raccoon shall be from November 1 to January 15, between sunset and sunrise only, except during the open season for deer. Unless otherwise provided by the State Fish and Game Code, the birds and animals for which an open season is prescribed by this section may be possessed during the respective open seasons therefor and for the additional period of 10 days immediately succeeding the open seasons. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this act or any other law, for capturing, killing, injuring, destroying, or having in possession or hunting, hunting for, or attempting to capture, kill, injure or destroy any of the game birds or game animals mentioned in this section, or any other game bird or game animal, other than during the respective open seasons, if any, and at the times, if any, fixed therefor by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any such provisions in said code, fixed therefor by this section, or for violating any other provision of this section, a person shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $20.00 and not more than $100.00 for each bird or animal or part thereof unlawfully captured, killed, injured, destroyed, had in possession, or hunted, hunted for, attempted to be captured, killed, injured or destroyed; provided, however, that a person shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $100.00 and not more than $300.00 for each wild turkey, black bear, coyote, bobcat, otter, or part thereof, unlawfully captured, killed, injured, destroyed, possessed, or hunted, hunted for, attempted to be captured, killed, injured or destroyed. Amended by L.1939, c. 168, p. 518, s. 1; L.1941, c. 302, p. 816, s. 1; L.1944, c. 163, p. 599, s. 1; L.1945, c. 107, p. 455, s. 1; L.1947, c. 164, p. 721, s. 1; L.1948, c. 488, p. 1805, s. 44; L.1950, c. 86, p. 151, s. 1; L.1951, c. 52, p. 402, s. 1; L.1957, c. 192, p. 691, s. 1, eff. Dec. 11, 1971; L.1979, c. 385, s. 3, eff. Feb. 5, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-6
Powers and duties of protector and wardens
Status: in_force

The wardens shall enforce all the laws of this state for the protection of fish, birds and game animals, and may execute all processes issued for the violation of these laws, and serve subpoenas issued for the examination, investigation or trial of all offenses against these laws. Each warden shall keep a daily record of his official acts, and at the close of each month make a summary of the record with such statements in detail as shall be necessary for the information of the board, and report the same to it. The protector shall report to the board any negligence or dereliction of duty or incompetency on the part of any of the wardens, with the facts relating thereto, shall report monthly to the board the operation of his department during the preceding month, and make any further report the board requires. Every warden shall seize, remove and forthwith destroy any net, pound or other device for taking fish found in or upon any of the waters of this state, or upon the shores or islands of those waters where fishing with nets is prohibited or illegal. Such nets, pounds or other devices are declared to be a public nuisance, and may be abated and summarily destroyed by any warden. No action for damages shall lie or be maintained against a warden for the seizure or destruction.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-13
Regulations concerning guns.
Status: in_force

23:4-13. A person shall not use in hunting any fowl or animals of any kind any firearm except as permitted by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, except a shotgun being not larger than ten gauge, and capable of holding not more than two cartridges at one time, or that may be fired more than twice without reloading, or use a silencer on any firearm when hunting for game or fowl, under a penalty of $100 for each offense. The division in its discretion may issue permits for the use of a rifle for shooting woodchucks only. A person shall not use any missile larger than as permitted by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, larger than number four shot in possession in the woods or fields at any time other than during the open season for killing deer, under a penalty of $100 for each offense. Amended by L.1946, c. 50, p. 107, s. 1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1810, s. 49; amended 2023, c.330, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-30 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-30
§ 23:5-30
Status: in_force

No person shall place any kind of carp, or the seed thereof, in any of the public or private waters of this state, under a penalty of not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisonment in the jail of the county where the offense has been committed or where the conviction is had for not less than thirty days nor more than six months, at the discretion of the court or magistrate before whom the conviction is had.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-38 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-38
Counterfeiting tag or seal; affixing improperly
Status: in_force

No person shall counterfeit a tag or seal issued by the board in accordance with sections 23:3-28 to 23:3-39 of this title and no tag or seal issued by the board shall be affixed to the dead body of any game bird or animal not propagated in accordance with said sections 23:3-28 to 23:3-39.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-13.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-13.5
Rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

