New Jersey issues resident and nonresident youth hunting licenses free of charge to those at least age 10 and under the age of 16 who have completed a Hunter Education Course. (There is also the Apprentice License which allows any age-appropriate person to try shotgun or archery hunting, before completing a Hunter Education Course. The apprentice must hunt with a mentor; other restrictions apply.)

The Youth Firearm, Bow and Arrow or Trapping License is valid from time of issuance until December 31 of the year that he or she turns 16.

Properly licensed youth hunters (resident & non-resident) aged 10–13 may hunt only when accompanied by a properly N.J. licensed adult aged 21 or older. Upon reaching 14 years of age a properly licensed youth may hunt independently.

To obtain a Youth License, hunters need to bring their Hunter Education Course completion card to a license agent or obtain it online (if course completion has been entered by Hunter Education staff).

Duplicate Youth Licenses

Qualified youth hunters may obtain a duplicate Youth License at any license agent or online.

Transportation Tags/Harvest Stub

Transportation tags, formerly included on all hunting licenses except Youth Licenses, have been replaced by a harvest stub – but not on Youth Licenses. Youth hunters harvesting deer must use the Automated Harvest Report System (AHRS) to report their deer. Youths should use the Deer Harvest Report Card found in the Hunting & Trapping Digest or online (pdf, 120kb) to record information as part of this process and for tagging deer.

Youth hunters are encouraged to take advantage of the Take A Kid Hunting Program to increase their early enjoyment of the sport.

If further information or assistance contact the Hunter Education Office at NJHunterEd@njdepwptest.net or call 856-629-0552.