reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-22.7 - Violations; penalties

23:4-22.7. Violations; penalties
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-22.8 - Confiscation of equipment, pelts or animals

23:4-22.8. Confiscation of equipment, pelts or animals
All equipment used in, or animals and pelts obtained by a violation of section 2 of this amendatory and supplementary act shall be confiscated by any law enforcement agency enforcing this amendatory and supplementary act. This bill shall not be construed to authorize the confiscation of animals and pelts other than those which have been obtained in violation of section 2 of this amendatory and supplementary act and which are either held by a trap or in the possession of a violator.
L.1984, c. 37, s. 8, eff. April 27, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-23 - Mutilating game prohibited; deer

23:4-23. Mutilating game prohibited; deer
No person in this State shall remove the skin or feathers, or in any way mutilate the body of a wild bird or animal killed, caught or taken while hunting, for the purpose of concealing its identity or sex, under a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00). A person's possession of a wild bird or animal or part thereof that has been plucked, skinned or mutilated in the woods, fields, or meadows or on the waters of this State shall be prima facie evidence that he has violated this section.
The removal of the entrails of a deer shall not be considered a violation of this section, but the carcass shall not be otherwise mutilated, cut up or divided until the Division of Fish and Game or one of its members or a fish and game warden has received notification or report of the killing from the person who killed it, together with all information as required. Any person having any part or portion of a deer in his or her possession, or under his control, or in any room, house, tent, camp, or building of any description, or in any conveyance while in the woods or fields or on the roads or highways during the open season for the killing of deer and during the day next following the last day of such open season shall be required to furnish satisfactory proof that the same came from a legally killed deer that has been properly reported and failing to do so shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
Amended by L.1938, c. 304, p. 698, s. 1; L.1946, c. 48, p. 106, s. 1, eff. April 4, 1946.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24 - Hunting, certain, prohibited on Sundays; penalty; exemptions.

23:4-24 Hunting, certain, prohibited on Sundays; penalty; exemptions.
23:4-24. a. No person shall hunt with a hound or with firearms or weapons of any kind, or carry a gun in the woods or fields or on the waters on Sunday, under a penalty of $50 for each offense; except that this section shall not apply to :
(1) any person hunting raccoon between midnight on Saturday and sunrise on Sunday during the season prescribed in R.S.23:4-1;
(2) a person possessing a valid and proper rifle permit licensed to trap fur-bearing animals pursuant to the provisions of R.S.23:3-1 using a .22 caliber rifle and .22 caliber short rimfire cartridges to humanely dispatch legally trapped animals; or
(3) a person using a bow and arrow to hunt deer during any bow and arrow hunting season for deer prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, provided the person possesses a valid bow and arrow license, or a valid "All Around Sportsman License" if applicable, issued by the division, abides by all applicable provisions of the code, and is hunting on a State wildlife management area or on private property.
b. This section shall not prevent farm land owners, lessees actually occupying or farming the land, members of their immediate families, or their farm employees from hunting and destroying at any time and in any manner crows, woodchuck, fox and vermin on that land.
Amended 1953, c.402; 1959, c.71; 1996, c.97; 2009, c.48.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24.1 - Carrying loaded firearms in vehicle for hunting purposes prohibited; proof

23:4-24.1. Carrying loaded firearms in vehicle for hunting purposes prohibited; proof
No person shall, for the purpose of hunting for, pursuing, taking or killing, or attempting to hunt, pursue, take or kill any bird or animal, have, in an automobile or vehicle of any kind, any shotgun or rifle loaded with missiles of any kind, under a penalty of not less than $20.00 nor more than $50.00 for each offense.
For the purpose of this act, whenever a person is found with such loaded shotgun or rifle in possession in a vehicle, the same shall be conclusive proof that the person was in the act of pursuing or taking birds or animals.
L.1939, c. 172, p. 523, s. 1. Amended by L.1971, c. 252, s. 3, eff. June 30, 1971.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24.1a - Improper transportation of firearm in motor vehicle; penalty

23:4-24.1a. Improper transportation of firearm in motor vehicle; penalty
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24.2 - Shooting or taking game bird or animal from tree or structure within 300 feet of baited area

