New Jersey Fish & Wildlife

New Jersey Fish & Wildlife New Jersey Fish & Wildlife is a part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife (NJF&W) is a professional organization dedicated to the management and conservation of the state's fish and wildlife resources. NJF&W has a rich heritage dating back to 1892 and the creation of a commission form of wildlife administration with an appointed, salaried Fish and Game Protector. This was an addition to nine county wardens who were first authorized in 1871.

Another great group of angler photos highlights this week’s ! Anthony caught a Black Crappie, Braden reeled in a nice L...
08/21/2026

Another great group of angler photos highlights this week’s ! Anthony caught a Black Crappie, Braden reeled in a nice Largemouth Bass, and Brody caught an impressive Hybrid Striped Bass.

Seeing shots like these always gets us thinking about next year’s Freshwater Fishing Digest cover, and believe it or not, it’s already time to start looking for the 2027 cover image.

When you’re snapping pictures of your catch (or a friend’s) this weekend, take a moment to think about photo quality: the angler’s expression, clothing, how the fish is held and positioned, and the background scenery. You might be taking the next cover photo without even realizing it!

All fishing photos help preserve lasting memories, so take plenty and share some with us!

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s R3 Hunting and Shooting Sports Program is excited to enter the sixth season of the Managed Water...
08/20/2026

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s R3 Hunting and Shooting Sports Program is excited to enter the sixth season of the Managed Waterfowl Hunt at the Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area.

New for this season:
• A decoy loaner program is available to all program participants, and no advanced request is necessary.
• The Managed Waterfowl Hunt program ends on December 15, 2026. Following December 15, the gates to the Tuckahoe Impoundments will reopen, allowing public access under standard Wildlife Management Area regulations for the remainder of the waterfowl season.

The Managed Waterfowl Hunt is designed to provide new and lapsed waterfowl hunters with the opportunity to gain experience and build the skills and confidence to continue hunting independently.

Full details on changes and general information for this season can be found here: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/hunting/tuckahoe-wildlife-management-area-managed-waterfowl-hunt/

Many types of netting can trap and injure wildlife. Small animals like snakes, turtles, frogs, salamanders, birds, chipm...
08/18/2026

Many types of netting can trap and injure wildlife. Small animals like snakes, turtles, frogs, salamanders, birds, chipmunks, and squirrels can get tangled as they try to move through the netting. When they struggle to escape, they often become even more stuck and can suffer serious cuts, broken bones, or even death. Birds, fish, and other wildlife may also swallow pieces of broken netting, which can cause dangerous digestive problems.

What types of netting are a problem?
• Garden netting (“deer netting”)
• Sports nets, golf practice nets, and fishing nets
• Chicken wire - although it is not technically a net, its thin, flexible wire can also trap animals as they try to squeeze through it.
• Soil erosion and sediment control netting (including some “biodegradable” products that don’t break down as claimed)

How you can help:
• Avoid using garden netting. If you must use it, keep the bottom of the netting about 12 inches off the ground.
• When sports and recreational nets are not in use, lift the bottom 12 inches off the ground.
• Never leave damaged nets outdoors. Dispose of them properly to protect wildlife.
• Replace chicken wire with ¼-inch or ½-inch hardware cloth. It’s safer for wildlife.
• For erosion control netting, pick products made from 100% natural, truly biodegradable materials. Look for netting with movable joints so animals can escape if they get caught.

Thank you for protecting New Jersey’s wildlife!

08/15/2026

The Take A Kid Annual Pheasant Hunt will take place on October 31, and we’re looking for volunteers to make it the best one yet! You can help inspire the newest generation of pheasant hunters by volunteering as a mentor or dog handler.

There are seven mentored hunt locations across New Jersey to choose from. If you’re ready to help carry on the hunting tradition and make a difference, apply by September 30: https://forms.office.com/g/uCupnikjv4

Nothing seems more appropriate for a mid-August than Hybrid Striped Bass! Lake and reservoir water temperatures are 80...
08/14/2026

Nothing seems more appropriate for a mid-August than Hybrid Striped Bass! Lake and reservoir water temperatures are 80 degrees, which typically means a hot Hybrid bite. Billy, Dan, and Mike all had great fishing trips chasing these drag-peeling rockets. Try fishing Lake Hopatcong, Spruce Run Reservoir and Manasquan Reservoir for Hybrids. You’d better have a good grip when these fish hit, or they will yank the rod right out of your hands. Tight lines!

