2008-2009 Deer Hunting Regulations

General Information
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1990, is located along the Wallkill River in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. Public hunting is permitted on approximately 3,500 acres in New Jersey during specific times of the year. The hunting program is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in cooperation with the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.

To ensure your safety and enjoyment while visiting Wallkill River, please take time to become familiar with the following regulations.

Hunting Regulations
The regulations below supplement the general regulations which govern hunting on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Hunting is permitted in accordance with all applicable State and Federal regulations and is subject to special regulations. Hunters should consult the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest.

The refuge deer seasons are concurrent with the seasons administered by NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife (Regulation Set #4).

Permits: While hunting or scouting, permittees MUST carry a valid NJ Hunting License, a valid NJ Deer Management Zone 2 Permit (during permit seasons), a valid rifle permit (during muzzleloader season), and a valid Wallkill River NWR Deer Hunting Permit. Permits are not transferable. The Refuge Hunt Permit must be carried on the hunter's person and is not valid until signed.

Scouting: Scouting is permitted August 30, 2008- January 31, 2009. Permittees scouting during the Permit Muzzleloader, Permit Shotgun, and Six-day Firearm seasons must wear 400 square inches of SOLID FLUORESCENT ORANGE on their head, chest and back.

Hunter Orange: Firearm hunters (shotgun and muzzleloader) must wear in a conspicuous manner on HEAD, CHEST, and BACK a minimum of 400 square inches of SOLID FLUORESCENT ORANGE clothing. Camouflage Orange alone is NOT Permitted. Requirements to hunt on a national wildlife refuge are double the amount required by New Jersey regulations.

Attention Bow Hunters: Bow hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of SOLID FLUORESCENT ORANGE clothing on their head, chest and back when Permit Muzzleloader, Permit Shotgun, and Six-day Firearm are concurrent with Permit Bow and Winter Bow seasons.

Tree stands: Only portable tree stands may be used and must be removed from the refuge each day.

Trail markers: All marking tape, reflective pins, or other materials used to mark trails must be removed at the end of the hunt day. The use of paint is prohibited.

Hours: Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than two hours before shooting time and leave no later than two hours after shooting hours. See the NJ Fish & Wildlife Digest for legal hunting hours.

Parking: Hunters must park in designated refuge hunt parking areas only. Blocking gates, roads and buildings will result in a fine!

Closed Areas: A No Hunting Area is located in the northern hunting zone including the Liberty Loop Trail. Hunting in this area is prohibited. See refuge hunt map for detailed location.

Nature Trails: Other outdoor enthusiasts may be using the Wood Duck Nature Trail and the Dagmar Dale Nature Trail during the hunting season. Extreme caution should be taken when hunting near the trails.

Check Station: Harvested deer must be taken to State operated check stations. No check station is available at the refuge. Please remember to indicate you are hunting on FEDERAL land.

Disabled Hunters: A Special Hunting Restrictions Area ("Access for Disabled Hunters Only") exists at 119 Owens Station Road. Hunters must carry a special refuge access permit before entering this property. Only hunters possessing a state-issued "Permit for Physically Challenged Hunters" are eligible to receive a special refuge access permit. Contact the refuge office for details.

Law enforcement: Individuals utilizing the refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, boats, vehicles, and their contents by refuge or state law enforcement officers.

Refuge hunting areas may change each year. Hunters are encouraged to read the hunt maps provided. Please respect adjacent landowners, DO NOT TRESPASS!

Prohibited Activities
* Littering
* Use of a spotlight or other artificial light may not be used to locate wildlife.
* Baiting or hunting over bait, salt or any attractant.
* Drive or screw a nail, spike or other metal object into a tree or hunt from any tree in which such an object has been driven.
*Trimming or cutting vegetation.
*Use or possession of alcoholic beverages.
*Use of ATVs and/or dirt bikes.
*Target practice
*Camping and campfires
*Overnight parking
*Searching for or removing any object of antiquity including arrowheads, pottery or other artifacts.
*Blocking gates or roadways with vehicles.
*Pets are not permitted at anytime.

An Important Message
Our wildlife is a valuable resource. Laws and regulations are intended to protect them, while allowing for some consumptive use. Hunters are encouraged to report any violations they may encounter to a State or Federal employee.

The future of hunting on the refuge requires responsible hunter behavior and compliance with regulations.

Thank you. Have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.