23:4-24.2. Shooting or taking game bird or animal from tree or structure within 300 feet of baited area
No person shall, except under emergency conditions authorized by the Division of Fish and Game, kill, destroy, injure, shoot, shoot at, take, wound, or attempt to take, kill, or wound a game bird or game animal, or have in his possession or control any firearm or other weapon of any kind, while elevated in a standing tree, or in a structure of any kind within 300 feet of a baited area under a penalty of $50.00 for each offense.
L.1970, c. 180, s. 1, eff. Aug. 13, 1970.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24.3 - Baited area defined

23:4-24.3. Baited area defined
For the purpose of this act, "baited area" shall mean the presence of placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered agricultural products, salt, or other edible lure whatsoever capable of attracting, or enticing such birds or animals. Growing and unharvested crops shall not be considered baiting or feeding game birds or game animals.
L.1970, c. 180, s. 2, eff. Aug. 13, 1970.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24.4 - Hunting deer with bait; "baited area" defined.

23:4-24.4 Hunting deer with bait; "baited area" defined.
1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1 and section 2 of P.L.1970, c.180 (C.23:4-24.2 and C.23:4-24.3), a person may: (1) use bait to attract, entice, or lure a deer; and (2) kill, destroy, injure, shoot, shoot at, take, wound, or attempt to take, kill, or wound, a deer, or have in possession or control any firearm or other weapon of any kind for such purposes, within any distance of a baited area. A person may be elevated in a standing tree or in a structure of any kind when using a baited area for hunting deer, and the baited area may be within any distance of the standing tree or structure.
b. For the purposes of this section, "baited area" means the presence of placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered agricultural products, salt, or other edible lure whatsoever capable of attracting, enticing, or luring deer.
L.1997,c.424,s.1; amended 1999, c.231.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24.5 - Prohibition of computer-assisted remote hunting; definitions.

23:4-24.5 Prohibition of computer-assisted remote hunting; definitions.
1. a. No person shall engage in computer-assisted remote hunting or provide or operate facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting in the State.
b. As used in this act, "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer via an Internet connection or any other device or equipment capable of establishing an Internet connection, or equipment or software capable of being used with an Internet connection, to remotely access and control the aiming and discharge of a firearm, bow and arrow, or any other weapon to hunt any game bird, game animal, or fur-bearing animal in the State, and "facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting" means real property and improvements on the property associated with hunting, including hunting blinds, offices, and rooms equipped to facilitate computer-assisted remote hunting via an Internet connection.
c. No provision of this section shall be construed to restrict the use of equipment or devices, approved by the Fish and Game Council, by properly licensed hunters in the act of hunting in the field who require, because of a disability or other physical condition, the assistance of certain equipment or devices that may or may not employ a computer or computerized parts in order to hunt in the field.
L.2006, c.7, s.1; amended 2017, c.131, s.64.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-24.6 - Violation, penalties.

23:4-24.6 Violation, penalties.
2. Any person who violates the provisions of this act shall be liable to a civil penalty of up to $500 for each offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an additional, separate and distinct offense.
L.2006,c.7,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-25 - Dogs; running at large; training; carrying firearms into woods or fields; exceptions

23:4-25. Dogs; running at large; training; carrying firearms into woods or fields; exceptions
The owner, lessee or custodian of a dog found running at large in the woods or fields, shall be liable to a penalty of $20.00 for each offense; provided, however, that the occupant of a farm may permit his dog to run at large on the land he occupies, except during the open season for deer.
The owner, lessee or custodian of a dog may go into the woods or fields with the dog without firearms for the purpose of exercising or training it in daylight at any time, except during the open season for deer, provided that on State public shooting and fishing grounds or wildlife management areas such exercising or training may be restricted to designated areas, and raccoon dogs may be trained between the hours of sunset and sunrise for a period of 4 weeks prior to the last week preceding the opening of the raccoon season unless prescribed otherwise by the Fish and Game Code. The penalty for violation of this section shall be $20.00 for each offense.
Any person going into the woods or fields with a firearm, except during the open seasons for the taking of birds and animals as prescribed by law or by the Fish and Game Code, shall be liable to a penalty of $20.00 for each offense; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to the killing of crows, yellow-headed redwinged, bi-colored redwinged, tri-colored redwinged, Rusty and Brewer's blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, woodchuck and vermin other than birds, which may be taken in any manner and at any time of the year, when in the act of destroying poultry, crops or property.
Amended by L.1946, c. 103, p. 326, s. 1; L.1947, c. 319, p. 1043, s. 1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1810, s. 50; L.1950, c. 86, p. 154, s. 3; L.1970, c. 316, s. 1, eff. Dec. 21, 1970; L.1979, c. 212, s. 1, eff. Sept. 28, 1979.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-26 - Field days allowed; license

