Official Site of The State of New Jersey
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Apprentice Hunting License Page
Mentor Hunter Information
1. What is the Apprentice Hunting License?
The apprentice hunting license will allow any age-appropriate person to try shotgun or archery hunting before completing a Hunter Education Course. The apprentice must hunt with a mentor.
2. Who can be an apprentice hunter’s mentor?
A mentor may be anyone 21 years of age or older who has a current and valid hunting license. The apprentice must be under the direct supervision of the mentor. Direct supervision is defined as both the apprentice and mentor set up together at the same location, hunting as a unit. Mentors may not have any prior Fish and Wildlife violations in this or any other state and will be held responsible for any/all violations committed by the apprentice. See the Mentor Hunter Information page for details.
3. At what age can a person purchase the apprentice license?
An apprentice archery hunter is anyone 14 years of age or older.
An apprentice shotgun hunter is anyone 18 years of age or older.
4. How much will the license cost?
The license fee structure is as follows:
| Apprentice Firearm Hunting License (ages 18-64) | $27.50 |
| Sr. Apprentice Firearm Hunting License (ages 65+) | $15.50 |
| DV* Apprentice Firearm Hunting License | Free |
| Non-Resident Apprentice Hunting Firearm License | $135.50 |
| Apprentice Archery Hunting License (ages 14-64) | $31.50 |
| Sr. Apprentice Archery Hunting License (ages 65+) | $16.50 |
| DV* Apprentice Archery Hunting License | Free |
| Non-Resident Apprentice Archery Hunting License | $135.50 |
5. How long is a license valid?
Hunting licenses are valid for the calendar year (January 1-December 31). All licenses expire on December 31 regardless of when purchased.
6. How many times can a person purchase the Apprentice License?
An apprentice license may be purchased two times, for both archery and firearms (meaning two years for archery and two years for shotgun). These purchases can be made consecutively or over a period of time. If a person would like to continue hunting after this two-year period they must complete a Hunter Education Course to obtain a license. See the Hunter Education Page for information.
7. What game animals can an apprentice hunt?
An Apprentice Hunter may hunt deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game. Be sure to check current game regulations to make sure any additional permits/stamps needed to hunt the various species of game are in possession (i.e. When hunting waterfowl-you must also possess a HIP Certification Number, State Waterfowl Stamp, and Federal Waterfowl Stamp). Apprentice Hunters may not hunt for black bear.
8. Can the mentor hunt?
Yes. Both the apprentice and the mentor may hunt simultaneously.
9. How many apprentices can a mentor take in the field at one time?
Only one apprentice may hunt under the supervision of a mentor during any given time.
10. What type of firearm or bow may an apprentice use?
Firearm: Shotguns from .410 to 10 gauge depending on the game being hunted.
Bow: Compound, long, recurve, and/or crossbows that have the proper draw weight and are fitted with the proper tip.
11. Where can I obtain an Apprentice License?
Apprentice Licenses are available online and at license agents.
