N.J. Stat. § 23:5-44 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-44
Definitions
Status: in_force

2. As used in this act: a. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1985, c.211). b. "Marine waters" means all the salt waters of this State, including the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and all bays, inlets and estuarine waters located below the freshwater portion of any river, stream or creek, but shall not include any of the freshwaters of this State as defined in R.S.23:1-2; c. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1985, c.211). d. "Spearfishing" means the taking of striped bass by means of a spear, harpoon, or other missile, while the swimmer is completely submerged in marine waters, but shall not include the use of blinding lights for the purpose of spearing striped bass, or spears, harpoons or other missiles with exploding heads; e. "Striped bass" means a game fish of the species "Morone saxatilis" commonly referred to as rockfish, rock or striper. L.1983,c.506,s.2; amended 1985,c.211,s.1; 1990,c.5,s.1; 1994,c.26,s.1; 1995,c.107,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-21 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-21
Establishing the New Jersey Invasive Species Council.
Status: in_force

5. a. There is established in the department a New Jersey Invasive Species Council. The council shall consist of 19 members as follows: (1) the Commissioner of Environmental Protection or the commissioner's designee, who shall serve ex-officio; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture or the secretary's designee, who shall serve ex-officio; (3) the State Treasurer or the treasurer's designee, who shall serve ex-officio; (4) the Commissioner of Transportation or the commissioner's designee, who shall serve ex-officio; (5) the Commissioner of Health, or the commissioner's designee, who shall serve ex-officio; (6) the State Forester designated pursuant to section 17 of P.L.1983, c.324 (C.13:1L-17), who shall serve ex-officio; and (7) 13 members of the public, appointed by the Governor no later than 60 days after the effective date of this act, as follows: (a) two representatives from environmental organizations involved in protecting native plants and animals; (b) two representatives from the food agricultural sector; (c) two representatives from the landscape industry; (d) two representatives from the nursery industry; (e) two representatives of New Jersey higher education institutions with a demonstrated knowledge of plant or animal invasive species; (f) one representative from a county park system; (g) one representative involved in urban ecosystems; and (h) one member of the general public with knowledge or experience of invasive species. b. The council shall meet at such times and places as may be determined by its chairperson, who shall be designated by the Governor and who shall be jointly recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture as having knowledge and expertise concerning invasive species issues. A majority of the council's authorized membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of council business, and action may be taken, at any council meeting, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present who are in good standing. c. The council may consult with any organization, educational institution, or governmental agency, including, but not limited to, the United States Department of the Interior, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the National Invasive Species Council, the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University. d. Each of the 13 members appointed by the Governor shall serve for a term of three years. Upon the expiration of an appointed member's term, the member may continue in their post and shall be deemed to be a member in good standing, until a successor is appointed, pursuant to this section, and is sworn into office. A public member in good standing may be reappointed to the council following the expiration of the member's term. A public member who is not in good standing may be removed from the council, for cause, on that basis. e. Any vacancy in the membership of the council shall be filled, within six months after the date on which the vacancy occurs, in the same manner provided for the initial appointments. f. Members of the council shall not be entitled to compensation but may be reimbursed for travel and other necessary expenses incurred thereby in the performance of their duties, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the council's purposes. g. The council, upon the call of the chairperson, shall hold an organizational meeting as soon as practicable following the appointment of a majority of its authorized membership pursuant to this act and shall meet at the call of the chairperson or at least on a quarterly basis thereafter. h. The council shall develop its own rules of order. i. The council shall establish subcommittees as appropriate to address issues such as product review, ecosystem impacts, and the conditional use of prohibited species. j. Before issuing a formal recommendation to the departments, the council shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on the council's draft recommendations. k. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture shall provide staff support to the council, and the council shall also be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available for its purposes. L.2025, c.290, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9A-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9A / Section 9A-2
Misuse of weapon while hunting; penalty
Status: in_force

A person engaged in hunting, fishing, trapping, or taking wildlife who shoots or discharges a firearm, bow and arrow, or other weapon in a careless manner or without due caution and circumspection shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 and the suspension of all license certificates, and all privileges, to take or possess wildlife for a period of two years, in addition to any suspension required under the authority of R.S.23:3-22. A license certificate or privilege suspended pursuant to this section shall not be reinstated until the holder thereof has first completed, to the satisfaction of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, the approved remedial sportsmen education program established and conducted by the division pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1990, c.29 (C.23:3-22.3). L.1990,c.29,s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-6
Manner and means of fishing for game fish; fine
Status: in_force

No person shall catch or fish for any game fish or any sunfish or any white or yellow perch in any part of the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls with any device or by any means or method whatsoever, except with such devices or by such means or method as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if none are so prescribed, then except with rods and lines or hand lines, commonly called dipsey or throw lines, each having not more than 9 hooks, or with trolling lines with spoon or artificial bait having not more than 3 burrs of 3 hooks attached. The number of rods and lines, or the number of trolling lines shall not exceed such numbers as shall be prescribed in said code, or if none are so prescribed, then they shall not exceed 2 of 1 or the other device named. Any person violating any provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of $20.00. Amended by L.1955, c. 99, p. 550, s. 1, eff. June 24, 1955.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.9 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.9
Special limited fishing licenses; issuance; fee
Status: in_force

The Director of the Division of Fish and Game in the Department of Conservation and Economic Development may issue special limited licenses authorizing designated persons or members of an organized group of patients of a duly organized hospital or home, to fish in a specified place or places on a designated date or dates, when such persons or groups are properly escorted and supervised and such activity is part of a program of therapy, rehabilitation or recreation approved by the hospital or home. Special limited fishing licenses shall be issued upon application therefor made to the Division of Fish and Game in accordance with rules and regulations to be issued by the director. No fee shall be charged for such license or for the issuance thereof. L.1958, c. 48, p. 156, s. 1, eff. May 26, 1958.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-4
Marine Fisheries Council.
Status: in_force

4. There is hereby created in the department a Marine Fisheries Council, which shall consist of 11 members, nine of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, of whom four shall represent and be knowledgeable of the interests of sports fishermen, two shall be active commercial fin fishermen, one shall be an active fish processor, and two shall represent the general public; the other two members shall be the chairmen of the two sections of the Shellfisheries Council. Of the nine members first to be appointed by the Governor, three shall be appointed for a term of one year, three for a term of two years, and three for a term of three years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be made for terms of three years. All appointed members shall serve after the expiration of their terms until their respective successors are appointed and shall qualify, and any vacancy occurring in the appointed membership of the council, by expiration of term or otherwise, shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term only, notwithstanding that the previous incumbent may have held over and continued in office as aforesaid. The Governor may remove any member of the council for cause upon notice and opportunity to be heard. Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for expenses actually incurred in attending meetings of the council and in the performance of their duties as members thereof. The Governor shall appoint a chairman, from the citizen members of the council, who shall serve at the Governor's pleasure. Six members of the council shall constitute a quorum to transact its business. L.1979, c.199, s.4; amended 2007, c.338, s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-45.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-45.2
Closed season for striped bass, except Atlantic Ocean
Status: in_force

a. No person may take, or attempt to take, or have in his possession, any striped bass from any waters of the State, except the Atlantic Ocean, from January 1 through February 28 of each year. b. The department shall, by regulation adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), implement a closed season for the striped bass spawning area of the Delaware river during the spawning period. L.1990,c.5,s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-7.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-7.1
"Wildlife Corridor Action Plan," definitions.
Status: in_force

1. a. As used in this section: "Action plan" means the "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan" developed pursuant to subsection b. of this section. "Crossing project" means a project within a wildlife corridor that incorporates additional measures into a transportation project, which measures promote motor vehicle driver safety and wildlife habitat connectivity and are conducive to wildlife quality of life and safety. "Transportation project" means a project involving roadways, bridges, or culverts that has been included in the State's Annual Transportation Capital Program. "Transportation project" shall not include maintenance or repair projects. "Wildlife corridor" means a swath of land proximate to wildlife populations along which wildlife may move freely without significant risk of injury or death from motor vehicles or undue interference due to other man-made barriers. b. No later than 36 months after the effective date of this act, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation shall jointly develop a "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan," based on the requirements outlined in subsection c. of this section, which shall be updated at least every 10 years. No later than 60 days after the completion of the development of the plan, and any update or revision thereto, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation shall prepare and submit to the Governor, and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature, a summary of the "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." c. The "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan" shall: (1) identify wildlife corridors, wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots, and existing or planned barriers to wildlife movement along these corridors; (2) identify and recommend criteria for crossing projects to promote motor vehicle driver safety and wildlife connectivity with natural and wildlife areas conducive to quality of life and safety for wildlife; (3) use relevant State databases and complement and incorporate existing conservation strategies developed in the State, including, but not limited to, any State wildlife action plans and the Department of Environmental Protection's "Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey" project (NJ CHANJ); (4) consider the impact of transportation projects on wildlife corridors and recommend strategies to mitigate threats to wildlife and wildlife corridors by modifying and incorporating safety measures into transportation projects; and (5) coordinate action between the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, other State agencies and independent authorities, federal agencies, and national and State conservation, environment, and wildlife groups and organizations to maximize the effectiveness and safety of wildlife corridors. d. No later than 36 months after the "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan" is submitted to the Governor and the Legislature, pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the Department of Transportation shall review the plan and identify and recommend crossing projects that, to the extent feasible, may be incorporated into a transportation project. The Department of Transportation shall not identify and recommend crossing projects for inclusion in any transportation project that has surpassed the concept development phase, the selection of a preferred alternative, or an equivalent milestone since the enactment of P.L.2025, c.77 (C.23:2A-7.1). e. While developing the action plan pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation may call upon the advice and services of other State agencies and independent authorities, federal agencies, and national and State conservation, environment, or wildlife groups and organizations. While reviewing the plan pursuant to subsection d. of this section, the Department of Transportation may call upon the advice and services of other State agencies and independent authorities, federal agencies, and national and State conservation, environment, or wildlife groups and organizations. L.2025, c.77.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-12
Enforcement of marine management statutes, rules and regulations; duties and training of marine police; reports
Status: in_force

The marine police shall devote a sufficient number of hours and sufficient resources to the enforcement of the marine management statutes and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto to assure compliance therewith. The chief administrative officer of the marine fisheries program and of the marine police shall jointly work out an effective marine fisheries enforcement program. The two chief administrative officers shall periodically report to the Marine Fisheries Council on enforcement activities, whether completed, underway or contemplated. Each marine policeman shall be trained for a minimum of one full work week on marine resources management procedures during his first year on the job and for a minimum of one working day every year thereafter. L.1979, c. 199, s. 13, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-77 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-77
Procurement; fee for New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp
Status: in_force

3. The New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp shall be procured from the Division of Fish and Wildlife, or from other designated agents deemed qualified by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, unless modified pursuant to section 2 of this act. The annual fee for the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp shall be $15 for persons without a valid New Jersey resident's firearm hunting or bow and arrow license, and $10 for persons possessing a valid New Jersey resident's firearm hunting or bow and arrow license. A New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp shall not be valid unless it is in the possession of the licensee and contains the signature of the licensee written in ink across the face of the stamp. All New Jersey Waterfowl Stamps shall expire on June 30 of each year, unless otherwise prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code. Any person may procure the $10 and $15 New Jersey Waterfowl Stamps at their face value for collection purposes only. L.1983,c.504,s.3; amended 1992, c.210, s.2; 1996, c.43,s.1; 2021, c.291, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-19 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-19
Definitions.
Status: in_force

3. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. "Council" means the New Jersey Invasive Species Council established by section 5 of this act. "Conditional use waiver" means an authorization issued by the Department of Environmental Protection that provides for a limited, specified use of a prohibited invasive species, which would otherwise be prohibited pursuant to the provisions of section 4 of this act. "Cultivar" means a variety of plant that has been specifically cultivated by humans, through artificial selection, in order to produce particular traits. "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection. "Departments" means both the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture. "Introduction" means the placement, release, or escape of a non-native species into a new geographical area. "Invasive species" means, with regard to a particular ecosystem, a non-native organism whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal, or plant health. "Non-native species" means, with respect to a particular ecosystem, an organism, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that occurs outside of its natural range. "Prohibited invasive species" means an invasive species whose introduction causes, or may cause, substantial economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, or substantially threatens, or may threaten, natural resources or the use of natural resources in the State, which species has been listed in section 4 of this act or the rules and regulations adopted by the department to implement this act. "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture. L.2025, c.290, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-2
Legislative findings; state policy
Status: in_force

a. The Legislature hereby finds that: (1) The fisheries resources of the State make a material contribution to our economy and food supply, as well as to the health, recreation, and well-being of our citizens; and, (2) The fisheries resources of the State are a living, renewable form of wealth capable of being maintained and greatly increased with proper management, but equally capable of destruction if neglected or unwisely exploited. b. It is hereby declared to be the policy of this State to: (1) Provide an organizational framework that will permit the State to manage more effectively its fisheries resources with the following objectives: (a) The conservation of fisheries resources and their habitat to promote their continued productivity; (b) The maintenance and enhancement of fisheries resources to support a recreational use where a species is the object of recreational fishing; (c) The maintenance and enhancement of fisheries resources to support a commercial use where a species is the object of commercial fishing; (d) The management, on a basis of scientific information, of the fisheries resources under the State's jurisdiction, and the participation in the management of other fisheries in which New Jersey fishermen are engaged, with the objective of optimum yield; (2) Develop an active and modern commercial fisheries fleet, docks, freezing, processing and marketing facilities; (3) Encourage citizen participation through advisory councils and otherwise, since decisions concerning the distribution and allocation of fisheries resources have important consequences for all citizens of this State; and, (4) Provide for conservation and management measures involving a reciprocal and cooperative relationship among States and between States and the Federal Government, and between States and the fisheries management councils established pursuant to the "Federal Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1976" (16 USC s.s. 1801 to 1882), since many species of fisheries resources travel across state and state-federal boundaries; (5) Develop a viable aquaculture industry in the State, utilizing existing Federal and other programs where appropriate, and necessary supportive infrastructure. L.1979, c. 199, s. 2, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-10
Aquaculture task force; commercial fisheries development task force; members; duties; report
Status: in_force

For a period of 2 years from the effective date of this act the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority and the Director of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall serve on an Aquaculture Task Force to be chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and a Commercial Fisheries Development Task Force to be chaired by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. The task forces shall be assigned to the Governor's office and shall promote the development of aquaculture, of the commercial fisheries industry, and of the commercial aspects of fish products. The task forces shall, to the extent practicable, encourage the growth and expansion of piers and docks, processing and storage facilities, fishing equipment and vessels and marketing facilities and the development of aquaculture, personnel training programs, research, or any other procedures designed to stimulate, expand and promote the commercial fisheries industry and the commercial aspects of recreational fishing and the development of processing and marketing facilities for fish and fish products. The task forces shall define the roles of the various concerned State agencies in carrying out a permanent program to promote the development of an aquaculture program and of a commercial fisheries industry. The task forces shall report to the Governor and Legislature on their findings and conclusions, and shall recommend whatever legislative changes are necessary for a permanent program prior to the termination of the 2-year period. L.1979, c. 199, s. 10, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-3
Stocking with fish, birds and game restricted to certain places
Status: in_force

The board may stock with fish, birds and game only such lands and waters of the state as are open to all anglers and hunters holding a hunting and fishing license issued by the board, or that are specifically designated as public sanctuaries closed to all fishing or hunting. The board may stock with fish any body of water in this state that is under the control of and for the use of such organizations known as the Boy Scouts, Young Men's Christian Association, Young Women's Christian Association or other similar public organizations, but only during the time such camps are in operation.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-63.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-63.4
Violations; penalties
Status: in_force

