N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24
Hunting, certain, prohibited on Sundays; penalty; exemptions.
Status: in_force

23:4-24. a. A person shall not hunt with a hound or with firearms or weapons of any kind, or carry a long gun in the woods or fields or on the waters on Sunday, under a penalty of $50 for each offense; except that this section shall not apply to: (1) any person hunting raccoon between midnight on Saturday and sunrise on Sunday during the season prescribed in R.S.23:4-1; (2) a person possessing a valid and proper rifle permit licensed to trap fur-bearing animals pursuant to the provisions of R.S.23:3-1 using a .22 caliber rifle and .22 caliber short rimfire cartridges to humanely dispatch legally trapped animals; or (3) a person using a bow and arrow to hunt deer during any bow and arrow hunting season for deer prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, provided the person possesses a valid bow and arrow license, or a valid "All Around Sportsman License" if applicable, issued by the division, abides by all applicable provisions of the code, and is hunting on a State wildlife management area or on private property. b. This section shall not prevent farm land owners, lessees actually occupying or farming the land, members of their immediate families, or their farm employees from hunting and destroying at any time and in any manner crows, woodchuck, fox and vermin on that land. c. 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 1953, c.402; 1959, c.71; 1996, c.97; 2009, c.48; amended 2023, c.330, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-63.6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-63.6
Issuance of permits; cancellation; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

2. The Division of Fish and Wildlife is authorized to issue permits to the owners of lands used for agricultural purposes for the use of such devices and no such device shall be used by any person without first obtaining such permit. Any person who violates this section shall be liable to a penalty of $20 for each such offense. Whenever the governing body of any municipality adopts a resolution pointing to undue hardship on nearby residents as a result of the use of any such device, and requests that the division deny or cancel the right to use such device, the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, after review of all available evidence, may deny or cancel a permit to use such device when he determines that the use thereof creates an undue hardship on nearby residents. In arriving at any such decision, the director may consult with any county or Statewide advisory group the director may designate to advise the director on such matters. The division shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the types and use of such devices as will insure the safety of the public. L.1963, c.37, s.2; amended 1970, c.164; 1979, c.385, s.6; 2019, c.19, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-15.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-15.1
Possession of unlawful bait; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall have in possession any natural bait, live or preserved, any metal, plastic or wooden lures, plugs, spinners, flies, or any such contrivance that might be attached to a line or placed upon a hook for the purpose of catching fish, other than those specified as legal while angling in waters designated as having such restrictions under the Fish and Game Code, under a penalty of $20.00 for each offense. L.1970, c. 150, s. 1, approved July 24, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-12
Hunters' and anglers' license fund
Status: in_force

The "hunters' and anglers' license fund" shall be a fund which shall be kept separate and apart from the receipts of the board and all other state moneys, and shall be disbursed by the state treasurer on vouchers certified to by the board.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.6
Monthly report by licensee to commissioner.
Status: in_force

8. a. The holder of a Menhaden Landing License or the holder of a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License shall submit a monthly report to the commissioner, on a form developed by the commissioner. The licensee shall attest to the validity of the information contained in the monthly 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 using a method approved by the commissioner. If no landing, sale, or barter of menhaden occurred during the month, the licensee shall submit a report to that effect. b. The monthly report shall include, at a minimum, the following information, which shall be reported on an individual trip basis: (1) the name of the licensee and licensed vessel, if any; (2) the licensee's Menhaden Landing License or Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License number, as applicable; (3) the name of the purse seine catch vessel, if any, which was used in conjunction with the licensed vessel; (4) the total amount, in pounds, of menhaden landed by the licensee or licensed vessel; (5) the total amount, in pounds, of menhaden discarded by the licensee or licensed vessel; (6) the location of harvest; (7) the type of gear used for harvest; (8) the ports used for the landing of menhaden; (9) the date on which, and the dealer to whom, any landed menhaden was sold or bartered by the licensee; and (10) 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, any licensee who fails to submit a monthly report on or before the 10th day of the month following the month of record 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.8; amended 2014, c.57, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-61.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-61.3
Fee for pheasant and quail stamps.
Status: in_force

3. The fee for this stamp shall be $40.00, 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 special pheasant and quail stamps shall be deposited to the credit of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund." L.1975,c.117,s.3; amended 1979, c.239, s.4; 1982, c.180, s.8; 1986, c.198, s.5; 1991, c.286, s.11; 1999, c.282, s.21.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-46 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-46
§ 23:3-46
Status: in_force

No person shall take, or attempt to take, with shirred or purse seines, otter or beam trawls, any fish in any waters in the jurisdiction of this state, including the waters of the Atlantic ocean within three nautical miles of the coast line, either for himself or for his employer, without first having obtained a license for that purpose as hereinafter in this article provided.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-79 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-79
New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Account
Status: in_force

5. There is established within the "hunters' and anglers' license fund" referred to in R.S.23:3-11 and R.S.23:3-12, a separate and dedicated account to be known as the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Account. The New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Account shall be credited with all revenues received by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife from the sale of New Jersey Waterfowl Stamps, all revenues received by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife from the sale of any reproduction, replica, or other utilization of the design of the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp, and all moneys or property received by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife for any purpose enumerated in this section. Moneys in the account shall be utilized by the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, after consultation with the New Jersey Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee, only for funding the acquisition, protection, maintenance, improvement, and enhancement of waterfowl habitat and associated wetlands, including but not limited to wetlands, tributaries, marsh fringe areas, and access sites for public use of waterfowl habitat areas. The Department of Environmental Protection may, upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee, allocate a percentage of the annual revenue from the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Account to qualified nonprofit organizations in North America for utilization in their waterfowl habitat programs, provided that direct benefits to New Jersey waterfowl protection and preservation efforts can be clearly demonstrated. The New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Account shall be kept separate and apart from all other funds and accounts, and shall be disbursed by the State Treasurer to the Department of Environmental Protection only for the purposes identified in this section. L.1983,c.504,s.5; amended 1992,c.210,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-9
Lands of board deemed refuges
Status: in_force

All lands acquired or controlled in any manner by the division are hereby constituted refuges for all birds and animals whose pursuit or taking is regulated or prohibited under the provisions of this Title. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1825, s. 74, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-29.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-29.1
§ 23:5-29.1
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to construct a dam in any water of this state which is a runway for migratory fish without installing a fish ladder or other contrivance to permit the fish to pass over the dam in either direction, under a penalty of two hundred dollars.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-16 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-16
Definitions relative to use of wild, exotic animals in traveling animal acts; exceptions; violations, penalties.
Status: in_force

1. a. As used in this section: "Mobile or traveling housing facility" means a vehicle, including a truck, trailer, or railway car, used to transport or house an animal used for performance. "Performance" means any animal act, carnival, circus, display, exhibition, exposition, fair, parade, petting zoo, presentation, public showing, race, ride, trade show, or similar undertaking in which animals perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments for the entertainment, amusement, or benefit of a live audience. "Traveling animal act" means any performance which requires an animal to be transported to or from the location of a performance in a mobile or traveling housing facility. "Wild or exotic animal" means any live animal that is classified into any of the following scientific classifications: (1) Artiodactyla, excluding domestic cattle, bison, American buffalo, water buffalo, yak, zebu, gayal, bali cattle, suidae, sheep, goats, llamas, or alpacas; (2) Camelidae; (3) Canidae, including any hybrids thereof, but excluding domestic dogs; (4) Crocodilia; (5) Elephantidae; (6) Felidae, including any hybrids thereof, but excluding domestic cats; (7) Marsupialia; (8) Non-human primate; (9) Perissodactyla, excluding domestic horses, ponies, donkeys, or mules; (10) Pinnipedia; (11) Ursidae; and (12) Elasmobranchii, excluding rays. b. Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, no person shall use a wild or exotic animal in a traveling animal act. c. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties provided for in section 10 of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-10), except that the criminal penalties provided in subsection f. of that section shall not apply. d. This section shall not apply to: (1) exhibitions at a non-mobile, permanent institution or facility licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and permitted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection; (2) outreach programs for bona fide educational or conservation purposes conducted by, or affiliated with, a non-mobile, permanent institution or facility that meets the requirements described in paragraph (1) of this subsection; (3) an institution of higher education exhibiting wild or exotic animals for research or education purposes; or (4) outreach programs conducted by governmental entities. L.2018, c.141, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-5
§ 23:7-5
Status: in_force

All moneys recovered as fines for any violation of this article shall be paid to the board for the uses and purposes of such board.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-8
§ 23:7-8
Status: in_force

Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars for each sign or notice.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-18 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-18
Hunting migratory waterfowl; lying in wait; hours; penalty
Status: in_force

No person hunting or gunning after geese, duck, brant or other migratory waterfowl shall place a boat, sinkbox, seaweed, or other vessel or construction in which he may lie in wait to kill the same, at a distance of more than one hundred feet from ice, marsh or meadow, bar or bank, not covered with water, or shall, with intent to capture or kill the same, hunt after or pursue the same in any manner except between the hours as fixed by regulations under the provisions of an Act of Congress relating to migratory birds, under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense. Amended by L.1942, c. 105, p. 366, s. 1, eff. May 2, 1942.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-22.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-22.2
Establishment of range of costs for replacement value of animals possessed in violation of law
Status: in_force

The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall establish a range of costs incurred by the department for the replacement value of any animal taken or possessed in violation of law. In addition to the civil and other penalties and costs imposed for a violation of law enforced by the department, a court may assess the violator thereof for costs pursuant to the schedule established pursuant to this section, which sums shall be paid to the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife for deposit in the hunters' and anglers' license fund established pursuant to R.S.23:3-11. a. The commissioner shall establish costs within the following ranges: (1) Animals for which open or closed seasons or methods of taking have been prescribed in the State Game Code ..... $20.00 to $2,000.00. (2) Fish for which open or closed seasons or methods of taking have been prescribed in the State Fish Code ..... $20.00 to $200.00. (3) Nongame or exotic wildlife as listed in the New Jersey Administrative Code ..... $20.00 to $500.00. (4) Potentially dangerous species of nongame or exotic wildlife as listed or described in the New Jersey Administrative Code ..... $20.00 to $500.00. (5) Endangered species as listed in the New Jersey Administrative Code ..... $500.00 to $5,000.00. (6) Marine finfish ..... $20.00 to $500.00. (7) Marine shellfish ..... $20.00 to $200.00. (8) Lobster ..... $20.00 to $200.00. b. The commissioner may, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. L.1990,c.29,s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-66 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-66
Tagging of fish, fee
Status: in_force

5. (a) All fish stocked in the waters of the fishing preserve in accordance with subsection (b) of section 2 of this act that are taken from the licensed fishing preserve waters shall be immediately tagged as prescribed in the license or by order of the division. Such tags shall be furnished by the division and sold to the licensee at the cost of $0.15 per tag, or as adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a). (b) The tag so affixed shall not be removed from the fish until the same is finally prepared for consumption. (c) No fish, required to be tagged as specified in subsection (a) of this section, taken pursuant to this act, shall be possessed off the premises of the fishing preserve without such tag, and no person shall sell such fish without such tag attached, except for scientific, exhibition or stocking purposes. (d) Fish taken from such fishing preserves and tagged as provided in this section may be possessed, bought, sold and offered for sale, and transported without restriction. Fish raised or possessed under licenses issued under this act may be sold at any time for scientific, exhibition, propagation or stocking purposes. L.1970,c.247,s.5; amended 1982,c.180,s.10; 1986,c.198,s.6; 1991,c.286,s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-60 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-60
Altering or changing stamp
Status: in_force

