{"id":249,"date":"2021-12-27T14:31:27","date_gmt":"2021-12-27T14:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/?page_id=249"},"modified":"2026-01-27T17:13:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T22:13:56","slug":"wild-turkey-in-new-jersey","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/hunting\/wild-turkey-in-new-jersey\/","title":{"rendered":"Wild Turkey in New Jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Find Your Hunting Location<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Division’s Turkey Restoration Project represents one of the greatest wildlife management success stories in the history of the state. By the mid-1800s, turkeys had disappeared in New Jersey due to habitat changes and killing for food. Division biologists, in cooperation with the NJ Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation<\/a> <\/i>, reintroduced wild turkeys in 1977 with the release of 22 birds. In 1979 biologists and technicians began to live-trap and re-locate birds to establish populations throughout the state. By 1981 the population was able to support a spring hunting season, and in December, 1997, a limited fall season was initiated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is now an abundance of wild turkeys throughout the state with turkeys found wherever there is suitable habitat. In South Jersey, where wild turkeys had been struggling just a few years ago, intensive restoration efforts have improved population numbers significantly. The statewide population is now estimated at 20,000 – 23,000 turkeys with an annual harvest of approximately 3,000 birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth turkey hunters<\/strong> aged 10 to 16 with a Youth License<\/a> can obtain a “Y” permit which allows them to hunt in any hunting period in the zone that they obtain a permit for during the spring season. Youth hunters aged 10 to less than 14 must be under the supervision of a licensed adult who is at least 21 years of age. The adult does not have to have a turkey permit, but they do have to have a regular license. This regulation applies until the youth takes a turkey. After taking a turkey, the youth is subject to the same hunting period and zone restrictions as an adult. There is also the special statewide Youth Turkey Hunting Day<\/a> each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spring turkey permits are awarded via a lottery<\/a> followed by over-the-counter sales; the lottery application period is January 25-February 22.<\/strong> There is no lottery for the fall season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Regulations\/Permit Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n