23:4-26. Field days allowed; license
Nothing in this Title, or in any law supplementary thereto, or in any provision of the State Fish and Game Code, shall be construed to prohibit a regularly organized or incorporated association from holding what is commonly known as field trials or field days in this State for the handling and working of dogs upon game birds or animals. Dogs as defined in this section shall include hounds, bird dogs, and retrievers. The associations shall, however, first obtain a license from the division to hold the field trial or field day. The penalty for violation of this section shall be $20.00.
Amended by L.1968, c. 448, p. 1811, s. 51; L.1970, c. 316, s. 2, eff. Dec. 21, 1970.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-28 - Bringing game into state; penalty

23:4-28. Bringing game into state; penalty
When by the laws of any other state or country it is lawful to take out of the confines thereof any game, whether the same is fowl or animal, that game may be brought within this state, but nothing herein contained shall permit the sale or exposure for sale of any such game. Cottontail rabbits, Belgian hares and jack rabbits legally killed in another state may be brought into this state at any time for possession, sale and consumption. A person violating this section shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars for each fowl or animal so sold or exposed for sale.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-29 - Taking game from state prohibited; penalty; exceptions

23:4-29. Taking game from state prohibited; penalty; exceptions
No person shall remove or attempt to remove from this State an animal or bird, other than deer, protected by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of any provision in said code to the contrary, protected by this Title. A nonresident holding a nonresidents' and aliens' hunting license may, however, in any one day, remove from the State the number of animals or birds that may be taken under the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code in one day by one person, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, the number of animals or birds that may be taken under the laws of this State in one day by one person, but not more birds or animals may be removed by one person in one calendar week than the number that may be taken under the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code in two days by one person, or, in the absence of such provisions in said code, than the number that may be taken under the laws of this State in two days by one person. No removal shall be made unless the animals or birds are exposed to open view.
A person violating this section shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars ($20.00) for each animal or bird removed or sought to be removed.
This section shall not apply to common carriers carrying from beyond the confines of this State in unbroken packages to some point beyond the confines of this State any such protected animal or bird, nor shall it apply to English or ring-necked pheasants, mallard, black or wood ducks, Canada geese, ruffed grouse, rabbits, squirrels and quail, properly tagged, raised on game preserves, the owners or lessees of which are licensed by the division.
Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1812, s. 53, eff. April 1, 1949.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-30 - Application of law to game from without state

23:4-30. Application of law to game from without state
Except as otherwise provided in this Title, when the possession or sale of fowl or game is prohibited by this Title, or by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, reference is had equally to such fowl or game coming from without the State as to that taken within the State.
Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1813, s. 54.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-32 - Possession of gun evidence of violation

23:4-32. Possession of gun evidence of violation
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-33 - Gun in house a violation

23:4-33. Gun in house a violation
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-34 - Notice of seizure of weapon; sale; proceeds

23:4-34. Notice of seizure of weapon; sale; proceeds
Notice of the seizure of all guns, made for violation of section 23:4-31 of this title, shall be sent to the board, at Trenton, by the officer making the seizure, immediately after the rendition of judgment in the prosecution brought for violation thereof. The gun so seized shall be sold, at the discretion of the board, and the proceeds of the sale shall be paid to the board for its use.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-35 - Search for gun; search warrant; right of entry