Any person who alters or changes in any manner or loans or transfers to another, a stamp issued under this act, and any person who takes trout during the period prescribed in section one from the fresh waters of the State without having a stamp as heretofore prescribed on his person shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense, to be sued for and recovered in accordance with chapter ten of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes. L.1952, c. 328, p. 1053, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-40 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-40
Stealing traps or trapped animals
Status: in_force

No person shall take, carry away or unlawfully appropriate or purloin, with intent to steal: a. A trap, the property of another, set along, by or in any of the public or private ditches, streams, ponds or waters in this state for the purpose of catching skunk, mink, muskrat or otter; or b. A skunk, mink, muskrat or otter, dead or alive, out of or from the trap of another person in this state.
N.J. Stat. § 23:12-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 12 / Section 12-2
Assent to Federal act providing for aid in fish restoration and management projects
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 fish restoration and management projects, and for other purposes," approved August ninth, one thousand nine hundred and fifty (Public Law 681, 81st Congress), and the Fish and Game Division of the Department of Conservation and Economic Development is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of co-operative fish restoration projects, as defined in said Act of Congress, in compliance with said act and rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior thereunder. L.1951, c. 147, p. 612, s. 1, eff. June 1, 1951.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-22.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-22.3
Remedial sportsmen education program; established
Status: in_force

The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall establish and conduct a remedial sportsmen education program. L.1990,c.29,s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.4
Extension of time to renew Menhaden Landing License, Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License.
Status: in_force

6. a. A licensee who is eligible for renewal of their Menhaden Landing License or Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License may request an extension of time to renew their license in accordance with this section. b. A licensee seeking a license renewal extension shall submit a written application therefor to the commissioner, on a form developed by the commissioner. The application shall include, at a minimum: (1) the name of the licensee and licensed vessel, if any; (2) the licensee's Menhaden Landing License or Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License number, as applicable; (3) a detailed explanation as to why the extension is needed, including a statement specifying the type and degree of hardship that prevented the timely renewal of the license, and the hardship that will result to the licensee if the license is not renewed; and (4) any other appropriate documentation as may be necessary to support the application. c. An application for license renewal extension shall be approved if the commissioner determines that: (1) by reason of extraordinary hardship or exceptional situation or condition, the licensee was precluded from complying with the renewal requirements; (2) strict compliance with the renewal requirements provided by law would result in exceptional and undue hardship to the licensee; (3) the circumstances supporting the conclusions made in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection were not created by the licensee or persons under the licensee's control; and (4) approval of the extension will not unreasonably interfere with the orderly administration of the directed bait or whole frozen human food fishery for menhaden. d. Within 30 days after receipt of an application for license renewal extension, the commissioner shall approve or deny the application, and shall provide written notice of this determination to the licensee. A licensee whose application for extension is denied may appeal the decision in accordance with the procedure for contested cases under the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). L.2013, c.74, s.6; amended 2014, c.57, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-24.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-24.2
Fish-netting license fees
Status: in_force

A person intending to take fish with a net in the waters aforesaid shall, except as hereinafter provided, apply to the commissioner for a license therefor, and the commissioner upon receipt of the application and the fee hereinafter prescribed may in his discretion issue licenses for the taking of fish with nets. a. The commissioner shall establish resident fees within the following ranges: (1) Haul seines, $25.00 to $50.00 per net; (2) Fykes, $12.00 to $30.00 per net; (3) Miniature fykes or pots, $100.00 to $200.00 regardless of the number, provided that not more than two miniature fykes or pots may be used for the taking of eels for bait without a license. Eels taken without a license may not be sold or used for barter; (4) Bait nets, $10.00 to $50.00 per license; (5) Drifting gill nets, $20.00 to $50.00 per net; (6) Staked or anchored gill nets, $3.00 to $10.00 per net; (7) Pound net, $100.00 to $200.00 per net; (8) Wire pound net, $25.00 to $100.00 per net; (9) Parallel nets, $10.00 to $30.00 per net; (10) Lobster or fish pots, $100.00 to $200.00 regardless of the number of pots used; (11) Horseshoe crab dredge, $15.00 to $30.00 per vessel; (12) Shrimp trawl, $12.00 to $30.00 per net. b. No license shall be required for the following: (1) Dip nets 24 inches in diameter or less used for the taking of herring for live bait; (2) Bait seines 50 feet long or less; (3) Cast nets 20 feet in diameter or less; (4) Lift or umbrella nets four feet square or less; (5) Five killi-pots or less measuring not over 10 inches in diameter or 25 inches in length, if cylindrical or 2,000 cubic inches for any other conformation. Fish taken under this subsection may not be sold or used for barter. c. Nonresident license fees shall be the same as resident fees if a resident of this State may obtain a license to fish for similar species of fish with similar gear in the nonresident applicant's state for the same fee as a resident of that state. Otherwise, the license fee for a nonresident is 10 times the license fee charged to a resident. The commissioner may, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. L. 1941, c. 211, s.2; amended by 1942, c. 174, s. 1; 1948, c. 175, s. 2; 1948, c. 472; 1951, c. 53; 1953, c. 258; 1966, c. 207, s. 1; 1967, c. 302; 1975, c. 116, s. 12; 1979, c. 199, s. 69; 1980, c. 120,s. 2; 1983, c. 366, s. 2; 1985, c. 108; 1987, c. 68, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-30 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-30
Application of law to game from without state
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this Title, when the possession or sale of fowl or game is prohibited by this Title, or by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, reference is had equally to such fowl or game coming from without the State as to that taken within the State. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1813, s. 54.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-9
Trapping or shooting squirrels and rabbits by farmers and fruit growers
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this Title or in any provision of the State Fish and Game Code shall be construed as to prevent farmers or fruit growers from shooting, or trapping by means of box traps, gray squirrels, rabbits or hares during the entire year on the property owned or leased by him for the raising of fruit, vegetables, trees, shrubbery, nursery stock, or other produce. The person so trapping or shooting shall first make an affidavit before any official authorized to administer oaths, that gray squirrels or rabbits have injured fruit, vegetables, trees, shrubbery, nursery stock or other produce on his premises and shall immediately send the same to the division, which may, upon receipt of such affidavit, issue to such person or his authorized representative a permit to so trap or shoot. The person so trapping shall keep the gray squirrels or rabbits alive and notify the fish and game warden of the county, who shall liberate them in such parts of the State as may be directed by the division, and the person so shooting shall report the number of gray squirrels or rabbits killed to the game warden of the county in which such gray squirrels or rabbits were killed, within forty-eight hours after such killing. No person shall barter or sell any gray squirrels or rabbits so trapped or shot. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1808, s. 46, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.6
Rules and regulations; contents
Status: in_force

The council shall, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this amendatory and supplementary act. These regulations shall provide at least the following: If the study conducted pursuant to section 4 of this amendatory and supplementary act identifies or develops a suitable alternative animal trap, the council shall establish a program for the phased withdrawal of the steel-jaw leghold animal trap from use in the State which prescribes the conditions under which the suitable alternative may be used, which withdrawal must occur within 18 months of the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act. L.1984, c. 37, s. 6, eff. April 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-57 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-57
§ 23:4-57
Status: in_force

No person shall liberate a fox within this state, under a penalty of one hundred dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-37 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-37
Protection of fur-bearing animals; taking by traps
Status: in_force

No person shall, by moonlight or with the aid or by use of any lamp, lantern or artificial light, shoot or kill with a rifle of any kind or description, or any firearm or shotgun, a mink, muskrat or otter in this State, or take or attempt to take the same except by means of a trap or disturb or destroy any muskrat lodge or nesting chamber. Amended by L.1939, c. 69, p. 113, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-14
Penalty for failure to make return or report
Status: in_force

A county or municipal clerk or an agent who shall fail or neglect to make a return or report required by this article within the time herein limited therefor shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 713, s. 7; L.1951, c. 226, p. 802, s. 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-25 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-25
"Marine Fisheries Program Support Account."
Status: in_force

2. a. There is established within the General Fund, a separate, dedicated, and non-lapsing account to be known as the "Marine Fisheries Program Support Account." This account shall be credited with all revenues received from the issuance of Possession In Excess of Daily Limit Vessel Licenses pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2019, c.477 (C.23:2B-24). b. The moneys in the Marine Fisheries Program Support Account shall be allocated to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Fisheries Administration within the Department of Environmental Protection, and shall be dedicated for the purposes of marine fisheries programs within the department. L.2019, c.477, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-28 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-28
Pollution of fresh or tidal waters, penalties
Status: in_force

23:5-28. a. No person shall put or place into, turn into, drain into, or place where it can run, flow, wash, or be emptied into, or where it can find its way into, any of the fresh or tidal waters within the jurisdiction of this State any petroleum products, debris, hazardous, deleterious, destructive, or poisonous substances of any kind; provided, however, that the use of any chemical by any State, county, or municipal government agency in any program of mosquito or other pest control or the use of any chemical by any person on agricultural, horticultural, or forestry crops, or in connection with livestock, or aquatic weed control or structural pest and rodent control, in a manner approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, or discharges from facilities for the treatment or disposal of sewage or other wastes in a manner that conforms to rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection, shall not constitute a violation of this section. Unintentional dropping of scrap steel into fresh or tidal waters of the State during loading of such scrap steel at ports within the State shall also not constitute a violation of this section if the dropped scrap steel is removed from the waters when that area of the port is next dredged. b. In case of pollution of fresh or tidal waters by any substances injurious to fish, birds, or mammals, it shall not be necessary to show that the substances have actually caused the death of any of these organisms. c. A person violating this section shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $6,000 for each offense, to be collected in a summary proceeding under "the penalty enforcement law," N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq., and in any case before a court of competent jurisdiction wherein injunctive relief has been requested. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce "the penalty enforcement law." If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. The department is hereby authorized and empowered to compromise and settle any claim for a penalty arising under this section in such amount in the discretion of the department as may appear appropriate and equitable under all of the circumstances. The department may institute a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for injunctive relief to prohibit and prevent any person from violating the provisions of this section and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner. Amended 1950,c.49; 1968,c.329,s.1; 1971,c.173,s.11; 1991,c.91,s.280; 1991,c.495,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-71 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-71
Violations; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this act shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $100.00 or more than $1,000.00 for each offense. L.1970, c. 247, s. 10, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-36 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-36
Expiration of licenses; renewal of propagating license
Status: in_force

All licenses under sections 23:3-28 to 23:3-39 of this Title shall expire on March 15 of each year, except that if the time under which licensed hunters are authorized to shoot upon any preserve is extended beyond said date, pursuant to law, the license to operate such preserve shall not expire until the end of such extended period. No renewal of a propagating license for pheasants, partridge or quail in a semiwild state or for a "commercial pheasant, quail and partridge-shooting preserve" license shall be granted until the required number of birds have been released as provided in section 23:3-29 of this Title, or until the applicant has produced evidence satisfactory to the division that the liberation requirements of 23:3-29 have been met. Amended by L.1948, c. 113, p. 619, s. 4; L.1953, c. 175, p. 1450, s. 4; L.1955, c. 104, p. 569, s. 4; L.1961, c. 5, p. 19, s. 2, eff. March 22, 1961; L.1979, c. 220, s. 3, eff. Oct. 11, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-24.13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-24.13
Repeal
Status: in_force

Sections 23:9-59 to 23:9-93, inclusive, 23:9-99, 23:9-101 to 23:9-107, inclusive, and 23:9-113 of the Revised Statutes are repealed. L.1941, c. 211, p. 614, s. 14.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-13
Set lines in waters having certain fish prohibited; number of hooks
Status: in_force

No person shall put, place, use or maintain in any of the waters of this State inhabited by pickerel, pike, pike perch, black bass, Oswego bass, white bass, calico bass, perch or trout, a set line, or use upon a line for the taking of fish in these waters a contrivance having 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.1952, c. 103, p. 444, s. 1, eff. April 28, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-55 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-55
§ 23:3-55
Status: in_force