2. a. If any person violates any provision of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3), or any permit issued or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, the Department of Environmental Protection 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 the action in a summary manner. b. (1) Any person who violates subsection a. or subsection b. of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3), or any permit issued or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $500 for the first offense, and not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for any subsequent offense. (2) Any person who violates subsection c. of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3), or any permit issued or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 for the first offense, and not less than $500 nor more than $2,000 for any subsequent offense. (3) Any person who violates subsection d. or subsection e. of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3), or any permit issued or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $2,500 for the first offense, and not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for any subsequent offense. (4) The owner or operator of any pet shop that violates subsection f. of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3) shall be liable to a civil penalty of up to $100 for each offense. (5) Civil penalties established pursuant to this subsection may 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 pursuant to subsection a. of this section, and shall be remitted as provided pursuant to R.S.23:10-19. The Superior Court and municipal court shall have jurisdiction to enforce the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999." (6) For the purposes of this subsection, each individual indigenous animal, exotic animal, potentially dangerous indigenous animal, or potentially dangerous exotic animal unlawfully possessed or released shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense, except in the case of the unlawful possession or release of the eggs of an amphibian, fish, mollusk, or crustacean, each egg mass shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense. c. In addition to liability for any civil penalties established pursuant to subsection b. of this section, any person who violates any provision of subsection d. or subsection e. of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3), or any permit issued or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall also be liable to pay all reasonable costs incurred by the department or any other State or local government entity in eradicating or controlling the unlawfully released potentially dangerous indigenous animal or potentially dangerous exotic animal, as the case may be, and their progeny if any. d. The department is hereby authorized and empowered to compromise and settle any claim for a penalty or costs which may be assessed pursuant to subsection b. or subsection c. of this section in such amount in the discretion of the department as may appear appropriate and equitable under all of the circumstances. e. (1) Any person who purposely or knowingly violates subsection e. of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3) shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree. (2) Any person who recklessly or negligently violates subsection e. of section 1 of P.L.1962, c.127 (C.23:4-63.3) shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. (3) For the purposes of this subsection, each individual potentially dangerous exotic animal unlawfully released shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense, except in the case of the unlawful possession or release of the eggs of an amphibian, fish, mollusk, or crustacean, each egg mass shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense. L.1962,c.127,s.2; amended 1973, c.167; 2002, c.122, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-21.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-21.1
Pointed, metal tipped arrow, prohibition under certain circumstances.
Status: in_force

1. Any person who directly or indirectly sells, gives or furnishes to a minor under 16 years of age, other than the holder of a valid bow and arrow hunting license or an apprentice bow and arrow license issued pursuant to R.S. 23:3-4, any pointed or metal tipped arrow, except one designed solely for target use, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. L.1958, c.27, s.1; amended 2015, c.83, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.18 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.18
Reporting procedures and methods.
Status: in_force

14. a. The Department of Environmental Protection shall, in cooperation with the Marine Fisheries Council, establish reporting procedures and methods which allow a person to comply with all reporting requirements pursuant to P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.) in a hard copy paper form to be submitted by fax or mailed via the United States Postal Service or other hard copy delivery service. The department shall also make available by fax and mail via the United States Postal Service or other hard copy delivery service any forms or other documents necessary for meeting reporting requirements pursuant to P.L.2013, c.74. b. The reporting procedures and methods required to be established pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be in addition to any electronic reporting procedures and methods established and provided by the department. A person may comply with reporting requirements pursuant to P.L.2013, c.74 by electing at the person's discretion to use the hard copy paper form or electronic form of reporting. L.2014, c.47, s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-10
Division's monthly return to state treasurer
Status: in_force

On or before the twentieth day of each month the Division of Fish and Game shall send to the State Treasurer all fees received by it for licenses reported issued by clerks and agents during the preceding month. The division shall retain the original reports of the agents and clerks, also the spoiled license blanks and corresponding buttons or tags until such time as the State Auditor shall have made an audit of the account, and, thereafter, may destroy such reports and spoiled license blanks and corresponding buttons or tags. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 712, s. 5; L.1948, c. 151, p. 880, s. 1; L.1951, c. 226, p. 801, s. 9, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-1.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-1.1
Littering prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A person entering the lands of another for the purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, or taking wildlife, or attempting to hunt, fish, trap, or take wildlife, who litters, dumps, or discards refuse of any kind shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense. L.1990,c.29,s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-11
Severability
Status: in_force

If any provision of this act or rule or regulation adopted hereunder or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the act or rule or regulation and the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby. L.1973, c. 309, s. 11, eff. Dec. 14, 1973.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-23 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-23
Prohibition on sale, possession of shark fins; exceptions; violations, penalties.
Status: in_force

1. a. No person shall: (1) sell, trade, or distribute, or offer for sale any shark fin; or (2) possess any shark fin that has been separated from a shark prior to its lawful landing. The burden of proof shall be on the person in possession of the shark fin to demonstrate that it was not separated from the shark prior to its lawful landing. b. (1) The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall not apply to: (a) any lawfully-obtained shark fin possessed, sold, traded, distributed, or offered for sale for scientific research or educational purposes; or (b) any lawfully-obtained smooth dogfish or spiny dogfish fin. (2) A commercial or recreational fisherman may possess shark fins from sharks that they have lawfully-obtained in a manner consistent with licenses or permits issued to the commercial or recreational fisherman. c. (1) Whenever, on the basis of available information, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection finds that a person is in violation of the provisions of subsection a. of this section, or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, the commissioner: (a) shall levy a civil administrative penalty in accordance with subsection d. of this section; and (b) upon a person's third or subsequent violation of the provisions of subsection a. of this section, may petition the Attorney General to bring a criminal action in accordance with subsection e. of this section. (2) A violation of the provisions of subsection a. of this section by a person or business holding a license or permit issued to a commercial or recreational fisherman shall result in the suspension or revocation of that license or permit. d. The commissioner is authorized to assess a civil administrative penalty of not less than $5,000 or more than $15,000 for a first offense under this section, not less than $15,000 or more than $35,000 for a second offense, and not less than $35,000 or more than $55,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Each day during which a violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. Any amount assessed under this subsection shall fall within a range established by rule or regulation by the commissioner for violations of similar type, seriousness, duration and conduct, and shall be based, in part, on the number or weight of shark fins that are the subject of the violation; provided, however, that prior to the adoption of the rule or regulation, the commissioner may, on a case-by-case basis, assess a civil administrative penalty up to the maximum identified in this subsection, utilizing the criteria set forth herein. In addition to any civil administrative penalty assessed under this subsection, and notwithstanding the maximum penalties set forth herein, the commissioner may assess an additional penalty equal to any economic benefits from the violation gained by the violator. Prior to the assessment of a penalty under this subsection, the person committing the violation shall be notified by certified mail or personal service that the penalty is being assessed. The notice shall identify the section of the statute or regulation violated; recite the facts alleged to constitute a violation; state the basis for the amount of the civil penalties to be assessed; and affirm the rights of the alleged violator to a hearing. The ordered party shall have 35 days from receipt of the notice within which to deliver to the commissioner a written request for a hearing. After the hearing, and upon finding that a violation has occurred, the commissioner may issue a final order assessing the amount of the fine specified in the notice. If no hearing is requested, the notice shall become a final order after the expiration of the 35-day period. Payment of the assessment is due when a final order is issued or the notice becomes a final order. The payment of any assessment shall not be deemed to affect the availability of any other enforcement provisions in connection with the violation for which the assessment is levied. The department may compromise any civil administrative penalty assessed under this section in an amount and with conditions the department determines appropriate. A civil administrative penalty assessed, including any portion thereof required to be paid pursuant to a payment schedule approved by the department, which is not paid within 90 days of the date that the payment of the penalty is due, shall be subject to an interest charge on the amount of the penalty, or portion thereof that remains unpaid, which interest shall accrue as of the date payment is due. If the penalty is contested, no additional interest charge shall accrue on the amount of the penalty until 90 days after the date on which a final order is issued. Interest charges assessed and collectible pursuant to this subsection shall be based on the rate of interest on judgments provided in the New Jersey Rules of Court. e. Any person who has been assessed a civil administrative penalty, on two or more occasions, pursuant to subsection d. of this section shall be guilty, upon conviction for a subsequent violation of subsection a. of this section, of a crime of the fourth degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (4) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6 to the contrary, a person convicted under this subsection shall be subject to a term of imprisonment of not more than one year. f. In addition to the penalties imposed under subsections d. and e. of this section, a person who violates the provisions of subsection a. of this section shall be liable to the department for the payment of administrative fees and costs and court costs expended in prosecuting the violation, and for the payment of reasonable attorneys' fees. g. (1) Any shark fins possessed, sold, traded, distributed, or offered for sale in violation of the provisions of subsection a. of this section, or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, and any vessels, vehicles, equipment, or other property utilized in the commission of a second or subsequent violation of subsection a. of this section, or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, may be confiscated, and shall be subject to forfeiture by summary proceeding, instituted by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection in a court of competent jurisdiction. (2) Upon viewing a violation of subsection a. of this section, the department, a conservation officer, or any other law enforcement officer may seize and secure, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, any shark fins, vessels, vehicles, equipment, or other property involved in the violation, and the commissioner shall immediately thereafter give notice of the seizure to the court. (3) In addition to the confiscation procedure identified in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a court may, upon the filing of a verified complaint, issue a warrant directing a conservation officer, or any other law enforcement officer, to: (a) seize, and take into possession, shark fins, vessels, vehicles, equipment, or other property described in the complaint; (b) bring any seized items before the court that issued the warrant; and (c) summon the person named in the warrant, and any other person who may be found in possession of the described items, to appear at the time and place therein specified. (4) If, after a hearing, the court determines that any shark fin seized pursuant to this subsection was possessed, sold, traded, distributed, or offered for sale in violation of the provisions of subsection a. of this section, the shark fin shall be forfeited and, notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, shall be disposed of through destruction. If, after a hearing, the court determines that any other items seized pursuant to this subsection were utilized in the commission of a violation of subsection a. of this section, the items shall be forfeited and disposed of through destruction, donation, or sale, as the court may direct, but no such item shall be sold contrary to the provisions of any law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto. The proceeds of any sale conducted pursuant to this paragraph, less legal costs and charges, shall be paid into the "Endangered and Nongame Species of Wildlife Conservation Fund," established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1981, c.170 (C.54A:9-25.2), to be used for the same purposes as other monies in that fund. h. The department 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 the provisions of this section. i. As used in this section: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection. "Shark" means any species categorized in the Chondrichthyes taxonomic class (cartilaginous fishes), and belonging to the subclass Elasmobranchii, but shall not include any species in the superorder Batoidea (commonly known as a ray or a skate). "Shark fin" means a raw, dried, or otherwise processed fin or tail that has been separated from the body of any species of shark. L.2019, c.285, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-16 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-16
Severability; liberal construction
Status: in_force

If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act and the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby. This act shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purpose and intent thereof. L.1979, c. 199, s. 75, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-13.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-13.1
Clothing; outer garment of fluorescent hunter's orange
Status: in_force

a. Any person while hunting deer, rabbit, hare, squirrel, fox, or game birds, other than waterfowl, with firearms in this State, shall wear a cap of fluorescent hunter's orange or some other outer garment containing at least 200 square inches of fluorescent hunter's orange material which shall be visible from all sides. The penalty for violation of this section shall be $50.00 for each offense. b. "Hunter's orange" means a daylight fluorescent orange color with a dominant wave length between 595 and 605 nanometers, excitation purity not less than 85%, and luminance factor of not less than 40%. L.1973, c. 169, s. 1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-20 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-20
Prohibited invasive species.
Status: in_force

4. a. The following species shall be considered prohibited invasive species: (1) Norway maple (Acer platanoides); (2) tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima); (3) mimosa tree or Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin); (4) porcelain berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata); (5) Japanese angelica tree (Aralia elata); (6) Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii); (7) Japanese clematis (Clematis terniflora); (8) autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata); (9) weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula); (10) winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus); (11) English ivy (Hedera helix); (12) Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus); (13) European privet (Ligustrum vulgare); (14) Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii); (15) Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii); (16) purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria); (17) Japanese crabapple (Malus toringo); (18) Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis); (19) Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum); (20) Oriental photinia (Photinia villosa); (21) Callery or Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana); (22) common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica); (23) jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens); (24) multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora); (25) European water chestnut (Trapa natans); (26) Siebold's arrowwood (Viburnum sieboldii); (27) Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda); (28) Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis); (29) sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata); (30) running bamboo (Phyllostachys); and (31) any additional species formally listed, in rules and regulations adopted by the department pursuant to section 7 of this act, as a prohibited invasive species. b. Commencing on the first day of the 13th month next following the effective date of this act, no person shall propagate a prohibited invasive species in this State, or import or otherwise introduce a prohibited invasive species into this State, without a written conditional use waiver issued pursuant to this act. c. Commencing on the first day of the 49th month next following the effective date of this act, except as provided under P.L.1963, c.29 (C.4:8-17.13 et seq.) and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, no person shall sell, distribute, export, or offer or otherwise make available for sale, distribution, or exportation, a prohibited invasive species, or the seeds of a prohibited invasive species, in the State without a conditional use waiver issued pursuant to this act. d. The prohibitions established in subsections b. and c. of this section shall apply to any invasive species, including any non-hybrid sub-species, variety, cultivar, or other subcategory thereof, which is formally listed, in rules and regulations adopted by the department pursuant to section 7 of this act, as a prohibited invasive species. e. The following cultivars and varieties of prohibited invasive species shall be exempt from the prohibitions established in subsections b. and c. of this section, but when sold, offered for sale, distributed, imported, exported, or otherwise propagated for sale or distribution shall be labelled and accompanied with the educational materials developed by the Invasive Species Council pursuant to subsection c of section 6 of this act: (1) the following cultivars of Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii): (a) Aurea; (b) UCONNBTCP4N; (c) UCONNBTB113; (d) UCONNBTB048; and (e) UCONNBTB039; (2) the following cultivars or varieties of Chinese Silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis): (a) NCMS1; and (b) Tift M77; (3) any additional cultivars or varieties exempted pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the department pursuant to section 7 of this act. f. The exemptions provided by subsection e. of this section shall expire two years after the effective date of this act, unless the department, in consultation with the New Jersey Invasive Species Council and the Department of Agriculture, adopts rules and regulations to continue the exemptions. L.2025, c.290, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-2.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-2.1
Open season suspended or curtailed by proclamation closing lands to entry; new open season
Status: in_force

Whenever pursuant to law the Governor shall, by proclamation, close any forests, woodlands or open lands to entry, and any open season for taking fish, game birds, game animals or fur-bearing animals or any of them, shall have been suspended or curtailed thereby, the Fish and Game Council, at the expiration of the period of such closure, may, subject to the approval of the State Commissioner of Conservation, by order provide for a new open season or for an extension of such open season curtailed, within the limits of the area affected by the Governor's proclamation, for a period not exceeding that during which said open season was suspended or curtailed. L.1948, c. 39, p. 113, s. 1, eff. April 29, 1948.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-12
§ 23:10-12
Status: in_force

No person shall be excused from giving evidence in any proceeding under this chapter, on the ground that it might tend to convict him or render him liable to prosecution hereunder, but such evidence shall not be received against him in any such prosecution.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.1
One-day license; fee.
Status: in_force

2. The division may, in its discretion, issue a license to a person above the age of 16 years authorizing him to hunt for one day only in areas licensed under subsections b. and d. of R.S.23:3-29, or at a shoot to kill field trial which is being held under a proper permit from the division. The fee for this license shall be $11.50, or as adjusted by the Fish and Game Council pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1a), and an issuance fee of $1.00. The fees collected hereunder shall be remitted to the State Treasurer, and placed to the credit of the "hunters' and anglers' license fund," and be disbursed by the State Treasurer on vouchers certified to by the division. L.1951,c.226,s.2; amended 1975, c.116, s.3;1979, c.239, s.2;1982, c.180, s.3;1991, c.286, s.5;1999, c.282, s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-45 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-45
Deer-hunting restrictions
Status: in_force

a. No person shall hunt for, pursue, stalk, shoot at or attempt to take, kill, injure or destroy a wild deer, except by daylight on the days and at the times designated by the State Fish and Game Code. b. No person or persons while in or on a vehicle shall throw or cast the rays of any illuminating device including, but not limited to, a spotlight, flashlight, floodlight or headlight, which is affixed to a vehicle or which is portable, on or in any area where deer may reasonably be expected to be found, while having in his or their possession or control, or in or on the vehicle, or any compartment thereof, whether or not the vehicle or compartment is locked, any firearm, weapon or other instrument capable of killing deer; except that the foregoing shall not apply to a duly constituted law enforcement officer while in the actual performance of his duties as such officer. This subsection shall not apply to the normal use of headlights on a vehicle traveling on any public or private road in a normal manner. Amended by L. 1948, c. 448, p. 1816, s. 60; L. 1959, c. 70, p. 186, s. 1, eff. June 4, 1959; L. 1985, c. 509, s. 1, eff. Jan. 21, 1986.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-62.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-62.2
Bounties or premium for killing prohibition
Status: in_force

No county or municipality shall hereafter pay any premium or bounty for the killing of any fox or woodchuck. L.1975, c. 164, s. 1, eff. July 23, 1975.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-22 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-22
Registry program for saltwater recreational anglers; violations, penalties.
Status: in_force