23:4-35. Search for gun; search warrant; right of entry
The board, protector and wardens may, when they suspect the concealment of guns of the kind mentioned in section 23:4-31 of this title by an unnaturalized, foreign-born person, apply to a justice of the peace in this state, who, upon receipt of proof made by affidavit of the probable cause for believing in the concealment, shall issue a search warrant, and cause a search to be made in any place. In execution of the warrant, the officer may, after demand and refusal, cause any building, room, inclosure or car to be broken open and entered, and any closet, chest, locker, box, trunk, crate, basket, package or receptacle to be opened and its contents examined.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-36 - Gunning under influence of liquor or drugs prohibited; penalty

23:4-36. Gunning under influence of liquor or drugs prohibited; penalty
No person shall go into the woods or fields at any time with a gun or firearm when under the influence of a drug or intoxicating liquor, under a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense. Upon the conviction of a person for violating this section, the license to hunt and fish of that person issued to him in accordance with article one of chapter three of this Title (s. 23:3-1 et seq.), shall become void, and the municipal court or other court before which the conviction is had, shall take the license from the person so convicted, mark it "revoked" and send it to the board. If the conviction is reversed on appeal the license shall be restored to the defendant. Any license to hunt or fish issued to a person convicted of a violation of this section during the calendar year in which the offense occurred shall be null and void.
Amended by L.1953, c. 23, p. 450, s. 2, eff. March 19, 1953.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-37 - Protection of fur-bearing animals; taking by traps

23:4-37. Protection of fur-bearing animals; taking by traps
No person shall, by moonlight or with the aid or by use of any lamp, lantern or artificial light, shoot or kill with a rifle of any kind or description, or any firearm or shotgun, a mink, muskrat or otter in this State, or take or attempt to take the same except by means of a trap or disturb or destroy any muskrat lodge or nesting chamber.
Amended by L.1939, c. 69, p. 113, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-38.2 - Trap of conibear or killer type; restriction on use

23:4-38.2. Trap of conibear or killer type; restriction on use
No trap of the conibear or killer type shall be used in trapping unless such trap is submerged under water in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection.
L.1971, c. 405, s. 3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-38.3 - Violations; penalty

23:4-38.3. Violations; penalty
Any person violating the provisions of section 3 of this act shall be subject to a fine of not more than $50.00 for each offense and to the forfeiture of his license to trap.
L.1971, c. 405, s. 4. Amended by L.1984, c. 37, s. 9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-39 - Mink, muskrat or otter; open season; destruction of muskrats damaging dams or canal banks; state owned grounds

23:4-39. Mink, muskrat or otter; open season; destruction of muskrats damaging dams or canal banks; state owned grounds
No person shall hunt, pursue, take or trap a mink or otter in this State at any time, except during such period as provided by the State Fish and Game Code, or, in the absence of such provision in said code, except from six o'clock post meridian, on November thirtieth in each year to March fifteenth of the following year. No person shall hunt, pursue, take or trap a muskrat in this State at any time, except from six o'clock post meridian, on November thirtieth in each year to March fifteenth of the following year. This section shall not prevent the destruction at any time of muskrats which are damaging dams or canal banks by the owners or agents thereof, or the setting of traps after three o'clock post meridian on November thirtieth in each year. No person shall hunt, pursue, take or trap a mink, muskrat or otter on any of the State owned public shooting and fishing grounds, at any time, or by any method, except during such period and by such method as provided by the State Fish and Game Code, or in the absence of such provision in said code, except from six o'clock post meridian, on November thirtieth in each year to March fifteenth of the following year.
Amended by L.1939, c. 69, p. 113, s. 2; L.1939, c. 293, p. 721, s. 1; L.1948, c. 209, p. 1009, s. 1; L.1948, c. 448, p. 1813, s. 55; L.1952, c. 114, p. 453, s. 1, eff. May 5, 1952.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-40 - Stealing traps or trapped animals

23:4-40. Stealing traps or trapped animals
No person shall take, carry away or unlawfully appropriate or purloin, with intent to steal:
a. A trap, the property of another, set along, by or in any of the public or private ditches, streams, ponds or waters in this state for the purpose of catching skunk, mink, muskrat or otter; or
b. A skunk, mink, muskrat or otter, dead or alive, out of or from the trap of another person in this state.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-41 - Penalties

23:4-41. Penalties
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-42 - Killing deer, season, permit to kill on cultivated land.