The board may, in its discretion, issue permits to catch suckers, catfish, carp and eels from August fifteenth to November fifteenth, by or with the use of what is commonly known as a fish basket with wing walls, the bottom of which shall be made of wooden slats, the edges of which are well rounded, set not less than three-eighths of an inch apart, when wet. These slats shall be so arranged as to make possible the removal or practical removal of at least three-quarters of the bottom of any basket that could be used for fishing, and the same shall be actually removed from the basket or so adjusted as to make the catching of a fish by the basket an impossibility during that part of each day beginning at one hour after sunrise and continuing to one hour before sunset. Every game fish that may come into a basket thus operated shall be immediately released unharmed in the waters below the basket.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7
Issuance of license and buttons or tags
Status: in_force

The licenses and buttons or tags shall be procured from the clerk of any county or municipality or from any agent designated by the Division of Fish and Game to issue licenses. The license shall state the name, age, occupation and residence of the licensee and any other facts the division requires. It shall be signed by the licensee in ink and shall be signed by the clerk or agent issuing same. The applicant for a license shall report to the person issuing it all information requested on said license, and the issuing agency shall fill out this report on the blank provided before issuing a license to the applicant. Every applicant for a license shall prove to the satisfaction of the clerk or agent to whom application is made for a license, that he is entitled to the license for which he applies. Amended by L.1947, c. 64, p. 217, s. 1; L.1947, c. 159, p. 711, s. 2; L.1951, c. 226, p. 799, s. 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-1.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-1.2
Archaeological findings in wildlife management area protected.
Status: in_force

4. a. (1) Except as may be provided pursuant to subsection c. of this section, no person may alter, deface, destroy, disturb, or remove any archaeological findings in any wildlife management area administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, without the written permission of the department. As used in this section, "archaeological findings" shall include, but need not be limited to, relics, objects, fossils, or artifacts of an historical, prehistorical, geological, paleontological, archaeological or anthropological nature. (2) No person may sell, transfer, exchange, transport, purchase, receive or offer to sell, transfer, exchange, transport, purchase or receive any such archaeological findings originating in a wildlife management area without the written permission of the Department of Environmental Protection. b. A person who knowingly violates, or who solicits or employs any other person to violate, the provisions of subsection a. of this section shall be subject to the following penalties: a fine of not less than $750 nor more than $1,500 for the first offense; a fine of not less than $1,500 nor more than $3,000 for the second offense; and a fine of not less than $3,000 nor more than $5,000 for any subsequent offense. Penalties assessed pursuant to this subsection shall be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding. Any vessel, vehicle or equipment used in the commission of the violation shall be subject to confiscation and forfeiture to the State, if warranted, as determined by the courts. Further, restitution and damages may be ordered to compensate the State for the cost of remediating any violation of this section and for the value of any lost, damaged, or destroyed archaeological findings. All fines, restitution payments, and damages collected shall be remitted to the Department of Environmental Protection to be used for the preservation, remediation or protection of State archaeological sites. Any archaeological findings obtained as a result of a violation of this section shall be subject to confiscation, forfeiture, and return to the State and, upon recovery, shall be deposited with the New Jersey State Museum. c. The Department of Environmental Protection shall provide for exceptions to the prohibitions set forth in subsection a. of this section for archaeological findings of de minimis value innocently discovered in any wildlife management area. d. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, examination or retrieval of artifacts, or scientific research, conducted by a State department, agency, commission, authority or corporation otherwise required or permitted by federal or State law are exempt from the provisions of this section. L.2004,c.170,s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-62 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-62
Fishing preserve waters defined
Status: in_force

"Fishing preserve waters" means any artificial or man-made body of water, not to exceed 10 acres in size, lying wholly within the boundaries of lands owned by one individual, operated for the purpose of permitting the owner to provide fishing facilities to fishermen. Such waters shall not include natural streams, natural ponds or waters impounded by the damming of natural streams. The sources of water for such ponds shall be limited to surface runoff, natural springs or driven wells. Any outfall from the "fishing preserve waters" must be so constructed as to prevent the passage of fish from or to that body of water. L.1970, c. 247, s. 1, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-63.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-63.1
Penalty for liberating coyotes
Status: in_force

No person shall liberate a coyote within this State, under a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense. L.1939, c. 42, p. 61, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51
License to take menhaden, prohibited takings.
Status: in_force

23:3-51. a. Any person who intends to take menhaden with a purse seine or shirred net from any State waters, including the waters of the Atlantic ocean within three nautical miles of the State coast line, shall apply to the commissioner for a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License or a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's License, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of this section. Upon receipt of the application and payment of the fee required pursuant to R.S.23:3-52, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion and as prescribed pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of P.L.2010, c.72, issue to the applicant a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License or a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's License, as appropriate, except as prohibited by subsection b. of this section. 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. b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section, the provisions of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.), or the provisions of any other law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, the commissioner shall not issue a license for the taking of menhaden, and no person shall take menhaden, from State coastal waters, including the Delaware, Great, Raritan, and Sandy Hook bays, for the purpose of reduction, including the conversion of menhaden to fish meal, oil, or other components. This subsection shall not be understood to prohibit the taking of menhaden in State coastal waters for the use as bait for commercial or recreational purposes or in whole frozen form for use as human food. c. (1) The following types of vessels, and their owners or operators, are subject to licensure pursuant to this section: (a) Any purse seine catch vessel that takes menhaden from State waters on an individual trip basis; and (b) Any purse seine carry vessel that works in conjunction with the purse seine catch vessel identified in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph. (2) A menhaden set vessel that participates only in the setting of a purse seine or shirred net in conjunction with a purse seine catch vessel is exempt from licensure pursuant to this section. (3) A license issued pursuant to this section shall remain on board the licensed vessel at all times. (4) The holder of a license issued pursuant to this section shall not use, have on board the licensed vessel, or work in conjunction with any other vessel that uses any type of fishing gear other than a purse seine or shirred net. d. A Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License shall be issued in the name of the vessel and the vessel's owner or owner/operator. If the vessel owner is not the operator of the vessel, a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License shall be issued to the vessel owner, as provided in this paragraph, and a separate Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's License shall be issued to, and in the name of, the vessel operator, in accordance with the provisions of this section and subsection c. of R.S.23:3-52. e. (1) No vessel licensed pursuant to this section shall be greater than 90 feet in overall length. (2) Whenever a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License is issued for a menhaden purse seine catch vessel pursuant to this section, the licensee shall provide the commissioner with certified baseline data indicating the overall length and horsepower of the vessel. Any upgrade or replacement of a licensed purse seine catch vessel shall be limited to a 10 percent increase in overall vessel length, and a 20 percent increase in horsepower. f. The possession of any fish other than menhaden on a vessel licensed under this section is limited to no more than 500 pounds. The simultaneous possession aboard a vessel of a purse seine or shirred net, menhaden, and any other fish in an amount greater than 500 pounds shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this subsection. g. (1) Before commencing menhaden fishing activities on any given day, a person licensed under this section shall notify the department, by phone or, if applicable and offered by the department, by electronic means, of the intention to fish under this section, and the vessel's intended fishing location. The licensee shall also notify the department, by phone or, if applicable and offered by the department, by electronic means, of any anticipated change in the vessel's fishing location. After a licensee has provided notice to the department of their intention to fish for menhaden pursuant to this section on any particular day, the licensee shall be limited, on that day, to the use of a purse seine or shirred net. (2) Fishing for menhaden pursuant to this section shall be restricted to those areas in the Raritan, Sandy Hook, and Delaware Bays, and in the Atlantic Ocean, which are located at a distance of 0.6 nautical miles or more from the New Jersey coastline and the jetties and fishing piers extending therefrom. (3) Fishing for menhaden in the Delaware Bay shall be further restricted to those areas of the Bay that lie south and east of LORAN C line 42850, or to any other area of the Bay, as may be designated by the commissioner. (4) It shall be incumbent upon the vessel operator to determine whether a purse seine or shirred net is likely to drift, during fishing, beyond the fishing boundaries established by this subsection. The drifting of a purse seine or shirred net into any restricted area along the shore or around a jetty or pier while fishing shall constitute a violation of this subsection. h. No person engaged in the act of fishing pursuant to this section shall disturb any: (a) channel designating stakes, markers, or buoys; (b) crab pots, lobster pots, fish pots, or traps; or (c) staked and leased shellfish grounds. amended 1951, c.93, s.2; 1979, c.199, s.66; 2001, c.359; 2010, c.72, s.1; 2013, c.74, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-77.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-77.1
Annual fee adjustment.
Status: in_force

2. The Fish and Game Council may, on one occasion only at such time as may be deemed appropriate by the Fish and Game Council, with the consent of the New Jersey Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee, by regulation adopted by August 1 of the preceding year, adjust the annual fees for the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1983, c.504 (C.23:3-77), in an amount not to exceed $5. L.2021, c.291, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-19 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-19
Pursuing game birds in power boats or aircraft prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall pursue any goose, duck, brant or other kind of game bird, or shoot, shoot at, kill or wound the same from a boat or vessel propelled by any means, other than by oars or paddles, or from a boat, vessel or other structure anchored or staked upon the waters of any of the bays, sounds, coves, ponds, rivers, creeks or streams of the state at a greater distance than one hundred feet from ice, marsh or meadow, bar or bank, or naturally heaped seaweed not covered with water, under a penalty of twenty dollars for each offense. No person shall, while in an airplane, hydroplane or other device propelled in any manner through the air, pursue, shoot, shoot at, kill or injure any of such game birds under a penalty of one hundred dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-18 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-18
Saltwater recreational anglers license
Status: in_force

Nothing in this act shall authorize the imposition of a saltwater recreational anglers license on any person. L.1979, c. 199, s. 82, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-53 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-53
Wild pigeons protected; penalty
Status: in_force

Any provision of law or of the State Fish and Game Code to the contrary notwithstanding, no person shall capture, kill, injure or have in possession, living or dead, or attempt to capture, kill or injure, a wild or passenger pigeon, or destroy or interfere in any manner with the nest or eggs of a wild or passenger pigeon, under a penalty of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) for each offense. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1818, s. 63, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:6-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 6 / Section 6-1
Penalty for permitting; destruction of contrivances
Status: in_force

No owner, lessee or tenant of any property shall permit the erection, construction or maintenance thereon of any of the contrivances for the unlawful taking of fish and game prohibited under the provisions of this Title, or permit the unlawful setting of any fyke or other net or the unlawful drawing of any net upon such property, under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense. Such owner, lessee or tenant shall immediately destroy all such unlawful contrivances found or placed upon his premises, and no action for damages shall lie or be maintained against any property owner, lessee or tenant for the destruction. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1824, s. 73, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-34 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-34
Notice of seizure of weapon; sale; proceeds
Status: in_force

Notice of the seizure of all guns, made for violation of section 23:4-31 of this title, shall be sent to the board, at Trenton, by the officer making the seizure, immediately after the rendition of judgment in the prosecution brought for violation thereof. The gun so seized shall be sold, at the discretion of the board, and the proceeds of the sale shall be paid to the board for its use.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-5
Button or tag worn by licensee
Status: in_force

The button or tag shall bear a number corresponding to the number of the license delivered to the applicant for a hunting license and any other matter the division determines. Amended by L.1951, c. 226, p. 799, s. 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-64 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-64
Sale of bittersweet prohibited; penalty; enforcement
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to take for the purpose of sale, sell, or expose for sale, any bittersweet growing in the wild, under a penalty of ten dollars for each offense. This section shall not apply to the sale of this vine in any form for medicinal purposes. This section shall be enforced by the persons authorized and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 10 of this title (s. 23:10-1 et seq.).
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-5
Rules, regulations; inspections; fees.
Status: in_force