1. a. The commissioner, in consultation with the Marine Fisheries Council, shall establish and implement a registry program for saltwater recreational anglers, which program shall provide for: (1) the registration, including the name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and other identification and contact information determined to be necessary by the department pursuant to federal requirements, of individuals who engage in recreational fishing: (a) in the Exclusive Economic Zone; (b) for anadromous species; (c) for Continental Shelf fishery resources beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone; or (d) in the tidal waters of the State; and (2) the registration, including the ownership, operator, and identification of the vessel, or vessels used in such fishing. b. (1) The registry program established pursuant to this section shall be fully consistent with the registry program to be established pursuant to section 201 of Title II of the "Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006," Pub.L.109-479 (16 U.S.C. s.1881). (2) Upon establishment of the registry program pursuant to this section, the commissioner shall apply to the Secretary of the United States Department of Commerce to obtain State exemption from federal registry program requirements. c. The department shall not charge a fee for the registration required pursuant to this section. d. A person who is under 16 years of age or a customer fishing from a state-licensed or federally permitted for-hire vessel shall not be required to register pursuant to this section. e. Any person who is required to register pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section, and who fails to register in accordance with established registry program requirements, shall be subject to a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for any subsequent offense. An owner or operator of a state-licensed or federally permitted for-hire vessel who is required to register pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section and who fails to register in accordance with the established registry program requirements shall be subject to a fine of $100 for the first offense and $200 for any subsequent offense. Any penalty imposed pursuant to this subsection shall be collected in the manner specified in paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 73 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-14). However, no other provisions of section 73 of P.L.1979, c.199 (C.23:2B-14) shall be applicable in the event that a person fails to comply with the requirements established under this section. f. In order to facilitate and promote increased awareness of, or compliance with, registry program requirements, the department shall: (1) post information about the registry program and its requirements in a conspicuous place on the department's Internet website; and (2) develop and disseminate informational materials, including, but not limited to, pamphlets and posters, which identify the program's requirements, any relevant compliance deadlines, the available methods for attaining compliance, the penalties for non-compliance, and any other relevant program details. In disseminating the materials developed pursuant to this subsection, the department shall provide informational pamphlets or other appropriate materials to the State's conservation police officers, for distribution to individuals engaged in recreational fishing activities; and it shall provide informational posters, signs, pamphlets, and other appropriate materials to the State's bait and tackle shops, for display therein, and for distribution to bait and tackle consumers. g. Any non-resident of New Jersey who is engaged in recreational fishing activities in this State shall be exempt from compliance with the State's registry program requirements if the person is registered under another state's registry program and the state in which the person is registered provides reciprocal exemption from its own registration requirements for persons who are registered under this State's registry program. L.2011, c.23, s.1; amended 2011, c.159; 2019, c.407, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-13.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-13.4
Additional penalties, degree of crime; disposition of seized ivory.
Status: in_force

4. a. In addition to any applicable penalties which may be imposed pursuant to R.S.23:4-27, "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act," P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.), or any other applicable law, a person violating any provision of section 3 of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to section 5 of this act, shall be guilty of: (1) for a first offense, a disorderly persons offense and, notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3, shall be fined not less than $1,000 or an amount equal to two times the total value of the ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros horn products involved in the offense, whichever is greater; and (2) for a second or subsequent offense, a crime of the fourth degree and, notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3, shall be fined not less than $5,000 or an amount equal to two times the total value of the ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros horn products involved in the offense, whichever is greater. b. Upon a conviction for violating the provisions of section 3 of this act, the court shall order the seizure of all ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros horn products involved in the violation and determine the penalty for the violation based on the assessed value of the seized products pursuant to subsection a. of this section. After sentencing the defendant, the court shall order that the seized ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros horn products be transferred to the Department of Environmental Protection for proper disposition. The department, at its discretion, may destroy the ivory, ivory products, rhinoceros horn, and rhinoceros horn products or donate them to an educational or scientific institution or organization, including, but not necessarily limited to, a museum, university, or research group. L.2014, c.22, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.12
"Menhaden Marine Fisheries Management Account."
Status: in_force

14. a. There is established within the General Fund, a separate, dedicated, and non-lapsing account to be known as the "Menhaden Marine Fisheries Management Account." This account shall be credited with: (1) all revenues received from the issuance of Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Licenses and Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's Licenses pursuant to R.S.23:3-51 and R.S.23:3-52; (2) all revenues received from the issuance of Menhaden Landing Licenses and Menhaden Dealer Licenses pursuant to sections 5 and 9 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.3 and C.23:3-51.7); and (3) all revenues received from the issuance of Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale Licenses pursuant to section 12 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.16). b. The moneys in the Menhaden Marine Fisheries Management 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 menhaden quota management, menhaden biological monitoring, and menhaden fisheries law enforcement in connection with the menhaden marine fishery. L.2013, c.74, s.14; amended 2014, c.57, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-31 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-31
§ 23:5-31
Status: in_force

A person aggrieved or injured by reason of a violation of section 23:5-30 of this title, may institute proceeding for the punishment of the offender.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-14
§ 23:5-14
Status: in_force

No person shall use the young of any species of carp or tench for bait in any of the waters of this state, or take to any of such waters the young of any species of carp or tench for the purpose of using the same for bait or for any other purpose, under a penalty of twenty dollars for every such fish so used for bait or taken to such waters.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.14
Compliance with instructions, signals of law enforcement officer.
Status: in_force

16. In order to facilitate enforcement of R.S.23:3-51 and P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.) the operator of, or any other person on board, a vessel that is subject to the provisions of R.S.23:3-51 or P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 et al.), shall immediately comply with the instructions and signals of a law enforcement officer, and shall facilitate the officer's safe boarding, and the inspection by such officer of the vessel, its gear, equipment, catch, and any area where fish may be stored. L.2013, c.74, s.16.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-17 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-17
Short title.
Status: in_force

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Invasive Species Management Act." L.2025, c.290, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22
"Pole traps" prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall set or use any snare, snood, net, trap or other device for the catching or trapping of a bird or animal above the level of the surrounding ground and commonly known as "pole traps" . Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the setting of traps or snares on the ground or prohibit trapping by the board or its employees on fish hatcheries or game farms. A person violating this section shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars for each snare, snood, net, trap or device so set or used.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-11
Violations; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who shall at any time hunt, pursue, kill or take, or attempt to kill or take, within the limits of a game refuge, a bird or animal, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is regulated by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any such provision in said code, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is regulated by law; or who shall at any time hunt, pursue, kill or take, or attempt to kill or take, within the limits of a game refuge, a bird or animal, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is prohibited by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any provision of said code to the contrary, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is prohibited by law; or who violates any other provisions of this article, shall be liable to a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1825, s. 76; L.1950, c. 67, p. 123, s. 5, eff. April 25, 1950.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.1
Killing of deer causing crop damage permitted, conditions
Status: in_force

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S.23:4-45 or any other law, rule, regulation, or provision of the State Fish and Game Code to the contrary, whenever a permit is issued by the State to a person to kill deer causing crop damage on land under cultivation pursuant to R.S.23:4-42, it shall be lawful for the permittee or authorized agent thereof, for the purposes authorized by the permit and only while on the land or lands under cultivation which are owned or leased by that permittee , but not on or along any public highway adjacent thereto, and for which the permit is issued, to: a. Kill either sex deer at any time of day or night , except that the Fish and Game Council may impose such restrictions thereon as may be necessary to protect the general public; b. Transport, possess, have in the permittee's or agent's control, or keep firearms authorized pursuant to R.S.23:4-44 uncased, unloaded, and outside the trunk while in or on a motor vehicle or any other kind of vehicle; c. Utilize an illuminating device or devices, including but not limited to a spotlight, flashlight, floodlight, or headlight, whether portable or fixed to a motor vehicle or any other kind of vehicle, to locate and stun deer; and d. Be assisted by the use of a driver for the motor vehicle or other kind of vehicle, and by a person or persons operating the illuminating device or devices, none of whom shall be required to possess a firearms purchaser identification card while providing such assistance. L.1997,c.123,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1g — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1g
Fee for hunting migratory birds.
Status: in_force

6. For the purpose of meeting the costs of complying with information collection activities mandated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, the division is authorized to charge a fee of $2.00 to any person who hunts migratory birds, which fee shall be in addition to any other fees charged for licenses, permits, or stamps required by law to hunt migratory birds. L.1999,c.282,s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-49 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-49
"Game bird" defined
Status: in_force

As used in this article, "game bird" includes the following: The anatidae, commonly known as geese, brant and river and sea ducks but excepting swans; rallidae, commonly known as rails, gallinules, coots and mud hens; limicolae, commonly known as shore birds, plovers, surf birds, snipe, woodcock, sandpipers, tattlers and curlews; and the gallinae, commonly known as wild turkeys, grouse, prairie chickens, pheasants, partridges and quails.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-6
§ 23:8-6
Status: in_force

The board may, when it deems proper, sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any fish or fish eggs from the state hatchery, game birds or game animals, or the eggs of game birds from the state game farm, and any other products of the farms, and boats and personal property in general. The proceeds of the sales shall be reported by the board as receipts of the board and be paid into the state treasury, subject to the use of the board as other receipts.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-42.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-42.5
Exemption, variation from certain laws, etc. for implementation of alternative control methods
Status: in_force

3. a. The Fish and Game Council may authorize an exemption or variation from the following laws, rules or regulations to the extent necessary and appropriate to implement the alternative control methods set forth in an approved community based deer management plan: (1) any provision of the State Fish and Game Code; (2) any rule or regulation adopted by the council; (3) the following provisions of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes: (a) R.S. 23:4-13; (b) subsections a., b. and c. of R.S.23:4-16; (c) P.L.1939, c.172 (C.23:4-24.1); (d) section 11 of P.L.1990, c.29 (C.23:4-24.1a); (e) R.S.23:4-44; (f) R.S.23:4-45; and (g )R.S.23:4-48; and (4) the provisions of subsection c. of N.J.S. 2C:39-3. b. The council shall authorize an exemption or variation from one or more of the laws, rules or regulations set forth in subsection a. of this section only upon a determination that the approved community based deer management plan adequately provides for the safety of the public. The council may condition the exemption or variation from one or more of the laws, rules or regulations set forth in subsection a. of this section on the implementation of one or more specific measures it determines to be reasonably necessary to ensure public safety, including but not limited to the on-site presence of law enforcement officers or on-site inspection by division personnel. c. The council may authorize an exemption or variation from subsection c. of N.J.S. 2C:39-3 only upon the prior written approval of the county prosecutor of the county in which the municipality in which the special deer management area is located. The council may authorize an exemption or variation from R.S.23:4-13 and R.S.23:4-44 only upon the receipt of documentation that each individual authorized to administer the alternate control method possesses a valid firearm hunting license, a valid rifle permit issued by the division, and a valid New Jersey firearm purchaser identification card or proof that the person is in compliance with the applicable laws of the person's state of residence. The council may authorize an exemption or variation from subsection c. of R.S.23:4-16 only if, for public safety reasons, it is conditioned upon the road or highway being properly closed by law enforcement officers for the time authorized in the special deer management permit issued pursuant to section 4 of this act. L.2000, c.46, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-44 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-44
Weapons authorized for hunting deer; kinds; caliber; size of shot.
Status: in_force

23:4-44. A person engaged in hunting for wild deer shall not use a firearm except as may be prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code while engaged in hunting for deer during the open season. It shall be unlawful, unless otherwise prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, for any person to possess or have under the person's control any long gun at any time while hunting deer with bow and arrow. A person shall not use or possess or have under the person's control while hunting any poison arrow or an arrow with explosive tips. For purposes of this section "long gun" means any rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. It shall also include, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person. Amended by L.1947, c. 239, p. 911, s. 3; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1816, s. 59; L.1957, c. 193, p. 695, s. 3; amended 2023, c.330, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-74 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-74
Violations; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this act or of any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant hereto shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense, to be recovered pursuant to the provisions of chapter 10 of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes. L.1979, c. 227, s. 3, eff. Oct. 12, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-10
Violations; penalties; enforcement.
Status: in_force

10. a. Whenever, on the basis of available information, the commissioner finds that a person is in violation of the provisions of P.L.1973, c.309, or any rule or regulation adopted, or permit or order issued pursuant thereto, the commissioner may: (1) Issue an order in accordance with subsection b. of this section requiring the person to comply; (2) Bring a civil action in accordance with subsection c. of this section; (3) Levy a civil administrative penalty in accordance with subsection d. of this section; (4) Bring an action for a civil penalty in accordance with subsection e. of this section; or (5) Petition the Attorney General to bring a criminal action in accordance with subsection f. of this section. The exercise of any of the remedies provided in this section shall not preclude recourse to any other remedy so provided. b. Whenever, on the basis of available information, the commissioner finds that a person is in violation of any provision of P.L.1973, c.309, or any rule or regulation adopted, or permit or order issued pursuant thereto, the commissioner may issue an order: (1) specifying the provision or provisions of P.L.1973, c.309, or the rule or regulation, or order or permit issued pursuant thereto, of which the person is in violation; (2) citing the action that constituted the violation; (3) requiring compliance with the provision of P.L.1973, c.309, the rule or regulation, or order or permit issued pursuant thereto, of which the person is in violation; (4) requiring the restoration to address any adverse effects resulting from the violation; and (5) giving notice to the person of a right to a hearing on the matters contained in the order. c. The commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered to commence a civil action in Superior Court for appropriate relief from a violation of the provisions of P.L.1973, c.309, or any rule or regulation adopted, or any permit or order issued pursuant thereto. This relief may include, singly or in combination: (1) A temporary or permanent injunction; (2) Recovery of reasonable costs of any investigation, inspection, sampling or monitoring survey that led to the discovery of the violation, and for the reasonable costs of preparing and bringing a civil action commenced under this subsection; (3) Recovery of reasonable costs incurred by the State in removing, correcting, or terminating the adverse effects resulting from any violation of P.L.1973, c.309 for which a civil action has been commenced and brought under this subsection; (4) Recovery of compensatory damages for any loss or destruction of natural resources, including but not limited to, wildlife, fish, aquatic life, habitat, plants, or historic or archeological resources, and for any other actual damages caused by any violation for which a civil action has been commenced and brought under this subsection. Assessments under this subsection shall be paid to the "Endangered and Nongame Species of Wildlife Conservation Fund," established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1981, c.170 (C.54A:9-25.2), except that compensatory damages to privately held resources shall be paid by specific order of the court to any persons who have been aggrieved by the unauthorized regulated activity; (5) An order requiring the violator restore the site of the violation to the maximum extent practicable and feasible or, in the event that restoration of the site of the violation is not practicable or feasible, provide for off-site restoration alternatives as approved by the department. d. The commissioner is authorized to assess a civil administrative penalty of not more than $25,000 for each violation of the provisions of P.L.1973, c.309, and each day during which each violation continues shall constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. Any amount assessed under this subsection shall fall within a range established by regulation by the commissioner for violations of similar type, seriousness, duration, and conduct; provided, however, that prior to the adoption of the regulation, the commissioner may, on a case-by-case basis, assess civil administrative penalties up to a maximum of $25,000 per day for each violation, utilizing the criteria set forth herein. In addition to any administrative penalty to be assessed under this subsection, and notwithstanding the $25,000 maximum penalty set forth above, the commissioner may assess any economic benefits from the violation gained by the violator. Prior to assessment of a penalty under this subsection, the property owner or person committing the violation shall be notified by certified mail or personal service that the penalty is being assessed. The notice shall include a reference to the section of the statute, regulation, or order or permit condition violated; recite the facts alleged to constitute a violation; state the basis for the amount of the civil penalties to be assessed; and affirm the rights of the alleged violator to a hearing. The ordered party shall have 35 calendar days from receipt of the notice within which to deliver to the commissioner a written request for a hearing. After the hearing and upon finding that a violation has occurred, the commissioner may issue a final order after assessing the amount of the fine specified in the notice. If no hearing is requested, the notice shall become a final order after the expiration of the 35-day period. Payment of the assessment is due when a final order is issued or the notice becomes a final order. The authority to levy an administrative order is in addition to all other enforcement provisions in P.L.1973, c.309, and the payment of any assessment shall not be deemed to affect the availability of any other enforcement provisions in connection with the violation for which the assessment is levied. The department may compromise any civil administrative penalty assessed under this section in an amount and with conditions the department determines appropriate. A civil administrative penalty assessed, including a portion thereof required to be paid pursuant to a payment schedule approved by the department, which is not paid within 90 days of the date that payment of the penalty is due, shall be subject to an interest charge on the amount of the penalty, or portion thereof, which shall accrue as of the date payment is due. If the penalty is contested, no additional interest charge shall accrue on the amount of the penalty until after the date on which a final order is issued. Interest charges assessed and collectible pursuant to this subsection shall be based on the rate of interest on judgments provided in the New Jersey Rules of Court. e. Any person who violates any provision of P.L.1973, c.309, or any rule or regulation adopted, or permit or order issued pursuant thereto, or an order issued pursuant to subsection b. of this section, or a court order issued pursuant to subsection c. of this section, or who fails to pay in full a civil administrative penalty levied pursuant to subsection d. of this section, or who fails to make a payment pursuant to a penalty payment schedule entered into with the department, or who knowingly makes any false or misleading statement on any application, record, report, or other document required to be submitted to the department, shall be subject, upon order of a court, to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each day during which the violation continues. Any civil penalty imposed pursuant to this subsection may be collected with costs in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). In addition to any penalties, costs or interest charges, the court may assess against the violator the amount of economic benefit accruing to the violator from the violation. The Superior Court and municipal courts shall have jurisdiction to enforce the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999." f. A person who purposely, knowingly or recklessly violates any provision of P.L.1973, c.309, or any rule or regulation adopted, or permit or order issued pursuant thereto, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a crime of the third degree and shall, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, be subject to a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment, or both. A person who purposely, knowingly, or recklessly makes a false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, or other document filed or required to be maintained under any provision of P.L.1973, c.309, or any rule or regulation adopted, or permit or order issued pursuant thereto, or who falsifies, tampers with or purposely, knowingly, or recklessly renders inaccurate, any monitoring device or method required to be maintained pursuant to P.L.1973, c.309, or any rule or regulation adopted, or permit or order issued pursuant thereto, shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a crime of the third degree and shall, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, be subject to a fine of not more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment, or both. g. All penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the "Endangered and Nongame Species of Wildlife Conservation Fund," established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1981, c.170 (C.54A:9-25.2), and kept separate from other receipts deposited therein, and appropriated to the department for the purposes outlined in that fund. h. Each applicant or permittee, upon the request of the department, shall provide any information the department or the commissioner requires to determine compliance with any provision of P.L.1973, c.309, or of any rule or regulation adopted, or permit or order issued pursuant thereto. L.1973, c.309, s.10; amended 1979, c.385, s.1; 1991, c.91, s.278; 1995, c.411; 2007, c.246, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-7
Manner and means of fishing for bait fish; fine
Status: in_force