23:4-42 Killing deer, season, permit to kill on cultivated land.
23:4-42. a. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, no person shall hunt for, pursue, shoot at, take, kill, wound or attempt to take, kill or wound a deer of any description prohibited by the provisions of the State Fish and Game Code, or hunt for, pursue, shoot at, take, kill, wound or attempt to take, kill or wound any wild deer at any time except during the period permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, or kill in any one year more than the number of deer permitted by the State Fish and Game Code.
b. The owner or lessee of any land, a portion of which is under cultivation, or the authorized agents of the owner or lessee having on their person a written permit issued by the division and countersigned by the owner or lessee may kill any deer that may be found on that land during the period covered by the permit. If requested by the owner or lessee of the land, the period covered by the permit issued to the owner or lessee, or authorized agent thereof, shall also include the entire months of February and March. The carcass of a deer killed under such permit shall become the property of the division and may be removed and disposed of in the manner it directs. For the purpose of this section, "land under cultivation" shall mean (1) pasture fields that are seeded with cultivated grass or that have been so seeded within the prior 12 months, or (2) land on which planted crops are growing or were growing within the prior 12 months. The division may require the owner or lessee of the land to provide evidence of deer damage within the prior 12 months as a condition of issuing a permit pursuant to this subsection.
Amended 1947, c.239, s.1; 1948, c.448, s.57; 1957, c.193, s.1; 1967, c.158, s.1; 1999, c.327.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-42.1 - Killing of deer causing crop damage permitted, conditions

23:4-42.1 Killing of deer causing crop damage permitted, conditions
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-42.2 - Annual report to include number of deer killed pursuant to permits

23:4-42.2 Annual report to include number of deer killed pursuant to permits
2. The Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall include in its annual report the number of deer killed pursuant to permits issued for the purposes set forth in R.S.23:4-42.
L.1997,c.123,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-42.5 - Exemption, variation from certain laws, etc. for implementation of alternative control methods

23:4-42.5. Exemption, variation from certain laws, etc. for implementation of alternative control methods
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-42.6 - Special deer management permit; issuance

23:4-42.6. Special deer management permit; issuance
4. a. The division shall issue a special deer management permit to any applicant authorized to implement an alternative control method set forth in an approved community based deer management plan. The permit shall identify the time, place and alternative control method authorized by the division, the name of each individual authorized to administer the alternate control method, any exemption or variance from a law, rule or regulation authorized by the council pursuant to section 3 of this act, and any special conditions established by the council.
b. No person shall implement an alternative control method except when in possession of a special deer management permit issued by the division pursuant to this act. The permittee shall provide a copy of the permit issued by the division to each individual named in the permit who is authorized to administer the alternate control method.
L.2000, c.46, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-42.7 - Venison, donation program, permanent

23:4-42.7. Venison, donation program, permanent
1. a. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture and the chairman of the Fish and Game Council, shall establish a venison donation program. The program shall permit, under controlled conditions, the slaughter, processing, distribution, and serving of venison donated by recreational hunters to nonprofit charitable organizations, in accordance with guidelines established by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the State Fish and Game Code established pursuant to section 32 of P.L.1948, c.448 (C.13:1B-30), in order to protect the health and safety of those persons consuming the donated venison.
b. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture, the chairman of the Fish and Game Council, and the United Bow Hunters of New Jersey, shall study the feasibility of expanding the program to include venison obtained from hunters licensed by the Department of Environmental Protection to participate in crop depredation control activities or obtained as a result of the implementation of other methods to manage and control deer populations, including but not limited to those established by sections 1 through 4 of P.L.2000, c.46 (C.23:4-42.3 through C.23:4-42.6), and shall expand the program accordingly if the commissioner deems it appropriate.
L.1997,c.268, s.1; amended 2000, c.46, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-42.8 - Guidelines for venison donation program.

23:4-42.8 Guidelines for venison donation program.
3. The Commissioner of Health and Senior Services shall develop guidelines, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture and the chairman of the Fish and Game Council, to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.1997,c.268,s.3 (allocated per L.2000,c.46).
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-43 - Possession of wild deer.