5. a. The commissioner shall have the power to formulate and promulgate, adopt, amend and repeal rules and regulations, limiting, controlling and prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, importation, exportation, sale or offer for sale, or shipment of any nongame species or any wildlife on the State list of endangered species, and for the purposes of implementing section 6 of P.L.2016, c.6 (C.23:2A-6.1). Such rules and regulations shall be designed to promote the public health, safety and welfare and shall be adopted in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). b. The commissioner is authorized to conduct periodic inspections in order to determine compliance with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this section, and, to that end, is authorized to charge and collect fees in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of the inspections and services performed pursuant to P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.). Such fees shall be devoted entirely and exclusively to carrying out the purposes and provisions of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.). Inspection fees shall be established in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the department as a rule and regulation pursuant to the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act." L.1973, c.309, s.5; amended 1981, c.281, s.2; 2016, c.6, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-21 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-21
Interference with officers; fine
Status: in_force

Any person or persons who shall by threat, menace or force, or in any manner attempt to deter or prevent any fish warden or other person authorized to make arrests for violation of the fish laws in either state, from enforcing or carrying into effect any provisions of this article, or who shall resist arrest or the seizure of boats or nets illegally used, shall be subject to a fine of one hundred dollars.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-20 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-20
Concurrent jurisdiction of states; procedure for violations
Status: in_force

The commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the state of New Jersey shall have concurrent jurisdiction over all offenses and violations of this article, committed or attempted to be committed, by any person or persons fishing in the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls within the jurisdiction respectively of the said state of New Jersey and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The procedure in the state of New Jersey for punishing violations of this article, as well as for the confiscation of boats, nets and other appliances, shall be the same in all respects as provided for in chapter 10 of this title (s. 23:10-1 et seq.).
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.6
Application to issuance of youth hunting licenses.
Status: in_force

5. This act shall also apply to the issuance of youth hunting licenses under R.S.23:3-3, and all applicants for such licenses shall be required to first complete the gun safety course. L.1954,c.57,s.5; amended 1971, c.381, s.3; 1999, c.282, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7A-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7A / Section 7A-1
Definitions
Status: in_force

1. As used in this act: "Taking" means to hunt, capture, kill, trap, catch, net, possess, or collect, or to attempt to hunt, capture, kill, trap, catch, net, possess, or collect, wildlife. "Wildlife" means any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, shellfish, mollusk, crustacean, or other wild animal, or any part, product, egg, or offspring, or the dead body or parts, thereof. L.1993,c.11,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-14
Collection, maintenance of data; annual report.
Status: in_force

2. The division shall collect and maintain data on the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program and provide an annual report to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), including information on the number of school districts or municipalities that have implemented the program and the number of pupils that are participating in the program. The report shall also include information on the effectiveness of the program in terms of drug usage avoidance or incidents among participating students. L.2012, c.46, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24.6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24.6
Violation, penalties.
Status: in_force

2. Any person who violates the provisions of this act shall be liable to a civil penalty of up to $500 for each offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense. L.2006,c.7,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-9
Monthly returns to division; retention of issuance fees
Status: in_force

On or before the tenth day of each month the clerk of every county and every municipality, and every designated agent of the division, shall send the fees collected for all licenses issued during the preceding month, except the issuance fees, which may be retained by them and every license blank and button or tag that has been spoiled during the preceding month, to the division, together with a list showing the serial number of each license issued and paid for, and the number of spoiled license blanks returned. The issuance fees may be retained by the clerks of every county and of every municipality, but in the case of the agents designated by the division to issue licenses the retention of the issuance fees shall be at the discretion of the division. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 712, s. 4; L.1951, c. 226, p. 800, s. 8; L.1952, c. 172, p. 547, s. 2; L.1960, c. 107, p. 596, s. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1961.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-20 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-20
§ 23:4-20
Status: in_force

No person shall have in possession, sell or offer for sale a game bird or game animal enumerated in this chapter, after the same has been caught or trapped by means of a snare, snood, net, trap or other device, or set a snare, snood, net, trap or other device for catching or trapping the same, under a penalty of twenty dollars for each bird or animal so had in possession, sold or exposed for sale, or for any trap or snare so set. The penalties provided herein for the possession of such game shall not apply to a dealer in or purchaser of any rabbit or hare upon proof that the rabbit or hare was not trapped in this state.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-21 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-21
§ 23:4-21
Status: in_force

A person owning or in possession of a farm may permit any person under fifteen years of age connected with his household to catch hares, commonly called rabbits, in box traps, within the limits of the farm during the time and under the conditions in which it is lawful to shoot or catch the same.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-3
Who may institute proceedings
Status: in_force

23:10-3. Proceedings for the recovery of penalties for the violation of any provision of this Title, any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code shall be brought in the name of the State, by a duly commissioned warden, deputy warden, police officer, or a member of any regularly incorporated fish and game protective association, or the fish and game protector as prosecutor, and no such proceeding shall be instituted by any other person unless specifically authorized by law. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1826, s. 79; 2023, c.250, s.25.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-31 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-31
Killing game; sale; conditions; license required
Status: in_force

23:3-31. Game birds or animals bred or raised in the wholly enclosed area may be killed in any manner other than shooting, except in the case of deer, which may be killed by shooting, at any time and the carcasses sold for food. No such game birds or animals shall be sold for food unless the carcass of each bird or animal shall have been tagged with a suitable tag or seal supplied by the division. Nothing in sections 23:3-28 to 23:3-39 of this title, shall alter or supersede the laws requiring a license to hunt. Amended 1995,c.370,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-13
Review of previously adopted rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

63. Within one year after the effective date of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-1 et al.), the commissioner shall review all rules and regulations previously adopted pursuant to the provisions of Title 50 of the Revised Statutes for conformance to the revisions to that Title contained herein and shall, after consultation with the Shellfisheries Council, amend or repeal any rules and regulations which are not in conformance herewith. L.1979, c.199, s.63; amended 2007, c.338, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-28 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-28
§ 23:4-28
Status: in_force

When by the laws of any other state or country it is lawful to take out of the confines thereof any game, whether the same is fowl or animal, that game may be brought within this state, but nothing herein contained shall permit the sale or exposure for sale of any such game. Cottontail rabbits, Belgian hares and jack rabbits legally killed in another state may be brought into this state at any time for possession, sale and consumption. A person violating this section shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars for each fowl or animal so sold or exposed for sale.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-33 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-33
Article inapplicable to certain private ponds.
Status: in_force

This article shall not apply to the owners or lessees of private ponds stocking such ponds, if they are so constructed as to effectually prevent the carp or the seed thereof from escaping into any of the waters of this State or into private waters owned by other persons.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.6
Requirements for issuance of bow and arrow license; fines.
Status: in_force

6. No license issuing agent shall issue a bow and arrow license, other than an apprentice license, to any person, unless the person has submitted a bow and arrow license of a previous year that is not an apprentice license, or presents a certificate showing that he has successfully completed a course in bow and arrow safety and proficiency, given by an individual duly designated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Any person who obtains a bow and arrow hunting license under false information within the scope of this act shall be subject to a fine of $20. L.1957, c.195, s.6; amended 2015, c.83, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-58.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-58.1
Hunting foxes with hounds and firearms; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall hunt foxes with hounds and firearms except during such time and period prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, and, in the absence of such provisions in said code, no person shall hunt foxes with hounds and firearms except in daylight from November tenth to April thirtieth, but foxes shall not be hunted with hounds during the deer season. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00). Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1820, s. 66, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-11
Fishing, except angling, prohibited; penalty; exceptions
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in section 23:5-3 of this Title, no person shall take or attempt to take fish from any of the waters of this State by any means prohibited by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, by means of any contrivance, except in the manner commonly known as angling with hand line or with rod and line, under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense. Eels may be caught at any time by means of wicker eel baskets anchored on the bottom of streams and ponds, and minnows and other bait fish may be taken by such means, in such manner, in such waters, and under such circumstances prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code with a seine not over fifty feet in length in all ponds and lakes which have an area of over one hundred acres, and in all other waters with a seine not over thirty feet in length, but in every such case, all trout, pickerel, bass, pike and pike perch captured therein shall be immediately released therefrom uninjured as far as practicable. Fish may also be taken in any manner under the direction of or by permission given by the Division of Fish and Game for stocking purposes. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1824, s. 71.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-23 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-23
Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

7. a. No later than 12 months after the effective date of this act, the department shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) and in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this act. The rules and regulations shall establish: (1) a list of invasive species and a list of prohibited invasive species, with consideration to any recommendations provided by the New Jersey Invasive Species Council; and (2) a process for granting a conditional use waiver for a prohibited invasive plant species for a specific stated purpose under strict and closely controlled conditions. The department shall prioritize the review of waivers identified by the Department of Agriculture as related to the agricultural or the horticultural industry and shall seek concurrence from the Department of Agriculture when granting agricultural conditional use waivers for prohibited invasive plant species. b. No later than 36 months after the effective date of this act, and every three years thereafter, the department shall review the latest scientific recommendations from the council and revise the list of invasive species and prohibited invasive species, as appropriate. c. The department shall create a central clearinghouse of information on its Internet website with: (1) a list of invasive species established pursuant to this act with information about how to identify the species, best practices for control or eradication, and, where possible, alternative native species for planting; (2) links to other existing categories of species management and regulation, including, but not limited to, injurious insects, noxious weeds, potentially dangerous species, and federally regulated species; (3) links to the department's native species list. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Protection shall establish links from their Internet websites to the council's website or otherwise incorporate the same information on each agency's website. d. The department may impose fees on persons who apply for a conditional use waiver, pursuant to this act, in order to cover its administrative costs incurred in implementing the provisions of this act. All fees collected under this act shall be paid into the State Treasury and shall be appropriated to the department for use in implementing the provisions of this act. L.2025, c.290, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-27.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-27.1
Wild turkey permits, fee.
Status: in_force

7. Whenever an open season is prescribed for wild turkey by the State Fish and Game Code, the division is authorized to charge a fee of $19.00, or as adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a), except that a person under 16 years of age shall be charged a fee of $10.00, for each permit issued. This permit shall be void at the close of the prescribed open season. The amounts remitted to the State Treasury for wild turkey permits shall be deposited to the credit of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund." L.1986,c.198,s.7; amended 1991, c.286, s.8; 1999, c.282, s.15.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-69 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-69
Application of act
Status: in_force

Nothing in this act shall abridge, alter or affect the rights or liabilities, riparian or otherwise, that would otherwise exist or accrue by reason of the impounding of the water, except that fishing preserve waters are waters of the State within the meaning of the Public Health Laws. L.1970, c. 247, s. 8, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-3
Causing injury to property while hunting or fishing; penalties
Status: in_force

23:7-3. A person who, while hunting, fishing, trapping, or taking wildlife, causes or assists in causing damage or injury to real or personal property of another, including pet animals, shall be liable to a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000.00, which sum shall be paid to the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife for deposit in the hunters' and anglers' license fund established pursuant to R.S. 23:3-11, and (1) for a first offense, suspension of all license certificates required, and all privileges, to take or possess wildlife for a period of five years, or (2) for a second offense, permanent revocation of all such license certificates and privileges. A court may also order the violator to pay restitution to the victim for any such damage or injury caused. 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 1947, c.303; 1948, c.229, s.2; 1990,c.29,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-1
Short title
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act." L.1973, c. 309, s. 1, eff. Dec. 14, 1973.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-121 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-121
Arrest and punishment of violations on Delaware river between New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Status: in_force