No person shall fish for bait fish in the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls except with such devices as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if none are so prescribed then except with the following devices, to wit: Rods and lines and hand lines with not more than 3 hooks attached; a minnow seine not more than 100 feet in length; a dip net not more than 5 feet square; a minnow trap, the opening of which shall not be more than 1 1/4 inches in diameter; a scoop net with a single handle and with a diameter of not more than 2 feet. Any person who uses any other device, method or means for catching bait fish, other than those specified in said code or in this section shall be subject to a fine of $20.00. Amended by L.1955, c. 99, p. 550, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.7
Violations; penalties
Status: in_force

A person using a steel-jaw leghold type animal trap in violation of any rule or regulation under this amendatory and supplementary act shall, for each illegal trap involved, be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $250.00 for a first offense; not less than $250.00 nor more than $500.00 for a second offense; not less than $500.00 nor more than $2,500.00 for a third or subsequent offense. L.1984, c. 37, s. 7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-43 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-43
Short title
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Striped Bass Act" . L.1983, c. 506, s. 1, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-45.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-45.1
Daily limit for taking striped bass.
Status: in_force

1. a. Except as permitted pursuant to subsection c. of this section, a person shall not take from the marine waters or other waters of the State in any one day, or have in the person's possession at any time, more than two striped bass. One of the striped bass taken in accordance with this subsection shall be at least 28 inches but less than 43 inches in length, and the other shall be at least 43 inches in length. b. A person shall not fillet, or remove the head or tail, or parts thereof, of any striped bass at sea, except this subsection shall not apply to striped bass that have been filleted under authority of, and in accordance with, a special permit therefor which may be issued by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to an inspected vessel licensed to accommodate 15 or more passengers. c. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection, by public notice placed in the New Jersey Register, shall establish management measures for striped bass in and upon the marine waters and other waters of the State, which management measures shall be consistent with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Upon the approval of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, these management measures shall provide for the taking in one day, or the possession at any time, of striped bass in addition to the two striped bass permitted pursuant to subsection a. of this section and shall include the size and quantity limits and the areas and the seasons for the taking of such additional striped bass. The department shall monitor the catch provided for in this subsection and provide for its discontinuance as necessary to keep the State in compliance with the allowances of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. L.1987, c.83, s.1; amended 1987, c.416; 1988, c.137, s.1; 1989, c.82, s.1; 1990, c.5, s.2; 1991, c.43, s.1; 1994, c.26, s.2; 1995, c.107, s.2; 2000, c.27; 2004, c.152; 2005, c.340; 2015, c.45, s.2; repealed, 2015, c.45, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-81 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-81
Migratory waterfowl advisory committee
Status: in_force

a. There is established in the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife a New Jersey Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee. The committee shall comprise nine members as follows: two members of the Fish and Game Council to be appointed by its chairman; one representative of the Natural Areas Council; one representative of Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; one representative of the New Jersey Waterfowlers Association; one representative of the Nature Conservancy; one representative from the New Jersey Audubon Society; one representative of the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs; and one public member appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. A chairman shall be elected from the membership of the committee. Members shall serve for terms of three years, without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their official duties. b. The committee shall advise the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife with respect to the creation, design, administration, sale, distribution, and other matters related to the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp, and the reproduction, replica, or other utilization of its design. The committee shall also submit written recommendations to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection with respect to the utilization of revenues in the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Account, including the advisability of allocating a percentage of the proceeds therefrom to particular qualified nonprofit organizations in North America for utilization in their waterfowl habitat programs that provide direct benefits that can be clearly demonstrated to New Jersey's waterfowl preservation and protection efforts. L.1983, c. 504, s. 7, eff. Jan. 17, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-2
§ 23:5-2
Status: in_force

Trout or landlocked salmon which has been artificially propagated may be sold at any time for food purposes, if properly tagged, pursuant to the authority and in accordance with regulations adopted by the board, or of any duly authorized board, commission or officer of another state in which the trout or landlocked salmon has been propagated. The tag shall be removed only by the consumer, and when so removed shall be destroyed.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-56.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-56.1
Limited deer license, fees; exemption.
Status: in_force

1. a. When the Fish and Game Council has established a season for deer of either sex and has fixed a certain number of permits to be issued for that harvest, the division is authorized to charge a fee of $26.00, 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 so issued, which fee shall be in addition to any other fees authorized by law. b. (1) No such fee charged pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be required of a qualified farmer or the spouse or children of that farmer who reside in the farmer's household, provided that the person or persons are otherwise authorized to participate in the limited harvest. The exemption provided under this subsection: (a) shall not apply to a person residing on the farm or in a tenant house thereon who is not the spouse or a child of the qualified farmer, nor to an employee of the qualified farmer; (b) shall be limited to one permit each for the qualified farmer who owns or leases a farm on which the farmer resides as described in subparagraph (a) of paragraph (3) of this subsection, and the spouse and children of that farmer; and (c) shall be limited to one permit each for the qualified farmer or farmers who owns or leases a farm or farms on which that farmer or farmers does not reside as described in subparagraph (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection, and their spouses and children, but in no case shall more than five permits in total be issued for such property pursuant to this subparagraph. (2) An application for a permit issued to a qualified farmer or the spouse or a child of that farmer pursuant to this subsection shall be made on a form supplied by the division and shall include, in the case of leased land, a copy of all leases authorizing the agricultural and hunting uses of the land. (3) For purposes of this subsection, "qualified farmer" means a person who: (a) owns or leases a farm on which that person resides that is valued, assessed and taxed as land actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use pursuant to the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," P.L.1964, c.48 (C.54:4-23.1 et seq.); or (b) owns or leases a farm on which that person does not reside, provided that: (i) the person actively farms at least 30 tilled, non-woodland acres, which may be noncontiguous; and (ii) the farm, or each parcel in the case of noncontiguous parcels, is valued, assessed and taxed as land actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use pursuant to the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," P.L.1964, c.48 (C.54:4-23.1 et seq.). c. The division 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 the provisions of this section. L.1959,c.37,s.1; amended 1971, c.180, s.1;1979, c.239, s.3;1982, c.180, s.6;1986, c.198, s.3;1991, c.286, s.9;1999, c.93;1999, c.282, s.17.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.4
Study to develop better trap; traps not classified as steel-jaw leghold traps
Status: in_force

The Board of Governors of Rutgers, The State University, shall direct the Department of Wildlife Management at Cook College to conduct a study to identify or develop an animal trap which substantially reduces injury and pain to both targeted and nontargeted animals which are caught in the trap and which could serve as an alternative to the steel-jaw leghold type animal trap. The results of this study shall be published in a report to the New Jersey Fish and Game Council, hereinafter referred to as the "council," in the Department of Environmental Protection within one year of the effective date of this amendatory and supplementary act. For the purposes of this amendatory and supplementary act, the steel-jaw leghold type animal trap does not mean mouse and rat traps designed for use in or under buildings. L.1984, c. 37, s. 4, eff. April 27, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1f — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1f
Certification of reduction in "hunters' and anglers' license fund" for free NG licensees
Status: in_force

2. At the end of each fiscal year, the Director of the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall certify to the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury the amount that the "hunters' and anglers' license fund" has been reduced as a result of any license issued without charge pursuant to section 1 of this act. An amount equal to the amount certified shall be appropriated each year from the General Fund to the "hunters' and anglers' license fund" for additional operating costs. L.1993,c.303,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.11
Annual State menhaden catch quota.
Status: in_force

13. a. (1) The annual State menhaden catch quota shall be established by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, may request a quota transfer from other states or regions, in accordance with the administrative procedure outlined by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. (2) The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall divide and allocate the annual State menhaden catch quota as provided in this paragraph. The annual New Jersey menhaden bait quota shall be divided among the various gear types, with the purse seine fishery being allocated 95 percent of the quota, and pound nets, wire pound nets, gill nets, trawls, bait nets, and other authorized gear being allocated the remaining five percent, combined. If the quota for any gear type is exceeded, the overharvested amount shall be deducted from the following year's quota. b. The season for fishing and landing menhaden in the State shall be: (1) January 1 to December 31 for licensees taking menhaden, or landing menhaden taken, by purse seine; (2) January 1 to December 31 for licensees taking menhaden, or landing menhaden taken, by gill net; (3) January 1 to December 31 for licensees taking menhaden, or landing menhaden taken, by pound net or wire pound net; (4) January 1 to December 31 for licensees taking menhaden, or landing menhaden taken, by trawl; (5) January 1 to December 31 for licensees taking menhaden, or landing menhaden taken, by bait net; and (6) January 1 to December 31 for licensees taking menhaden, or landing menhaden taken, by other authorized gear not otherwise specified in this subsection. c. No person who intends to take menhaden with a purse seine or shirred net shall fish for menhaden in the State: (1) on a Saturday or Sunday; (2) on the days on which a public holiday is officially observed by the State, as declared pursuant to R.S.36:1-1; or (3) at any time, except during the hours from sunrise to sunset. d. (1) The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall close the menhaden season in the State, for each respective gear type, by giving not less than two days' notice of the projected date that the year's quota for that gear type will be landed. (2) If the menhaden season is closed prematurely, the commissioner may reopen the season for a specified period of time, upon no less than two days' notice. (3) Any notice required pursuant to this subsection shall be made available for public viewing on the department's Internet website, and shall be issued electronically, via e-mail, to all the holders of a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License, a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's License, a Menhaden Landing License, a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License, and a Menhaden Dealer License. Each such licensee shall be required, at the time of licensure, to provide the commissioner with their e-mail address, in order to facilitate the provision of notice pursuant to this section. e. If the season for a particular gear type is closed because the quota amount allocated to that gear type has been harvested and landed: (1) the holder of a Menhaden Landing License for that gear type or the holder of a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License may continue to land an incidental catch as provided by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden; and (2) the holder of a Menhaden Dealer License may continue to accept an incidental catch from the holder of a Menhaden Landing License or the holder of a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License, as provided by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. The incidental catch allowance authorized by this subsection shall be applied to the annual menhaden catch quota as provided by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. f. (1) Within 60 days after the enactment of P.L.2019, c.503, the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall establish an individual transferable quota system for the menhaden purse seine fishery. To qualify to receive an allocation under the ITQ system established pursuant to this subsection, a vessel and its owner or operator shall hold, prior to the date of enactment of P.L.2019, c.503, a valid Menhaden Landing License for the menhaden purse seine fishery. Each ITQ shall be allocated based upon a qualified vessel's rounded percentage share of the average of its menhaden landings in 2014 through 2018, inclusive, except that no qualified vessel shall be allocated an ITQ in an amount less than 200,000 pounds in the initial allocation. After the initial allocation pursuant to this paragraph: (a) the percentage of quota for the menhaden purse seine fishery established for each ITQ holder shall remain static; and (b) each ITQ holder's individual poundage quota shall increase or decrease based on the overall menhaden purse seine fishery quota allocated to the State and the ITQ holder's fixed percentage of that allocation. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall notify, in writing, each owner or operator of a qualified vessel of their ITQ established pursuant to this paragraph. (2) The owner of a qualified vessel may transfer all or part of the vessel's ITQ to another qualified vessel, on a temporary or permanent basis, upon approval by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee. (3) A ITQ holder who does not harvest, or transfer to be harvested pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a minimum of 80 percent of the holder's quota for two consecutive years may, at the discretion of the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, have the quota redistributed to the remainder of the ITQ holders using the calculation set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection. (4) If upon the date of enactment of P.L.2019, c.503, the menhaden purse seine fishery is open for the 2019 fishing season and all qualified vessels have harvested less than their individual allocation for the 2019 fishing season as calculated pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, each qualified vessel shall be subject to their individual ITQ established pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection for the remainder of the 2019 fishing season. (5) No later than ten years after the date of enactment of P.L.2019, c.503, the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall conduct an assessment of the ITQ system established pursuant to this subsection and send a written report of the assessment, including any recommendations for legislative action if deemed appropriate, to the Chairperson of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, or their successors. (6) As used in this subsection, "ITQ" means an individual transferable quota as allocated pursuant to this subsection. L.2013, c.74, s.13; amended 2014, c.57, s.9; 2019, c.503.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-7 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-7
Powers and duties of commissioner
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall have the following powers and duties: a. Administer and enforce the laws, rules and regulations relating to fisheries resources; b. Appoint the chief administrative officer of the marine fisheries program and all other necessary employees, including enforcement personnel, within the limits of available revenues; c. Develop and implement a program for the management of fisheries resources, including such species related management plans as may be appropriate; d. Acquire by gift or purchase and hold real property in the name of the State, or any right or interest therein, including, but not limited to, easements or rights of access; e. Accept for the State any Federal funds apportioned under Federal law related to authorized programs of the department and to do such acts as are necessary for the purpose of carrying out such Federal laws; and to accept from any other agency or government, individual, group, or corporation, such funds, gifts, or devises as may be available to carry out the purposes of this act; f. Make periodic reports to the Governor and the Legislature, including therein such recommendations for changes and amendments in existing law and licensing procedures as are warranted by investigations and research; g. Conduct or sponsor a program or programs for research and development of fisheries resources of the State, in cooperation, where appropriate, with Rutgers, The State University, the Marine Sciences Consortium, and other responsible research or academic agencies, which programs shall include, but not be limited to biological, chemical, technological, hydrological, processing, marketing, financial, economic, and promotional research and development. The department may carry out such a program or programs in cooperation with other State agencies, Federal, regional, and local governmental entities, or with private institutions or persons; h. Establish programs for public education concerning the conservation, utilization, development, and enhancement of fisheries resources; i. Acquire, introduce, and propagate marine fish species in such manner as will carry out the fisheries resources management programs; j. To coordinate and integrate the marine fisheries program established herein with the activities of all other State agencies which affect fisheries resources, and access thereto including but not limited to, freshwater fisheries, coastal zone management, water pollution control and marine law enforcement; and, k. To encourage every agency which operates a bridge or road over any of the marine waters of this State to construct a fishing platform on each such bridge. L.1979, c. 199, s. 7, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-15
Failure to turn over moneys by clerk, warden or magistrate; misdemeanor
Status: in_force

A county or municipal clerk or an agent who fails to turn over any moneys collected for licenses, and a magistrate who fails to turn over any moneys collected as a penalty, at the time and in the manner required by law, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 713, s. 8; L.1951, c. 226, p. 802, s. 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-26 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-26
Adoption of rules and regulations; imposition of fees.
Status: in_force

10. a. The Department of Agriculture shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations concerning the enforcement of the prohibitions on the sale, distribution, export, import, and propagation of invasive plant species as it pertains to their regulation of plant growers and dealers, or as otherwise necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. b. The Department of Agriculture may impose fees to cover its enforcement and inspection 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 of Agriculture for use in implementing the provisions of this act. L.2025, c.290, s.10.
N.J. Stat. § 23:13-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-6
Grounds for suspension of enforcement.
Status: in_force