5. The Department of Environmental Protection may adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations necessary for the implementation and administration of this act. L.2014, c.22, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-67 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-67
Records; inspection; annual report
Status: in_force

The holder of a fishing preserve license shall keep such records as the division may require and make annual reports, verified by affidavit of the licensee, to and upon forms furnished by the division. The records shall be continuous and shall be kept on the licensed premises, and the licensee shall allow any representative of the division to enter upon the premises and inspect his operations and records. L.1970, c. 247, s. 6, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:13-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-2
Compliance with compact; authority of division.
Status: in_force

2. a. The Division of Fish and Wildlife shall comply with the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact set forth in this act and shall effectuate the purpose and intent of the compact insofar as its ability within the jurisdiction outlined in Title 23, Title 50, and chapter 24 of Title 58 of the Revised Statutes, and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. b The division is authorized, on behalf of the State, to: (1) enter or withdraw from the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact pursuant to the terms of article VIII of the compact pursuant to this act and subsection c. of this section; and (2) adopt amendments to the compact pursuant to the terms of article IX of the compact pursuant to this act. c. At least 45 business days prior to withdrawing from the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, the division shall send written notice of the decision to withdraw from the compact and an explanation of the reasoning therefor to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the respective chairpersons of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, or their designated successors. L.2016, c.101, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.9
Designation of agents to give instructions and issue certificates
Status: in_force

The division shall have authority to designate duly qualified persons to act as its agents in the giving of instructions in methods of trapping and the issuance of certificates, and a certificate shall not be issued to any person until in the opinion of his instructor he has qualified therefor. L.1977, c. 320, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-24 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-24
Possession in Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License.
Status: in_force

1. a. (1) Any person who intends to possess on a vessel in the waters of the State an amount of black sea bass or summer flounder pursuant to a valid license from another state in excess of the New Jersey daily trip limit, for the purposes of unloading the additional fish in another state, shall apply to the commissioner for a Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License for a licensed vessel, in accordance with the provisions of this section. The license shall only be valid from September 1 through April 30. The fee for the license shall be $200. (2) From September 1 through April 30, the holder of a Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License may transit State waters on a vessel with black sea bass or summer flounder taken pursuant to a valid license from another state, and retain them on board while unloading in New Jersey other species of fish legally possessed and permitted to be unloaded in New Jersey, provided that the person and the vessel possess the required permits and licenses for the taking and unloading of the other species of fish on the vessel. b. Upon receipt of an application and payment of the applicable fee, the commissioner may issue to the applicant a Possession In Excess of the Daily Limit Vessel License. A license issued pursuant to this section shall be valid only for the calendar year for which it is issued, and shall be renewed on an annual basis. Any application for a Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License shall be filed with the commissioner prior to the annual deadline established thereby for application submission. Any application received by the commissioner after the deadline shall be denied. c. The holder of a vessel license issued pursuant to this section shall have the license on board the vessel being used in the taking and possession of black sea bass or summer flounder in excess of the New Jersey daily limit at all times during the use of the vessel for that purpose, as well as the valid licenses and permits for the location where the vessel intends to land the remaining fish possessed on the vessel. d. A person applying for a Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License shall: (1) hold a valid license or permit for the taking of black sea bass or summer flounder which is required by the State, or a valid license from another state where the license holder shall be unloading black sea bass or summer flounder; and (2) operate a vessel equipped with an operational Global Positioning System based vessel monitoring technology, approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the commissioner, which allows the tracking of a vessel's location remotely. e. Any license fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the "Marine Fisheries Program Support Account," established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2019, c.477 (C.23:2B-25). f. (1) Any person possessing an amount of black sea bass or summer flounder in excess of the New Jersey daily trip limit on a vessel transiting State waters shall be a holder of a valid Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License and shall notify the department by phone or, if applicable and offered by the department, by electronic means, prior to entering State waters on the vessel of the species and quantity of fish to be unloaded and the hailing weight and intended destination of each species of fish to be sold outside of the State. (2) The holder of a Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License shall notify the department by phone or, if applicable and offered by the department, by electronic means, of the species and quantity of fish and time and place of unloading of the vessel in the State at least six hours in advance thereof. The unloading shall occur only between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. After the declared species and quantity of fish is sold to the intended dealer in the State, no other fisheries products may be unloaded from the vessel without the prior approval of the department or until the seven-day period has expired as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection. (3) The holder of a Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License that retains black sea bass or summer flounder for further sale in another state after unloading in New Jersey may not land black sea bass or summer flounder again in New Jersey for seven days after the date on which the excess black sea bass or summer flounder is transferred to the buyer of the fish in another state. At the request of a conservation officer, a vessel shall provide records documenting the sale of the excess summer flounder and black sea bass sold to dealers in other states. (4) A vessel that lands pursuant to this section shall unload and sell only the species and quantity of fish indicated in the notice provided to the department. A vessel shall only be permitted to unload its entire indicated catch once and shall not transfer fish to or from any other vessel prior to or after the vessel's one-time unloading. (5) A vessel that lands pursuant to this section during the closed season for any fishery shall not be permitted to unload a closed season fish if the season opens while the vessel is in port. g. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to the penalties as provided in section 73 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-14), which may include the suspension or revocation of the Possession in Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License. If a vessel's New Jersey summer flounder or black sea bass license or permit is suspended or revoked, then the Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel License shall also be suspended or revoked for the same period of time. L.2019, c.477, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9A-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9A / Section 9A-1
Penalty for injury or death caused by negligent use of weapon
Status: in_force