If and when the State of Pennsylvania shall enact a similar law for the arrest and punishment of violations of the game or fish laws of this State or the State of Pennsylvania, committed or attempted to be committed by any person or persons fishing in that portion of the Delaware 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. 545, s. 2, eff. May 25, 1938.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-78 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-78
Design and form of stamp; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The Division of Fish, Game and wildlife shall determine the final design and form of the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp based on the recommendations of the New Jersey Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee created pursuant to section 7 of this act. The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall retain reproduction and distribution rights to the design of any New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp issued. The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife is authorized to adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), any rules and regulations necessary to administer the provisions of this act, including, but not limited to, the creation, design, administration, sale, distribution, and establishment of prices for any reproduction, replica, or other utilization of the design of any New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp issued. L.1983, c. 504, s. 4, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.13
Violations, penalties.
Status: in_force

15. a. A person who violates any provision of R.S.23:3-51, R.S.23:3-52, or P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.)shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in section 73 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-14). In addition to those penalties, if a licensee: (1) falsifies or misrepresents any information contained in a report submitted pursuant to section 8 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.6) or section 10 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.8); (2) fails to report a release as required by section 12 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.10); or (3) fishes in, or allows a purse seine or shirred net to drift into, any restricted fishing area, as prohibited by subsection g. of R.S.23:3-51, the licensee shall be subject to the following periods of license suspension: (1) a 30-day suspension of their license for a first offense; (2) a 60-day suspension of their license for a second offense; and (3) a 180-day suspension of their license for a third or subsequent offense. b. (1) If a license is suspended pursuant to subsection a. of this section, and, for three years thereafter, the licensee does not commit another offense warranting suspension of their license, the initial offense warranting license suspension shall be removed from consideration in determining an applicable term of license suspension for any offense committed by the licensee after that three-year period. (2) The forgiveness of prior offenses provided for by this subsection shall apply only to those determinations that pertain to the calculation of applicable license suspension periods. All prior offenses shall be taken into account in the calculation of any monetary penalties provided for by P P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.). c. A license suspension imposed pursuant to this section shall be applicable to both the licensee and the licensed vessel, if any, and shall be carried out during the normal season of fishing operations, which extends from May 15 through October 15 of each year. If the duration of a license suspension period is not completed during the current year's normal season of fishing operations, the balance of the license suspension shall be made up during the following year's normal season of fishing operations. L.2013, c.74, s.15.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-58 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-58
§ 23:4-58
Status: in_force

No person shall have a live fox in possession in this state except by permission of the board, under a penalty of one hundred dollars for each live fox so had in possession.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-11
Prohibited hours for fishing; fine; forfeiture of appliances
Status: in_force

No person shall catch and take or attempt to catch and take fish of any kind or description from the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls, by means of a net, or use a net of any character in the waters aforesaid between Saturday at two P.M. and twelve o'clock midnight Sunday night in each week. Any person violating 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 other appliances used.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-56 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-56
Acquisition of land by United States for migratory bird reservations
Status: in_force

Consent of this state is given to the acquisition by the United States by purchase, gift, devise or lease of any areas of land or water, or of land and water, in this state which the United States deems necessary for the establishment of migratory bird reservations in accordance with the act of congress approved February eighteenth, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-nine, entitled "An act to more effectively meet the obligations of the United States under the Migratory Bird Treaty with Great Britain by lessening the dangers threatening migratory game birds from drainage and other causes by the acquisition of areas of land and of water to furnish in perpetuity reservations for the adequate protection of such birds; and authorizing appropriations for the establishment of such areas, their maintenance and improvement and for other purposes," reserving, however, to this state full jurisdiction and authority over all these areas not incompatible with the administration, maintenance, protection, and control thereof by the United States under the terms of said act of congress.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-47 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-47
Dead deer, tagging procedures, transportation; violations, penalties; rules, regulations.
Status: in_force

23:4-47. A person who kills a deer in this State at any time during the legal seasons shall immediately attach thereto the deer transportation tag supplied with the hunting license and shall transport the deer to a deer checking station before 7:00 p.m. on the day the deer was killed, for registering the kill and having a legal possession tag affixed, which possession tag shall remain attached until the carcass has been consumed. A person not required to purchase a hunting license under provisions of R.S.23:3-1, who kills a deer in this State at any time during the legal seasons, or a person who has lost the transportation tag supplied with the hunting license, shall make and attach a transportation tag immediately after killing the animal, clearly stating the person's name and address, and if holding a license to hunt, the license number, with the date, township if known, and county in which the deer was killed and shall transport the deer to a checking station for registration as herein prescribed. The division shall designate such checking stations as it deems necessary and shall prescribe regulations for their operation. All deer killed during prescribed seasons shall be presented for registration at the nearest deer checking station by the person who killed the deer, and it shall be registered in that person's name. No person shall present a deer for registration, or permit to be registered in the person's name, any deer which the person did not kill. No person shall at any time in any manner transport any deer killed during a prescribed season, unless there is a legal tag securely attached to the deer. If the deer is being transported by a person other than the licensee, written permission signed by the licensee killing the deer must be in possession of the driver. No person shall have in possession at any time any deer, or parts of a deer, which has not been legally registered. The owner of a legally registered deer may give away parts of the deer provided each separate part is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the deer, the possession tag number assigned to the deer, and the name and address of the person to whom it was given. A person who fails to properly tag a deer and transport it to a checking station, or who borrows, loans, transfers, buys, sells or purloins any deer tag of another, shall be liable to the penalty prescribed by R.S.23:4-48. The division shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), any rules and regulations necessary to implement this section and to prescribe the tagging requirements for deer killed in a manner other than during a prescribed season. Amended 1957, c.193, s.4; 1967, c.158, s.2; 1971, c.251, s.2; 2001, c.261, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-9
Payment of appropriations
Status: in_force

All moneys appropriated for the compensation of the protector, the wardens and the general and incidental expenses of the board shall be paid by the treasurer of the state, on the warrant of the comptroller.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-19 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-19
Use of moneys recovered for violations
Status: in_force

All moneys recovered for violations of this Title, or any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code shall, except as otherwise specifically provided, be paid to the Division of Fish and Game for its use and purposes. Any court or person receiving such moneys for violations of this Title, or any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code, who fails to forward the same to the Division of Fish and Game within thirty days after receipt of same shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1830, s. 87, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.7
Effective date
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect on January 1, 1958. L.1957, c. 195, p. 700, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-64 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-64
Taking of fish by licensee
Status: in_force

A licensee or any member of his immediate family may, without license issued under Revised Statutes 23:3-1, or other license or permit to take fish by net or device, take fish of any size, in any manner, at any time permitted by the preserve license. L.1970, c. 247, s. 3, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-45.1a — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-45.1a
Rules, regulations for taking, management of striped bass.
Status: in_force

1. a. The Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) and within one year after the date of enactment of this act, rules and regulations providing for the taking and management of striped bass in and upon the marine waters of the State. These rules and regulations may include, but need not be limited to, possession and bag limits, size limits, seasons, area restrictions, and provisions concerning filleting and the possession of striped bass parts. b. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall regulate the striped bass fishery in accordance with State policy as set forth in section 2 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-2). The rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be consistent with (1) the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and (2) the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1991, c.43 (C.23:5-45.3), section 5 of P.L.1983, c.506 (C.23:5-47), and any other applicable State law concerning striped bass. L.2015, c.45, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-16 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-16
Taking eels in tidal waters with certain devices
Status: in_force

No person shall catch or take, or attempt to catch or take, eels from the tidal waters of this State by means or use of a dredge, rake, spear or other device attached to or drawn by a boat or vessel. Amended by L.1979, c. 199, s. 68, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-47 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-47
Application for and granting of license; fee; term
Status: in_force

A person who intends to take fish with shirred or purse seines, otter or beam trawls in the waters of the Atlantic ocean within the jurisdiction of this State shall make application to the commissioner for a license for that purpose for each vessel proposed to be engaged in the fishing. The commissioner upon the receipt of the application and the payment to him of the sum of $100.00 for each vessel proposed to be engaged in the fishing, shall issue to the applicant a license for the vessel to take with shirred or purse seine, otter or beam trawl, fish of any kind, excepting striped bass, in the waters of the Atlantic ocean within the jurisdiction of this State at a distance of not less than 2 miles from the coast line. The license shall expire on December 31 in the year in which it is issued. Amended by L.1948, c. 174, p. 916, s. 2, eff. June 12, 1948: L.1975, c. 116, s. 8, eff. June 3, 1975; L.1979, c. 199, s. 65, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.6
Special deer management permit; issuance
Status: in_force

4. a. The division shall issue a special deer management permit to any applicant authorized to implement an alternative control method set forth in an approved community based deer management plan. The permit shall identify the time, place and alternative control method authorized by the division, the name of each individual authorized to administer the alternate control method, any exemption or variance from a law, rule or regulation authorized by the council pursuant to section 3 of this act, and any special conditions established by the council. b. No person shall implement an alternative control method except when in possession of a special deer management permit issued by the division pursuant to this act. The permittee shall provide a copy of the permit issued by the division to each individual named in the permit who is authorized to administer the alternate control method. L.2000, c.46, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-48 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-48
§ 23:3-48
Status: in_force

Nothing in sections 23:3-46 to 23:3-49 of this title shall apply to vessels engaged in taking menhaden, but they shall be licensed to operate in the taking of menhaden pursuant to sections 23:3-50 to 23:3-53 of this title.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-7
§ 23:7-7
Status: in_force

All owners or lessees posting property must erect signs or notices containing the printed name or written signature of the owner or lessee in order to constitute legal notices.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-15
§ 23:4-15
Status: in_force

No person shall sow, deposit or place any rye, wheat, oats, corn or other cereal, except wild celery and wild rice, within four hundred feet of a gunning point in any of the salt or fresh waters of this state, or cause the same to be done, for the purpose of luring, decoying or baiting any goose, duck, swan, brant or other kind of waterfowl, so that the same may be shot at, killed or captured while feeding or attempting to feed thereon; or shoot at, kill or capture any goose, duck, swan, brant or other waterfowl while feeding or attempting to feed where any rye, wheat, oats, corn or other cereal, except wild celery and wild rice, is known to have been sown, deposited or placed in violation of this section, under a penalty of fifty dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.8
Trapping license; application; certificate of completion of course in trapping methods; renewal
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provisions contained in R.S. 23:3-1 to 23:3-22, concerning the issuance of a resident or nonresident trapping license, at the time an application for license is made by an applicant of the age of 12 years or over, to whom a trapping license has not previously been issued, such applicant shall present to the issuing agent a certificate stating that the applicant has satisfactorily completed a course in trapping methods which shall be signed by an agent of the Division of Fish, Game and Shell Fisheries designated for that purpose, whose fitness to give instructions in proper trapping methods has been determined by the division. A person of the age of 12 years or over who previously had a license to engage in trapping issued to him, shall not be entitled to purchase another such license in a subsequent year unless at the time of making application he shall submit to the license issuing agent his license of a previous year, or a certification from the division stating that he held such license. L.1977, c. 320, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-1
Provisions of title enforced and penalties recovered in accordance with chapter
Status: in_force

All provisions contained in this Title, in any law supplementary thereto and in the State Fish and Game Code for the protection of fish, game and birds, or in any manner prohibiting or regulating the taking or possession of the same, shall, except as otherwise specifically provided, be enforced and all penalties for the violations thereof shall be recovered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1826, s. 77, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-3.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-3.1
Issuance of apprentice firearm, bow and arrow licenses.
Status: in_force