Applications are open for our Introduction to Women’s Sporting Clays workshop! Join a group of women age 18 + who have c...
08/12/2026

Applications are open for our Introduction to Women’s Sporting Clays workshop! Join a group of women age 18 + who have completed firearm Hunter Education for a fun and supportive introduction to recreational shooting.

📍Freehold Fin, Fur & Feather Sportsmen’s Club of New Jersey (Monmouth County)
📆August 30
⌚10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come build your confidence on the range and enjoy:
• Small group instruction
• A beginner-friendly environment
• Experienced instructors

Apply now: https://dep.nj.gov/event/womens-sporting-clays-workshop-2026-08-30/

08/10/2026

🦪Last month, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Marine Resources Administration completed their annual shell planting on existing oyster reefs in the Mullica River. Timed with the oysters’ annual spawn, planting clean shell provides hard substrate for juvenile oysters to settle on, which is needed for their lifecycle.

Learn more about our oyster habitat enhancement efforts, Shell Recycling Program restaurant partners, and how you can get involved: https://njfishandwildlife.nj.gov/fishing/marine/shell-recycling-program/

🎣This week’s is full of young anglers and some good looking Largemouth Bass. Dylan, Landon, and Sam all caught some lu...
08/07/2026

🎣This week’s is full of young anglers and some good looking Largemouth Bass. Dylan, Landon, and Sam all caught some lunkers on recent outings. What do you consider a lunker, and what’s your personal best? Share your photos in the comments!

New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife’s Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery has stocked over one million Largemouth Bass during the last five seasons, helping support warmwater fishing opportunities across the state.

Learn about Largemouth Bass fishing in New Jersey, where to catch them, and what lures to use 👉 https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/largemouth-bass/

08/07/2026

The Shark River Access Wildlife Management Area in Avon by the Sea, Monmouth County, is about one acre of Green Acres funded access for anglers along the north side of Shark River Inlet and under the Shark River/Neptune Bridge.

Fishing
Both spearfish and hook and line anglers routinely catch winter flounder, blowfish, tautog, bluefish, summer flounder, and striped bass from the WMA site. Anglers frequently cast nets for menhaden to use for bait. Jetty anglers can venture to the tip of the inlet jetty with the use of studded footwear as the rocks are slippery.

Access
From the Garden State Parkway, take exit 105 and follow signs for Route 18 South. Take exit 8A from NJ-18 South onto West Sylvania Avenue. Turn right onto Main Street, then left onto Washington Avenue. Make a right onto First Avenue in Avon-by-the-Sea and follow it to the water. Ample parking leads to the Shark River Access WMA.

Owned by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife, the Wildlife Management Area System is comprised of more than 360,000 acres in 122 areas throughout the state, which is more than 44% of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space. WMAs are maintained and supported with funding from hunting and fishing license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program.

Support the maintenance of New Jersey’s Wildlife Management Areas by becoming a Wildlife Habitat Supporter! Donate now and get your Fourth Edition sticker: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/conservation/wildlife-habitat-supporter-program/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=WMA_promo&utm_id=sharkriveraccess

Wildlife Management Area Maps: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/conservation/wildlife-management-areas/

WMA Regulations: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/wildlife-management-area-regulations/

WMAs are patrolled by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers to ensure public safety. If you see violations while visiting a WMA, please call the 24-hour DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

New Jersey trappers: are you ready to take your skills to the next level?NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s R3 Hunting and Shooting...
08/06/2026

New Jersey trappers: are you ready to take your skills to the next level?

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s R3 Hunting and Shooting Sports Program is excited to offer a Cable Restraints Workshop designed specifically for active trappers looking to expand their knowledge, refine skills, and increase their harvest! Learn from some of New Jersey’s most skilled and experienced trappers in a supportive, hands-on environment.

When: Saturday, August 29 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, Oxford, Warren County
Partners: Proudly hosted in partnership with NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Hunter and Trapper Education program, the New Jersey Trappers Association, and the New Jersey Fur Harvesters

Spaces will fill up quickly, so apply now: https://dep.nj.gov/event/cable-restraints-workshop-2026-08-29/

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501 East State Street
Trenton, NJ
08625

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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