6. If it is determined by the Bureau of Law Enforcement of the Division of Fish and Wildlife that the provisions of this compact, in full or in part, are not being implemented with respect to violations and suspensions reported from the State of New Jersey by any other participating state, the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, with the approval of the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, may suspend enforcement of the provisions of this compact as against such participating state until such time as the Chief of the Bureau of Law Enforcement determines that the participating state is fully implementing the provisions of the compact. L.2016, c.101, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-32 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-32
Possession of gun evidence of violation
Status: in_force

The possession in this state of a shotgun or rifle at any place outside of buildings by an unnaturalized, foreign-born person, shall be conclusive proof of a violation of section 23:4-31 of this title, and shall render him liable to the penalty fixed thereby.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-19 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-19
Records open to public
Status: in_force

All records of a county or municipal clerk or agent referring to a license issued under this article shall be open, at all times, to public inspection. Amended by L.1947, c. 159, p. 714, s. 11; L.1951, c. 226, p. 802, s. 15, eff. Jan. 1, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-10
Hunting or carrying gun in preserve prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall at any time hunt, pursue, kill or take, or attempt to kill or take, within the limits of a game refuge, a bird or animal, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is regulated by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any such provision in said code, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is regulated by law. No person shall at any time hunt, pursue, kill or take, or attempt to kill or take, within the limits of a game refuge, a bird or animal, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is prohibited by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any provision of said code to the contrary, the hunting for, killing or taking of which is prohibited by law. No person shall carry a shotgun or rifle within the limits of a game refuge unless authorized by the division. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1825, s. 75.
N.J. Stat. § 23:7-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-6
§ 23:7-6
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to place notices or signs forbidding hunting, fishing or trapping on any property in this state unless he be the owner or lessee of such property.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-13
§ 23:8-13
Status: in_force

The authorities in charge of a fish and shellfish cultural and biological station, having laboratory facilities of a scientific and biological character which will enable investigators to prosecute the necessary scientific and biological inquiries in connection therewith, may fish in any of the public waters of this state with dredging apparatus, seines, nets, trawls, surface trawls or any other device, for the sole purpose of obtaining the materials needed in carrying out the purposes and making the scientific investigations for which the station is established.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.5
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 bow and arrow safety and proficiency course. L.1957,c.195,s.5; amended 1971, c.381, s.5; 1999, c.282, s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-68 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-68
Use of toxins in licensed waters
Status: in_force

The division may, by special permit or authorization contained in the license, authorize the licensee to use fish toxins in the management of the licensed waters, but unless so specifically authorized by permit or license, no toxins or poisons may be introduced into the licensed waters. L.1970, c. 247, s. 7, eff. Oct. 28, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-15.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-15.1
Division of Fish and Wildlife constituted.
Status: in_force

2. a. The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife is continued and constituted as the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection. All the functions, powers, and duties of the existing Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife and the director thereof are continued in the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the director thereof, and whenever the term "Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife" occurs or any reference is made thereto in any law, contract, or document, it shall be deemed or mean to refer to the Division of Fish 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 and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection. L.1999,c.282,s.2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-20 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-20
Searches and seizures; immunity from civil suit.
Status: in_force

23:10-20. A member of the Fish and Game Council and any conservation police officer may, without warrant search and examine any boat, conveyance, vehicle, fish box, fish basket, game bag, game coat, or other receptacle for game and fish, when he has reason to believe that a provision of this Title, or any law supplementary thereto, or the State Fish and Game Code has been violated, and shall seize and take possession of any firearms, bows and arrows, shells or cartridges, fishing rods and reels, fishing lines, knives, lights, slingshots, traps, spears, spear guns, or any other article or equipment that has been illegally used or any bird, animal or fish unlawfully caught, taken, killed, had in possession or under control, shipped or about to be shipped. A court, upon receiving proof of probable cause for believing in the concealment of a bird, animal or fish so unlawfully caught, taken, killed, had in possession or under control, shipped or about to be shipped, shall issue a search warrant and cause a search to be made in any place, and to that end, may, after demand and refusal, cause any building, inclosure, or car to be entered, and any apartment, chest, box, locker, crate, basket, or package to be broken open and its contents examined by a member of the Fish and Game Council or any conservation police officer. All firearms, bows and arrows, shells or cartridges, fishing rods and reels, fishing lines, knives, lights, slingshots, traps, spears, spear guns, or any other article or equipment that has been illegally used and seized by a member of the council or any conservation police officer shall be returned to the defendant when and if the case has been dismissed, if he has been found not guilty, or if he has been convicted and has paid the penalty and costs imposed, if any. The member of the council or conservation police officer shall not be liable for damages by reason of any such search or the seizure of any nets or fishing, hunting or trapping apparatus in accordance herewith. amended 1948, c.448, ss.88,122,123; 1972, c.184; 2019, c.407, s.14.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-13
Bag limit on game fish
Status: in_force

No person shall take, catch, kill, or have in possession in any 1 day more than such number in all of black and Oswego bass, rock bass, calico bass and crappie, perch or wall-eyed pike, pickerel or trout as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if no such numbers are so prescribed then more than 10 in all of black and Oswego bass, 20 rock bass, 20 in all of calico bass and crappie, 10 pike perch or wall-eyed pike, 10 pike, 10 pickerel, or 20 trout, under a penalty of $20.00 for each fish so taken, caught, killed, or possessed in excess of the number permitted by this section. Amended by L.1955, c. 99, p. 552, s. 5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-58.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-58.3
§ 23:4-58.3
Status: in_force

Any person hunting foxes who shall kill, injure, destroy or have in possession any bird or animal the killing of which is prohibited shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars for each bird or animal killed, injured, destroyed or had in possession.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-8 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-8
Female English or ring-necked pheasant protected; exceptions
Status: in_force

No person shall hunt for, pursue, capture, kill, possess, injure or destroy any female English or ring-necked pheasant under a penalty of $20.00 for each female pheasant hunted for, pursued, captured, killed, possessed, injured or destroyed. This section shall not apply to a licensee operating under the terms of sections 23:3-28 to 23:3-39 of this Title, or to any other person or persons authorized by said licensee to shoot female pheasants on the lands described in such license. Amended by L.1939, c. 120, p. 429, s. 1; L.1944, c. 78, p. 154, s. 1; L.1955, c. 34, p. 89, s. 1, eff. May 27, 1955.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-14
"Act" defined, penalties; enforcement.
Status: in_force

73. For purposes of this section, the "act" means and includes all the new sections and amended sections contained herein, all the remaining sections of Title 50 of the Revised Statutes, sections 23:3-41, 23:3-46, 23:3-47, 23:3-48, 23:3-51, 23:3-52, 23:5-9, 23:5-16, 23:9-114, 23:9-115 and 23:9-120 of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes, sections 1, 2, and 3 of P.L.1941, c.211 (C.23:5-24.1 to 23:5-24.3), sections 4 through 17 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.2 through C.23:3-51.15), and section 12 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.16). The commissioner may utilize any or all of the following remedies for any violation of this act: a. (1) A person who violates the provisions of this act or of any rule, regulation, license or permit adopted or issued pursuant to this act shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $300 or more than $3,000 for the first offense and not less than $500 or more than $5,000 for any subsequent offense, unless the commissioner has established an alternate penalty for a specific offense pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection. (2) The Commissioner of Environmental Protection, with the approval of the Marine Fisheries Council, may, by regulation, establish a penalty schedule for any specific violation of this act or of any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this act. No such penalty may be less than $30 or more than $100 for the first offense or less than $50 or more than $200 for any subsequent offense. Any penalty provided for by this act or by the fee schedule adopted by the commissioner shall be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The Superior Court or any 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. b. (1) A person who violates the provisions of this act or any rule or regulation or any license or permit adopted or issued pursuant to this act shall be liable to the revocation or suspension of any license or permit held by the violator pursuant to this act for such period of time as the court may choose, except when the rule or regulation violated includes a mandatory revocation or suspension schedule in which case that schedule shall determine the period of time of the revocation or suspension. (2) In the case of a person who knowingly violates the provisions of R.S.50:2-11,R.S.50:3-13, R.S.50:4-2, or R.S.50:4-3, or any rule or regulation or any license or permit adopted or issued pursuant thereto, the violator shall be subject to a mandatory revocation or suspension of the license or permit or privilege for the taking of oysters, clams or other shellfish held by the violator, or in the case of a violator without the necessary license or permit the loss of the privilege to take oysters, clams or other shellfish, for a period of three years for a first offense, five years for a second offense, and 10 years for the third and any subsequent offense. For purposes of this paragraph, a knowing violator shall include, but need not be limited to: (a) a person who is the holder of a commercial shellfish license or permit; (b) a person who is the holder of a recreational shellfish license or permit who is in possession of more than the daily recreational shellfish limit; (c) a person without any shellfish license or permit who is in possession of more than the daily recreational shellfish limit; (d) a person who is the holder of a recreational shellfish license or permit who is engaging in shellfish activities with the holder of a commercial shellfish license or permit; or (e) a person without the necessary shellfish license or permit who is engaging in shellfish activities with the holder of a commercial shellfish license or permit. c. If a person violates any of the provisions of this act, or any rule or regulation or any license or permit adopted or issued pursuant to this act, the department may institute a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for injunctive relief to prohibit and prevent the violation or violations and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner. 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. In addition to the penalties prescribed by this section, a person who violates the provisions of R.S.50:2-11, R.S.50:3-13, R.S.50:4-2, or R.S.50:4-3, or any rule or regulation or any license or permit adopted or issued pursuant thereto, shall be subject to the forfeiture of any vessel, vehicle, or equipment used in the commission of the violation. A designated conservation police officer of the Department of Environmental Protection, a member of the State Police, or any other law enforcement officer may seize and secure any vessel, vehicle, or equipment used in the commission of such a violation. Upon the seizure of the vessel, vehicle, or equipment, the conservation police officer, member of the State Police, or other law enforcement officer shall immediately thereafter institute a civil action to determine if the forfeiture is warranted in the court in which the penalty action was filed pursuant to this section, which court shall have jurisdiction to adjudicate the forfeiture action. The owner or any person having a security interest in the vessel, vehicle, or equipment may secure its release by depositing with the clerk of the court in which the action is pending a bond with good and sufficient sureties in an amount to be fixed by the court, conditioned upon the return of the vessel, vehicle, or equipment to the Department of Environmental Protection upon demand after completion of the court proceeding. The court may proceed in a summary manner and may direct the confiscation of the vessel, vehicle, or equipment by the department for its use or for disposal by sale or public auction. Moneys collected by the department through the sale or public auction of the vessel, vehicle, or equipment shall be used by the Division of Fish and Wildlife for the enforcement of the provisions of this act. L.1979, c.199, s.73; amended 1983, c.219, s.1; 1991, c.91, s.279; 2003, c.8, s.1; 2013, c.74, s.1; 2014, c.57, s.1; 2019, c.407, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.5
Instruction and certificate to be without charge
Status: in_force

No charge shall be made for any certificate or instruction given to a person to qualify him to purchase a hunting license. L.1954, c. 57, p. 407, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-27 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-27
Penalty for killing or having certain game
Status: in_force

Any person who shall kill or have in possession any bird or animal, the killing of which is prohibited during the prescribed woodcock season, except woodcock, shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00), for each bird or animal, except woodcock, killed, injured or had in possession. Amended by L.1946, c. 83, p. 291, s. 2, eff. April 16, 1946.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.1
Certificate of completion of bow and arrow safety course.
Status: in_force

1. a. Notwithstanding any provisions contained in sections 23:3-1 to 23:3-22 of the Revised Statutes, concerning the issuance of resident or nonresident bow and arrow licenses, any person applying for a bow and arrow license, other than an apprentice license, must present to the issuing agent either a certificate stating that the applicant has satisfactorily completed a course in bow and arrow safety and proficiency, which shall be signed by an agent of the Division of Fish and Wildlife designated for the purpose whose fitness to give instructions in bow handling has been determined by the Division of Fish and Wildlife of the Department of Environmental Protection, or a previously issued bow and arrow license that is not an apprentice license. b. An applicant for an apprentice bow and arrow license shall be exempt from the requirement to show that the person has completed a course in bow and arrow safety and proficiency as provided in subsection a. of this section. L.1957, c.195, s.1; amended 2015, c.83, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-2
Minimum age for issuance of license; misrepresentation; penalty.
Status: in_force

23:3-2. Except as provided in R.S.23:3-3, no license to hunt, pursue or kill with a gun or any firearm any game bird, wild animal or fowl in this State, shall be issued to a person under 16 years of age. An applicant for license who misrepresents his age shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars. Amended 1999, c.282, s.8.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.16 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.16
Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License.
Status: in_force

12. a. Any person who intends to take menhaden from any State waters, including the waters of the Atlantic ocean within three nautical miles of the State coast line, for personal use as bait, with the option to sell or barter 500 pounds or less in excess of the amount needed for bait per day by the person, shall apply to the commissioner for a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License, in accordance with the provisions of this section. Upon receipt of the application and payment of the applicable fee, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion and as authorized pursuant to R.S.23:3-51 and section 3 of P.L.2010, c.72 (C.23:3-51.1), issue to the applicant a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License, 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. Any license application for a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License shall be filed with the commissioner prior to the annual deadline established thereby for application submission and any application received by the commissioner after this deadline shall be denied. b. The provisions of subsection b. of R.S.23:3-51 shall apply to the license established in subsection a. of this section and the taking of menhaden pursuant to this section. c. A person who is issued a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License pursuant to subsection a. of this section may take menhaden with a gill net, and the person shall not be required to tend the net. d. The holder of a license issued pursuant to this section shall have the license on board the vessel being used in the taking of menhaden at all times during that use of the vessel for that purpose. e. A person applying for a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License shall meet the following criteria: (1) hold a valid gill net license and a pot fishery license; and (2) provide proof of harvesting 5,000 pounds or more of any combination of species harvested in baited pots in any one year between 2009 and 2012, inclusive. f. (1) A resident of the State who is licensed under this section to land menhaden taken by gill net shall be required to pay an annual fee of $50. (2) A non-resident of the State who is licensed under this section to land menhaden taken by gill net shall be required to pay an annual fee of $250, or an amount equal to the non-resident fee charged for the landing of menhaden in the non-resident's state, whichever is greater. (3) Any license fees 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). g. Nothing in this section, R.S.23:3-51, or any other law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall prohibit a person who does not possess a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License from landing 100 pounds or less of menhaden, at any time, and on any trip or day. h. Except for the excess 500 pounds or less allowed to be sold or bartered pursuant to subsection a. of this section, a holder of a Menhaden Personal Use and Limited Sale License shall only make personal use of menhaden as bait for the person's commercial fishing pots and shall not use menhaden for any other purpose. L.2014, c.47, s.12.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-13 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-13
Liberal construction of act
Status: in_force

This act shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purpose and intent thereof. L.1973, c. 309, s. 13, eff. Dec. 14, 1973.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-33 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-33
§ 23:3-33
Status: in_force

Game birds or animals so killed in a wholly inclosed preserve, and tagged as herein prescribed, may be possessed, bought or sold at any time. Common carriers shall receive and transport game birds and animals so tagged, but to every package containing them shall be affixed a tag or label upon which shall be plainly printed or written the name of the person to whom the license was issued, the name of the person to whom they are to be transported, the number of each kind contained therein, and a statement to the effect that they were killed and tagged in accordance with the provisions of sections 23:3-28 to 23:3-39 of this title.
N.J. Stat. § 23:5-29 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 5 / Section 5-29
§ 23:5-29
Status: in_force

No person shall shut off or draw off the waters of any pond, stream or lake in this state or place a screen in a pond, lake or stream without first obtaining permission from the board, under a penalty of one hundred dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-24.1a — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-24.1a
Improper transportation of firearm in motor vehicle; penalty
Status: in_force

In addition to the requirements of section 1 of P.L.1939, c.172 (C.23:4-24.1), no person may transport, possess, or have in their control a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is unloaded and contained in a closed and securely fastened case, or locked in the trunk of the motor vehicle. A person violating this section shall be liable to a civil penalty of not less than $50.00 nor more than $200.00. L.1990,c.29,s.11.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1
License for hunting, fishing, or trapping; penalty; exceptions.
Status: in_force