23:4-43 Possession of wild deer.
23:4-43. Except as provided by this section, no person shall have in possession in this State any wild deer other than during the open season for hunting deer as established in the State Fish and Game Code and such deer in possession must have been killed in the manner prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code for that particular open season. A legally killed deer and parts of a legally killed deer may be possessed until June 1 immediately following the season in which it was killed, provided the deer was properly registered and bears the possession tag affixed at the deer checking station, and any parts that have been separated from legally killed deer are clearly marked as prescribed in R.S. 23:4-47. A person desiring to retain a legally killed deer or parts thereof after June 1 may do so by contacting the nearest conservation police officer, who may authorize such retention in a manner prescribed by the division. No person shall have in possession any deer of any description, except as provided in the State Fish and Game Code or as provided in this section.
Except as herein provided, the having in possession of any wild deer or parts thereof during the time and periods prohibited in the State Fish and Game Code, or the having in possession of any deer of any description, except during such time and periods and of such description as permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, shall be prima facie evidence in all courts that such wild deer is in possession unlawfully.
This article shall not apply to a deer killed on game preserves, the owners or lessees of which are licensed by the division, or to deer coming from another state, which is properly tagged, showing where the same was killed, or to the disposal, by State or municipal police officers, or by personnel authorized thereby, of deer found dead on or along any public highway or on any private property, upon request of the owner thereof, provided that any such disposal is undertaken in conformance with procedures prescribed by the division.
amended 1947, c.239, s.2; 1948, c.448, s.58; 1957, c.193, s.2; 1971, c.251, s.1; 1979, c.304, s.1; 2019, c.407, s.12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-44 - Weapons authorized for hunting deer; kinds; caliber; size of shot

23:4-44. Weapons authorized for hunting deer; kinds; caliber; size of shot
Unless otherwise prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, no person engaged in hunting for wild deer shall use or carry a rifle of any kind or description, or any firearm or shotgun of a smaller caliber than 12 gauge, or load such firearm or shotgun with a bullet or other missile larger than that commonly known as buckshot, or have in possession while engaged in hunting for deer during the open season for killing deer any missile except buckshot or, while engaged in hunting, have any missile larger than number 4 fine shot in possession at any time other than during the open season for killing deer; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall prevent the hunting of deer with a bow and arrow as stated in this section and as otherwise provided by law and the State Fish and Game Code; provided, that it shall be unlawful, unless otherwise prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code, for any person to have in his possession or under his control any gun or firearm at any time while hunting deer with bow and arrow, and no person shall use or have in his possession or under his control while hunting any poison arrow, arrow with explosive tips, or any bow drawn, held or released by mechanical means.
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-45 - Deer-hunting restrictions

23:4-45. Deer-hunting restrictions
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-46 - Use of dogs to track wild deer.

23:4-46 Use of dogs to track wild deer.
23:4-46. a. No person shall at any time, or for any reason, hunt for, track, search for, seek, capture, or kill a wild deer with a dog.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of this section to the contrary, a person permitted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife may use a certified tracking dog on a lead to search for and recover deer lost by a hunter during any hunting season for deer prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code.
amended 1957, c.116; 2017, c.302.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-47 - Dead deer, tagging procedures, transportation; violations, penalties; rules, regulations.

23:4-47 Dead deer, tagging procedures, transportation; violations, penalties; rules, regulations.
23:4-47. A person who kills a deer in this State at any time during the legal seasons shall immediately attach thereto the deer transportation tag supplied with the hunting license and shall transport the deer to a deer checking station before 7:00 p.m. on the day the deer was killed, for registering the kill and having a legal possession tag affixed, which possession tag shall remain attached until the carcass has been consumed.
A person not required to purchase a hunting license under provisions of R.S.23:3-1, who kills a deer in this State at any time during the legal seasons, or a person who has lost the transportation tag supplied with the hunting license, shall make and attach a transportation tag immediately after killing the animal, clearly stating the person's name and address, and if holding a license to hunt, the license number, with the date, township if known, and county in which the deer was killed and shall transport the deer to a checking station for registration as herein prescribed.
The division shall designate such checking stations as it deems necessary and shall prescribe regulations for their operation.
All deer killed during prescribed seasons shall be presented for registration at the nearest deer checking station by the person who killed the deer, and it shall be registered in that person's name. No person shall present a deer for registration, or permit to be registered in the person's name, any deer which the person did not kill. No person shall at any time in any manner transport any deer killed during a prescribed season, unless there is a legal tag securely attached to the deer. If the deer is being transported by a person other than the licensee, written permission signed by the licensee killing the deer must be in possession of the driver.
No person shall have in possession at any time any deer, or parts of a deer, which has not been legally registered. The owner of a legally registered deer may give away parts of the deer provided each separate part is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the deer, the possession tag number assigned to the deer, and the name and address of the person to whom it was given.
A person who fails to properly tag a deer and transport it to a checking station, or who borrows, loans, transfers, buys, sells or purloins any deer tag of another, shall be liable to the penalty prescribed by R.S.23:4-48.
The division shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), any rules and regulations necessary to implement this section and to prescribe the tagging requirements for deer killed in a manner other than during a prescribed season.
Amended 1957, c.193, s.4; 1967, c.158, s.2; 1971, c.251, s.2; 2001, c.261, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-48 - Penalties