2. a. The Division of Fish and Wildlife may, in its discretion, issue an apprentice firearm hunting license to a citizen of the United States above 14 years of age. The division shall not require an applicant to complete a course in gun safety as a condition of issuing an apprentice firearm hunting license to an applicant. The license shall authorize a licensee to hunt only with hounds or 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 person may not serve as an accompanying firearm hunting license holder to more than one holder of an apprentice firearm hunting license at a time. The apprentice firearm hunting license shall be void after December 31 of the year of its issuance and may be issued to a person only twice during the person's lifetime. The accompanying firearm hunting license holder shall be subject to all penalties for violations committed by the holder of the apprentice firearm hunting license while under their direct supervision. As used in this subsection, "direct supervision" means the holder of the apprentice firearm hunting license and the accompanying firearm hunting license holder are hunting together as a unit at the same location. b. The division may, its discretion, issue an apprentice bow and arrow license to a citizen of the United States above 14 years of age. The division shall not require an applicant to complete a course in bow and arrow safety as a condition of issuing an apprentice firearm hunting license to an applicant. The license shall authorize a licensee 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. The apprentice bow and arrow license shall be void after December 31 of the year of its issuance and may be issued to a person only twice during the person's lifetime. L.2015, c.83, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-72 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-72
Necessity; fee
Status: in_force

No person shall take more than 25 American eels (anguilla rostrata) per day from the waters of Delaware bay and its tributaries in this State without first having obtained a valid commercial eel fishing license from the division. The fee for such license shall be $100.00 for residents of this State; for nonresidents, the fee for such license shall be the same as the fee charged to New Jersey residents by the state of residence of the license purchaser for a comparable license, but shall not be less than $100.00. Any license issued pursuant to this section shall be void after December 31 next succeeding its issuance. L.1979, c. 227, s. 1, eff. Oct. 12, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.8
Guidelines for venison donation program.
Status: in_force

3. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services shall develop guidelines, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture and the chairman of the Fish and Game Council, to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.1997,c.268,s.3 (allocated per L.2000,c.46).
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-24.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-24.3
Hauling seines; restrictions on use
Status: in_force

No person shall use a hauling seine in the Atlantic ocean within three hundred feet of the coastline, and no hauling seine shall be drawn beneath the ice in any waters. L.1941, c. 211, p. 611, s. 3. Amended by L.1942, c. 174, p. 539, s. 2, eff. May 13, 1942.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.4
Submission of deer management plan.
Status: in_force

2. a. Upon submission of an application pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2000, c.46 (C.23:4-42.3), or at any time thereafter, a county board of agriculture, municipal governing body, owner or operator of an airport, or county governing body may submit to the division for its approval a community based deer management plan proposing alternative control methods to reduce the number of deer in an area designated as a special deer management area pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2000, c.46. A county board of agriculture, municipal governing body, owner or operator of an airport, or county governing body may submit a community based deer management plan concurrently with an application to the division for designation of a special deer management area. Two or more municipalities may submit a single community based deer management plan for a special deer management area that covers more than one municipality. The county board of agriculture or the division may request the Center for Wildlife Damage Control in the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University, to coordinate and facilitate the development of a community based deer management plan. b. A community based deer management plan shall: (1) delineate the boundaries of the special deer management area; (2) describe the proposed alternative control methods to reduce the number of deer in the special deer management area, which may include the methods authorized pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2000, c.46 (C.23:4-42.5); (3) identify any organization that will participate in the implementation of the alternative control methods proposed in the plan, and describe its qualifications; (4) describe the methods that will be used to notify the public, including residents located within and adjacent to the special deer management area, of the alternative control methods proposed in the plan and the specific times and the specific places when and where they will be used; (5) describe the precautions that will be taken to ensure the safety of the public; (6) document the written consent of each affected landowner for access to that person's land if access to private property is necessary to implement the plan; (7) attach a resolution, adopted by the governing body of the municipality in which the special deer management area is located, which endorses the community based deer management plan, except this requirement shall not apply to a community based deer management plan submitted by a county governing body for lands owned by the county; and (8) include such additional information as the division may determine to be necessary to properly review a community based deer management plan. c. The division shall promptly review a community based deer management plan submitted pursuant to P.L.2000, c.46, and either approve the plan, approve the plan subject to modification, or disapprove the plan and return it to the applicant setting forth in writing the reasons for its decision. If the division approves a community based deer management plan, the division shall submit it to the Fish and Game Council for its review and action pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2000, c.46 (C.23:4-42.5). d. Whenever practicable, a community based deer management plan shall provide for the donation of deer in accordance with the venison donation program established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1997, c.268 (C.23:4-42.7). e. For the purposes of P.L.2000, c.46 (C.23:4-42.3 et seq.), "alternative control method" or "alternative deer control method" means any technique, other than traditional hunting, employed to reduce a deer population, which may include, but need not be limited to, controlled hunting, shooting by an authorized agent, capture and euthanization, capture and removal, and fertility control. L.2000, c.46, s.2; amended 2010, c.54, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-14
Intentional feeding of black bears prohibited; violations, penalties
Status: in_force

1. a. No person shall: (1) feed, give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material or attractant with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing a black bear; or (2) store pet food, garbage or other bear attractants in a manner that will result in bear feedings when black bear are known to frequent the area. b. Subsection a. of this section shall not apply in the case of an unintentional feeding of a black bear. "Unintentional feeding"means using or placing any material for a purpose other than to attract or entice black bears but which results in the attraction or enticement of a black bear, and shall include but need not be limited to the use and placement of bait for deer in accordance with section 1 of P.L.1997, c.424 (C.23:4-24.4) and the State Fish and Game Code. c. (1) If any person violates subsection a. of this section, the department may institute a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for injunctive relief to prohibit and prevent such violation or violations and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner. (2) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection a. of this section shall be liable to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.) or in any case before a court of competent jurisdiction wherein injunctive relief has been requested. Civil penalties recovered for violations hereof shall be remitted as provided in R.S.23:10-19. The Superior Court and municipal court shall have jurisdiction to enforce the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999." If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense. No person shall be assessed a civil penalty pursuant to this paragraph unless the person has first been issued a prior written warning for a violation of subsection a. of this section. (3) The department is hereby authorized and empowered to compromise and settle any claim for a penalty under this section in such amount in the discretion of the department as may appear appropriate and equitable under all of the circumstances. d. The provisions of this section shall be enforced by all municipal police officers, the State Police, and law enforcement officers with the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection. e. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict in any way the attraction, capture, or taking of black bears by or at the direction of the Division of Fish and Wildlife for management or research purposes. L.2002,c.97.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-8
Obstruction, hindrance or delay of personnel of department
Status: in_force

No person shall obstruct, hinder or delay, or interfere with by force or otherwise, the performance by the department or its personnel of any duty under the provisions of this act, or refuse to permit such personnel to perform their duties by refusing them, upon proper identification or presentation of a written order of the department, entrance to any premises at reasonable hours. L.1973, c. 309, s. 8, eff. Dec. 14, 1973.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.1
Rules, regulations for taking of menhaden.
Status: in_force

3. The commissioner shall regulate the taking of menhaden, including the issuance and transfer of licenses for the taking of menhaden as prescribed pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2010, c.72, by rule or regulation adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). L.2010, c.72, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-11
Interference or damage to devices used to take fish
Status: in_force

No person shall, willfully and without reasonable cause, interfere with, break, damage or destroy any net, trap, seine, fyke pot or any other device used to take fish, which is being utilized in a lawfully authorized manner. L.1979, c. 199, s. 12, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1d — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1d
Pennsylvania fishing license holders permitted to fish in Delaware river
Status: in_force

3. A valid fishing license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall constitute a proper license, as required pursuant to subsection a. of R.S. 23:3-1, to fish in the waters of the Delaware river within the jurisdiction of this State. L.1993,c.20,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1c — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1c
Application fee for each permit, license.
Status: in_force

9. The division is authorized to charge a $2.00 nonrefundable application fee, in addition to any other permit or license fees authorized by law, for each permit or license, as follows: duplicate hunting and fishing; falconry; beaver; otter; turkey; coyote; special season Canada goose; special season deer; rifle; semi-wild hunting preserve; commercial fishing preserve; commercial shooting preserve; senior citizen fishing; senior citizen clamming; field trial; horseback riding on wildlife management area; daily use permit for wildlife management area; clubhouse rental; fire on wildlife management area; fish stocking by clubs; lake lowering; alewife (for bait); carp and suckers; fish basket for eels, catfish, carp, and suckers; game animals and game birds - individual hobby, scientific holding, zoological, propagation and sale, animal exhibitor, animal theatrical agency, and fur farming; salvage - recover carcass; special purpose; scientific collecting - fish; crab pot (recreational); crab pot (commercial); menhaden netting; food fish netting; and commercial fish netting. The amounts remitted to the State Treasury for these application fees shall be deposited to the credit of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund." L.1986,c.198,s.9; amended 1999, c.282, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-17 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-17
§ 23:10-17
Status: in_force

The fish and game protector, fish and game wardens and deputy wardens shall have the same power as constables and be entitled to the same fees for the service of process in proceedings under this chapter as are provided by law for constables in the court in which the proceedings are had.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-11
Hunting, except during seasons and in manner provided, prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall capture, kill, injure or destroy or pursue, with that intent, any of the game birds or animals enumerated in this chapter on his own property or on that of another person, except during the seasons, at the times and in the manner provided by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, except during the seasons, at the times and in the manner provided in this chapter. A person who violates this section shall be liable to the penalties provided in this chapter for the violations thereof. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1809, s. 47, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.7
Conditions for issuance of firearm hunting license; fines.
Status: in_force

6. No license issuing agent shall issue a firearm hunting license, other than an apprentice license, to a person above the age of 10, unless the person has submitted a firearm hunting license of a previous year that is not an apprentice license, or a certificate showing that he has successfully completed a course in gun safety given by an individual duly designated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Any person above the age of 10 who obtains a hunting license under false information within the scope of this act shall be subject to a fine of not less than $20 nor more than $200 for each offense. L.1954, c.57, s.6; amended 1971, c.381, s.4; 2015, c.83, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-58 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-58
Form and issuance of stamps
Status: in_force

The stamp shall be procured from the clerks and agents designated to issue licenses under section 23:3-7 of the Revised Statutes, and the Division of Fish and Game shall determine the form of the stamp and prepare same for issuance. L.1952, c. 328, p. 1052, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-13.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-13.3
Additional prohibitions, penalties; exemptions.
Status: in_force

3. a. In addition to the prohibitions established pursuant to, and the penalties imposed for violations of, R.S.23:4-27, "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act," P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.), and any other applicable law, it shall be unlawful for any person to import, sell, offer for sale, purchase, barter, or possess with intent to sell, any ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product, except as provided pursuant to this section. b. It shall be presumptive evidence of possession with intent to sell when any ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product is possessed in a retail or wholesale outlet commonly used for the buying or selling of similar products, provided, however, that nothing in this subsection shall preclude a finding of intent to sell based on any other evidence which may serve to independently establish such intent. The act of obtaining an appraisal of ivory, an ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or a rhinoceros horn product, alone shall not constitute possession with intent to sell. c. A person may convey ivory, an ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or a rhinoceros horn product to the legal beneficiary of the ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product which is part of an estate or other items being conveyed to lawful beneficiaries upon the death of the owner of the ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product or in anticipation of that death. d. None of the prohibitions set forth in this section shall apply to employees or agents of the federal or State government undertaking any law enforcement activities pursuant to federal or State law or any mandatory duties required by federal or State law. e. The prohibition on import set forth in subsection a. of this section shall not apply where the import is expressly authorized by federal license or permit. f. The Department of Environmental Protection may permit, under terms and conditions as the department may prescribe, the import, sale, offer for sale, purchase, barter, or possession with intent to sell, any ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product for bona fide educational or scientific purposes, unless this activity is prohibited by federal law. L.2014, c.22, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-32 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-32
Pheasants, partridge, quail; killing, shipping, commercial shooting preserve license, conditions
Status: in_force

