Two separate fish and wildlife convictions for violating any New Jersey saltwater, freshwater, trapping or hunting law within a five-year period will cause a two-year suspension of hunting and fishing privileges.  A third or subsequent conviction within five years will cause a three year suspension from the date of the last conviction.

Wildlife management area violations such as possession of alcohol, swimming, ATV use, operating any motor vehicle in a prohibited area, unlawful entry after legal hours and illegal dumping also fall under fish and wildlife offenses. Two convictions of the laws concerning the use of wildlife management areas within ten years will cause a suspension of all privileges to take and possess wildlife for five years.*

Conviction for the violation of negligent use of a weapon while taking wildlife which results in injury to a person (NJSA 23:9A-1) will result in a five year loss of all privileges to take and possess wildlife. *

Conviction of the violation of causing damage to real or personal property, including pets and livestock, while taking wildlife (NJSA 23:7-3) will result in a five year loss of all privileges to take and possess wildlife.*

Conviction of the violation of careless discharge of a weapon while taking wildlife (NJSA 23:9A-2) will result in a two year loss of all privileges to take and possess wildlife.*

* A remedial sportsperson’s education program must be completed before license privileges are restored for these violations.

Two convictions of the following will result in lifetime revocation: safety zone violation (NJSA 23:4-16(d)), causing damage to real or personal property and negligent use of a weapon.

License suspension for non-payment of child support

Obligors who have not paid child support or provided court ordered health care coverage in six months or who have had a bench warrant issued for their arrest could have their recreational (hunting, trapping, and fishing) licenses suspended. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife imposes these license suspensions upon receipt of a court order. The license suspension will remain in place until the court provides notice to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife to rescind the suspension.

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact license suspension reciprocity

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Hunting, trapping, and fishing license suspensions issued in other member states may be reciprocal in New Jersey. See  Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact for more information.