23:4-48. Penalties
Except as otherwise specifically permitted by this article: any person hunting for, pursuing, shooting at, taking, killing, wounding, having in possession in this State or attempting to take, kill or wound a deer of any description other than as permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, hunting for, pursuing, shooting at, taking, killing, wounding, having in possession in this State or attempting to take, kill, wound or possess any wild deer at any time, except during the period designated therefor by the State Fish and Game Code, or in the absence of such provision in said code, except during the period designated therefor in this article; or killing in any one year more than the number of deer permitted by the State Fish and Game Code, or hunting for, pursuing, stalking or shooting at a wild deer, except by daylight on the days designated therefor by the State Fish and Game Code, or killing a deer in this State at any time and failing to report the same in the manner prescribed by the division, or killing a deer in this State at any time and failing to properly tag and transport the deer to a checking station for registration as provided in R.S. 23:4-47, or using or carrying a rifle of any kind or description for the purpose of hunting or pursuing deer, or violating any of the other provisions of this article or of the Fish and Game Code promulgated thereunder, or violating any other provisions of this Title or the Fish and Game Code pertaining to the taking of deer of either sex, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 for the first offense and not less than $300.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for the second and each subsequent offense.
Amended by L.1948, c. 448, p. 1817, s. 61; L.1957, c. 193, p. 696, s. 5; L.1967, c. 158, s. 3, eff. July 13, 1967; L.1971, c. 251, s. 3, eff. June 30, 1971; L.1978, c. 22, s. 1, eff. May 23, 1978.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-49 - "Game bird" defined

23:4-49. "Game bird" defined
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.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-51 - Robbing nests or taking eggs prohibited; exception; penalty

23:4-51. Robbing nests or taking eggs prohibited; exception; penalty
No person shall rob the nests or take or destroy the eggs of any wild bird other than the English sparrow, under a penalty of twenty dollars for each nest robbed and each egg so removed or destroyed.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 23 - Fish and Game, Wild Birds and Animals › Section 23:4-52 - Collecting mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds, and their nests and eggs for scientific purposes; certificate

23:4-52. Collecting mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds, and their nests and eggs for scientific purposes; certificate
The Division of Fish, Game and Shellfisheries may grant to a properly accredited person, 18 years of age or over, a certificate permitting him to collect mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds and their nests or eggs, for strictly scientific purposes only. In order to obtain the certificate the applicant therefor shall (a) present to the division, written testimonials from two well-known scientists, certifying to the good character and fitness of the applicant to be intrusted with the privilege, (b) pay to the division the fee of $20.00 for the scientific collectors certificate. The certificate shall be in force for 1 year only, from the date of its issuance, and shall not be transferable without approval of the director. The foregoing sections of this article shall not apply to a person holding such certificate, except as provided for in The Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act, P.L.1973, c. 309 (C. 23:2A-1 et seq.).
Upon proof that a holder of the certificate has collected a mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird or taken the nest or eggs of a bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian or fish for any purposes other than those named in this section, the certificate shall become void and the holder shall be further subject to the penalties provided therefor in this article.
Amended by L.1975, c. 116, s. 11, eff. June 3, 1975.