23:3-32. No pheasants, partridge or quail propagated in a semiwild state shall be sold. No such pheasants, partridge or quail shall be taken, possessed or transported unless each bird shall have been tagged with the special tag prescribed by R.S.23:3-28 to 23:3-39. No licensee raising pheasants, partridge or quail in a semiwild state shall procure from the division during any year of operation more tags to be affixed to the dead bodies of pheasants, partridge or quail propagated in a semiwild state than the number of pheasants, partridge or quail to be liberated, between November 1 and February 28. The tags shall be of a special kind provided for the purpose and shall be allocated by species and number of game birds liberated. The number of birds taken in any year, either alive or dead, on lands on which pheasants, partridge or quail are propagated in a semiwild state shall not exceed the number of tags obtained for each species from the division. Pheasants, quail and partridge propagated in a semiwild state may be taken by shooting only from 9:00 a.m. on November 10 or such opening date as may otherwise be prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, to February 28 of the following year, unless otherwise prescribed by such code. R.S.23:4-24 relating to hunting on Sunday shall not apply to any person authorized to shoot pheasants, quail, and partridge under R.S.23:3-28 to 23:3-39. No pheasants, partridge or quail propagated in a semiwild state shall be trapped without the written permission of the division. Under a "commercial pheasant, mallard, quail and partridge-shooting preserve" license, pheasants, mallard, quail and partridge may be taken by shooting only on lands described in the application and license, without regard to sex and daily bag limit, by fully licensed hunters authorized by the licensee to shoot on the land between September 1 and the following May 1, both dates inclusive and during any further period, not exceeding 31 days, which the commissioner may, from time to time, designate for that purpose upon the recommendation of the Director of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. No pheasants, mallard, quail or partridge shall be taken, possessed or transported, unless each bird shall have been tagged with a suitable tag or seal supplied by the division, and no licensee shall receive from the division, during any year of operation, more tags to be affixed to the bodies of pheasants, mallard, quail and partridge than one tag for each pheasant, mallard, quail and partridge liberated during the shooting period hereinbefore specified. Amended 1940,c.233; 1941,c.301; 1948,c.113,s.3; 1953,c.175,s.3; 1955,c.104,s.3; 1961,c.5,s.1; 1967,c.157,s.2; 1970,c.186,s.2; 1971, c.75,s.2; 1979,c.220,s.2; 1995,c.370,s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-115 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-115
License fee; season; lift period from Friday noon until Saturday midnight
Status: in_force

Upon application to the commissioner and the payment of a fee of $60.00 for each net, the commissioner may issue, in his discretion, a license permitting the licensee to fish for shad, in the Hudson river, from March 15 to June 15; provided further, however, no net shall be set or put in position and no shad shall be taken during the period from Friday noon until Saturday midnight of each week; provided, however, that any net which has been set prior to Friday noon shall be permitted to remain in position and be lifted at the next high water; provided further, however, that the aforementioned 36-hour lift period shall be the minimum period and the maximum lift period shall be at the discretion of the commissioner. Amended by L.1941, c. 26, p. 53, s. 1; L.1941, c. 334, p. 891, s. 1, eff. Aug. 4, 1941; L.1975, c. 116, s. 14, eff. June 3, 1975; L.1979, c. 199, s. 71, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-9
Actions forbidden on property under State control; penalty.
Status: in_force

1. a. With respect to or on property under the control of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, no person may: (1) remove or disturb any vegetation, soil, water, minerals, or other property of the State; (2) litter, dump, or discard refuse of any kind; (3) cause injury or damage to any equipment, structure, building, or other property; or (4) use such property contrary to rules or regulations established by the division. b. (1) If a person violates any provision of subsection a. of this section, the division may institute a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for injunctive relief to prohibit and prevent the violation and the court may proceed in a summary manner. (2) (a) A person who violates any provision of subsection a. of this section shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $1,500, plus restitution if applicable, for each offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.) or in any case before a court of competent jurisdiction wherein injunctive relief has been requested, except that any violation involving a vehicle or off-road vehicle shall be subject to the provisions of sections 33 and 34 of P.L.2009, c.275 (C.39:3C-33 and C.39:3C-34) and any fees or fines collected thereunder shall be subject to the provisions of R.S.23:10-3. The Superior Court and municipal courts shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine violations of subsection a. of this section. If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. If the violation results in pecuniary gain to the violator, or the violator willfully or wantonly causes injury or damage to property, including but not limited to natural resources, the violator shall be liable to an additional civil penalty equal to three times the value of the pecuniary gain or injury or damage to property. As used in this subparagraph, "vehicle" and "off-road vehicle" shall have the meanings prescribed for those respective terms in section 32 of P.L.2009, c.275 (C.39:3C-32). (b) In addition, for each subsequent violation, all license certificates required, and all privileges, to take or possess wildlife shall be suspended for a period of five years. A license certificate or privilege suspended pursuant to this subparagraph shall not be reinstated until the holder thereof has first completed, to the satisfaction of the Division of Fish 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). (3) Penalties assessed pursuant to this subsection shall be in addition to any other civil or criminal penalties that may be applicable pursuant to law. L.1954, c.38, s.1; (title amended 1956, c.30, s.1; 1964, c.79, s.1) amended 1956, c.30, s.2; 1964, c.79, s.2; 1970, c.317; 1990, c.29, s.7; 2005, c.330, s.2; 2009, c.275, s.37.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-3
Fishing through ice
Status: in_force

No person shall take or attempt to take a fish from any of the waters of this State by any means or in any manner through an opening in the ice in these waters, or beneath the ice, prohibited by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, no person shall take or attempt to take a fish from any of the waters of this State by a line with hooks attached thereto, or by any other device, net or tackle operated through an opening in the ice in these waters, or drawn beneath the ice, excepting that: a. Carp and suckers may be taken through or under the ice by the means, in the manner and during the period, prescribed by said code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, with a net through or under the ice between December first and March first next ensuing in each year; b. Suckers may be taken through the ice by the means and during the period prescribed by said code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, by means of hooks directly attached to a rigid handle, the hooks not to exceed three in number, between December first and March first; c. Pike perch, pike and pickerel may be taken through the ice by the means and during the period prescribed by said code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, in the manner known as angling with hand lines or with rod and line, between the first Saturday in January and the last Sunday in January, the number of lines not to exceed ten in number, each of which lines shall not have more than one hook attached. No person shall take, kill, catch or have in possession on one day during such period prescribed by said code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, from the first Saturday in January and the last Sunday in January, more than the number of perch, pike perch or pickerel, permitted by said code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, more than ten in the aggregate of perch and pike perch, and ten in the aggregate of pike and pickerel. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be liable to a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each fish unlawfully taken or possessed. Amended by L.1939, c. 327, s. 2; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1821, s. 68, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-4
Protector, assistant protector and wardens; appointment; compensation
Status: in_force

The division may appoint such number of competent men as may be determined to be necessary, within the limits of available appropriations therefor, and subject to Title 11 of the Revised Statutes, Civil Service, who shall be known as fish and game wardens, with the powers and duties hereinafter enumerated. The division shall designate one of the wardens as the fish and game protector, who shall, under the supervision of the division, have the direction, supervision and control of the other wardens. It shall designate from the whole number of wardens such other supervisory personnel as may be necessary, subject to Title 11 of the Revised Statutes, Civil Service. The compensation of the protector, assistant protectors and wardens shall be the amounts fixed by statute or as otherwise determinable by authority of law. Each warden shall give his entire time to the duties prescribed for wardens and shall not be engaged in any other business or occupation. Amended by L.1953, c. 335, p. 1891, s. 1, eff. July 29, 1953.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-46 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-46
Use of dogs to track wild deer.
Status: in_force

23:4-46. a. No person shall at any time, or for any reason, hunt for, track, search for, seek, capture, or kill a wild deer with a dog. b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section to the contrary, a person permitted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife may use a certified tracking dog on a lead to search for and recover deer lost by a hunter during any hunting season for deer prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code. amended 1957, c.116; 2017, c.302.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-16 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-16
Prohibited hunting practices; penalty.
Status: in_force

23:4-16. a. No person, either in or on a motor vehicle or vehicle of any kind whatsoever, or by the aid or use of a light carried on or attached to a motor vehicle or vehicle of any kind, shall hunt for, pursue, shoot, shoot at, kill, capture, injure or destroy wildlife. b. No person shall use any portable light or lights for the purpose of hunting for any wildlife excepting raccoon and opossum, or other species as provided by the State Game Code. c. No person shall, for the purpose of hunting, taking or killing any wildlife, cast an arrow or discharge any firearm from or across any State, county, municipal, or publicly travelled road or highway. d. (1) No person, except the owner or lessee of the building and persons specifically authorized by him in writing, which writing shall be in the person's possession, shall, for the purpose of hunting, taking or killing any wildlife, have in his possession a loaded firearm while within 450 feet of any occupied building in this State, or of any school playground. (2) No person, except the owner or lessee of the building and persons specifically authorized by him in writing, which writing shall be in the person's possession, shall, for the purpose of hunting, taking or killing any wildlife, have in his possession a nocked arrow while within 150 feet of any occupied building in this State, or within 450 feet of any school playground, and a nocked arrow shall only be cast when a person is in an elevated position so that any arrow is aimed in a downward angle. (3) For the purposes of this subsection, "occupied building" means any building constructed or adapted for overnight accommodation of a person, or for operating a business or engaging in an activity therein, whether or not a person is actually present. e. A person who violates subsection a., b., or c. of this section shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $200 for the first offense, and not less than $200 nor more than $500 for each subsequent offense. A person who violates subsection d. of this section shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $300 for the first offense, and not less than $300 nor more than $1500 and permanent revocation of all license certificates required, and all privileges, to take or possess wildlife for each subsequent offense. amended 1939, c.252; 1946, c.171; 1957, c.44; 1967, c.172; 1971, c.252, s.2; 1979, c.385, s.4; 1990, c.29, s.2; 2010, c.53.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7A-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7A / Section 7A-3
Violations, penalties
Status: in_force

3. a. The Director of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife may institute a civil action in the Superior Court for injunctive and other relief for a violation of this act, and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner. b. A person who violates this act shall be guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense. c. A person who violates this act shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $500 for each offense, to be collected in a summary proceeding under "the penalty enforcement law," N.J.S. 2A:58-1 et seq. The Superior Court and the municipal court for the municipality in which the violation occurred shall have jurisdiction to enforce "the penalty enforcement law." d. For the purposes of subsections b. and c. of this section, if the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. e. In addition to bringing a civil action for injunctive relief or any other relief provided by law, a person who is adversely affected by a violation of this act may bring a civil action for damages, including punitive damages and special damages, against the violator. Special damages may include, but need not be limited to, expenditures of the affected person for license and permit fees, travel expenses, guide fees and expenses, and the cost of special equipment and supplies, to the extent any such expenditures were rendered futile by the action or activities of the violator. L.1993,c.11,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-15
Division of fish, game and wildlife; fish and game council; continuance of functions, powers and duties
Status: in_force

a. The Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries is continued and constituted as the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection. Except as otherwise provided by this act, all the functions, powers and duties of the existing Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries, and the director, thereof, are continued in the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife and the director thereof, and whenever the term "Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries" occurs or any reference is made thereto in any law, contract or document, the same shall be deemed or mean to refer to the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. b. The Fish and Game Council, together with all its functions, powers and duties, is continued as the Fish and Game Council in the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection. L.1979, c. 199, s. 74, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-17 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-17
Fishing at night for certain fish prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall take, in any manner, any trout, bass, pike perch, pike or pickerel during such hours as is prohibited by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, between nine o'clock in the evening and daylight of the morning following, under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each fish so taken. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1824, s. 72, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-63.7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-63.7
Disposal of dead wildlife by authorized personnel
Status: in_force