A person engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping, or taking wildlife, who, through the negligent use of a firearm, bow and arrow, or other weapon shall cause injury or death to another person, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $500.00 nor more than $2,000.00 and suspension of all license certificates, and all privileges, to take or possess wildlife for a period of five years for a first offense, and not less than $1,000.00 nor more than $4,000.00 and permanent revocation of all such license certificates and privileges for each subsequent offense. A license certificate or privilege suspended pursuant to this section shall not be reinstated until the holder thereof has first completed, to the satisfaction of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, the approved remedial sportsmen education program established and conducted by the division pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1990, c.29 (C.23:3-22.3). L.1957,c.196,s.3; amended 1990,c.29,s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-1
Trespassing prohibited; posting notice; private notice; penalties
Status: in_force

23:7-1. A person who trespasses on the lands of another for the purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, or taking wildlife, or attempting to hunt, fish, trap, or take wildlife, after notice bearing the name of the owner, occupant, or lessee thereof, forbidding the trespass, has been conspicuously posted by the owner, occupant, or lessee with intervisible signs displayed not fewer than ten to a mile along the exterior boundaries and at all roads, trails and rights-of-way entering such land, or after having been forbidden so to trespass by the owner, occupant, or lessee, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $100.00 nor more than $200.00 for the first offense, and not less than $200.00 nor more than $500.00 and the suspension of all license certificates required, and all privileges, to take or possess wildlife for a period of five years, in addition to any applicable penalty prescribed pursuant to R.S.23:3-22, for each subsequent offense. A license certificate or privilege suspended pursuant to this section shall not be reinstated until the holder thereof has first completed, to the satisfaction of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, the approved remedial sportsmen education program established and conducted by the division pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1990, c.29 (C.23:3-22.3). Amended 1948,c.229,s.1; 1990,c.29,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-5
Payment of compensation and expenses
Status: in_force

The compensation and expenses incurred under this title may be paid by the state treasurer, on warrants of the state comptroller, on bills properly approved by the board out of the resident license fund and other receipts of the board, received through the board, or otherwise.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-26 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-26
Field days allowed; license
Status: in_force

Nothing in this Title, or in any law supplementary thereto, or in any provision of the State Fish and Game Code, shall be construed to prohibit a regularly organized or incorporated association from holding what is commonly known as field trials or field days in this State for the handling and working of dogs upon game birds or animals. Dogs as defined in this section shall include hounds, bird dogs, and retrievers. The associations shall, however, first obtain a license from the division to hold the field trial or field day. The penalty for violation of this section shall be $20.00. Amended by L.1968, c. 448, p. 1811, s. 51; L.1970, c. 316, s. 2, eff. Dec. 21, 1970.