Hunting season is upon us and if you’re looking for a new challenge, why not try your hand at squirrel hunting? New Jersey is home to many types of squirrels, so you’re sure to find one that fits your fancy. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of squirrels in New Jersey and how to go about hunting them. We will also provide some tips on what gear you need and what type of bait works best. So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice, read on for everything you need to know about squirrel hunting in New Jersey.
Squirrel Hunting Laws in New Jersey
The Garden State is home to many different species of squirrels, including the gray squirrel, red squirrel, and fox squirrel. While it is legal to hunt these animals in New Jersey, there are certain laws and regulations that must be followed.
Here are some of the main laws and regulations regarding squirrel hunting in New Jersey:
- A hunting license is required in order to hunt any animal in New Jersey, including squirrels. licenses can be obtained from the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.
- There is no closed season for hunting squirrels in New Jersey. However, there are daily bag limits in place. For gray and fox squirrels, the limit is 5 per day. For red squirrels, the limit is 10 per day.
- Squirrels may only be hunted with firearms that are lawful for deer hunting in New Jersey. This includes shotguns, rifles, and pistols/revolvers that shoot rifle ammunition (minimum caliber .22). Muzzleloaders and air guns are not permitted for hunting squirrels in NJ.
- Hunting on state-owned lands is subject to additional rules and regulations set forth by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.
- It is unlawful to bait or place food attractants for the purpose of hunting on any land in New Jersey, including state-owned lands.
Related: Raccoon Hunting in New Jersey: An Ultimate Guide
Do you need a license to hunt squirrels in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you do not need a license to hunt squirrels. You can hunt them on your own property or on public land with a hunting permit. The only time you would need a license is if you were going to use a firearm to hunt them.
Squirrel Hunting Seasons in New Jersey
The squirrel hunting season in New Jersey generally runs from mid-October through early February, although there may be some variation depending on the county. Check with your local wildlife management office for specific dates. During the season, hunters are allowed to take up to six squirrels per day.
Squirrels can be hunted with either a shotgun or a rifle, and hunters must use lead-free ammunition when hunting within 150 yards of any structure or shoreline. Baiting is not allowed, and all harvested animals must be kept whole until they are field dressed.
If you’re new to squirrel hunting, or if you’re looking to expand your repertoire beyond deer and turkey, NJ is a great place to start. The state is home to both red and gray squirrels and offers ample opportunity for hunters of all experience levels. So get out there and give it a try – you just might find that you have a new favorite game animal!
Can you hunt squirrels at night in New Jersey?
Squirrel hunting is a popular pastime in New Jersey, and many hunters enjoy pursuing these small game animals. Though squirrels are active during the day, they can also be hunted at night. There are a few things to keep in mind when squirrel hunting at night, however.
First, it is important to know where squirrels are likely to be active. They will often feed on nuts and seeds near trees or in wooded areas. If you are looking to hunt squirrels at night, it is a good idea to scout out potential feeding areas during the daytime so that you know where to set up your equipment.
Second, hunters should be aware that they may need to use artificial light when hunting at night. This can help you see better in the dark and also help attract squirrels toward your position. Be sure to use a red filter on your light source so as not to spook the animals.
Lastly, Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) can be extremely helpful when hunting squirrels at night. NVGs allows you to see in the dark and can make spotting those elusive critters much easier. If you plan on using NVGs, be sure to practice with them beforehand so that you are familiar with how they work and do not startle the animals with sudden movements while wearing them.
Bag limits for hunting Squirrel in New Jersey
The daily bag limit for squirrels in New Jersey is six. The possession limit is 18. There is no closed season for hunting squirrels with a shotgun, air rifle, or pellet gun. You can hunt them with a bow and arrow during the deer season.
Legal ways to hunt Squirrels in New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are many ways to legally hunt squirrels. You can use a variety of methods, including firearms, bowhunting, and trapping.
If you want to use a firearm to hunt squirrels, you will need to get a hunting license from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. You will also need to ensure that you are familiar with the state’s hunting regulations.
If you want to use a bow to hunt squirrels, you will need to get a hunting license from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. You will also need to make sure that you are familiar with the state’s hunting regulations. In addition, you will need to take a bowhunter safety course.
If you want to trap squirrels, you will need to get a trapping license from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. You will also need to ensure that you are familiar with the state’s trapping regulations. In addition, you will need to take a trapper safety course.
Can you use dogs to hunt squirrels in New Jersey?
Yes, you can use dogs to hunt squirrels in New Jersey. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to use a shotgun. You will need to get a permit from the state in order to do this.
The best time of year to hunt squirrels in New Jersey is during the fall when they are actively searching for food to store up for winter. The best place to find them is in hardwood forests, where they spend most of their time feeding on acorns and other nuts.
When using dogs to hunt squirrels, it is important to be respectful of other hunters and hikers who may be using the same area. Make sure your dog is well-trained and under control at all times, so as not to disturb other people or animals in the area.
Can you hunt squirrels from a vehicle in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you can only hunt squirrels from a vehicle if you are mobility-impaired and have a valid permit from the Division of Fish and Wildlife. If you do not have a permit, you may still be able to hunt squirrels from a vehicle if you obtain prior written permission from the landowner where you will be hunting.
Final Thoughts
After spending some time squirrel hunting in New Jersey, it’s clear that this state has a lot to offer when it comes to this type of hunting. The scenery is beautiful, the wildlife is plentiful, and the challenge of bagging a limit of these quick and cunning creatures is very appealing.
Overall, I had a great time squirrel hunting in New Jersey. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good place to hunt. The only downside is that the season is relatively short. Therefore, if you want to get in on the action you’ll have to act fast. But if you’re up for the challenge, I think you’ll find that New Jersey is a great place to go squirrel hunting.