Except as provided in R.S. 23:4-23, nothing contained in the provisions of this Title shall be construed so as to prohibit or limit the disposal, by State or municipal police officers, or by personnel authorized thereby, of any wild bird, animal, fowl, or fur-bearing animal found dead on or along any public highway or on any private property, upon request of the owner thereof. L.1979, c. 304, s. 2, eff. Jan. 17, 1980.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-25 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-25
Dogs; running at large; training; carrying firearms into woods or fields; exceptions
Status: in_force

The owner, lessee or custodian of a dog found running at large in the woods or fields, shall be liable to a penalty of $20.00 for each offense; provided, however, that the occupant of a farm may permit his dog to run at large on the land he occupies, except during the open season for deer. The owner, lessee or custodian of a dog may go into the woods or fields with the dog without firearms for the purpose of exercising or training it in daylight at any time, except during the open season for deer, provided that on State public shooting and fishing grounds or wildlife management areas such exercising or training may be restricted to designated areas, and raccoon dogs may be trained between the hours of sunset and sunrise for a period of 4 weeks prior to the last week preceding the opening of the raccoon season unless prescribed otherwise by the Fish and Game Code. The penalty for violation of this section shall be $20.00 for each offense. Any person going into the woods or fields with a firearm, except during the open seasons for the taking of birds and animals as prescribed by law or by the Fish and Game Code, shall be liable to a penalty of $20.00 for each offense; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to the killing of crows, yellow-headed redwinged, bi-colored redwinged, tri-colored redwinged, Rusty and Brewer's blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, woodchuck and vermin other than birds, which may be taken in any manner and at any time of the year, when in the act of destroying poultry, crops or property. Amended by L.1946, c. 103, p. 326, s. 1; L.1947, c. 319, p. 1043, s. 1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1810, s. 50; L.1950, c. 86, p. 154, s. 3; L.1970, c. 316, s. 1, eff. Dec. 21, 1970; L.1979, c. 212, s. 1, eff. Sept. 28, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-6.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-6.1
Prohibitions relative to products, parts of certain species; exceptions; rules, regulations; definitions.
Status: in_force

6. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 6 of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-6) or any other law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, no person shall possess, transport, import, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship, and no common or contract carrier shall knowingly transport or receive for shipment any part or product of: (1) any specified African species; or (2) any species or subspecies of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, pangolin, marine turtle, or ray listed in Appendix I or Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. b. The following exceptions and defenses shall apply to the prohibition in subsection a. of this section: (1) the part or product was lawfully possessed within the State prior to the effective date of P.L.2016, c.6 (C.23:2A-6.1 et al.); (2) the part or product is being used or displayed for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes; (3) the part or product is conveyed directly to a devisee, heir, or beneficiary, provided that the part or product was lawfully possessed by the decedent prior to the effective date of this section; or (4) the person lawfully possesses any ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product in compliance with section 3 of P.L.2014, c.22 (C.23:2A-13.3). c. The department may 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. d. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a person violating this section from also being liable for any applicable violation of P.L.2014, c.22 (C.23:2A-13.1 et seq.), R.S.23:4-27, or any other State law, rule, or regulation. e. As used in this section: "Beneficiary" has the same meaning as that term is defined in N.J.S.3B:1-1. "Devisee" has the same meaning as that term is defined in N.J.S.3B:1-1. "Heir" has the same meaning as that term is defined in N.J.S.3B:1-1.
"Specified African species" means the following species of wildlife: (1) African elephant (Loxodonta Africana); (2) African leopard (Panthera pardus); (3) African lion (Panthera leo); (4) black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis); and (5) white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). L.2016, c.6, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-4
Common rights to fish
Status: in_force

The inhabitants of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and of the state of New Jersey shall have and enjoy a common right of fishery throughout, in and over the waters of the Delaware river above and below Trenton falls, between low-water mark on each side of said river between said states except so far as either state may have heretofore granted valid and subsisting private right of fishery.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.8
Effective date
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect on January 1, 1955. L.1954, c. 57, p. 407, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-63.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-63.5
Right to use mechanical devices to repel marauding birds and other wildlife
Status: in_force

1. Any provision of law or municipal ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding, any owner of lands used for agricultural purposes, shall pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, have the right to use certain noise making and other mechanical devices, including non-lethal propane-powered noise making devices, intended to scare or repel marauding birds or other wildlife so as to prevent the damage and destruction of crops and other property. L.1963, c.37, s.1; amended 2019, c.19, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-1
Open season for certain fish; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall catch, take, kill or have in possession any: a. Black bass, Oswego bass, white bass, rock bass, calico bass or crappie, except during such period as prescribed by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, except from June fifteenth to November thirtieth, or b. Trout or landlocked salmon, except during such period as prescribed by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, except from April fifteenth to July fifteenth, and from September first to September thirtieth; provided, however, no person shall catch, take, kill or have in their possession any trout or landlocked salmon mentioned in this paragraph on the first day of any open season before eight ante meridian, or c. Pike perch, pike or pickerel, except during such period as prescribed by the respective provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, except from May twentieth to November thirtieth and from the first Saturday in January to the last Sunday in January, or Angle in the streams stocked with trout with fly, bait or lure during such period as prohibited therefor by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, between the first day of March and April fourteenth, both dates inclusive; Under a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each fish so unlawfully caught, taken, killed or had in possession or for the attempt to catch, take or kill any such fish, or for any other violation of this section. Amended by L.1939, c. 327, s. 1; L.1946, c. 47, p. 105, s. 1; L.1947, c. 48, p. 165, s. 1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1820, s. 67, eff. April 1, 1949.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-13.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-13.2
Definitions relative to ivory trafficking.
Status: in_force

2. As used in this act: "Ivory" means any tooth or tusk composed of ivory from any animal, including, but not limited to, an elephant, hippopotamus, mammoth, narwhal, walrus, or whale, or any piece thereof, whether raw ivory or worked ivory, or made into, or part of, an ivory product. "Ivory product" means any item that contains, or that is wholly or partially made from, any ivory. "Raw ivory" means any ivory the surface of which, polished or unpolished, is unaltered or minimally changed by carving. "Rhinoceros horn" means the horn, or any piece thereof, of any species of rhinoceros. "Rhinoceros horn product" means any item that contains, or is wholly or partially made from, any rhinoceros horn. "Total value of the ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros horn products" means the fair market value of the ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros horn products, or the actual price paid for the ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros products, whichever is greater. "Worked ivory" means ivory that has been embellished, carved, marked, or otherwise altered so that it can no longer be considered raw ivory. L.2014, c.22, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-17 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-17
Pending actions or proceedings; preexisting orders, rules and regulations
Status: in_force

This act shall not affect, impair or invalidate any action or proceeding, civil or criminal, brought by or against the department, pending on the effective date of this act, and all such actions or proceedings may and shall be continued to final judgment, decree or decision, as if the foregoing provisions had not taken effect; nor shall this act affect orders, rules and regulations heretofore made, promulgated or issued by the department or other matters or proceedings pending before the department on the effective date of this act. Such orders, rules, regulations, matters or proceedings shall continue in full force and effect until amended or repealed pursuant to law. L.1979, c. 199, s. 76, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-76 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-76
New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp.
Status: in_force

2. a. No person over the age of 16 shall at any time hunt, pursue, kill, take, possess, or attempt to take with a firearm, bow and arrow, or any other method any ducks, geese, brant, or other waterfowl without procuring a New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp, as hereinafter provided, in addition to any other licenses or permits required under Title 23 of the Revised Statutes. b. The stamp issued pursuant to this act shall be designated the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp, shall be required to be in the possession of any person engaged in hunting, pursuing, killing, taking, possessing, or attempting to take with a firearm, bow and arrow, or any other method any ducks, geese, brant, or other waterfowl, and shall be exhibited upon the request of any conservation police officer, deputy conservation police officer, or other law enforcement official. c. This section shall not apply to any person engaged in hunting, pursuing, killing, taking, possessing, or attempting to take captive-reared mallard ducks, properly marked in accordance with federal regulations, on a commercial shooting preserve. L.1983, c.504, s.2; amended 1992, c.210, s.1; 2019, c.407, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-3
Definitions.
Status: in_force

3. For the purposes of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.), unless the context clearly requires a different meaning: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection; "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection; "Endangered species" means any species or subspecies of wildlife whose prospects of survival or recruitment are in jeopardy or are likely within the foreseeable future to become so due to any of the following factors: (1) the destruction, drastic modification, or severe curtailment of its habitat, or (2) its over-utilization for scientific, commercial or sporting purposes, or (3) the effect on it of disease, pollution, or predation, or (4) other natural or manmade factors affecting its prospects of survival or recruitment within the State, or (5) any combination of the foregoing factors. The term shall also be deemed to include any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on any federal endangered species list; "Nongame species" means any wildlife for which a legal hunting or trapping season has not been established or which has not been classified as an endangered species by statute or regulation of this State; "Take" means to harass, hunt, capture, kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, wildlife; "Wildlife" means any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, crustacean or other wild animal or any part, product, egg or offspring or the dead body or parts thereof. L.1973, c.309, s.3; amended 1981, c.281, s.1; 2016, c.6, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-3
Bag limit for migratory birds to conform to federal regulations
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to capture, kill, injure, destroy or have in possession in any one day, any wild ducks, geese, brant, sora, woodcock, coots (commonly known as crow duck), rails (including marsh hens and gallinules), Wilson snipe or jacksnipe, except and in accordance with the bag limits fixed for such birds by the regulations of the United States bureau of biological survey, made under the provisions of an act of congress relating to migratory birds, under a penalty of twenty dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-38.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-38.3
Violations; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person violating the provisions of section 3 of this act shall be subject to a fine of not more than $50.00 for each offense and to the forfeiture of his license to trap. L.1971, c. 405, s. 4. Amended by L.1984, c. 37, s. 9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-39 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-39
§ 23:3-39
Status: in_force

A person violating any of the provisions of sections 23:3-28 to 23:3-38 of this title shall be liable to a penalty of not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-9
Investigation of suspected violators
Status: in_force

Whenever the department has cause to believe that any person is violating any provision of this act, or a rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this act, the department shall cause a prompt investigation to be made in connection therewith. L.1973, c. 309, s. 9, eff. Dec. 14, 1973.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-4
§ 23:10-4
Status: in_force

Proceedings under this chapter may be instituted on any day of the week including Sunday and process may be served on Sunday.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-61 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-61
Effective date
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect January first, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-three. L.1952, c. 328, p. 1053, s. 5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-1
§ 23:8-1
Status: in_force

The board may purchase suitable lands and erect buildings thereon in this state for the purpose of propagating game and fish. The lands and buildings shall be in charge of competent persons who shall, from time to time, engage, with the permission of the board, any additional help that may be necessary. The compensation of the head gamekeeper and the superintendent of the hatchery shall be fixed by the board in accordance with the schedules provided by the state civil service commission. All expenses incurred in carrying out this section shall be paid by the state treasurer on warrants of the state comptroller on bills properly approved by the board, out of the receipts of the board received through it.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24.3
Baited area defined
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this act, "baited area" shall mean the presence of placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered agricultural products, salt, or other edible lure whatsoever capable of attracting, or enticing such birds or animals. Growing and unharvested crops shall not be considered baiting or feeding game birds or game animals. L.1970, c. 180, s. 2, eff. Aug. 13, 1970.