New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife issues licenses, stamps and permits for hunting, fishing and trapping. The first license, a non-resident hunting license for $10.50, was introduced in 1902. The first resident hunting license was required in 1909 at a cost of $1.15. In 1915 the first fishing license was required, enabling law enforcement to be adequately funded. License fees were periodically adjusted, with the last increases occurring in 2000.

Today the revenues derived from these sales support, in whole or in part, the operations of the agency. This work includes the operation of two fish hatcheries and associated stocking programs, enforcement of fish and wildlife regulations, habitat protection, fish and wildlife research, wildlife management area maintenance and improvement, education and other programs and activities.

The documents linked below contain data on license sales since 1970. The number of licenses sold also figure in the amount of federal grants money the state receives from the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs.

• Fishing and Hunting License Sales, 1970-2020

• Fishing and Hunting License Sales, 2021-2022
• Fishing and Hunting License Sales, 2011-2020
• Fishing and Hunting License Sales, 2001-2010
• Fishing and Hunting License Sales, 1991-2000
• Fishing and Hunting License Sales, 1981-1990
• Fishing and Hunting License Sales, 1970-1980

National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation – US Fish & Wildlife Service