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Upland Game Bird Season and Regulations

Upland Game Bird Season and Regulations

Upland Game Bird hunting in New Jersey provides hours of recreation afield every hunting season. From abundant Commercial and Semi-Wild Shooting Preserves to NJ Fish and Wildlife’s own Pheasant and Quail stockings, there are ample opportunities for sportsmen and women to enjoy the pursuit. Every year, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife stocks approximately 50,000 pheasants on 23 Wildlife Management Areas across the state, as well as Fort Dix (limited) and the Delaware Water Gap NRA. Additionally, 11, 000 quail are stocked on Greenwood Forest, and Peaslee Wildlife Management Areas. Efforts to provide a quality pheasant hunting season begin in spring, when Fish and Wildlife staff sow fields with forage and cover seed mixtures. Among other benefits to various species of wildlife, these mixes provide ample cover for pheasants when they are stocked in the fall. This ensures a challenging but rewarding hunt for both seasoned hunters, and those who are stepping foot in the field for the first time; pheasant hunting is an excellent way to get started in hunting. Maps showing the areas to be stocked with pheasants during the small game season are linked below.

Dog training areas on eleven WMAs are stocked with chukars to provide pre-season training opportunities.

Printable 2022 Upland Game Bird Regulations

2022 Pheasant and Quail Stocking Schedule

Pheasant and Quail Stocking Maps

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Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-777-3373
Last Update: January 12th, 2023