Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region

Hunting
The Refuge actively manages its deer population through an annual deer hunt held each November. An annual one-day Youth hunt is followed by a four-day public hunt open to muzzleloader and shotgun. During this time, the Refuge is closed to non-hunters, Refuge office remains open to hunters if they have any questions. Those interested in participating should apply for a Zone 38 permit through license agents or via the internet (www.NJFishandWildlife.com). The deadline for applications generally occurs around Sept. 26th; see the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest or call the Refuge for details.

2011 White Tail Deer Hunt

The annual Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge white-tailed deer hunt at will begin on November 5, 2011 with a special one day youth hunt (ages 10-15). The hunt will continue November 9-12 with the general muzzleloader/shotgun season. The Management Area of the refuge will be closed to non-hunters during the youth hunt but the Wilderness Area will remain open to the public. During the general hunt, the entire refuge will be closed to non-hunters. The Visitor Center will be closed during the hunt but Headquarters will remain open for hunters.

Process to Hunt Great Swamp NWR

In order to hunt on Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, all hunters must purchase a Zone 38 Permit from the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and a federal permit from the refuge. The refuge will mail an packet to all Zone 38 applicants containing information about refuge hunt procedures, a written exam, and an application to purchase a federal permit. Hunters must answer 90% of the questions correctly to be qualified to hunt. The exam will be an “open book” test with all answers provided in the mailing. The fee for the non-refundable federal permit is $26.00. Youths (ages 10-15) and persons possessing either a Senior or Access Pass are entitled to a 50% discount. Once payment and a passing exam score have been received, the applicant will be mailed a federal permit. Permits can only be obtained by mail. An individual who possesses a State disabled hunting license/permit or an Access Pass may qualify for special accommodations by making arrangements in advance with refuge staff.

Shotgun vs. Muzzleloader

Muzzleloader hunters are allowed to take a buck as their first deer. Refuge lands east of Long Hill/New Vernon Road will only be open to muzzleloader hunting.

Shotgun hunters are required to harvest a doe first in order to earn a buck tag through our “Earn-a-Buck” program. Refuge lands west of Long Hill/New Vernon Road will be open to both shotgun and muzzleloader hunting.

Scouting

The Management Area of the refuge, which is normally closed to the public, will be open for two days during daylight hours for permitted hunters and their companions ONLY to scout. All hunting parties must have their permit(s) available for verification while scouting in the Management Area. Access to the Wilderness Area east of Long Hill/New Vernon Road is not restricted and can be scouted any day of the week during daylight hours. The refuge will remain open to the public on scouting days.

For further information, please contact refuge Headquarters at (973) 425-1222 x-155.

 

Credit: William Bell
Credit: Lee Bessler USFWS
Hunters Break for Cookout
Our group has been coming here for 20 years. It's always an enjoyable experience. We are all residents of Rhode Island and part of the Lusitana Club of Cumberland Rhode Island. We scout before the hunt and stay in a nearby hotel all four days.
 
 
Last updated: January 31, 2012