23:3-1. a. A person shall not at any time hunt, take or attempt to take, kill or pursue, with a gun or any firearm of any kind or character, or with longbow and arrow, a wild bird, animal or fowl, or take or attempt to take any skunk, mink, muskrat, or other fur-bearing animal by means of a trap, or set a trap for any fur-bearing animal, nor shall any person above the age of 16 years at any time take or attempt to take fish in any of the fresh waters of this State by the method commonly known as angling with a hand line or rod and line, or with longbow and arrow, unless he has first procured a proper license. b. A person shall not engage in hunting, fishing, or trapping unless the appropriate license or tag as prescribed hereunder is visibly displayed in a holder in a conspicuous place on the outer clothing at the time of such hunting, fishing, or trapping. A licensee shall exhibit his license and tag for inspection to any conservation police officer, deputy conservation police officer, police officer, or other person requesting to see it. c. A person under 12 years of age shall not be issued a trapping license. d. A person who is on active duty with any branch or department of the armed service of the United States shall be entitled to hunt or fish upon obtaining the proper resident license therefor. e. Nothing in this section shall prevent the occupant of a farm in this State, who actually resides thereon, or the immediate members of his family who also reside thereon, from hunting for, taking, killing, or pursuing with a gun or firearm or a longbow and arrow on the farm a wild bird, animal or fowl, from taking any skunk, mink, muskrat, or other fur-bearing animal by means of a trap or from setting a trap for a fur-bearing animal on the farm, or from taking fish on the farm with hand line, rod and line, or longbow and arrow in the manner provided by law during the time when it is lawful so to do, without being licensed hereunder. The exemption provided pursuant to this subsection shall not apply to a person residing on the farm or in a tenant house thereon who is not a member of the occupant's family, nor to a servant of the occupant. f. (1) Any person found hunting, fishing, or trapping without the proper license or tag as may be required conspicuously displayed pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall be liable to a penalty of $10 and costs, to be recovered pursuant to the provisions of Title 23, chapter 10, of the Revised Statutes. (2) Any person who violates any provision of this section for which a penalty is not otherwise expressly provided, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $200 for each offense. amended 1945, c.116; 1948, c.226, s.1; 1951, c.226, s.1; 1953, c.425; 1971, c.405, s.1; 1975, c.81; 1975, c.116, s.1; 1979, c.385, s.2; 1993, c.20, s.2; 1999, c.282, s.3; 2019, c.407, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-14 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-14
§ 23:4-14
Status: in_force

No person shall hunt, kill or destroy, or attempt to hunt, kill or destroy, a hare or rabbit with ferrets, or have a ferret in possession in the woods or fields, under a penalty of fifty dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-11 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-11
Power and authority.
Status: in_force

23:2-11. The deputy conservation police officers shall have the power and authority of conservation police officers to enforce Title 23 and the Fish and Game Code, and shall be subject to the regulations provided by law for the enforcement of the Title and Code, but shall receive no salary or other compensation from the State for the performance of duties of law enforcement. amended 1953, c.95; 1977, c.167, s.2; 2019, c.407, s.6.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-5
Arrest on view without warrant; interference with or resisting officer
Status: in_force

23:10-5. Any police officer, fish and game warden, protector, or deputy warden, or any officer or member of any incorporated game protective society may, for a violation of any provision of this Title, or any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or of any provision of the State Fish and Game Code committed within the view of any such officer or person, arrest, without warrant, the offender and carry him before a court in the county wherein such arrest is made. Any person or persons who shall, by threat, menace or force, or in any manner, attempt to deter or prevent any fish and game warden or other person authorized to make arrests for violation of the fish and game laws of this State, or any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code from enforcing or carrying into effect any provisions of this Title, or any provision of any law supplementary thereto, or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code or who shall resist arrest or the seizure of boats or nets or other apparatus illegally used, shall be subject to a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00). Amended by L. 1939, c.106, s.1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1827, s. 80; L.1953, c. 23, p. 452, s. 7, eff. March 19, 1953; amended 2023, c.250, s.26.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-50 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-50
Wild birds other than game birds; capturing; killing; possession; sale; penalties; enforcement
Status: in_force

23:4-50. a. As used in this section, except as otherwise noted: "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection. "Wild bird" means any bird other than a native, introduced, or feral game bird as defined in R.S.23:4-49 and other than a domesticated bird such as a chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, goose, duck, pigeon, or peafowl. "Wild bird" also means the egg of a wild bird. b. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, rule, or regulation, or by the State Fish and Game Code, no person shall within this State pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture, or kill, or have in possession, living or dead, a wild bird. c. (1) Except pursuant to a permit issued by the department for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes or to a licensed wild bird breeder for the purpose of obtaining new stock to increase genetic variety, no person shall within this State offer for sale, sell, offer to barter, barter, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment, ship, export, import, transport or cause to be transported, carry or cause to be carried, or receive or cause to be received for shipment, transportation, carriage, or export, living or dead, any wild bird, unless the wild bird was raised, and came from an egg produced by captive parents and hatched, in captivity. (2) The fact that a wild bird belongs to a species not native to this State shall not constitute a defense to a violation of this subsection. (3) Any wild bird that enters or is brought into the State from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States, and which is transported without significant delay but within not more than 48 hours across the State destined for a point beyond the State, may be so entered or brought into the State and transported in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws, rules, or regulations of another state. (4) The prohibitions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall not apply to the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), or common canary (Serinus canarius), nor to any wild birds legally possessed before the 120th day after the date of enactment of P.L.1991, c.253. The department shall provide for a method or methods to distinguish wild birds legally possessed before the 120th day after the date of enactment of P.L.1991, c.253 from those entering or being brought into the State subsequent to the 120th day after such date of enactment. d. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, rule, or regulation, or by the State Fish and Game Code, no part of plumage, skin or body of a wild bird shall be sold or had in possession for sale. Plumage, as used in this section, includes any part of the feathers, head, wings, or tail of a wild bird, and refers equally to plumage of wild birds coming from without the State as to birds obtained within the State, but it shall not be construed to apply to the feathers of ostriches, domestic fowl, or domestic pigeons. The fact that a wild bird belongs to a species not native to this State shall not constitute a defense to the possession of parts thereof. e. The English or European house sparrow and the European starling are not included among the birds protected by this section. Nothing herein shall make it unlawful for the owner or occupant of land, the regular employees thereof, or an agent designated by the department to control hawks or owls only when in the act of destroying poultry or livestock, provided that such control activities are conducted in compliance with all relevant State and federal laws, rules, and regulations and that such owner, occupant, employee, or agent has first obtained all permits required thereby. f. Except as may be otherwise provided by law, rule, or regulation, or by the State Fish and Game Code, no State permit shall be required to control yellow-headed, red-winged, bi-colored red-winged, tri-colored red-winged, Rusty and Brewer's blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, and crows when found committing or about to commit depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such manners or manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance; provided, that none of the birds killed pursuant to this subsection, nor their plumage, shall be sold or offered for sale, but may be possessed, transported, and otherwise disposed of or utilized. g. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the control of animals or birds in instances where there is specific documentation that they are doing damage to wildlife or agricultural crops, by the department or its employees on any lands in the State. h. (1) If any person violates any provision 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, and the court may proceed in the action in a summary manner. (2) A person violating any provision of this section shall be subject to: (a) a penalty of not less than $200 nor more than $1000 for each offense; (b) a penalty of $500 for each bird or part thereof that is a subject of the violation; and (c) forfeiture of any such bird or part thereof that is a subject of the violation, which penalties may be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding pursuant to "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.), or in any case before a court of competent jurisdiction wherein injunctive relief has been requested. The Superior Court and the municipal 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. (3) The department may 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. (4) The department may sell, sell at auction, or donate any wild bird or part thereof forfeited pursuant to this subsection to any permittee or licensee designated pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection c. of this section. The proceeds derived from such sales of any wild birds or parts thereof, together with any penalties collected pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection and any fees collected pursuant to this section, shall be deposited in a fund for use by the department in administering and enforcing this section and "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act," P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.). i. The department shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to implement the provisions of this section, which rules and regulations may include a list of species of native, introduced, or feral wild birds determined by the department to be exempt from the prohibitions imposed by this section. j. The prohibitions, restrictions, penalties, and other provisions of this section shall be in addition to, and shall be implemented and enforced in conjunction with, any set forth in, or adopted pursuant to, "The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act," P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.). Amended 1948,c.448,s.62; 1951,c.296; 1958,c.159; 1963,c.86; 1979,c.212,s.2; 1991,c.253.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-6
Prohibitions relative to certain species.
Status: in_force

6. Except as otherwise provided in P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.) or the rules or regulations adopted thereunder, no person shall take, 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 species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on the following lists: (1) the list of wildlife determined to be endangered by the commissioner pursuant to P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.); (2) the list of nongame species regulated pursuant to P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-1 et seq.); and (3) any federal list of endangered species. Any species or subspecies of wildlife appearing on any of the foregoing lists which enters the State from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States and which is transported across the State destined for a point beyond the State may be so entered and transported without restriction in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws or regulations of another state. L.1973, c.309, s.6; amended 1981, c.281, s.4; 2016, c.6, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-22.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-22.3
Possession as prima facie evidence
Status: in_force

The possession of a trap of the steel-jaw leghold type shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of section 2 of this amendatory and supplementary act except under the circumstances indicated by section 5 of this amendatory and supplementary act. L.1984, c. 37, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:1-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-1
Definitions.
Status: in_force

R.S.23:1-1. As used in this title: "Apprentice license" means any resident's apprentice firearm hunting license, resident's apprentice bow and arrow license, nonresident's apprentice firearm hunting license, or nonresident's apprentice bow and arrow license issued pursuant to R.S.23:3-4; "Assistant protector" or "assistant fish and game protector" means the Deputy Chief of the Bureau of Law Enforcement in the division; "Closed season" means the date and time of year when wildlife may not be captured, taken, killed, or had in possession in the field; "Code" means the State Fish and Game Code; "Conservation police officer" means any sworn, salaried member of the Bureau of Law Enforcement in the division holding the titles of Conservation Police Officer I, II, or III, and includes the titles of Supervising Conservation Police Officer and Chief of the Bureau of Law Enforcement; "Council" means the Fish and Game Council in the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection; "Delaware river" means the waters of the Delaware river from the Pennsylvania shore to the New Jersey shore, or in the case of any tributaries or inland bays on the New Jersey side, to the mouths of those tributaries or bays; "Deputy warden" or "deputy fish and game warden" means any commissioned deputy conservation police officer of the Bureau of Law Enforcement in the division; "Division," "Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife," "board," or "Board of Fish and Game Commissioners" means the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection; "Fishing" means the possession of an instrument used to take fish in a condition that makes the instrument readily usable, while in a place or in proximity thereto where fish may be found; "Hunting" means the possession of an instrument used to take wildlife in a condition that makes the instrument readily usable, while in a place or in proximity thereto where wildlife may be found; "Open season" means the date and time of year when wildlife may be captured, taken, killed, or had in possession; "Protector" or "fish and game protector" means the Chief of the Bureau of Law Enforcement in the division; "Warden" or "fish and game warden" means a conservation police officer; "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. amended 1948, c.448, s.39; 1958, c.80; 1993, c.20, s.1; 1997, c.291, s.1; 1999, c.282, s.1; 2015, c.83, s.1; 2019, c.407, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1e — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1e
Members of New Jersey National Guard, disabled veterans exempt from certain fees.
Status: in_force

1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, no fee, including application fees and issuance fees, may be charged of an applicant for a license, permit, stamp, tag, or certificate to hunt, fish, trap, or otherwise lawfully take fish, game, or any other wildlife in the State, who is an active member of the New Jersey National Guard who has completed Initial Active Duty Training or who is a disabled veteran. The Division of Fish and Wildlife shall prescribe by regulation the types of evidence that may be used to qualify persons for the benefits of this section. b. As used in this act: "Disabled veteran" means any resident of the State who has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States and who has been declared by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or its successor, to have a service-connected disability of any degree; and "Initial Active Duty Training" means Basic Military Training, for members of the New Jersey Air National Guard, and Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, for members of the New Jersey Army National Guard. L.1993,c.303,s.1; amended 1999, c.282, s.5.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.10 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.10
Migrant or farm labor camp resident; issuance of license
Status: in_force

The division may, in its discretion, issue a resident's fishing license or resident's family fishing license to a citizen of the United States above 14 years of age who is a resident of an approved migrant labor camp or farm labor camp, as defined in P.L.1945, chapter 71, as amended (C. 34:9A-2) and may appoint special licensing agents for issuance of such licenses. L.1970, c. 198, s. 1, eff. Sept. 11, 1970.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.3 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.3
Menhaden Landing License.
Status: in_force

5. a. Except as provided pursuant to section 12 of P.L.2014, c.57 (C.23:3-51.16), no person shall land for the purposes of sale or barter, or otherwise sell or barter, more than 100 pounds of menhaden at any time in the State, unless the person is in possession of a Menhaden Landing License which authorizes the person to participate in the directed bait and whole frozen human food fishery for menhaden. b. (1) Any person who intends to land for the purposes of sale or barter, or otherwise sell or barter, more than 100 pounds of menhaden at any time shall submit to the commissioner an application for a Menhaden Landing License. Any license application for a Menhaden Landing License shall be filed with the commissioner prior to the annual deadline established thereby for application submission, and any application received by the commissioner after this deadline shall be denied. (2) A Menhaden Landing License issued pursuant to this subsection shall be valid only for the calendar year for which it is issued, and shall be renewed on an annual basis. The failure of a licensee to annually renew a Menhaden Landing License in accordance with established deadlines shall result in forfeiture of the right to obtain a Menhaden Landing License in future years, except as provided by section 6 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.4). c. (1) The following types of vessels, and their owners or operators, are subject to licensure pursuant to this section: (a) a gill net vessel that is used or is intended to be used to land more than 100 pounds of menhaden on an individual trip basis, for the purposes of sale or barter; (b) a pound net vessel that is used or is intended to be used to land more than 100 pounds of menhaden on an individual trip basis, for the purposes of sale or barter; (c) a trawl vessel that is used or is intended to be used to land more than 100 pounds of menhaden on an individual trip basis, for the purposes of sale or barter; (d) a vessel that is used or is intended to be used to land, on an individual trip basis, and for the purposes of sale or barter, more than 100 pounds of menhaden taken by bait net or other authorized gear; (e) a purse seine carry vessel that is used or is intended to be used to land, on an individual trip basis, and for the purposes of sale or barter, more than 100 pounds of menhaden taken from State or federal waters; and (f) a purse seine catch vessel that functions as a purse seine carry vessel and satisfies the requirements of subparagraph (e) of this paragraph. (2) A purse seine catch vessel that does not function as a purse seine carry vessel is exempt from licensure pursuant to this section. However, the owner or operator of a purse seine carry vessel that works in conjunction with a purse seine catch vessel shall identify the purse seine catch vessel on the landing report prepared thereby. (3) (a) No purse seine carry vessel or purse seine catch vessel functioning as a purse seine carry vessel shall be licensed pursuant to this subsection to land menhaden taken from State waters, unless the vessel is 90 feet or less in overall length. (b) Nothing in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph shall prohibit the licensure of a purse seine carry vessel or purse seine catch vessel that is greater than 90 feet in overall length, so long as the vessel lands menhaden taken only from federal waters. (4) A Menhaden Landing License shall be issued by the commissioner in the name of: (a) the vessel and the vessel's owner or operator; or (b) if no vessel will be used in the landing or sale of menhaden, the person applying for the license. If a purse seine carry vessel or a purse seine catch vessel functioning as a purse seine carry vessel is operated by a person who is not the owner of the vessel, the vessel operator shall be licensed separately and apart from the vessel owner. (5) Any license issued pursuant to this section shall specify the types of gear that may be used by the licensee in the taking of menhaden to be landed thereby. d. The holder of a Menhaden Landing License 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 the type of gear specifically identified in the license. e. A Menhaden Landing License issued pursuant to this section shall remain on board the licensed vessel, or, if no vessel is used, in the possession of the licensee, at all times. f. A person applying for a Menhaden Landing License shall meet the following criteria: (1) In order to obtain a license to land menhaden taken by purse seine, the vessel shall have landed in the State at least 500,000 pounds of menhaden during one year between 2009 and 2012, inclusive, or have been issued a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License with a catch designation in 2014 and shall have landed in the State at least 200,000 pounds of menhaden in any one year between 2009 and 2012, inclusive. The gear type assigned to a Menhaden Landing License issued to a vessel with a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License with a catch designation shall be identified as a purse seine-catch; (2) In order to obtain a license to land menhaden taken by pound net or wire pound net, the vessel shall have landed in the State at least 100,000 pounds of menhaden during one year between 2009 and 2012, inclusive; (3) In order to obtain a license to land menhaden taken by gill net, haul seine, or fyke net, the licensee or vessel shall have landed in the State at least 10,000 pounds of menhaden during one year between 2009 and 2012, inclusive; (4) In order to obtain a license to land menhaden taken by trawl, the vessel shall have landed in the State at least 200 pounds of menhaden during one year between 2009 and 2012, inclusive; and (5) In order to obtain a license to land menhaden taken by bait net, the person shall have possessed a New Jersey Bait Net License during one year between 2009 and 2012, inclusive. If a person's application for a license to land menhaden taken by bait net is submitted in the year 2014 or thereafter, the commissioner may require the applicant to prove landings and sale of menhaden during the respective years commencing in 2013. g. (1) A resident of the State who is licensed under this section to land menhaden taken by purse seine shall be required to pay an annual fee of $150. A resident of the State who is licensed under this section to land menhaden taken using any other type of gear shall be required to pay an annual fee of $50. (2) A non-resident of the State who is licensed under this section to land menhaden taken by purse seine shall be required to pay an annual fee of $750, or an amount equal to the non-resident fee charged for the landing of menhaden in the non-resident's state, whichever is greater. A non-resident of the State who is licensed under this section to land menhaden taken with any other type of gear shall be required to pay an annual fee of $250, or an amount equal to the non-resident fee charged for the landing of menhaden in the non-resident's state, whichever is greater. (3) Any license fees 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). h. Nothing in this section, in R.S.23:3-51, or in any other law, or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall prohibit a person who does not possess a Menhaden Landing License from landing 100 pounds or less of menhaden for sale or barter, at any time, and on any trip or day. L.2013, c.74, s.5; amended 2014, c.57, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-4
Investigations, list of endangered species.
Status: in_force

