2009 Spring & Fall Wild Turkey Regulations

Please refer to the 2009 New Jersey Wild Turkey Hunting Season Information and Permit Application and the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest for State and Federal Regulations.

In addition to all State regulations, national wildlife refuge specific regulations are:

• Hunters must carry:
  - 2009 New Jersey State Firearm and/or Bow License
  - 2009 New Jersey State Hunting Area #5 Wild Turkey Permit(s)
  - 2009 Wallkill River NWR Spring & Fall Wild Turkey Permit
  
  
• Each hunter must obtain year 2009 refuge hunt permit and maps before entering the refuge. Each hunter MUST also carry the signed refuge permit when hunting and scouting on the refuge. Refuge permits are not transferable.
  
  
• When hunting and scouting on the refuge, the 2009 Wild Turkey Parking Permit must be clearly displayed on your vehicle's dashboard so it is readable from outside the vehicle. Failure to comply will result in a fine.
  
  
• Hunters are required to remove all hunting material from the refuge at the end of each hunting day.
  
  
• Hunters are allowed to enter the refuge two hours before shooting time and leave no later than two hours after the end of shooting time.
  
  
• The distribution of bait and hunting over bait is prohibited.
  
  
• Dogs are allowed only for fall turkey hunting.
  
  
• Use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
  
  
• The use of ATVs and dirt bikes is prohibited.
  
  
• Cutting and removal of vegetation is prohibited.
  
  
• Camping and fires are prohibited.
  
  
• Please dispose of litter. Pack it in / Pack it out.
  If litter or other debris is observed in the parking areas, please report it to the refuge office.

Spring Scouting Period:
Beginning March 28 through April 10, you may scout the refuge from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset, everyday. Beginning April 11, scouting will only be allowed from 1 PM to 2 hours after sunset on hunting days and 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset on Sundays. Weapons, firearms and dogs are prohibited while scouting. Only authorized participants possessing valid refuge permits will be allowed to scout.

Fall Scouting Period:
Beginning October 17 through October 25, 2009. You may scout the refuge from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset. Weapons, firearms and dogs are prohibited while scouting. Only authorized participants possessing authorized permits will be allowed to scout.

Caller/Observer Permit:
All refuge permit holders will receive one Caller/Observer Permit. The Caller/Observer Permit will allow one non-hunting person to accompany the hunter. This is an opportunity for others to learn about turkey hunting or assist the hunter by calling or carrying equipment. The holder of this permit must be set up with the hunter at the same location, and are not allowed to shoot a firearm or bow.

Special Youth Turkey Day:
All State and Federal regulations apply. Youths must carry their 2009 Wild Turkey Hunt Permit issued by the refuge.

Physically disabled hunters:
Special accommodations are available for hunters possessing a State of New Jersey Permit To Shoot Or Hunt From A Stationary Vehicle. Please contact the refuge headquarters for further information.

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• A No Hunting Area is located in the refuge northern hunting zone. Hunting in this area is prohibited. See refuge hunt maps for detailed locations.
  
  
• The tract of land referred to as 119 Owens Station Rd (former West Valley Sports Club) is designated for physically disabled hunters ONLY. Special refuge permits are needed to hunt and scout on this property. Please refer to the refuge hunt map.
  
  
• Hunters should be aware that hikers and birdwatchers may be walking on the Wood Duck Nature Trail (accessible from parking area 12) and the Dagmar Dale Nature Trail (accessible from refuge headquarters). Extreme caution should be taken when hunting near the trails. Please refer to the refuge hunt maps.