4. a. The commissioner shall conduct investigations concerning wildlife indigenous to the State in order to develop information relating to populations, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors and other biological and ecological data to determine management measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations the commissioner shall develop management programs which shall be designed to insure the continued ability of wildlife to perpetuate themselves successfully. b. On the basis of such investigations of wildlife and other available scientific and commercial data the commissioner may by rule or regulation promulgate a list of those species and subspecies of wildlife indigenous to the State which are determined to be endangered, giving their common and scientific names by species and subspecies. The commissioner shall periodically review the State list of endangered species and may by regulation amend the list making such additions or deletions as are deemed appropriate. L.1973, c.309, s.4; amended 1981, c.281, s.3; 1981, c.511, s.14; 2016, c.6, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-41 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-41
Penalties
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise specifically permitted by this article, any person hunting, pursuing, taking or trapping a mink, muskrat, or otter in this State at any time except during the period designated therefor by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, except during the period designated therefor in this article, or violating any other provision of this article, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and pay a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00), and whether or not he has been criminally prosecuted for the violation, shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense. Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1814, s. 56; L.1952, c. 114, p. 454, s. 2, eff. May 5, 1952.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-33 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-33
Gun in house a violation
Status: in_force

The presence of a shotgun or rifle in a room, house, building, tent, or camp of any description, within this state, occupied or controlled by an unnaturalized, foreign-born person, shall be prima facie evidence that the gun is owned or controlled by the person occupying or controlling the property in which the gun is found, and shall render him liable to the penalty imposed by section 23:4-31 of this title.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-22 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-22
Subsequent convictions; penalty
Status: in_force

If a person shall, within 5 years after conviction of any violation of the fish and game laws of this or any other State or of any provision of the State Fish and Game Code of this State, be again convicted of another violation of the fish and game laws of this or any other State or of any provision of the State Fish and Game Code of this State, any fishing license or hunting license or bow and arrow license held by the person so convicted shall be void upon such conviction and it shall be the duty of such person to surrender the same to the Division of Fish and Game for cancellation. A license issued to such person within a period of 2 years from the date of such second conviction, except as otherwise provided by law, or of 3 years from the date of his third or subsequent conviction, shall be void. If he shall be convicted of fishing or hunting under any license so made void, or without a license, during any such period, he shall be punished by a penalty of $100.00 for each offense. Amended by L.1948, c.123, p.841, s.1; L.1948, c.448, p.1805, s.43; L.1955, c.96, p.545, s.1; L.1957, c.196, p.700, s.1; L.1959, c.195, p.777, s.1, eff. Jan. 21, 1960.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-21.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-21.2
Shooting pointed, metal tipped arrow, prohibited under certain circumstances.
Status: in_force

2. Any minor under 16 years of age, other than one who is the holder of a valid bow and arrow hunting license, or the holder of an apprentice bow and arrow license under the personal supervision of the holder of a regular resident's or nonresident's bow and arrow license, who shall shoot any pointed or metal tipped arrow, including such as is designed solely for target use, except in the presence, and under the personal supervision, of an instructor or an adult is guilty of juvenile delinquency. L.1958, c.27, s.2; amended 2015, c.83, s.9.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.4
Forwarding of certificates
Status: in_force

The license issuing clerk or agent designated under section 23:3-7 of the Revised Statutes to issue licenses shall forward such certificates to the division, attached to his monthly report covering sale of licenses. L.1954, c. 57, p. 407, s. 3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:4-63.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-63.2
Possession of live coyote prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

No person shall have a live coyote in possession in this State except by permission of the board, under a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each live coyote so had in possession. L.1939, c. 42, p. 61, s. 2.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-4.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-4.2
Applicants 10 or over; certificate showing completion of gun safety course.
Status: in_force

1. a. Notwithstanding any provisions contained in sections 23:3-1 to 23:3-22 of the Revised Statutes, concerning the issuance of resident or nonresident firearm hunting licenses, at the time an application for a firearm hunting license that is not an apprentice license is made by an applicant above the age of 10, to whom a license other than an apprentice 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 gun safety, which shall be signed by an agent of the Division of Fish and Wildlife designated for the purpose whose fitness to give instructions in safe gun handling has been determined by the Division of Fish and Wildlife of the Department of Environmental Protection. A person above the age of 10 who previously has held a license to engage in hunting, other than an apprentice license, 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 of Fish and Wildlife stating that he held such a license. b. An applicant for an apprentice firearm hunting license shall be exempt from the requirement to show that the person has completed a course in gun safety as provided in subsection a. of this section. L.1954, c.57, s.1; amended 1971, c.381, s.2; 2015, c.83, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-75 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-75
Short title
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp Act." L.1983, c. 504, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1984.
N.J. Stat. § 23:8-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 8 / Section 8-4
§ 23:8-4
Status: in_force

No person shall trespass on any lands on which a fish hatchery or game farm is located and operated by the board, or damage, deface or remove a notice or signboard erected on these lands, under a penalty of fifty dollars for each offense.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-15
Matching funds for certain federal grants to benefit wildlife, wildlife habitat.
Status: in_force

1. a. There shall be appropriated each fiscal year to the Department of Environmental Protection a sum sufficient to provide the State match required to qualify for any federal grants or other assistance apportioned and made available to the State of New Jersey under the State Wildlife Grants Program or any similar program established pursuant to federal law, rule, or regulation for the purpose of benefitting wildlife and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished. b. The annual State match appropriation requirement under subsection a. of this section shall be met through the appropriation, from the "Endangered and Nongame Species of Wildlife Conservation Fund" established by section 1 of P.L.1981, c.170 (C.54A:9-25.2), from the "Wildlife Conservation Fund" established by section 1 of P.L.1993, c.119 (C.39:3-33.10), or from any other fund or account established by law exclusively or primarily to fund the conservation of endangered or nongame wildlife and their habitat, of moneys, credited in such funds or accounts, that cumulatively exceed an amount equal to the total amount from those funds or accounts that was used in State fiscal year 2005 to support programs and activities related to the conservation of endangered or nongame wildlife and their habitat, which support is ineligible to meet the State match requirement under the State Wildlife Grants Program. c. In any fiscal year, to the extent that funds directed to be appropriated under subsection b. of this section are insufficient to meet the annual State match appropriation requirement under subsection a. of this section, the remaining amount necessary to meet that requirement shall be made from the General Fund. d. The sum appropriated under this section each fiscal year shall be expended by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection for the purposes and in accordance with the requirements of the federal program and to allow the Endangered and Nongame Species Program in the division to perform its duties and responsibilities. L.2005,c.211,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:13-1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-1
Enactment, entry into Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
Status: in_force

1. The State of New Jersey enacts and enters into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact with all other jurisdictions that legally join in the compact in the form substantially as follows: Article I. Findings and Statement of Purpose. 1. a. The participating states to this compact find that: (1) Wildlife resources are managed in trust by the respective states for the benefit of all residents and visitors; (2) The protection of wildlife resources is materially affected by the degree of compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations relating to the protection and management of such resources; (3) The preservation, protection, management, and restoration of wildlife contribute immeasurably to the aesthetic, recreational, and economic aspects of those natural resources; (4) Wildlife resources are valuable without regard to political boundaries, and therefore, every person should be required to comply with the wildlife laws of the participating states as a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license to hunt, fish, trap, or possess wildlife; (5) The violation of wildlife laws interferes with the management of wildlife resources and may endanger the safety of persons and property; (6) The mobility of people who violate wildlife laws necessitates the maintenance of channels of communication among the various states; (7) In most instances, a person who is cited for a wildlife violation in a state other than the person's home state is: (a) required to post collateral or a bond to secure appearance for a trial at a later date; (b) taken into custody until the collateral or bond is posted; or (c) taken directly to court for an immediate appearance. (8) The purpose of the enforcement practices described in paragraph (7) of this subsection of this article is to ensure compliance with the terms of a wildlife citation by the cited person who, if permitted to continue on their way after receiving the citation, could return to their home state and disregard their duty under the terms of the citation; (9) In most instances, a person receiving a wildlife citation in the person's home state is permitted to accept the citation from the officer at the scene of the violation and immediately continue on their way after agreeing or being instructed to comply with the terms of the citation; (10) The practices described in paragraph (7) of this subsection of this article cause unnecessary inconvenience and, at times, a hardship for the person who is unable at the time to post collateral, furnish a bond, stand trial, or pay a fine, and thus is compelled to remain in custody until an alternative arrangement is made; and (11) The enforcement practices described in paragraph (7) of this subsection of this article consume an undue amount of time of law enforcement agencies. b. It is the policy of the participating states to: (1) Promote compliance with wildlife laws in their respective states; (2) Recognize the suspension of wildlife license privileges of any person whose license privileges have been suspended by a participating state and treat that suspension as if it had occurred in their state; (3) Allow a violator, except as provided in subsection b. of Article III of the compact, to accept a wildlife citation and, without delay, proceed on their way, whether or not the violator is a resident of the state in which the citation was issued, if the violator's home state is party to this compact; (4) Report to the appropriate participating state, as provided in the compact manual, any conviction recorded against any person whose home state was not the issuing state; (5) Allow the home state to recognize and treat convictions recorded against its residents, which convictions occurred in a participating state, as though they had occurred in the home state; (6) Extend cooperation to its fullest extent among the participating states for obtaining compliance with the terms of a wildlife citation issued in one participating state to a resident of another participating state; (7) Maximize the effective use of law enforcement personnel and information; and (8) Assist court systems in the efficient disposition of wildlife violations. c. The purpose of this compact is to provide: (1) a means by which participating states may join in a reciprocal program to effectuate the policies enumerated in subsection b. of this article in a uniform and orderly manner; and (2) for the fair and impartial treatment of wildlife violators operating within participating states in recognition of the violator's right to due process and the sovereign status of a participating state. Article II. Definitions. 2. As used in this compact and sections 2 through 6 of this act: "Citation" means any summons, complaint, summons and complaint, ticket, penalty assessment, or other official document issued to a person by a wildlife officer or other peace officer for a wildlife violation which contains an order requiring the person to respond. "Collateral" means, except as used in section 3 of this act, any cash or other security deposited to secure an appearance for trial in connection with the issuance by a wildlife officer or other peace officer of a citation for a wildlife violation. "Compact" means the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. "Compliance" means, except as used in section 3 of this act, the act of answering a citation through an appearance in a court or tribunal, or through the payment of fines, costs, and surcharges, if any. "Conviction" means an admission of guilt of a violation of law by an accused defendant and the subsequent finding of guilt by a competent court of appropriate jurisdiction by way of trial, hearing, summary civil proceeding, or the payment of a fine or penalty to a court in lieu of a court appearance through a court's violations bureau, and includes any court conviction for any offense related to the preservation, protection, management, or restoration of wildlife which is prohibited by wildlife law including any court conviction that results in suspension or revocation of a license, and the term also includes the forfeiture of any bail, bond, or other security deposited to secure appearance by a person charged with having committed any such offense, the payment of a penalty assessment, a plea of nolo contendere, or the imposition of a deferred or suspended sentence by the court. "Court" means a court of law, including but not limited to magistrate's court, justice of the peace court, municipal court, and the State Superior Court. "Division" or "Division of Fish and Wildlife" means the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection. "Home state" means the state of primary residence of a person. "Issuing state" means the participating state that issues a wildlife citation to a violator. "License" means any license, permit, or other public document that conveys to the person to whom it was issued the privilege of pursuing, possessing, or taking any wildlife regulated by law, rule, or regulation; including any privilege to obtain such license, permit, or other public document, or any statutory exemption from the requirement to obtain such license, permit, or other public document. "Licensing authority" means the department or division within each participating state which is authorized by law to issue or approve licenses or permits to hunt, fish, trap, or possess wildlife. "Participating state" means any state that enacts legislation to become a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. "Personal recognizance" means an agreement by a person made at the time of issuance of the wildlife citation that the person will comply with the terms of the citation. "State" means any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Provinces of Canada, or other countries. "Suspension" means any suspension, revocation, denial, or withdrawal of any or all license privileges, including the privilege to apply for, purchase, or exercise the benefits conferred by any license. "Terms of a citation" or "terms of the citation" means the conditions and options expressly stated in the citation. "Wildlife" means all species of wild, non-domesticated animals, including, but not limited to, mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans, which are defined as wildlife and are protected or otherwise regulated by wildlife law in a participating state. Species included in the definition of "wildlife" may vary among the states and the determination of whether a species is "wildlife" for the purposes of this compact shall be based on the laws, rules, and regulations of the issuing state. "Wildlife law" means any law, rule, or regulation enacted for the management of wildlife resources and the uses thereof. "Wildlife officer" means any person authorized by a participating state to issue a citation for a wildlife violation. "Wildlife violation" means any cited violation of a wildlife law. Article III. Procedures for Issuing State. 3. a. When issuing a citation for a wildlife violation, a wildlife officer shall issue a citation to any person whose primary residence is in a participating state in the same manner as though the person were a resident of the issuing state. The wildlife officer shall not require the person to post collateral to secure the person's appearance, subject to the exceptions set forth in subsection b. of this article, if the wildlife officer receives the person's personal recognizance that the person will comply with the terms of the citation. b. Personal recognizance is acceptable if not prohibited by local law, by policy, procedure, rule, or regulation of the issuing agency, or by the compact manual, and if the person provides adequate proof of identification to the wildlife officer. c. Upon conviction or failure of a person to comply with the terms of a wildlife citation, the appropriate official shall report the conviction or failure to comply to the licensing authority of the participating state in which the wildlife citation was issued. The report shall be made in accordance with the procedures specified by the issuing state and shall contain information as specified in the compact manual as minimum requirements for effective processing by the home state. d. Upon receipt of the report of conviction or noncompliance pursuant to subsection c. of this article, the licensing authority of the issuing state shall transmit to the licensing authority of the home state of the violator the information in the form and content prescribed in the compact manual. Article IV. Procedures for Home State. 4. a. Upon receipt of a report from the licensing authority of the issuing state reporting the failure of a violator to comply with the terms of a citation, the licensing authority of the home state shall notify the violator and may initiate a suspension action in accordance with the applicable suspension procedure of the home state. The licensing authority of the home state shall suspend the licensing privileges of the violator until satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation has been furnished by the issuing state to the licensing authority of the home state. Due process safeguards shall be accorded to the violator. b. Upon receipt of a report of conviction from the licensing authority of the issuing state, the licensing authority of the home state shall enter the conviction in its records and shall treat the conviction as though it occurred in the home state for purposes of the possible suspension of license privileges. c. The licensing authority of the home state shall maintain a record of actions taken and make reports to issuing states as provided in the compact manual. Article V. Reciprocal Recognition of Suspension. 5. a. Each participating state may recognize the suspension of license privileges of any person by any other participating state as though the violation on which the suspension is based had occurred in that state and would have been the basis for suspension of license privileges in that state. b. Each participating state shall communicate information concerning the suspension of license privileges to other participating states in the form and content prescribed in the compact manual. Article VI. Applicability of Other Laws. 6. Except as expressly required by provisions of this compact, this compact shall not affect the right of any participating state to apply any of its laws relating to license privileges to any person or circumstance or to invalidate or prevent any agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a participating state and a nonparticipating state concerning the enforcement of wildlife laws. Article VII. Compact Administrator Procedures. 7. a. For the purpose of administering the provisions of this compact and to serve as a governing body for the resolution of all matters relating to the operation of this compact, a board of compact administrators is established. The board shall be composed of one representative from each of the participating states to be known as the compact administrator. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Chief of the Bureau of Law Enforcement within the division, shall recommend to the Governor a nominee to serve as compact administrator for the State of New Jersey. No later than 90 days after receipt of the recommendation from the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Governor shall appoint the recommended nominee as the compact administrator for the State of New Jersey. The compact administrator shall serve and be subject to removal in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey. The compact administrator may provide for the discharge of duties and the performance of functions as a board member by an alternate. An alternate shall not serve unless written notification of the identity of the alternate has been given to the board. b. Each member of the board of compact administrators shall be entitled to one vote. No action of the board shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of the votes of the board is cast in favor thereof. Action by the board shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the participating states are represented. c. The board shall elect annually from its membership a chairperson and vice chairperson. d. The board shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the provisions of this compact or the laws of a participating state for the conduct of its business and may amend and rescind its bylaws. e. The board may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations and grants of moneys, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the federal government, or any governmental agency, and may receive, use, and dispose of the same. f. The board may contract with, or accept services or personnel from, any governmental or intergovernmental agency, person, firm, corporation, or private nonprofit organization or institution. g. The board shall formulate all necessary procedures and develop uniform forms and documents for administering the provisions of this compact. All procedures and forms adopted pursuant to board action shall be contained in the compact manual. Article VIII. Entry into and Withdrawal from Compact. 8. a. This compact shall become effective upon adoption in substantially similar form by two or more states. b. (1) Entry into the compact shall be made by resolution of ratification executed by the authorized officials of the applying state and submitted to the chairperson of the board. (2) The resolution shall substantially be in the form and content as provided in the compact manual and include the following: (a) A citation of the authority by which the state is authorized to become a party to this compact; (b) An agreement of compliance with the terms and provisions of the compact; and (c) An agreement that entry into the compact is with all states participating in the compact and with any additional states that legally become party to the compact. (3) The effective date of entry shall be specified by the applying state, but shall not be less than 60 days after notice has been given by the chairperson of the board of the compact administrators or by the secretary of the board to each participating state that the resolution from the applying state has been received. c. A participating state may withdraw from the compact by official written notice to each participating state, but withdrawal shall not become effective until 90 days after the notice of withdrawal is given. The notice shall be directed to the compact administrator of each participating state. The withdrawal of any state does not affect the validity of this compact as to the remaining participating states. Article IX. Amendments to the Compact. 9. a. This compact may be amended from time to time. Amendments shall be presented in resolution form to the chairperson of the board of compact administrators and may be initiated by one or more participating states. b. Adoption of an amendment shall require endorsement by all participating states and shall become effective 30 days after the date of the last endorsement. Article X. Construction and Severability. 10. This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes stated herein. The provisions of the compact are severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of the compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the federal government, or if the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the compact shall not be affected thereby. If the compact is held contrary to the constitution of any participating state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the participating state affected as to all severable matters. L.2016, c.101, s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-7.4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-7.4
Charge for certificate or instruction
Status: in_force

No charge shall be made for any certificate or instruction given to a person to qualify him to purchase a bow and arrow license. L.1957, c. 195, p. 699, s. 4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-1a — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-1a
Fees; adjustment by council, once
Status: in_force

12. The Fish and Game Council may, on one occasion only at such time as may be deemed appropriate by the Fish and Game Council, by regulation adopted by August 1 of the preceding year, determine the fees for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, permits, tags, certificates and stamps under R.S.23:3-3, R.S.23:3-4, section 2 of P.L.1951, c.226 (C.23:3-4.1), section 8 of P.L.1986, c.198 (C.23:3-4.11), R.S.23:3-25, section 7 of P.L.1986, c.198 (C.23:3-27.1), R.S.23:3-29, section 1 of P.L.1959, c.37 (C.23:3-56.1), section 3 of P.L.1952, c.328 (C.23:3-59), section 3 of P.L.1975, c.117 (C.23:3-61.3), section 2 of P.L.1970, c.247 (C.23:3-63), section 5 of P.L.1970, c.247 (C.23:3-66) and section 11 of P.L.1982, c.180 (C.23:3-1.1), in the following manner: a. The amount of the applicable fee on the effective date of P.L.1991, c.286 (C.23:3-1a et al.) shall be the base fee. b. The base fee may be adjusted on one occasion only at such time as may be deemed appropriate by the Fish and Game Council by adding to that base fee an amount equal to a percentage of the base fee as determined by the Fish and Game Council; provided, however, that the amount added shall not exceed an amount equal to 10% of the base fee. c. Any adjustment in fees shall be rounded to the nearest $0.25. L.1982,c.180,s.12; amended 1991,c.286,s.1.
N.J. Stat. § 23:10-2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-2
Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

23:10-2. The Superior Court and municipal court, hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the "court," shall, except as otherwise specifically provided, have jurisdiction to try and punish any person violating any provision of this Title, any provision of any law supplementary thereto or any provision of the State Fish and Game Code, and every penalty prescribed for such violation may be enforced and recovered before such court in a summary proceeding in accordance with "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.) either in the county or municipality where the offense is committed or where the offender is first apprehended or where he may reside. Amended 1948,c.448,s.78; 1953,c.23,s.6; 1991,c.91,s.282.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2 / Section 2-12
Impersonating warden; penalty
Status: in_force

A person who, not being a warden or a deputy warden of this state, shall: a. Falsely pretend that he is such; or b. Impersonate a warden or a deputy warden; or c. Attempt, by any means, to induce another to believe that he is such-- Shall be liable to a penalty of fifty dollars.
N.J. Stat. § 23:13-4 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-4
Failure of resident to comply; violations, penalties.
Status: in_force

4. a. When the Division of Fish and Wildlife receives notice that a resident of the State has failed to comply with the terms of a citation issued for a wildlife violation in a participating state, the division shall send written notice to that person of their non-compliance. The written notification from the division shall provide a 30-day period to allow the person to comply with the issuing state's order to comply. If a resident's citation from the participating state remains outstanding or out of compliance 30 calendar days after the date of the division's notification, the person shall be in violation of the compact and subject to a penalty of $50, and an additional $10 for each month thereafter that the citation remains outstanding or out of compliance. In addition to the penalties prescribed, all licenses and privileges to take or possess wildlife shall be suspended until such time that the division receives notice from the issuing state that the citation has been satisfied and a disposition for the matter has been recorded. b. In addition to the suspension provision set forth in subsection a. of this section, a violation of the compact as described in that subsection shall be considered in evaluating suspensions for accumulation of violations in R.S.23:3-22. L.2016, c.101, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-5 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-5
Powers and duties of council
Status: in_force

The Marine Fisheries Council shall: a. Contribute to the preparation and revision of fisheries management plans; b. Be empowered to disapprove, within 60 days of the proposal thereof and the submittal thereto, any rule or regulation or any amendment thereto proposed by the commissioner pursuant to this act except for any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to subsection (c) of section 4 of the "Administrative Procedure Act," (C. 52:14B-4); c. Advise the commissioner on policies of the department and in the planning, development, and implementation of all departmental programs related to this act; d. Examine, consider and make recommendations in any matters pertaining to the conservation and management of fisheries resources throughout the State; e. From time to time submit to the commissioner any recommendation for new rules and regulations or revision to existing rules and regulations which it deems necessary for the proper operation of an effective marine fisheries program; f. Hold periodic public hearings in regard to current issues affecting the operation of the marine fisheries program; g. Recommend the convening of species related citizen panels where appropriate; h. Study and analyze economic, social and ecological data relating to the operation of the marine fisheries program. L.1979, c. 199, s. 5, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2A-6.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2A / Section 2A-6.2
Activities permitted pursuant to conduct of biomedical research.
Status: in_force

7. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 6 of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-6), section 6 of P.L.2016, c.6 (C.23:2A-6.1), or any other State law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, unless such activity is otherwise prohibited by federal law, a person may possess, transport, import, export, process, sell or offer for sale, or ship wildlife, or part or product thereof: (1) for purposes related to the conduct of biomedical research at a facility licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the federal "Animal Welfare Act," 7 U.S.C. s.2131 et seq., or at a facility conducting biomedical research in compliance with the "Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" issued by the United States National Institutes of Health; (2) in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws or regulations of another state, if the wildlife, or part or product thereof, enters the State from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States, and is transported across the State destined for a point beyond the State; or (3) in the course of undertaking any law enforcement activities pursuant to federal or State law, or other mandatory duties required by federal or State law, if the person is an employee or agent of the federal government, the State government, or a bi-state authority. L.2016, c.6, s.7.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-52 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-52
Fee.
Status: in_force

23:3-52. a. Except as provided by subsection b. of this section, the fees for a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel License, issued pursuant to R.S.23:3-51, shall be as follows: (1) For vessels owned by a resident of New Jersey: (a) $125 for each vessel not less than 30 nor more than 100 tons in gross tonnage; (b) $250 for each vessel not less than 100 nor more than 150 tons in gross tonnage; (c) $400 for each vessel not less than 150 nor more than 175 tons in gross tonnage; (d) $550 for each vessel not less than 175 nor more than 200 tons in gross tonnage; (e) $900 for each vessel more than 200 tons in gross tonnage; and (f) $20 for each vessel up to 30 tons in gross tonnage, which is used to take menhaden for bait purposes only; (2) For vessels owned by non-residents of New Jersey: (a) $450 for each vessel not less than 30 nor more than 100 tons in gross tonnage; (b) $700 for each vessel not less than 100 nor more than 150 tons in gross tonnage; (c) $1,000 for each vessel not less than 150 nor more than 175 tons in gross tonnage; (d) $1,150 for each vessel not less than 175 nor more than 200 tons in gross tonnage; and (e) $1,500 for each vessel more than 200 tons in gross tonnage. b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section to the contrary, if a resident of New Jersey leases a vessel from out of State, the vessel licensing fee shall be the same as the fee that is applicable to a vessel owned or leased by a nonresident, as provided by paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section. c. The fee for a Menhaden Purse Seine Fishing Vessel Operator's License, issued pursuant to R.S.23:3-51, shall be $50 for a resident of New Jersey and $75 for a non-resident of New Jersey. d. Gross tonnage determinations under this section shall be made using Custom House measurements. e. Any license fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the "Marine Fisheries Management Account," established pursuant to section 14 of P.L.2013, c.74 (C.23:3-51.12). amended 1940, c.166, s.2; 1975, c.116, s.9; 2013, c.74, s.3.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-126 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-126
Holders of New York fishing licenses; fishing in New Jersey part of Greenwood lake
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in Title 23 of the Revised Statutes, to which this act is a supplement, relating to the necessity of procuring from the State of New Jersey a license to fish in the waters of this State, shall apply to persons holding a fishing license issued by New York, when fishing in that part of Greenwood lake which lies within this State, so long as persons holding fishing licenses issued by the State of New Jersey are not required to have New York licenses, when fishing in that part of Greenwood lake which lies within New York. L.1943, c. 93, p. 312, s. 1, eff. April 6, 1943.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-12.2 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-12.2
"Oyster Resource Development Account."
Status: in_force

8. a. There is established within the "hunters' and anglers' license fund," created pursuant to the provisions of R.S.23:3-11 and R.S.23:3-12, a separate and dedicated account to be known as the "Oyster Resource Development Account." This account shall be credited with all revenues received from oysters landed from the Delaware River, Delaware Bay and their tributaries, including, but not limited to, all fees collected pursuant to R.S.50:1-18, R.S.50:3-2, and section 4 of P.L.1945, c.39 (C.50:3-20.13), and as provided in subsection c. of this section. The moneys in the account shall be allocated to the Division of Fish and Wildlife within the Department of Environmental Protection and shall be disbursed only for the enhancement and management of the oyster resource in the Delaware Bay in the amounts and manner prescribed by the commissioner, after consultation with the Delaware Bay Section of the Shellfisheries Council. b. The Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations necessary to administer the "Oyster Resource Development Account," established pursuant to subsection a. of this section. c. Upon the adoption of the rules and regulations pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the Department of Environmental Protection shall repeal subchapter 4 of chapter 25A of Title 7 of the New Jersey Administrative Code establishing the "oyster cultch program" and the "Oyster Cultch Fund." The balance of the moneys remaining in the "Oyster Cultch Fund" upon the date of the repeal of the rules and regulations establishing the fund shall be deposited in the "Oyster Resource Development Account," established pursuant to subsection a. of this section. L.1996, c.112, s.8; amended 2007, c.338, s.4.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-15 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-15
Use of parallel nets prohibited; fine; forfeiture of appliances
Status: in_force

No person shall use a parallel net, otherwise a net set approximately parallel with the shore in the Delaware river below Trenton falls and at low-water mark, between June first and August thirty-first in each year, and it shall be lawful to use such parallel net below Trenton falls from September first to May thirty-first, inclusive, next ensuing, in each year, for the purpose of taking carp only; provided, that the meshes of said net be not less than three and one-half inches stretched measure when being fished; provided, that seines not smaller than two and one-half inch mesh may be used from September first to May thirty-first of each year for the purpose of taking carp only; and provided, further, that no such net shall be set in such manner as to impede navigation. All other fish must be returned unharmed to the water beyond low-water mark. 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 and other appliances used.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-51.17 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-51.17
Review of applicable laws, rules, regulations concerning menhaden.
Status: in_force

13. Each year, the committee of the Marine Fisheries Council concerned with the menhaden fishery shall meet to review the current State laws and rules and regulations concerning menhaden, the implementation of those laws and rules and regulations, and the status of the menhaden fishery in the State. The committee may make recommendations to the Marine Fisheries Council concerning any changes in laws, rules or regulations, or policies or procedures implemented pursuant to those laws, rules, or regulations that the committee determines to be prudent for the protection and vitality of the menhaden fishery in the State. L.2014, c.47, s.13.
N.J. Stat. § 23:2B-6 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 2B / Section 2B-6
Preparation of fisheries management plans; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall prepare fisheries management plans for each major fishery in the State, with the advice and assistance of the council, and if deemed necessary, advisory species related citizen panels. The citizen panels shall be composed of persons appointed by the commissioner. They shall review suggested management plans and any rules and regulations implementing said plans. Such management plans shall be coordinated with and take into consideration the appropriate Federal, Federal-State, regional management council and interstate programs. The commissioner, subject to the disapproval of the council as hereinbefore provided, shall prepare and promulgate and may amend and repeal rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this act and to implement the provisions of the fisheries management plans. Any such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.). Such rules and regulations may: a. Prohibit, limit, condition, require or establish the use of specified types of fishing gear; the size, number and quantity of specific species that may be taken; the areas to be opened or closed to their taking, the time and manner of their taking; and may prescribe such other limitations, conditions, requirements, or restrictions as is necessary and appropriate to the policy and purposes of this act; b. Establish and develop fisheries management areas and prescribe rules governing the use of such areas; The commissioner may not regulate, pursuant to this section, any species in any body of water which is regulated pursuant to Title 50 of the Revised Statutes. L.1979, c. 199, s. 6, eff. Sept. 19, 1979.
N.J. Stat. § 23:9-12 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 9 / Section 9-12
Catching food fish with lines; season for game fish; fine
Status: in_force

It shall be lawful to catch food fish with rods and lines and hand lines, and trolling lines as described in section 23:9-6 of this Title, at any time of the year in the Delaware river above or below Trenton falls. No person shall fish for and take game fish, excepting during such periods as shall be prescribed in the State Fish and Game Code, or if none are so prescribed then except from June 15 to December 1, inclusive, in each year; provided, that any char, commonly called brook or speckled trout, or any form of trout, may only be taken between April 15 and July 31, both dates inclusive, in each year unless otherwise prescribed in said code. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine of $10.00 for each and every fish so taken. Amended by L.1955, c. 99, p. 552, s. 4, eff. June 24, 1955.
N.J. Stat. § 23:3-12.1 — NJ Code / Title 23 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-12.1
"Shellfisheries Management Account" established
Status: in_force

There is established within the "hunters' and anglers' license fund" created pursuant to the provisions of R.S.23:3-11 and R.S.23:3-12, a separate and dedicated account to be known as the "Shellfisheries Management Account." This account shall be credited with all revenues from permit and landing fees collected pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1950, c.310 (C.50:2-6.3), and shall be allocated to the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection, to support shellfish management and enforcement programs and to enhance the productivity of the shellfish resource of this State. L.1991,c.79,s.4.